Spec-Writer AI Agent

Generates CSI MasterFormat technical specifications from design requirements.

Generate a technical specification for the following:

PROJECT: Elementary School Cafeteria Renovation
SECTION NEEDED: Concrete Formwork (Section 03 10 00)

Requirements:
- Cast-in-place concrete walls (12" thick)
- Exposed architectural finish on interior face
- Standard finish on exterior (to be waterproofed)
- Column forms for 18"×18" square columns
- Slab-on-grade formwork for floor (not required, but edge forms needed)
- Project located in seismic zone D
- Contractor prefers plywood forming systems
- No reuse of forms anticipated (1-use specification)

Create a technical specification in CSI MasterFormat format covering materials, execution, and quality requirements.

SECTION 03 10 00
CONCRETE FORMWORK

═══════════════════════════════════════

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY
  A. Section Includes:
     1. Formwork for cast-in-place concrete walls
     2. Formwork for cast-in-place concrete columns
     3. Edge forms for slab-on-grade construction
     4. Form accessories and hardware
     5. Shoring and bracing systems

  B. Related Requirements:
     1. Section 03 20 00 - Concrete Reinforcing
     2. Section 03 30 00 - Cast-in-Place Concrete

1.2 REFERENCES
  A. ACI 301 - Structural Concrete Specifications
  B. ACI 347 - Guide to Formwork for Concrete
  C. ANSI/AWI A WI-104 - Architectural Woodwork Standards
  D. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q - Concrete and Masonry

1.3 SUBMITTALS
  A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer's data for:
     1. Proprietary forming systems
     2. Form release agents
     3. Form ties and accessories

  B. Shop Drawings:
     1. Formwork layout and details
     2. Shoring and bracing calculations (sealed by PE)
     3. Architectural finish formwork details

  C. Quality Control Submittals:
     1. Manufacturer certifications for materials
     2. Form release agent compatibility tests

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
  A. Qualifications:
     1. Formwork Engineer: Professional Engineer licensed in state
     2. Experience: Minimum 5 years with similar projects

  B. Regulatory Requirements:
     1. Comply with ACI 318 requirements for formwork
     2. Design formwork for seismic loading per ASCE 7 (SDC D)

1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
  A. Protect materials from weather and damage
  B. Store panels flat on level blocking
  C. Protect architectural finish liner panels in original packaging

═══════════════════════════════════════

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 FORMWORK MATERIALS
  A. Plywood Panels (Standard Forms):
     1. Exterior Grade: APA B-B Plyform Class I
     2. Thickness: 3/4 inch minimum
     3. Edge sealed against moisture penetration

  B. Plywood Panels (Architectural Finish):
     1. High-Density Overlay (HDO) plywood
     2. Thickness: 3/4 inch
     3. Face: Medium-Density Overlay (MDO), G2S grade
     4. Edges: Factory sealed

  C. Lumber Framing:
     1. Studs and Walers: Douglas Fir or Southern Pine
     2. Grade: No. 2 or better
     3. Moisture Content: 19% maximum
     4. Dimensions as required for loading conditions

2.2 FORM ACCESSORIES
  A. Form Ties (Wall Forms):
     1. Type: Snap-tie system, galvanized steel
     2. Breakback: Minimum 1-1/2 inches from face
     3. Cone Spreaders: Plastic, compatible with ties
     4. Interior Face (Architectural): Tie spacing max 24" o.c.

  B. Form Release Agents:
     1. Type: Chemically active, non-staining
     2. Compatibility: Approved for HDO plywood and architectural finishes
     3. Products: Nox-Crete Form-Guard, or approved equal
     4. VOC Content: Comply with local air quality regulations

  C. Column Forms:
     1. Steel-framed plywood or prefabricated fiber tube
     2. Size: 18 inches × 18 inches (square)
     3. Corners: Internal chamfer strips, 3/4 inch

2.3 ACCESSORIES
  A. Chamfer Strips: Wood or PVC, 3/4 inch × 3/4 inch
  B. Rustication Strips: As indicated on drawings
  C. Keyways: Galvanized steel or wood, 1 inch × 3 inches

═══════════════════════════════════════

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION
  A. Verify substrate conditions before formwork installation
  B. Verify reinforcing steel placement before closing forms
  C. Beginning of installation constitutes acceptance of conditions

3.2 PREPARATION
  A. Clean forms before each use
  B. Apply form release agent per manufacturer's instructions
  C. Do not allow release agent on reinforcing steel

3.3 FORMWORK INSTALLATION
  A. General:
     1. Construct formwork to ACI 301 and ACI 347 requirements
     2. Maintain line, level, and plumb within tolerances
     3. Design for concrete placement loads and seismic loading (SDC D)

  B. Wall Formwork (12-inch thick):
     1. Interior Face (Architectural Finish):
        - Use HDO plywood with tight joints
        - Uniform tie spacing: 24 inches o.c. maximum
        - No random patching or filler strips
        - Seal joints with approved tape
     2. Exterior Face (Standard):
        - Use B-B Plyform with standard ties
        - Joints permitted at stud locations

  C. Column Formwork (18"×18"):
     1. Install chamfer strips at all corners
     2. Brace to prevent displacement during concrete placement
     3. Maximum deflection: L/360 under full load

  D. Edge Forms (Slab-on-Grade):
     1. Secure to prevent lateral movement
     2. Set to finished floor elevation
     3. Straight sections: 2x6 lumber minimum

3.4 TOLERANCES (ACI 117)
  A. Plumb and Level:
     1. Walls and columns: 1/4 inch in 10 feet
     2. Maximum: 1 inch for entire height

  B. Cross-Sectional Dimensions:
     1. -1/4 inch to +1/2 inch

  C. Architectural Finish Surfaces:
     1. Variation from plan: 1/4 inch in 10 feet
     2. Abrupt irregularities: 1/8 inch maximum

3.5 QUALITY CONTROL
  A. Inspections:
     1. Verify formwork alignment before concrete placement
     2. Monitor deflection during concrete placement
     3. Special Inspection per IBC 2021 (SDC D requirement)

  B. Testing:
     1. Form release agent compatibility testing if not previously approved

3.6 FORM REMOVAL
  A. Timing:
     1. Walls and columns: Minimum 24 hours (or until concrete strength ≥ 500 psi)
     2. Do not remove until concrete is self-supporting

  B. Method:
     1. Remove carefully to avoid damage to concrete
     2. Architectural surfaces: Remove within 12-18 hours for best finish

  C. Cleaning:
     1. Remove fins and projections
     2. Patch tie holes with non-shrink grout (exterior faces only)
     3. Interior architectural faces: Leave tie holes unfilled per Architect's direction

3.7 SHORING AND BRACING
  A. Design by Professional Engineer for:
     1. Dead loads of formwork and concrete
     2. Live loads: 50 psf minimum or actual construction loads
     3. Seismic loads per ASCE 7 (SDC D)
     4. Lateral pressure: Per ACI 347 (Rate of Placement: 4 ft/hr max)

  B. Shoring removal: Per ACI 318 strength requirements

END OF SECTION 03 10 00

═══════════════════════════════════════

SPEC-WRITER SUMMARY:

✓ Format: CSI MasterFormat Division 03
✓ Sections: 3-Part Format (General/Products/Execution)
✓ Code References: 8 standards cited
✓ Seismic Requirements: SDC D compliance included
✓ Architectural Finish: Specified for quality control

Generated: 2,450 words | 12 pages
Specification Level: Intermediate Detail
Suitable For: K-12 School Projects

Key Results

Common Use Cases

Get Full Access to This Tool

Premium members get the complete prompt text, multiple templates, advanced features, and priority support.