ASTM E1557 Call for Update Ideas

2011.08.22

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ASTM's E1557 Standard is now being prepared for a 2014 re-Ballot.

The present edition of the E1557 Standard Classification of Building Elements and Related Sitework - UNIFORMAT II, is due for its next five-yearly re-Ballot in 2014. In advance of that date the UNIFORMAT II Task Group is seeking input from users regarding their use, and suggestions for revision, to be considered for development and inclusion in the 2014 re-ballot.

Succinct suggestions for revision or change are currently being sought. Frequent users are our primary target as they are the more likely to provide meaningful input by identifying those difficulties and 'work-arounds' they have personally experienced, and routinely employ, when using the existing classification. There are a wide range of uses to which E1557 is put and so, to better understand any response, we do ask that any user input includes an indication of the primary purpose for which the user is employing the E1557 classification.

Due to its longevity and the many vested interests now using E1557, any revision of this standard is not to be taken lightly but, after more than 30 years in use (in essentially similar versions), this form of elemental classification is ripe for a revision that reflects changing technology and the needs of several stakeholders. The world environment has changed too, prompting an increased emphasis on items and functions that were hitherto of lesser importance.

E1557 is a very carefully nuanced elemental classification that suits the needs of a range of users and, by giving them all a common elemental hierarchy, allows for a high degree of interoperability with each other. To maintain this consistent approach ASTM members of Committee E06 - Performance of Buildings have access to a "UNIFORMATII Guidelines" document that provides a basic explanation of this common approach. This document gives guidance to the UNIFORMAT II Task Group, and the writers of new elemental classifications and revisers of the old.

To begin the discussion within the sub-committee some preliminary revision thoughts and ideas are attached. While at first appearing to be relatively benign, on careful examination they will begin to illustrate some of the finer points of change that will be difficult for some to accommodate. Therefore this is by no means an exclusive or complete list.

Please send individual input to the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , which is now accepting contributions for consideration by the UNIFORMAT II Task Group.

Anthony L Huxley
E06.81 UNIFORMAT II Task Group Chair
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Initial List of Suggested Changes to E1557
(From various sources)

• Change 'Slab-on-Grade' title to 'Lowest Floor Construction' - Reason: Slab-on Grade is a design solution and not the only method of constructing the lowest floor.
• Consider grouping 'Lowest Floor Construction' with 'Upper Floor Construction - Reason: Functionally similar and not necessarily a part of the 'Foundations' group (supporting building deadweight) function.
• Remove use of the word 'Special' - Reason: What is special to some may be normal to others. Comment: this is a potentially far reaching change as the word is presently used frequently in the current version of E1557.
• Remove use of the word 'Standard' - Reason: what is standard (normal) to some may be special to others.
• Change 'Basement Walls' title to 'Walls below Grade' - Reason: To permit a less restrictive title that is still relevant to its function.
• Add an additional element to cover added projections, soffits etc. not presently covered - Reason: to be more inclusive and permit more effective cost modelling, allowing the capture of 'artistic expression' in a building facade.
• To group various Fire related elements together in a group "Fire Detection and Suppression" - Reason: the various elements are specific to a purpose, are currently held in varying locations in the classification, and are in many respects different from the elements in their present location. Comment: It may be that other detection, control and suppression systems deserve similar treatment.
• Clarify, rationalise, and better describe the present disconnected relationship between 'Fittings', 'Equipment' and 'Furnishings' - Reason: The distinction of purpose (function) between these elements is not presently obvious, and the 'industry' makes much use of the term 'FF&E' in its cost analyses. It is not clear why 'millwork' is referred to in one location and 'casework' in another.
• Incorporate the results of the presently separate initiative to develop a stand-alone UII classification for Sitework. - Reason: the planned new standard and E1557's Related Sitework should be common in their elemental structure. E1557's Related Sitework does not presently address site boundary/enclosing, site access control and physical barriers that are now important security issues.
• Give consideration to the location of the element 'Stairs' - Reason: 'stairs' are considered by some to be a 'Service' (Vertical Movement) similar to elevators and escalators.

2011.08.08