Technical Guidelines

The following UW-Madison Technical Guidelines have been developed to assist our architectural and engineering consultants in the design of quality building projects throughout campus. Our objective is to create successful partnerships that result in new and remodeled facilities incorporating a high degree of contextual aesthetic appeal while realizing our more practical goals of reduced maintenance, lowered energy usage, and elevated durability.

The guidelines are organized according to the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) format. Each division includes as many standards as are currently adopted and will be updated as new information becomes available. They should be used in tandem with the Division of Facilities Development Master Specifications, and do not, in any way, serve to replace them.

Download the complete Technical Guidelines (305 pages) or pdfs of Divisions from the table.

Division Last Updated DSF Guidelines
01 – General Requirements 04/10/2023 DSF Division 01
02 – Existing Conditions 10/17/2022 DSF Division 02
03 – Concrete 10/17/2022 DSF Division 03
04 – Masonry 10/17/2022 DSF Division 04
05 – Metals 10/17/2022 DSF Division 05
06 – Wood, Plastics and Composites 10/17/2022 DSF Division 06
07 – Thermal and Moisture Protection 04/10/2023 DSF Division 07
08 – Openings 10/17/2022 DSF Division 08
09 – Finishes 10/17/2022 DSF Division 09
10 – Specialties 10/17/2022 DSF Division 10
11 – Equipment 04/10/2023 DSF Division 11
12 – Furnishings 10/17/2022
13 – Special Construction 10/17/2022
14 – Conveying Equipment 10/17/2022 DSF Division 14
21 – Fire Suppression 10/17/2022 DSF Division 21
22 – Plumbing 10/17/2022 DSF Division 22
23 – HVAC 10/17/2022 DSF Division 23
26 – Electrical 10/17/2022 DSF Division 26
27 – Communications 4/22/2019 DSF Division 27
28 – Electronic Safety and Security 04/10/2023 DSF Division 28
30 – Common Work Results for all Exterior Work 4/22/2019 DSF Division 30
31 – Earthwork 10/17/2022 DSF Division 31
32 – Exterior Improvements 10/17/2022 DSF Division 32
33 – Utilities 10/17/2022 DSF Division 33
34 – Transportation 10/17/2022