Product Evaluation

ACT 380

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ObjectiveO Emphasize the importance of proper

product evaluation and selectionO Develop insight into effective

procedures, methods, and techniques in evaluating and selecting products

2

Major TopicsO Establish the Requirements

O Safety & ProtectionO Functional CharacteristicsO Material CompatibilityO Codes, Standards, and References

O Identify ProductsO ManufacturersO Code RequirementsO Installation RequirementsO Product Characteristics

O Evaluate ProductsO Installation RequirementsO MaintenanceO QualificationsO PriceO Warranty

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Product Performance Requirements

O Safety and ProtectionO Fire safetyO Life Safety (other than fire)O Property Protection/SecurityO Accessibility

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Functional Characteristics

O StrengthO DurabilityO Stain ResistanceO Transmission

CharacteristicsO Waste Products &

DischargeO Operational

Characteristics

O Aesthetic Properties

O Acoustic Properties

O IlluminationO VentilationO Measurable

CharacteristicsO Material

Properties5

Practical Characteristics

O Interface Characteristics (compatibility with other materials)

O ServiceO ReplaceabilityO Personnel Needs

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Example of Compatibility Issues

O Copper flashing used on structure containing aluminum windowsO When condensation drips from the

copper flashing it will cause the aluminum window frame to corrode (galvanic series)

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System Compatibility Issues

O A 5 foot light fixture has been selected to be used with a suspended ceiling systemO The ceiling suspension system and

acoustical panels selected must be compatible with the light fixture

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CostO Material costO Installation costO Initial cost – material & installationO Life-Cycle cost/ Value engineering

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Legal RequirementO Case StudiesO Other Legal StudiesO FailuresO Errors & OmissionsO ProblemsO Legislation

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Codes, Standards, and References

O Codes & RegulationsO StandardsO Testing, InspectionO IndexesO DirectoriesO Symposia, Technical MeetingsO Research and Development

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Checklist ApproachO Often a “checklist” approach is used

to determine product requirementsO Example problem: You are to select

a floor covering for an assembly room in an electronics manufacturing plant. What are some of your considerations in selecting the proper product?

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Possible ConsiderationsO Fire Safety- Class A material, flame-spread rating

0-25O Accessibility- wheelchair accessibleO Strength- subject to loads from 2-wheel dollies

(hand trucks)O Durability- no chemicals will be used in this roomO Stain resistance- high degree of sanitation required

(washed often- considerable amount of foot traffic)O Aesthetic properties- owners prefer light colors

with low light-reflectivityO Material properties- static resistance of 2.5KVO Interface characteristics- compatibility of material

to subsurfaceO Service – 10 year life minimum

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Products Which May Be Suitable

O Resilient tile flooringO Resilient sheet flooringO Resinous flooring

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Identifying ProductsO A generic product that meets project

conditions and satisfies criteria is selected initially (e.g., “high-pressure plastic laminate” and not “Formica”)

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Resources for Identifying Products

O Manufacturer’s product dataO Sweet’s Catalog O Manufacturer’s representativesO Professional and Trade associationsO Technical manualsO Trade shows

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Evaluating ProductsO Once a few possible products have been

identified, the A/E should evaluate each and select the most appropriate for the given project

O Selection Criteria:O The top priority is whether the product

meets code requirementsO Next is the visual acceptability (are designs

& colors satisfactory)O Does manufacturer recommend this

product for the intended useO Does the product have

limitations/advantagesO What is the product performance history

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Installation Requirements

O Considerations:O Do installation requirements address this

projects site conditions (weather, if portion of the site is occupied)

O Is there any need for special skilled installers

O How will damaged goods (during shipping or construction) be replaced

O Will product fit through existing openingsO Does the product emit any fumes or odors

during installation18

CostO Installed cost is a key concern;

although a product may not be costly, sometimes installation is very costly

O Life-cycle cost is sometimes a more appropriate measure of value

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Maintenance Requirements

O Maintenance can add a large amount of money to the product selected

O Sometimes details are OVERLOOKED that cause problems later (motor placed out of reach for maintaining, filters needing replacing- no access to them planned, is a special mechanic required to service equipment- often costly and time sensitive to locate and bring to the project site)

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