§ 11.3.15. Technical Specifications

Technical specifications must describe all materials that comprise the wall, using City of Austin Standard Specifications where applicable. Specific—rather than generic—products, brands, models or styles should be referenced, if possible, and locally produced materials should be specified by producer and product designation, listing alternative sources and products. Alternately, materials may be specified by their composition and physical and chemical properties and characteristics, in which case, the design engineer and the City must approve each product, based on the contractor's submittals including the requisite test results and certifications.

The specifications must state that the contractor, producer or manufacturer are responsible for quality control testing during production or manufacture of the materials and for testing of materials for the purpose of demonstrating, before construction, that they meet the project specifications. The specifications must also require that a Texas-licensed professional engineer certify that the materials meet the project specifications. Test results, including a summary comparison of the tests to the project specifications, must be submitted with the certification. The certification must be accepted by the City before construction. This testing and certification is to be performed at no cost to the City and is separate from and precedes quality control testing performed by the City during construction.

All materials that comprise the wall appurtenances, such as guardrail and handrail, must be described.

The specifications must state that chipped, cracked or honeycombed pre-cast concrete units, and marred or damaged geosynthetic, metal straps, tie bars or other components must not be incorporated into the project.