Ali, Hurie Christopher B.

202014193
40191 - Building Technology 5 September 14, 2023

16 Divisions of Construction

The 16 divisions of construction are a standardized way to categorize and organize the various
aspects of a construction project. They provide a framework for project management, cost estimation, and
communication among stakeholders. These 16 divisions help streamline the planning, execution, and
management of construction projects.

1. General Requirements:

Definition: This division includes project documentation, permits, and temporary facilities needed to
initiate and manage the construction project. General Requirements provide the administrative and
logistical foundation for a construction project. It involves obtaining the necessary approvals, setting up
temporary facilities like job site trailers, and ensuring all legal and documentation aspects are in order.

Examples: Project plans, permits, temporary fencing, and job site trailers.

2. Site Work:

Definition: Site work encompasses activities related to the preparation and modification of the
construction site. It includes excavation, grading, site utilities, and landscaping. Site work lays the
groundwork for construction. It ensures that the site is properly prepared and utilities are in place before
any building activities begin. This division often involves earthmoving and shaping the land to
accommodate the project's needs.

Examples: Earthmoving, site grading, installation of water and sewer lines, planting trees and shrubs.

3. Concrete:

Definition: This division involves the use of concrete as a construction material. It includes foundations,
slabs, and various structural elements. Concrete is a fundamental building material used in many
construction projects. This division covers the casting of concrete to create sturdy and durable structural
elements such as footings, columns, sidewalks, and retaining walls.

Examples: Concrete footings, columns, sidewalks, and retaining walls.

 4. Masonry:

Definition: Masonry involves the construction of walls and structures using bricks, concrete blocks, or
stone. Masonry involves the assembly of building components using materials that offer strength and
durability. It encompasses the creation of walls, facades, and other structural elements using techniques
like bricklaying or blocklaying.

Examples: Brick veneer walls, concrete block walls, stone façades.

5. Metals:

Definition: This division encompasses structural and decorative metalwork, including steel framing,
ornamental iron, and metal roofing. Metals are used for their strength and versatility in construction. This
division involves the fabrication and installation of metal components such as steel beams and columns,
ornamental metalwork like staircases, and metal cladding for aesthetic and functional purposes.

Examples: Steel beams and columns, metal staircases, metal cladding.

6. Wood and Plastics:

Definition: It includes carpentry, wood framing, and the use of plastic materials in construction. Wood
and plastic materials are essential for various aspects of construction. Wood framing is common in
residential and commercial buildings, while plastic materials like PVC may be used for windows and
other applications.

Examples: Framing with lumber, plywood sheathing, and plastic windows.

7. Thermal and Moisture Protection:

Definition: This division involves insulation, roofing, and waterproofing to protect the building from
temperature variations and moisture. Thermal and Moisture Protection ensures the building is insulated
properly, preventing heat loss or gain and safeguarding against water damage. It includes installing
materials like roof insulation, waterproofing membranes, and weather barriers.

Examples: Roof insulation, waterproofing membranes, and weather barriers.

 8. Doors and Windows:

Definition: Covers the installation of exterior and interior doors, windows, and related hardware. This
division involves installing doors and windows, which are critical for security, natural light, and
ventilation in a building. It also includes the hardware necessary for their operation and security.

Examples: Exterior glass doors, aluminum-framed windows, door locks.

9. Finishes:

Definition: Encompasses interior and exterior finishes, including drywall, flooring, and paint. Finishes
provide the final aesthetics and functionality of a building. This division includes drywall installation,
flooring materials like ceramic tile, and interior and exterior painting.

Examples: Drywall installation, ceramic tile flooring, interior and exterior painting.

10. Specialties:

Definition: Specialties include unique or specialized construction elements and systems. Specialties cover
diverse aspects such as fire protection systems, signage for wayfinding and identification, and custom
cabinetry tailored to specific project requirements.

Examples: Fire protection systems, signage, custom cabinetry.

11. Equipment:

Definition: This division covers the installation of machinery and significant equipment systems within
the building. Equipment installation includes critical systems like HVAC units for climate control,
elevators for vertical transportation, and kitchen appliances for functional spaces.

Examples: HVAC units, elevators, and kitchen appliances.

12. Furnishings:

Definition: Encompasses fixtures, furniture, and interior furnishings. Furnishings bring comfort and
functionality to spaces. This division includes items like office furniture, built-in cabinets, and decorative
lighting fixtures.

Examples: Office furniture, built-in cabinets, decorative lighting fixtures.

 13. Special Construction:

Definition: Special construction involves unique or unconventional building elements. Special

construction encompasses elements that are not part of the standard building components. Examples
include swimming pools, specialized sports field lighting, and playground equipment.

Examples: Swimming pools, sports field lighting, playground equipment.

14. Conveying Equipment:

Definition: Encompasses installing equipment like elevators, escalators, and conveyor belt systems.
Conveying equipment ensures efficient vertical and horizontal movement within a building. It includes
passenger elevators and conveyor belts used in various industries.

Examples: Passenger elevators, and baggage conveyor belts.

15. Mechanical:

Definition: This division covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing systems.
Mechanical systems are crucial for comfort and functionality. This division includes HVAC ductwork,
plumbing piping, and water heaters that provide climate control and water supply.

Examples: HVAC ductwork, plumbing piping, water heaters.

16. Electrical:

Definition: Encompasses all electrical systems, wiring, and lighting within the building. Electrical
systems power the building and its equipment. This division includes the installation of electrical panels,
wiring for outlets, and lighting fixtures for illumination.

Examples: Electrical panel installation, wiring for outlets, lighting fixtures.