TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

E-08125 – Base 2 Join Operations

Center Remodeling

Alajuela

Costa Rica

October, 2025

General Index

1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

2 WORKS TO EXECUTE

2.1 Preliminary Works

2.2 Main structure

2.3 Electrical system

3 GENERAL REQUIREMENT

3.1 Design and construction plans

3.2 Applicable publications

3.3 Security during the construction process

4 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 Quantities

4.2 Trials and Tests

4.3 Work Execution

4.4 Cost of the Project

5 TASK SPECIFICATIONS

5.1 Site evaluation

5.2 Existing buildings demolition

5.3 Preliminary work

5.3.1 Leveling and plotting

5.3.2 Warning Signs

5.3.3 Temporary Structures

5.4 Constructions and general connections

5.4.1 Sanitary services

5.4.2 Provisional public services

5.4.3 Offices for inspection

5.5 Layout

5.6 Final delivery and cleaning

5.6.1 Works final delivery

5.6.2 Site and structure cleaning

6 LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISIONS

6.1 Applicable publications

6.2 General

6.2.1 Double cover divisions

6.3 Manufacturing and instalation

6.3.1 Double cover divisions

7 CEILING

7.1 GENERAL

7.1.1 Transport, handling and storage

7.1.2 Warranty

7.2 MATERIALS

7.2.1 Steel profiles

7.2.2 Dense-Glass panel

7.2.3 Fixing elements

7.2.4 Mortar

7.2.5 Water

7.2.6 Sand

7.3 System installation

7.3.1 General

7.3.2 Workforce

8 PAINTING

8.1 General

8.2 Storage

8.3 Labour

8.4 Surface preparation

8.5 Samples

8.6 Materials

8.7 Cleaning

9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9.1.1 General Clarifications

9.1.2 Contractor obligations and responsabilities

9.1.3 Plans

9.2 WORKS TO REALICE

9.2.1 Descriptions of jobs to realize

9.3 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

9.3.1 General

9.3.2 Pipeline Conduit PVC, EMT and IMC

9.3.3 Conductors

9.3.4 Underground channelings

9.3.5 Supports

9.3.6 Outlet and inspection boxes

9.3.7 Low tension wiring

9.3.8 Systems identifications

9.3.9 Lighting equipment

9.3.10 Switch and power outlet systems

Chart index

Chart 1. Different element heights

Chart 2. Separation between support cording to conduit size

Chart 3. Amount of THHN conducts according to the diameter

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MANUAL

1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Embassy of the United States of America is heading a project consisting in the improvement of the Base 2 Join Operations Center in Río Segundo, Alajuela, which will be obtained through the construction of the following structures:

1- Remodeling of the space for the Join Operations Center

The project will be built using Estruconsults design, presented in drawings.

The facilities are located in Río Segundo, Alajuela province, Costa Rica.

The project shall be conducted in accordance with the plans and specifications detailed in this document.

2 WORKS TO EXECUTE

The present section resumes some of the works that composes the project, the Contractor shall read completely both plans and technical specifications, so that he possesses a deep knowledge of the project requirements to fulfill for each system.

The different systems are enlisted separately in this section, however, the

Contractor shall ensure both the correct functioning of each system and the functioning compatibility between systems, to ensure a fully functional project and client’s satisfaction.

2.1 Preliminary Works

Preliminary Works includes a technical revision of all designs, in order to ensure the fulfillment of all the requirements stablished. The Contractor will be responsible of obtaining the construction permissions from the competent authorities, including Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos (CFIA).

Additionally, the Contractor will provide qualified technical staff which will develop the project, according to national regulations, and using as base the plans and technical specification’s document.

2.2 Main structure

The project involves the remodeling of the Base 2 Joint Operations Center located in Río Segundo, Alajuela. The existing ceiling will be demolished and replaced with a new suspended ceiling. The new ceiling will be installed at a higher elevation, expanding the usable space and enhancing both safety and comfort.

2.3 Electrical system

A new electrical system is being developed for the monitoring center, connecting it to existing panels with available spaces for the new equipment.

All outlets, lighting, and network connections must be provided as indicated in the electrical plans.

3 GENERAL REQUIREMENT

3.1 Design and construction plans

The construction contract, the technical specifications and construction plans complement each other, such that whatever appears in one of them has full value, even if it does not appear in any other document. In case of inconsistencies between these documents, the COR will make the necessary clarifications. In the matter of the dimensions of architectural elements and location of architectural and structural elements and general dimensions, the architectural plans rank over the structural plans, unless a divergence merits a clarification.

The blueprints consist of all the plans created for this project, accompanied by these specifications and those sent during the process or development of the construction. In plans, the expressed dimensions rule over the stated scale and, when one is missing, the COR must be consulted. In general, the plans with larger scale rule over the ones with smaller scale. The technical specifications govern over the plans.

The Contractor shall elaborate updated plans as the construction progresses, which shall be given to the COR when requested and at the time to present alternatives in the project for approval, these plans must include the installation as it was done and the exact location, as well as features, materials, trajectory, duct and pipelines dimensions and accessories duly identified. These shall be printed in the scale defined by the COR.

