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    What Are Special Inspections

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    What Are Special Inspections

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    What are special inspections

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    What Are Special Inspections

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    The Low Down on Testing and Special Inspection Topics May 2017

    What Are Special Inspections?


    Back to Basics
    Special inspections is defined by the current International Building Code (IBC) as the “inspection of construction requiring
    the expertise of an approved special inspector in order to ensure compliance with the code and the approved construction
    documents”. Special inspections includes both testing and inspection of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection
    or placement of components and connections to ensure compliance with the code, referenced standards adopted by
    the code and approved construction documents.

    While Chapter 17 of the IBC code is entitled “Special Inspections and Tests” and is known as the special inspections
    chapter of the code, it is important to note that Chapter 17 depends on “referenced standards” such as ACI 318 “Building
    Code Requirements for Structural Concrete”, AISC 360 “Specification for Structural Steel Buildings”, TMS 402 “Building
    Code Requirements for Masonry Structures”, TMS 602 “Specification for Masonry Structures” and other standards to
    completely denote REQUIRED special inspections and tests. Chapter 35 of the IBC code lists the multiple reference
    standards that are adopted and incorporated into the IBC code. There are hundreds of these incorporated standards
    listed in Chapter 35 and the fact that they are incorporated into the IBC code means that they become enforceable part
    of the code.

    Ouch, right? Let’s break it down a little. Special Inspections Required:

    What Special Inspections Are Required for My Project?


    Section 1704 and 1705 of the IBC code and the adopted referenced standards
    cited therein outline what special inspections are required on the various types
    of construction and construction materials (soil, concrete, masonry, reinforcing
    steel, structural steel, sprayed fire-resistant materials, foundations, etc.). These
    sections of the IBC code and the referenced standards in TANDEM with Table
    1604.5 “Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures” clarify special inspections
    required by the code and the degree and extent of the special inspections that
    should be provided (periodic and/or continuous). Welding
    (full penetration welds)
    Bottom Line? Practically all engineered building projects require special
    inspections save those exceptions listed in section 1704.2 of IBC:
    1. The building official can waive special inspections for construction of a minor
    nature.
    2. Group U projects do not require special inspections and these projects are
    agricultural in nature and include barns, stables, greenhouses, and accessories
    to a residential occupancy.
    3. Special inspections are not required for conventional residential light-frame
    construction (wood or cold-formed steel). Micropile Deep Foundation
    Who Determines What Special Inspections Are Needed?
    A statement of special inspections is required by the code (section
    1704.3 of IBC) and this document lists all of special inspections required
    on the project. The code requires that this document be prepared by
    the Registered Design Professional (RDP) in responsible charge and is
    most often prepared by the Structural Engineer of Record (SER). The
    statement of special inspections is supposed to be filed with the building
    official PRIOR to the issuance of a building permit for the project. The
    statement of special inspections should be accompanied by construction
    documents, shop drawings, geotechnical report, etc. according to the
    CODE.

    Who Employs the Special Inspector?


    The code, in section 1704.2 of IBC 2012, requires that the owner or the registered
    design professional in responsible charge (acting as the owner’s agent) employ A Little History...
    the special inspector or approved agency. The code is pretty clear in that it wants Special inspections is not a new
    the special inspector (approved agency) to be independent from the contractor term to the building code. The
    responsible for the work being inspected and states this in section 1703.1.1 of International Conference of Building
    IBC 2012. The IBC 2015 code (in exception #4) does allow the contractor to Officials (ICBO) and the Uniform
    employ the special inspector when the contractor is also the OWNER. Building Code (UBC) has had special
    inspection requirements in the
    Who Is Responsible for Making Sure that Special Inspections Are code since the 1961 edition. The
    Performed? ICBO and BOCA codes had slightly
    different philosophies and emphasis
    The building official representing the jurisdiction where the project is being built which resulted in very different
    is responsible for making certain that all special inspections required by the implementation approaches in their
    building code are performed. Having said this, the registered design professional respective jurisdictions
    (RDP) and the structural engineer of record (SER) are also responsible for making
    sure that the required special inspections are done. Special inspections was the
    centerpiece of the BOCA National
    The approved agency providing the special inspections for the project is Building Code in their 1993 and
    responsible for providing the special inspections required by the code and the 1996 code manuals which Virginia
    approved agency must provide the REQUIRED special inspections in order to adopted early on along with several
    process the FINAL SPECIAL INSPECTIONS REPORT required by the code which other states. When the International
    basically summarizes that the required special inspections have been performed Code Council’s (ICC) International
    and that all discrepancies involved in the project have been resolved or not Building Code (IBC) was first issued in
    resolved. 2000, it merged the ICBO and BOCA
    special inspection requirements
    A pre-construction conference should be held prior to construction to discuss the into its Chapter 17, titled Structural
    special inspections and quality assurance program for the project. This conference Tests and Special Inspections just
    should be attended by Building Official, Registered Design Professional(s), Prime as the BOCA manual had done.
    Contractor, Subcontractors, Suppliers, Inspectors and Testing Agencies. This Special Inspections really took off as
    meeting should help clarify the roles and responsibilities of the attendees. a public safety concept and would
    soon become a mandated quality
    assurance program across the entire
    Troubles Deciphering the Code? United States.
    Call the Experts at F&R!
    Alan S. Tuck
    Director of Code Compliance & Training
    T: 540.344.7939
    M: 540.798.4440
    [email protected]

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