A critical analysis of international standards for construction classification - results from the development of a new Swedish construction classification system

A new Swedish construction classification system, CoClass, is now under development. CoClass has presented two alternative classifications for review, both based on the standard for construction classification ISO 12006-2:2015. One alternative also applies the IEC CD 81346-series for reference designations which includes classification tables for systems and components with function as the basis for subdivision of classes. A critical analysis shows that the 81346 series subdivision by function only is of limited use in the construction sector, and that the ISO-standard is unclear regarding appropriate tables and principles of specialization. It also shows that in a construction classification system, overall compositional structure, form, should be the basis for subdivision of classes, and that two separate construction element tables must be developed, one for construction elements and another for construction element components. The future of the proposed IEC CD 81346-series as international standards for construction classification series is uncertain.