Once the construction works are finished, the Contractor shall submit a compact disc with the blueprints to the Owner and the COR with all the requested corrections by the Inspection.

All the plans shall be created in a computer, using the AutoCAD software and submitted a printed version, using the scale stated by the COR.

3.2 Applicable publications

The general regulations that shall be followed are:

• Construction Law (Ley de Construcciones).

• Costa Rican Seismic Code (Código Sísmico de Costa Rica).

• Cosntruction Regulations (Reglamento de Construcciones).

• General Health Law (Ley General de Salud).

• Law #7600 –“Equal opportunity for people with disabilities” (Ley #7600

“Igualdad de Oportunidades para las Personas con Discapacidad”).

• Urban Planification Law (Ley de Planificación Urbana).

• Organic Law of C.F.I.A. (Ley Orgánica del C.F.I.A).

• Municipal Codes and their respective Regulatory Plans (Códigos

Municipales y sus respectivos Planes Reguladores).

• Regulations for the Control of Urbanizations (Reglamento para el

Control de Fraccionamientos y Urbanizaciones).

• Plan G.A.M.

Each specialty area also includes their applicable specific publications.

3.3 Security during the construction process

The Contractor shall comply with the Security Regulations in

Construction, published in the Costa Rican official newspaper #122 in June

27, 1996 and with the next specific sections in construction security.

The Contractor shall provide and maintain, at all moments and as required by the conditions and job’s progress, the safety measures needed to keep a proper protection of the workers and public, also must let know of dangers and advert the risk derivative from any of the activities related.

All the workers participating in the project’s development, must wear long pants and shirt with sleeves, it is not allowed to use shirts or any other vestment with offensive messages in any language. The shoes must be appropriate according to the work to execute.

During the demolition, foundation or erection job, the Contractor is the responsible to ensure the safety of the workers and other persons, on both the exterior, and interior of the project, always keeping a special consideration with the immediate neighbors and nature.

When the construction, excavation, or similar labors, are done over public terrain or adjacent to them, the pedestrian access must be restricted, for which the Contractor is obligated to obtain the respective closure permission from the municipality.

When the scaffolding is projected towards the street, must be separated from it through a wooden fence or a protection roof made off wooden planks, the thickness of these planks will be defined according to the required protection, and the slope will be towards the construction site.

In the moment the owned or Inspector considers it convenient, the admission of workers, personnel, visitors or other, as well as the movement of materials and equipment to the project’s site shall be regulated and controlled by the owner.

When the foundation works are executed next to existing buildings with shallower foundations than those being built, the required excavations shall be executed in sections and in case the masonry works are not proceed immediately along with the excavations progress, they must be propped up.

The capacity of the wooden planks shall be proportional to its use and shall have a minimum thickness of 4 cm. When it is necessary to join several planks, the joint shall be done in the ends, laid over a crossbeam element and be leveled in order to avoid tripping. The minimum width of the scaffolding platform is 0.90m. Railing shall be placed in the external side of the scaffolding, at least 1.20m high, to protect the workers.

The minimum width of ramps shall be 0.80m and shall have two capable railings made-up of elements placed at a height of 0.60m and 1.20m from the ramp and their supports shall be fixed to the floor. When the ramps are used for material transport, they shall have a minimum width of 1.20m.

Workers dedicated to roof works, tinsmith and any other analogous work, must wear a security harness and lifelines with the final purpose of preventing accidents. The same must be applied in the labor of removing scaffolds.

The access to the scaffolding must be denied to to workers that do not exhibit a normal physical state, much less in an inebriated state or showing signs of vertigo.

The demolition, construction or reparation works that are done near high tension cables or that conducts electricity, must be notified to the respective entity for the disconnection of the device.

The workers in charge of the preparation and handling of the concrete must be provided with appropriate shoes and gloves to protect them from suffering burns.

The Contractor will make available to the workers participating in the preparation and handling of the concrete, the adequate means to properly clean up themselves on the work site, to avoid any irritating action of the cement.

The workers must work in such way it does not compromises neither their physical integrity, nor the coworker’s integrity. The following dispositions must be mentioned:

• Do not use obscene or rude language inside the installations

• Do not obstruct the emergency exits, fire extinguishers, fire cabinets or any other emergency equipment

• Do not enter the project site under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• It is not allowed to carry arming of any kind. In case the Contractor has permission to carry arms, must leave them in the security stand

• The sub-contractors must obey the security norms stablished in the zone where the jobs are done

• The signs, signaling, pictograms must be respected and abided at all time

The Contractor must enable an area for workers to eat breakfast, lunch and coffee, to keep the zones clean from food residues.

It is obligatory to use permanently and as a minimum: helmet, reflective vest, security glasses, as well as adequate footwear, this applies to all: workers, professionals in charge of the project, sub-contractors, visitors, etc. The

Contractor must provide at least 10 complete sets of these security implements in good conditions for exclusive use of the inspections, visits, etc.

