MasterFormat ’04 on the Horizon

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has announced the most significant revision yet to its MasterFormat. The Atlanta-based organization completed major content development for the 2004 edition and has already begun working with the AEC industry to transition from the current version.

CSI will soon provide electronic and paper transition materials to assist MasterFormat 95 users to compare and convert section and division titles and numbers to the 2004 edition. The new edition includes new topics, addresses existing topics more fully, and expands the standard’s coverage, previously limited to nonresidential buildings, to include heavy civil engineering and process engineering construction.

Highlights include:

• New divisions to address advancing technologies such as computer and telecommunication networks, integrated BAS and electronic safety and security.

• A split between HVAC and plumbing into two separate divisions.

• The five-digit numbering system for sections within divisions has been replaced with a six-digit system, allowing for more than 9,800 “level three” sections.

• The capability to add information in future updates without having to restructure the standard, as 18 of the 49 division numbers are reserved for expansion.

MasterFormat 04 is due out later this year. An outline is available at www.csinet.org/masterformat .

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.