Defining product names is a procedure that works for many construction products, such as surface materials. In the future, however, for several construction products, especially those that fall under the scope of structural design, the product definition can be made based on the basic characteristics stated in the performance level notification. In this case, the plans set requirement levels for the basic features that are central to the purpose of use, either as numerical values or as categories. This is made possible by the European technical language created by the CE marking.
The following new model documents have been prepared in connection with the product specification:
- General product specification requirements for structural types
- Appendix 1: Basic characteristics and requirement levels of construction products
- Appendix 2: Structure type models
The documents can be found at the hEN Helpdesk (www.henhelpdesk.fi) from the quick link "Design product specifications". The structure type models can also be found as an Autocad dwg version, so you can modify and supplement them to make them suitable for your own use.
Making a product specification and the challenges of the previous procedure
In most cases, the designer of the construction site is the right person to make the product specification. The designer has the best knowledge of the requirement levels and is able to implement the specification with the least amount of work. If the task is left to the contractor, the risk is that incorrect choices will be made, in which case the selected product will have to be changed at worst.
Until now, traditional design practices have been based on the definition of product names in the plans, in which case it has been difficult for the implementing procurement organization to change the product, for example, to similar, possibly more affordable or better suited products offered by its contractual partners and suppliers.
A joint project behind the new procedure and model documents
The Ministry of the Environment, Rakennusprodukten Katatusäätiö, Rakennusteollisuus RT / Talonrakennusteollisuus, RTS and SKOL participated in the preparation of the procedure described above and the model documents. The consultants are Sweco Rakenneteikniak Oy and A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy.
The first and second phases of the joint project have been implemented so far. In the third phase, the plan is to continue defining the requirement levels for new product groups and expand the structure type models for different materials.
For more information:
- Antti Koponen
tel. +358 50 414 0082
antti.koponen@rakennusteollisuus.fi - Jani Kemppainen
tel. +358 40 541 8090
jani.kemppainen@rakennusteollisuus.fi