The Contractor is responsible of maintaining the worksite clean and in order, as well as free of risks and dangers. The following emergency equipment must be kept free of obstacles:

• Exit and evacuation routes

• Extinguishers

• Emergency lamps

• Manual fire stations

• Fire hose cabinets

• Showers and eye-cleaning sites

• General transit corridors

In case of works that represents risks in the area, it must be signposted through cones, barriers o precaution tapes, etc, these signs must be respected at all times and will be removed once the risks are gone, these implements must be considered by the sub-contractor.

About the tools and equipment:

• The tools and equipment to use or introduce to the building must be in good condition

• Use the adequate tools for each work

• Avoid cable routing on transit zones, otherwise must indicate the zone through cones

• Only use cables in good conditions (insulating)

• The equipment electrical plug must be in good condition

• Keep the electrical and interrupter boxes covered

• Avoid contact of the cables with sharpened surfaces

• The works on electrical panels or machinery connections that requires high voltage, needs authorization

All containers containing chemicals must be properly labeled, this label must be in Spanish and indicating as a minimum:

• Product name

• Enterprise name it belongs to

• Associated dangers

• Product’s use

The special permissions that include works in confined spaces and those with heat release, must be requested to the project’s supervisor. These permissions consist in valuing the work conditions and the security measures to apply.

The project’s Supervisor permissions must be granted prior starting the cutting and welding jobs, also he must be notified once these jobs are finished, the following conditions must be followed for these jobs:

• Inflammable or combustible materials must be removed from the work site in a 10-meters perimeter

• There must be a extinguisher in good conditions near the site, for class

ABC fire, which must be provided by the Contractor

• The adequate protection equipment must be used at all time

• The welding and personal protection equipment must be reviewed by the project’s supervisor

• The work site must be signaled

• Once the welding or cut jobs starts, the work site cannot be left on its own

Regarding the works in confined spaces:

• Prior starting the jobs, the project’s supervisor permission must be acquired

• Only use special illumination equipment, as well as tools that doesn’t produce sparkles

• It is not allowed to work without a companion in a confined space and an atmosphere monitoring must be done

• The preventive measures recommended by the COR must be followed

• Once the job is finished, the project’s supervisor must be notified

4 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

All work shall be carried out in strict compliance with all contract clauses and these technical specifications. In the event that the Contractor discovers discrepancies contained in the various design/technical documents, Contractor must immediately notify the Contracting Officer Representative

(COR) before taking any other action.

4.1 Quantities

This contract is based on a lump sum priced solicitation. Any quantities indicated in the specifications and drawings are for reference only and the

Contractor is responsible for providing quantities needed to complete the work, without any price adjustment after award.

4.2 Trials and Tests

Materials, permanent equipment, its accessories and other elements used in the project, shall be subject to tests necessary to verify their compliance with specifications, properties and characteristics, in accordance with the specified requirements and tolerances, in line with the use for which they have been intended.

Materials, equipment, accessories or elements that have not been accepted by the COR (Contracting Officer Representative), shall be withdrawn from the work site or replaced, at Contractors cost.

Laboratory tests can be carried out, according to the specific case, at the work site or in laboratories previously authorized by the COR. Materials that bear quality certificates issued by ISO or its equivalent, do not need to be routinely tested. Costs of laboratory trials and tests shall be for the account of

Contractor. The COR shall be able to carry out special trials and tests at any time if it is needed to clarify the quality of any item.

4.3 Work Execution

The different items in the construction schedule shall be carried out in a gradual and progressive manner, without starting any work that could later be affected by other items that have not been concluded or that lack an adequate support or safety measures, taking care that work that has been finished is not affected by weather or other elements.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining quality of work by following proper operation procedures in construction.

Throughout the different stages of construction work, Contractor shall obtain approval, from the COR, in order to continue with subsequent stages of construction. Before receiving approval to continue through the various stages, samples of completed work shall be tested to verify the quality of the work.

The Contractor shall provide a construction schedule in which all the works shall be detailed with the date of performance and delivery.

4.4 Cost of the Project

The Contractor shall include all the costs of the materials, labor, transportation, and materials testing that will be needed to complete the project and comply with all the specifications stated in this document.

5 TASK SPECIFICATIONS

5.1 Site evaluation

Before the project starts, the Contractor shall visit and examine the site in detail to verify its conditions, facilities and limitations it has. Must review the information related to topography, site soil, and will verify it has the localization and levels of the service connections sites, referring to pipelines, stormwater evacuation and waste waters.

In case of existing a discrepancy o problem not contemplated in plans or any other document, must be reported immediately to the COR for its resolution.

5.2 Existing buildings demolition

The Contractor shall demolish all existing elements that may interfere in the construction site. All of the materials removed from the projects site must be transported by the Contractor and disposed of in an appropriate place outside the property, which selection is part of Contractors responsibilities.

5.3 Preliminary work

5.3.1 Leveling and plotting

Before construction start, the Contractor shall define the projects components layout according to the project’s plans and, if necessary, the construction levels to reach will be designed.

