What is 'Method Spec'? 1

[KTD23]

I am being considered for a position as a soil tech for a large grading project. I'm required to have knowledge of 'method spec'. Can anyone explain this to me? Your respnses are much appreciated.

I have spent a few years in a geotechnical lab running max-density curves and such, so I have a have a broad understanding of the industry, but limited field experience.

 

[DRC1]

There are two types of specifications Performace Specifications and Method Specifications. Performances specs state that you will achieve a particular result, for example, lifts of 12 inches or less will achieve a compaction of 95% modified proctor. How that happens is up to the contractor. Method specs state the methods that will be used to construct the work. The fill will be placed in 6 inch lifts and rolled with 8 passes of a 10 ton roller. In this case the contractor is responsible to insure the proceedure is followed correctly, but is not held to a stanard of performance, such as a particular proctor value. Often project specs are a combination of both. I am not sure what they would want you to know, unless they want you to be able to document the construction to show conformance to a method specification.
"Construction of Fills" by Edward J Monahan published by Wiley is a good, short book that will give you some insight to the field side
Good luck.

 

[KTD23]

That seems to clarify it for me, thank you kindly. I will at least be familiar with the term when I interview. And thanks for the book tip!

 

[LCruiser]

When you specify a method spec the contractor is not liable for failure to achieve specifications - whoever specified the method spec is.