Simplification of specifications for power facilities

The emphasis in nuclear power plant construction and engineering has shifted in the past ten years from new plant construction to plant retrofit and upgrade. The original sets of construction specifications for civil structures are often not appropriate for current, smaller scale, limited scope work which is routinely being performed at facilities which have been operating. These original specifications usually need updating for codes and standards, new products and techniques,purchase requirements, contractual relationships, realistic quality standards, testing requirements, and material qualification requirements. Improvements in budget and schedule may be realized if project specifications are systematically reviewed and rewritten to be compatible with the current nature of the work being performed, and to be consistent with present industry practices and products.