Prior starting the construction, the Contractor shall verify all the given data, as it is shown in plans, and correct them in case of the existence of divergences between the construction real dimensions and the plan’s data according to the designed by the consultor.

To comply with these requirements, the Contractor shall provide an expert topographer supported by precision equipment such as total stations, levels, measuring tape, and any other required equipment for layout, alignment and terrain leveling.

The use of this equipment will be disposed in such way it does not interfere or alters the normal movement of machinery. Any alignment or leveling that must be placed again after this phase, will be paid by the Contractor.

5.3.2 Warning Signs

The Contractor will provide all the necessary signs and announcements to prevent accidents according to the safety plan, which shall have the approval of the COR. Signs shall be made of acrylic or galvanized sheets painted with a yellow background and with red or black letters.

5.3.3 Temporary Structures

Temporary structures, for the Contractors personnel use, will be implemented for use during the project’s duration. It is the Contractors responsibility to implement offices, warehouses, provisional bathrooms and the guardhouses required for their own use, with a temporary connection to a potable water and sewage system prior to commencing construction. One sanitary facility shall be implemented for every ten workers, with an additional one for the technical staff. The Contractor will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining these structures.

The materials used for these provisional facilities can be metal, concrete, or wood, as long as they are secure and provide a private area. The COR can demand changes or improvements of the provisional facilities at any time if he determines that the Contractor is not providing a clean area with sufficient privacy and safety.

5.4 Constructions and general connections

The Contractor will execute all the constructions and required installations in the project’s site to ensure a normal development and control of the works:

5.4.1 Sanitary services

The sanitary services must comply with the active local sanitary norms.

5.4.2 Provisional public services

Must be processed and paid by the Contractor to the correspondent authority.

The cost of the public services during the construction procedure will be paid by the Contractor.

5.4.3 Offices for inspection

The Contractor will enable provisional offices for the Owner and the Inspection in the project’s site, providing a table and seats, also must be equipped with windows and the adequate electrical light. Also, the necessary conditions for the treatment and care of laboratory samples.

5.5 Layout

Once the site is clean, the Contractor may place the topographic reference system: stakes, levels, etc, used to define the layout, alignment and levels of site.

The topographic reference system must be placed in such way that it doesn’t interfere with the machinery. The topographic alignment will be place once by the Owner, in case of needing to be placed again, it shall be paid by the

Contractor.

5.6 Final delivery and cleaning

5.6.1 Works final delivery

The Contractor may ask to the COR for the installation’s final reception, only whenever all hired jobs and respective specifications are completely done, according to the Owner and COR satisfaction.

5.6.2 Site and structure cleaning

The Contractor shall leave the work site completely clean and residues free.

Also, before delivering the building, must do a complete cleaning of the structure.

It will not be accepted under any circumstances, walls or glasses with painting, glue or any other kind of stains. Neither will be accepted pipes obstructed by sediments or residues, therefore the pipes shall be cleaned before the job is delivered to the Owner.

The Contractor shall remove all machinery, tools and any other implement or accessories used during the construction process.

6 LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISIONS

6.1 Applicable publications

ASTM standard C 840-87 Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board.

6.2 General

The panels for lightweight divisions shall be carefully stored and stocked on platforms to avoid it from being in contact to the ground, to ensure a proper drainage and ventilation. The finishing materials shall be stored by the

Contractor inside a shed, isolated from the outdoor conditions, or inside the constructed building.

The Contractor will be responsible of the maintenance of the elements contemplated in the section, until the project’s reception. If the structure suffers any kind of damage which causes an affection on its functioning, durability or appearance, shall be substituted or repaired according to the

COR’s criteria.

All dimensions shall be verified on site and elements installed shall be subdued to the COR approval.

6.2.1 Double cover divisions

This section refers to the constructive system apply on walls and divisions on the places specified by plans. The structure shall have a metallic structure according to specifications, the finish will be defined by the COR, the tiling will be done according to plans.

Wherever the plans specify, the external walls or internal division shall be covered by gypsum, Densglass or Durock panels. These items shall be installed following the indications set by the manufacturer and according to plans. This job includes the delivery of all materials, tools and equipment required, as well as the doing all the operations related to the construction and finish of the walls, all these must be done according to plans and specifications set by the COR.

Must have special attention regarding the electromechanical installation and reinforcing the galvanized steel structure using concrete, structural steel or wooden pieces of the best quality, in order to support the pipelines, cabinets and accessories in general, according to each particular case, guaranteeing these elements are duly attached to the walls.

6.3 Manufacturing and instalation

6.3.1 Double cover divisions

The panels shall be placed according to plans and the Contractor must follow the instructions and procedures stablished by the manufacturer or its representative on the country, in order to keep an active item guarantee.

The bolts shall be placed at a minimum distance of 15 mm from the panels border and never placed on the corners. The lateral bolts closest to the corners must be at 45 degrees.

Prior the definitive installation if the divisions, the Contractor shall present the

Owner and COR a representative sample to identify adjustments, constructive details or additional elements which are needed to ensure a sharp finish, these includes electrical boxes or any other required details.

