This standard supports the establishment of a classification of building elements and components, building and non-building sitework elements and components, and their associated attributes and products. Elements, as defined here, are major assemblies and components common to most buildings. Elements usually perform given functions, regardless of the design specification, construction method, or materials used. The attribute classification will lead to more effective life cycle management of the operation, maintenance and cost of the asset. The classification 1) incorporates Levels 1, 2, and 3 from ASTM E1557-09, 2) establishes sub-elements at Levels 4 - 6, and 3) introduces products and characteristics at Levels 7-12 incorporating the noun-adjective-attribute format. The system aligns functional elements with product classification, and focuses on identifying the respective function and noun-adjective-attribute format at the: Major Group Element (ASTM E1557-09 Level 1) Group Element (ASTM E1557-09 Level 2), Element (ASTM E1557-09 Level 3) Sub-Element (Level 4 - 6) and Hierarchical tree structure identifying the specific products and characteristics. This approach identifies specific products that may support the function identified, however, it does not explicitly rule out certain products and materials due to the unknown nature of higher order functions, such as but not limited to: Asset type Asset function Asset conditions Building code requirements Therefore, the classification seeks to define a larger universe of attributes, products and characteristics that may define its functional use and life cycle cost. However, the classification also provides a logical database structure where business rules may be applied to further limit the selection criteria based on a higher order functions as demonstrated above, including Building Information Management (BIM) Technologies, Smart Building Technologies, Sustainability Criteria, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Facility Asset Management Systems.
Aligning functional element, product, and attribute, this classification system provides stakeholders with standard terminology to support the exchange of information across the building lifecycle, and enables the identification of building maintenance and operation attributes within the classification system for standardizing facility asset management and calculating total cost of ownership. The standardization allows for the integration of all various stakeholders that have an impact on the decision-making relative to the asset life-cycle. Stakeholders include government and private sector real property organizations and personnel such as: Asset Managers, Building Managers, Project Managers, Data Administrators, Estimators, Designers, Constructors, and O & M Contractors.
KeywordsElement; function; attribute; product; life cycle; cost; condition assessment; maintenance; recurring; non-recurring; asset management; BIM; CMMS; inventory; present value;
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.Back to Top
Ballot Item Approved as E3035-2015 and Pending Publication