What must be written when alternate materials are used?

When alternate materials are used in construction or engineering, it is essential to write research reports or evaluation reports. These documents provide the necessary assessment of the proposed materials against the standards established by building codes and regulations. They outline the performance, safety, and suitability of the alternate materials in comparison to the specified requirements, ensuring that they meet structural integrity, durability, and other pertinent criteria.

Research reports typically review the technical properties and effectiveness of the alternate materials based on scientific data and testing outcomes, while evaluation reports may offer insights from field applications and compliance with relevant industry standards. These reports are critical for obtaining approvals and ensuring that the materials used do not compromise the safety and integrity of the structure.

While quality assurance reports, installation manuals, and compliance certificates serve important functions in construction processes, they do not specifically address the need for an assessment of new or alternative materials used in place of what is standardly specified. Therefore, the emphasis on research or evaluation reports aligns closely with ensuring the approved integrity and compliance of alternate materials in construction practices.