The internal divisions will be attached between them and to the structural parts of the building (masonry walls, beams, columns, slab), always maintaining the alignment, the expansion bolts or wooden wads hidden, to ensure the adequate rigidity of the fixed element.

Always use entire panels, it is not allowed to used remnants on spaces with a bigger area than the panel size. At the external corners, the Contractor shall use drilled H.G. angular, excepting sites with different angles according to plans or by indication of the COR.

The finish paste (fill or thin cover) shall be smooth, meaning with no concavities or convexities. For materials such as Durock or Densglass, this paste and additional elements must be the ones recommended by the manufacturer, following the necessary guidelines to obtain a high quality finish.

7 CEILING

The Manufacturer, Provider, Contractor and Installer must deliver its guarantees in writing.

• The guarantees apply once the delivery is done and accepted by the

COR and Client.

7.1 GENERAL

7.1.1 Transport, handling and storage

All materials shall be delivered to the project on its packaging with its original packaging and sealings, as well as the manufacturer’s installation instructions and maintenance.

• The packaging must indicate the manufacturer’s identification, material, finished, manufacturing date and loot number

The ceiling components shall be handled carefully to avoid damage or rupture of the items. All units must be stored in adequate conditions approved by the

COR, in order to protect them from being in contact to the ground or from the weather, such as rainwater or external factors. The storage site must be placed in such way it prevents the items from suffering damage because of other construction activities. It is recommended to keep these items in close, dry and fresh places to avoid high temperatures.

The items shall be placed horizontally above the ground using pallets, it is forbidden to support the items on the edges, this is to ensure the integrity of the units and avoid damage.

The mortar used for ceiling’s finish, must be stored to prevent the deterioration or intrusion of strange materials

7.1.2 Warranty

The manufacturer, distributors and constructors must guarantee against material and installation defects, all delivered and installed materials under this section must be in optimal conditions for a period not less than a year from the project’s delivery date.

The Manufacturer shall accept the replacement of any deficient material. Also, if an item is damaged because of its application or self-reasons, the Contractor will replace the damage part with no additional charge for the Owner.

The change and installation of the replacement item shall be part of the

Contractor’s responsibilities if it occurs within the project’s guarantee period or Owner’s responsibility if it occurs outside of it.

7.2 MATERIALS

7.2.1 Steel profiles

All units shall be made of galvanized 60-degree steel, the dimensions and caliber will be according to plans, these units shall be in perfect conditions, dirt free, without damage or any other factor which may affect its resistance, appearance or durability though the project.

7.2.2 Dense-Glass panel

The panels shall be first quality units, dimensions and type according to what is specified in plans, these elements must have a clean and smooth surface, free of fissures, rounded borders and/or any other defect which may affect its appearance or durability through the project.

7.2.3 Fixing elements

The Contractor shall use self-tapping bolts, Phillips top, 3.75 cm length and bugle head.

7.2.4 Mortar

The mortar will be prepared using a mixer or by hand inside a wooden basket, it is forbidden to prepare it directly over the ground, soil or concrete finished surfaces. The proportion will be subdued to the COR’s approval, water will be added in case of needing to improve the mixture consistence or workability.

7.2.5 Water

The water used in the mixture must be clean, fresh and external factors free, such as oil, acids, alkalis or organic impurities.

7.2.6 Sand

The sand will consist of durable grains, clean, strong, and external factors free, such as oil, acids, alkalis or organic impurities, and any other agents which may affect its performance, according to ASTM C33, class 1N and 2N.

7.3 System installation

7.3.1 General

The ceilings shall be installed and dimensioned according to plans and considering the manufacturer’s recommendations, these systems must be plumbed to ensure the proper functioning.

The steel profiles must be correctly aligned and spaced according to plans, also all the openings shall be placed facing the same direction, properly supported to the structure, using self-tapping bolts, which must be hidden once the works are done.

A fine coat will be applied initially between the panel joins and over the bolts, using a spreader, immediately after, the Contractor must put on the joint’s tape centered over the joints to treat, finally and once the pasta is properly attached to the wall, apply two fine coats to even the joint.

The Contractor must apply a 2 mm height final layer, over the complete surface of the ceiling, any imperfection on the surface will be filled and leveled during this phase.

The Contractor shall consider all recommendations defined by the manufacturer in the installation guide.

7.3.2 Workforce

The workforce must include experienced workers and shall deliver a high-quality work. All facilities set to go inside the ceiling, must be placed prior the installation of the panels. Except of force majeure cases and prior COR authorization, it is forbidden to cut up the ceiling to installing pipes or any other electromechanical facilities.

8 PAINTING

8.1 General

All exposed zones and surfaces on the project will be treated with paint, enamel, and other finish compatible with the surface, unless otherwise specified. In each case the surface will be prepared and shall have the CORs approval before using any material.

All paintings, primers, thinners and waterproofing will be of top quality and subject to the CORs approval. Special paint will be used for each surface, distinguishing between exterior and interior applications according to the finish tables presented in sheets, and shall be submitted to the CORs approval.

