The 16 Divisions of construction, as defined by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)'s MasterFormat, is the most widely used standard for organizing specifications and other written information for commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada. In 2004, MasterFormat was updated and expanded to 50 Divisions. It provides a master list of divisions, and section numbers and titles within each division, to follow in organizing information about a facility's construction requirements and associated activities. Standardizing the presentation of such information improves communication among all parties involved in construction projects.
Divisions
The following are the sixteen divisions listed in the Master Format 1995 Edition.
Division 01 — General Requirement
Division 02 — Site Works
Division 03 — Concrete
Division 04 — Masonry
Division 05 — Metals
Division 06 — Wood and Plastics
Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 08 — Doors and Windows
Division 09 — Finishes
Division 10 — Specialties
Division 11 — Equipment
Division 12 — Furnishings
Division 13 — Special Construction
Division 14 — Conveying Systems
Division 15 — Mechanical/Plumbing
Division 16 — Electrical
DIVISION 17 - MASTER FORMAT RELATED SPECS, NONCONFORMING TO THE ABOVE CSI SECTIONSAll spec divisions higher than 16 are placed in Division 17 - Others. Also use Division 17-Others for any spec-shaped material not easily classified (e.g., geotechnical, pre-bid notes, etc.)