4.1 This classification defines building elements as major assemblies, components, and attributes common to real property assets and sitework. Elements perform given functions, regardless of the design specification, construction method, materials or products used. (See Terminology E1480, Classifications E1557 and E1670, and Practice E2675.)

4.2 The classification aligns products to specific functional elements and/or sub-element to enable the development of specialized maintenance procedures. (See Practices E2452, E2604, and E2675.)

4.3 This alignment will help streamline warehousing requirements and enable functional business units to use a common nomenclature. (See Terminology E1480 and Practice E2452.)

4.4 The classification will lead to more effective life cycle management of the operation, maintenance and cost of the asset by linking activities and participants in an asset‘s full life-cycle, from initial planning through construction, operations, maintenance, repair, modernization, and disposal. (See Practices E917 and E1334, Classification E1670, Practice E1946, and Guide E2506). See Fig. 1 for life cycle application of FACTS.

1.1 This standard (FACTS) establishes a classification of building and sitework elements and components, and their associated functions, attributes, and products. Elements, as defined here, are major assemblies and components common to buildings and sitework. Elements usually perform given functions, regardless of the design specification, construction method, or materials used. The attribute classification will lead to more effective management of the operation, maintenance, and life cycle cost of the asset.

1.2 The classification:

1.2.1 Incorporates Levels 1, 2, and 3 from Classification E1557:

1.2.1.1 Major Group Element (Classification E1557 Level 1).

1.2.1.2 Group Element (Classification E1557 Level 2).

1.2.1.3 Element (Classification E1557 Level 3).

1.2.2 Establishes sub-elements at Levels 4 and beyond:

1.2.2.1 Because the main objective is content and not specifically rigid structure, levels beyond those established in Classification E1557 are not balanced.

1.2.2.2 Products and characteristics are introduced at varying levels, depending on the appropriate element and elemental function.

1.2.2.3 Functional elements are aligned with products and product characteristics.

1.2.3 Incorporates the noun-adjective-attribute relationship between elements, elemental function and the associated products and characteristics.

1.2.4 This approach identifies specific products that will support the element at its functional level. However, the classification permits the introduction of additional products necessitated due to higher order requirements, such as but not limited to:

(1) Asset type

(2) Asset function

(3) Asset conditions

(4) Building code requirements

1.3 The classification seeks to define a larger universe of attributes, products, and characteristics that may define its functional use and life cycle cost.

1.4 The classification also provides a logical database structure for the implementation of related Real Property Management applications and business processes such as:

(1) Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technologies

(2) Smart Building Technologies

(3) Sustainability

(4) Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

(5) Facility Asset Management Systems

(6) Property Condition Assessment

(7) Real Property Development

(8) Project Management Systems

(9) Cost Planning, Estimating, and Control Procedures

1.5 Use of the classification provides a consistent means for analysis, evaluation, monitoring, and reporting during the life of the asset, from planning through design, construction, operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, and disposal.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.