The Contractor must guarantee the paint works in writing, for at least two years after the project’s reception by the COR, being obligated to paint as many times as possible, during this time lapse, any defective surfaces, according to the CORs criteria. The materials specifications and catalogues must presented by the Contractor, so that both color and quality can be approved. It is the Contractors responsibility to verify the colors to be used.

All painting surfaces must be cleaned and prepared accordingly, including any plastering job necessary to cover any joints and secondary cracks in plaster.

Surfaces which are not painted with the number of specified coats will be painted again, without any additional cost, until a satisfactory, homogeneous, smooth product is obtained without presenting color variations or visible brush strokes.

8.2 Storage

The Contractor will store materials in a single place of the project. This location must comply with the minimum requisites for material and equipment storage, such as: humidity-proof, good ventilation and adequate access. The

Contractor must guarantee its cleanliness, and be extremely careful while handling painting, oil, or any other combustible material, so that fires and explosions can be avoided.

The storage of unnecessary material, such as rags or unusable products, will not be allowed, and they must be removed from the project at the end of the work day, leaving the place clean according to the CORs criteria.

8.3 Labour

Before the start of any work, surfaces must be clean, smooth, and free of dirt, soil, grease, mortar or any material which could prevent a top quality painting job.

All paint must be applied evenly, using an adequate brush, roller or compressor. Painting over wet or moist surfaces, or before the preceding coat is dry, is not allowed. Exterior paint will be left to dry for a day before applying the next coat.

The Contractor must take the necessary measures to avoid splashes and spill over windows, ironwork, ornamental elements, walls floors or installed equipment. Paint stains in surfaces which are not to be painted will be allowed.

8.4 Surface preparation

Concrete and masonry surfaces will be allowed to set for 21 days before applying any paint. They must be clean, dry and free of any soil, dirt, grease and any other alien material.

Unless otherwise specified, a special sealant coat will be applied to concrete surfaces. The sealant will be equal or similar to Sellador Blanco para Concreto from Sur. Lightweight divisions must receive the same treatment. Surfaces with humidity potential must be treated with waterproofing such as Surs

Fastyl, or similar, before applying paint.

When applying paint over already painted surfaces, the existing paint will be removed, the surface sanded and a concrete sealant applied, equal or similar to Surs No 501-910, which helps when walls have surface pulverization issues.

Metal surfaces must be cleaned, eliminating any grease, dirt, oxide or loose anticorrosive paint, before applying any paint. The use of protective grease, such as Surs No 305-990 or similar, approved, is recommended along all metal surfaces.

All metals that have a preliminary coat that has oxidized will be treated using the same anticorrosive system as specified in this document and in drawings.

The painting in metal structures will consist of two layers: one of anticorrosive material and a finish layer. The minimum paint thicknesses are: 50 mm (2 mils) for the anticorrosive layer and 50 mm (2 mils) for the finish layer, for a total thickness of 100 mm (4 mils).

Structural elements such as beams and columns which remain exposed to the elements (water, sun, UV rays) will be treated with an appropriate system that allows them to maintain their structural integrity and finish, according to the tables presented in architectural sheets.

8.5 Samples

Samples of all work will be provided to the COR for their appropriate approval and they must match the eventually completed work. Paint will come in factory tagged containers, and any paint that arrives in non-identifiable containers shall not be allowed. A 1 m wide by 2 m tall sample of each one of the colors will be painted. All samples must be approved by the COR.

8.6 Materials.

Thinner will be equal or similar to BECCPOXY thinner. Several thin consecutive coats are recommended to be applied instead of a single thick one. Painting must be done following the manufacturers recommendations.

All painted surfaces must be coated with paint that give a superior finish, that belong to the manufacturers top line, unless expressly noted in the drawings, the COR.

Turpentine oil, used for paint removal in brushes and splatters, will consist of pure turpentine extract, complying with ASTM standards.

The water used for mixing with paint must be potable, clean and free of oils, greases, organic material, alkali, acids and impurities which could affect the paints properties

8.7 Cleaning

All work areas will remain clean. A final cleaning will be done before the project’s delivery, removing all paint stains and trashed product of painting, so that the COR can receive the project completely clean.

9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This section specifies general requirements for electrical installations, telecommunications and security for the project; using the best technics to ensure a high-quality work, as well as the best procedures for its construction according to plans, sketches, details and technical documentation, abiding what is defined on the National Electrical Code (Código Eléctrico Nacional –

NEC), Executive Decree number 36979 – MEIC: “Officialization bylaw of the

Electrical Code of Costa Rica for life and property security” (RTCR 458-2011) published on La Gaceta number 33, on 15 february, 2012, as well as the

Regulation of Telephone Installations for Buildings, both documents will be part of the present document.

9.1.1 General Clarifications

Some of the specifications detailed in this document may not be installed or apply to this project, therefore these sections shall not be considered.

All equipment and materials to install must be certified by Underwriters

Laboratories INC, UL or certified by any OSH recognized laboratories, according to the designed function defined, as well as extended guaranty.

Any case not included in the present specifications, shall be resolved by the

COR, according to the norms defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) or any applicable regulation.

