The representation and use of design specifications
Steven J. Fenves · 1977
Design specifications are presented as the primary communication and control tool for the design and construction industry.Requisite properties of completeness, uniqueness and correctness are identified, and the role of performance and limit state concepts in specifying intent of the specifica- tions are emphasized.Formal representational methods are presented at three levels: decision tables for specification provisions, an information network for related provisions, and argument trees for organizing and outlining.An idealized process for specification development is presented, and the use of the representational tools for checking specifications and providing strate- gies for textual expression is described and illustrated.Development of computer aids for specification processing in design and conformance checking is described.