Construction Classification Systems

Construction classification systems / Data Schema Specifications for the built environment.

Masterformat

Improving collaboration and efficiency with respect to lifecycle management of the built environment requires the uses of common, standardized, and robust information classification.  The benefits of using a common set of terms, definitions, and grouping of objects and activities include;

• Efficient and cost effective creation, storage, and retrieval of information on construction activities, products, materials, and costs
• Structuring information a consistent manner
• Co-ordinating information from disparate sources
• Enhanced communications and collaboration between internal and external planning, procurement, and project delivery teams as well as oversight groups
• Optimization of digital systems.
• Superior ability to retain and share domain knowledge
• Ability to quantitatively measure performance
• Reduced errors, omissions, and associated avoidable costs

Existing Classification Systems

CoClass – Sweden—https://coclass.byggtjanst.se/login

Cuneco Classification System – Denmark—http://www.molio.dk/vaerktoejer/ccs

Masterspec – New Zealand —https://masterspec.co.nz/CBI-Overview/7125/

NATSPEC – Austrailia—https://www.natspec.com.au/resources/national-classification-system

NL/SfB 2005 / Elementenmethode – Netherlands—https://www.bimloket.nl/NL-SfB

OMICLASS / Masterformat / UNIFORMAT –  United States / North America

Talo – Finland

Uniclass – UK—http://www.thenbs.com/our-tools/uniclass-2015

 

Overview of International construction classification systems 2023

 

Omniclass – Comprehensive construction classification system encompassing both Masterformat and Uniformat.

Uniformat – Classification standard for building systems and assemblies.

Masterformat – AEC standard for organizing construction specifications and work tasks

COBie – Construction-Operations Building Exchange

Brick – Metadata schema for the built environment

 

 

Comparison of OmniClass, Uniclass, Cuneco and CoClass with reference to ISO 12006‐2 and ISO 81346‐12

(PDF-Comparison of OmniClass, Uniclass, Cuneco and CoClass with reference to ISO 12006‐2 and ISO 81346‐12) (https://4bt.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2018_Classification-system-comparison.pdf  )

 

masterformat

Example of 4BT expanded Masterformat

uniformat

Examples of 4BT/Triservices expanded Uniformat.

 

construction cost data

construction cost data

 

 

 

Estimating Facility Life-cycle Costs

Estimating Facility Life-cycle Costs is a critical aspect of facilities management.

Key elements associated with Estimating Facility Life-cycle Costs include the following:

  • Experience
  • Detailed Project Data
  • Systems costs and systems life-cycles
  • Detailed unit price line item information
  • Current and desired physical condition levels
  • Annual expenditures for operations and maintenance
  • Used of standardized data architectures (CSI Uniformat, CSI Masterformat)
  • Use of common, easily understood industry terms and definitions
  • Building models for multi-year capital planning – including system-level models, linked to unit price data and energy use models, etc.)
    • Expected system/assembly life-times
    • Current percentage of life used
    • Failure mode/failure distribution – percentage and associated curve
    • Priority – system criticality