The Contractor must consider the following the chart when installing some of the items, these dimensions may change depending on plans or COR recommendations.

Chart 1. Different element heights

Element Height

Meter 1,60 meters

Main board 1,60 meters

Light switch 1,20 meters

Power outlets 0,80 meters

Restroom outlets 1,20 meters

Special outlets 0,80 meters

9.1.2 Contractor obligations and responsabilities

• The Contractor is responsible of the equipment details coordination and constructions included under in the present specifications

• Fulfill all general and special project requirements defined in this specification, also, must take into account all observations and instructions written on the Project Binnacle.

• The Contractor must test all electrical and electromechanical systems indicated in plans and specifications, for the COR approval and its respective reception

• All voltage, current, continuity, insulation, amongst others measurements must be certified

• The Contractor will be responsible for the internal and external constructions required for pipe laying, as well as any other electrical accessories.

• During the construction, all pipes that are unplugged for later work, shall be covered using a plastic cover fixed with a ribbon or rope.

• The Contractor compromises to fulfill what is stablished on the

Construction Safety Regulations of Costa Rica, decree N° 25235 MTSS, during the job execution.

• The staff set for this job by the Contractor shall be qualified and wide experience. All installations will be done using the best techniques to ensure a sharp and esthetic finish.

• During the construction, the staff shall have a set of plans to write down all corrections done, which must be reviewed by the COR one a month.

• At the end of the construction, the Contractor shall deliver on a disc or electrical device to the COR a complete set of plans of the original installations, which must include all modifications done during its construction.

• The unnoticed omission of a part of the specifications, plans or any material necessary for the installation of the involved system, does not release the Contractor of its obligations of deliver and installation.

The following documents are considered part of the present specifications:

• NFPA 70 – National Fire Prevention Association - National Electrical

Code® (NEC®), last edition

• NFPA 70E – National Fire Prevention Association - Electrical Safety

Requirements for Employee Workplaces, last edition

• ARESEP AR-NT-SIUNAC-2015 technical regulation

• Handbook for Underground Electrical Distribution Nets 13.8; 24.9 y

34.5 kV, from the Electrical Distribution Commission, CFIA, July 2015, or its last edition

• Manual de Disposiciones Técnicas Generales Sobre Seguridad Humana y Protección Contra Incendios, Unidad de Ingeniería de Bomberos

Costa Rica, Versión 2013.

• NFPA 72 – 2016 National Fire Alarm Code.

• NFPA 780 – 2014 Standard for the Installation of Lighting Protection

Systems.

• Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), valid regulations

• Comisión Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL), valid regulations

9.1.3 Plans

The plans show a schematic setting of the general ubication of equipment, devices and pipes. The plans and specifications shall be used as a guide;

however, the exact placement, distance and heights must be defined by in-site conditions and COR recommendations.

The scaled plans shall not be used to define the exact localization of any equipment or electrical outlet. Any job or material not included in this section, but necessary for its correct functioning, must be considered.

The Contractor is the responsible to stablish the appropriate pipe routes according to the building structure and obstacles, these routes will be presented to the COR through detailed plans for his revision and approval.

The project delivered by the Contractor, must be reviewed and approved by the COR, Client and/or any authorized institution.

9.1.3.1 Plan Update

At the end of the project, the Contractor shall deliver the COR a complete set of installation plans, as well as digital archives (AUTOCAD) which must include all modifications done to the original plans during the construction (As-built plans), these plans must be reviewed and presented to the CFIA, for the application process of the definitive meter and final delivery to the client.

9.2 WORKS TO REALICE

9.2.1 Descriptions of jobs to realize

The Contractor must include within his offer, all systems and materials specified in plans and technical specifications, the following are the most important to consider:

• Illumination accessories and luminaires installation, according to the distribution and characteristics indicated in plans

• Construction or installation of posts and connectors of the electrical connections, according to the ubication and characteristics defined in plans

• Electrical reel installation according to the distributing and characteristics indicated in plans

• Provide and install branch lines: Complete systems for illumination, outlets and electrical reels

• Provide structural elements such as supports, gauzes, hangers, etc, to obtain a proper alignment and subjection to the pipes. It is forbidden to use wire as a support method

• The equipment guaranty and technical documents shall be provided to the client.

9.3 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

9.3.1 General

All materials used in the project must be first quality products according to the specified and approved by Underwriters Laboratories INC, UL o OSH certified laboratories, as well as each one of the products which composes a system, must be certified.

When two or more units of the same class of material is required, only one manufacturer will be accepted.

The Contractors offer must consider the materials and equipment specified on plans. In case of quoting different materials, the Contractor must indicate it with a proper justification, also must include the price difference between the products. Once the project is adjudged, the Contractor must present a comparative chart between both products, annexing the manufacturer’s data technical sheet. Following, the COR will analyze the documents, approving or denying in case of different characteristics or lower quality to what is specified in plans or specifications. The above does not imply delays of the project execution schedule.

