_____ Specification: Owner dictates exactly how an element is to be designed and constructed.

_____ Specification: Owner dictates exactly how an element is to be designed and constructed.

• A. Prescriptive
• B. Functional
• C. Performance
• D. Narrative

Answer: (A)

Prescriptive specifications are used when the owner wants control over exactly how an element is designed and built, detailing the specific materials, products, installation methods, and workmanship required. This leaves little to no room for the contractor or designer to vary the means or methods, ensuring the design intent and construction approach are fixed as stated. For example, specifying a particular concrete strength, a specific rebar grade, and a exact pouring procedure is prescriptive. In contrast, a performance specification sets the required results or criteria the element must meet (such as load-bearing capacity or deflection limits) and lets the contractor decide how to achieve those outcomes. A functional specification focuses on the function the element must satisfy rather than the exact means to achieve it. A narrative describes requirements in prose without necessarily prescribing the exact design or construction methods.

Prescriptive specifications are used when the owner wants control over exactly how an element is designed and built, detailing the specific materials, products, installation methods, and workmanship required. This leaves little to no room for the contractor or designer to vary the means or methods, ensuring the design intent and construction approach are fixed as stated. For example, specifying a particular concrete strength, a specific rebar grade, and a exact pouring procedure is prescriptive.

In contrast, a performance specification sets the required results or criteria the element must meet (such as load-bearing capacity or deflection limits) and lets the contractor decide how to achieve those outcomes. A functional specification focuses on the function the element must satisfy rather than the exact means to achieve it. A narrative describes requirements in prose without necessarily prescribing the exact design or construction methods.