What Is Ryan Links Format
During that time, my idea for the ideal numbering system was a system based on 10 division so that the numbering system would be divisible by 10 similar to the metric system. To illustrate my numbering system I provided the Ryan Links Format as a parallel system to the 1995 C.S.I. Masterformat during that discussion period. As you can see they did not use my ideas in their final design.
I actually agree with their decision. To change to my system would have required all architects and engineers to change their standard specifications and start from scratch. The 2004 Masterformat was a compromise where the numbering system in Divisions 2 to 14 were similar while divisions 15 and 16 were expanded and reworked completely. This allowed for a gradual transition from 1995 Materformat to 2004 Masterformat.
It can be argued that the metric system is better than the standard system because metric measurements are divisible by units of 10. But to change to metric was not practicle as our country would have to spend untold resources during the transition. This same argument can be made against a complete renumbering system presented in Ryan Links Format.
The Ryan Links Format is based on the concept that the first number of a six digit number is dedicated to the different professions that would provide services on a construction project. These numbers are assigned in the order of the sequence of the bulk of the work. For Example the legal work comes first so that is assigned the first number of the six digits as being 0. The furnishings are the last item to go into a building so that is assigned the first number of the six digits as being 9.
Here is a list of assignments for the first digit.
0) Legal Professionals
1) Environmental Engineers
2) Civil Engineers
3) Landscape Architects
4) Structural Engineers
5) Mechanical Engineers
6) Electrical Engineers
7) Industrial Engineers
8) Architects
9) Interior Designers
The concept would then be for each profession to renumber the remaining 5 digits themselves with supervision from C.S.I.. The right numbering system for architects might not be the right system for mechanical and electrical engineers. This numbering system would allow each profession their freedom to decide while at the same time C.S.I. could try to encourage consistancy.
But I also understand why this would not work. Getting different organizations to work together with their own agendas would be like putting 9 cats in a bag and expecting peaceful co-existance. Each requires their own space.
Alternately the last 5 digits could be reused similar to the 1994 Masterformat except the first digit would be added to signify the responsible profession that originated the specification. You can see this method illustrated by going to the site map for the Ryan Links format links page.
So there it is, the story of the Ryan Links Format. Maybe in 2014 C.S.I. will have the momentum to use my ideas in the next round of renumbering, but 2014 is closer than you think.
1995 Format Site Map
2004 Format Site Map
Ryan Liniks Format Site Map
Front Page - News
Appendix - Alphabetical
Kevin P. Ryan Structural Engineer
6402 Ridge Road Zionsville, PA 18092
610-965-0835
1995 Site Map |
2004 Site Map |
RyanLinks Format
News |
Appendix |
Link2Link |
Organize |
Reference
SpecTalk |
Books |
Ryan Design |
FreePrgm |
E-mail
Search This Site Using Google
