1078— SERVICE PEDESTALS AND SAFETY SWITCH ................................ ............................... 757

DE · 2025 Standard SpecificationsBook pages 10–11View official source ↗

GENERAL INFORMATION, DEFINITIONS, AND TERMS SECTION 101

1 DIVISION 100 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 101 — GENERAL INFORMATION, DEFINITIONS, AND TERMS

101.1General .

A.Active Voice, Imperative Mood.

1.These specifications are written in the active voice and the imperative mood.

2.In an active voice sentence, the subject of the sentence acts on something. For example: "The

engineer will take a sample." A similar sentence in the passive voice – “A sample will be taken" – does not identify the party responsible for taking the sampl e.

3.The imperative mood is used for instructions to the contractor. For example, in an imperative

sentence such as, "Pour the concrete," it is understood that the contractor is to pour the concrete.

4.Before contract award, requirements written in the imperative mood are directed to the

contractors bidding the work. After award, requirements written in the imperative mood are directed to the contractor performing the work.

B.Titles and Headings, References, and Usage .

1.Titles and headings are intended for reference only and do not bear on the interpretation of the

specifications that follow.

2.When the Department specifies a publication, the most recent issue of the publication before

the date of advertisement governs, unless otherwise specified.

3.The word "will" applies to the decisions, actions, or responsibilities of the Department.

4.The word "shall" applies to the obligations of the contractor.

5.The following words: contemplated, required, determined, directed, specified, authorized,

ordered, given, designated, indicated, considered necessary, deemed necessary, permitted, reserved, suspended, established, approval, approved, disapproved, acceptable, unacceptable, suitable, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, sufficient, insufficient, rejected, condemned, or words with similar intent; mean by or to the Department.

6.The words "or equal," referring to a product, material, or process, means "equal as determined

by the engineer."

7.The specifications may present numerical values in 1 of 2 systems, U.S. customary units (English)

or metric units. Use the numerical value specified in the contract.

101.2Abbreviations .

AA Aluminum Association AAN American Association of Nurserymen AAR Association of American Railroads AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI American Concrete Institute

Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025 Edition. Pages 10–11 of 779.

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101 — GENERAL INFORMATION, DEFINITIONS, AND TERMS