The Contractor is the responsible of taking care and protecting all materials and equipment until the final delivery of the job. In case of damage, loss or steal, while storage or installation, the Contractor shall assume the economic costs that the substitution implies.

The equipment guaranty shall be according to what is defined in the contract or specifications, the Contractor is the responsible of this guaranty and must be delivered in writing at the final reception of the project.

9.3.2 Pipeline Conduit PVC, EMT and IMC

9.3.2.1 PVC pipeline

Wherever is expressly indicated in plans, the PVC pipes will de made of polyvinyl type PVC, SCH 40, caliber 40 and the corresponding accessories UL certified.

The placement shall be according to construction plans, however, all pipes set to be placed inside a concrete wall shall be embedded, also in case of slabs or floors, the pipe must be located underground.

It is not allowed the use and installation of exposed PVC conduit pipes, in all cases, the pipes shall be EMT, according to the following section.

All PVC conduit pipes must have as much glue as required where its needed:

unions, curves, etc. The glue to use will be regular cement solver, certified for its use at Kraloy’s pipes, also must use the cleaner recommended by manufacturer.

In case of bending PVC, SCH40, diameter 12, 19 and 25 mm, the Contractor shall use a bender for manual EMT with a spring bender, models as follows:

9040417 (12mm), 9040418 (19mm) and 9040419 (25 mm). To bend bigger diameter, it is allowed to use a traditional EMT bender and heat, as long as it does not deform or burn the material or cause reductions to the pipe section.

Article 352.24 NEC 2008. Utilize a heat or hot air gun to heat the material, similar to METABO HE-23-650 CONTROL (50-650°C).

The PVC conduit pipes installed inside the ceiling, must be attached to wood or metal structures through supports. All vertical or horizontal pipes shall be attached and fixed according to Chart 352 – 30 NEC.

Chart 2. Separation between support cording to conduit size

Conduit Size Maximum separation between supports

19 – 25 [mm] 90 cm

32 – 51 [mm] 1,50 m

63 – 76 [mm] 1,80 m

When installed at a building or construction which includes concrete walls, casts, etc, the conduit pipe shall not be attached until the wet section of the project is concluded and the wall system is reasonably dry. All pipes must be cleaned using water from a compressor, to ensure the complete removal of residues.

9.3.2.2 EMT pipe

All pipes exposed to outdoor conditions, shall be EMT type, wherever is indicated in plans or technical documents the EMT pipe to use shall be metallic, galvanized, similar or better than Wheatland, UL certified. Unions, connectors and accessories must fulfill the requirements above. The spacing between supports shall not be longer than 2,9 linear meters. Each ending must be supported every 1,5 meters.

The unions, connectors or accessories must de designed for this purpose, also, the connections and unions between items such as boxes or pipes, shall be using pressure accessories, screwed accessories are not allowed.

All pipes must be storage properly, pipes left outdoor shall not be used.

Use manual bender for 13, 19, 25- and 32-mm diameter EMT pipes, for bigger diameters, utilize hydraulic equipment to bend.

Use unions to adjust properly the pipes over different surfaces, as follows:

• Between two boxes, drivers, etc

• Height changes between walls, slabs, ets

• Direction changes

• Support architectural elements

EMT pipes placed in direct contact to the ground, must be equipped with a

PVC sleeve sealed with Duretan to avoid its corrosion, as an alternative, it is allowed to use a 25 cm height x 15 cm wide concrete base between PVC and

EMT transitions.

It is not allowed under any circumstances the installation of channelings directly over the template structures, as well as over the aluminum used as structure for suspended ceilings.

Using roof nails to attach the channeling is prohibited, unless the building architecture provides no other option, in this case, the Contractor must use support to separate the pipes from the roof cover at least 30 cm.

All loops provided and installed at the pipelines shall be double “footing” and made of metal.

It is prohibited to use two or more 90° curves on the pipeline between two connection boxes. Utilize additional boxes y/or conductors if necessary.

9.3.2.3 EMT BX (Biex)

The EMT BX pipes to use must be American line, when delivered to the project, the pipeline shall be properly protected using a cover. The maximum length of the BX pipeline will be 1,5 meters.

9.3.3 Conductors

The conductors to install shall fulfill the following characteristics:

• Comply UL50 norms

• Comply IP55 norms

• The body and cover shall be made of free aluminum casting

• The cover must be able to be secured using screws.

• Neoprene packaging

• Bolts made of stainless steel

• Conductor finish will be according to COR

All conductors must be properly attached to existing structures, providing the necessary supports for each case.

The conductors will be considered as records; therefore, the covers should always be accessible.

9.3.4 Underground channelings

The pipeline installed underground shall be PVC with a minimum schedule of

40, will be settle over a sand layer with a minimum thickness of 10 cm, duly compacted. These pipes must be covered using three layers, the first one will be made of sand with the same characteristics as before, the second layer made of lean concrete with a 5 cm thickness, use backfilling compacted according to plans as the last layer over the pipeline.

The channeling system shall be done using isolation wires similar to

RHH/RHW-2/USE-2, wet and weatherproof. Prior the installation, use a compressor to clean…