C4-KS54

Question 1

Statement of Special Inspections

Answer 1

Section 1705 states that where special inspection or testing is required, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections for submittal by the permit applicant. (This usually appears on the structural engineer’s drawings, but it will depend on the firm/project)

Question 2

What are special inspections?

Answer 2

Definition — Inspection as required of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and reference standards.

• Special Inspections are covered in the California Building Code, Chapter 17 - Structural Tests and Special Inspections
• Ching’s Building Code Illustrated provides an excellent graphic descriptions of special inspections so be sure to check it out.
• Special Inspections can be continuous (full time observation of work) to periodic (part time or intermittent observation of the work).
• Special Inspector shall be a qualified person who shall demonstrate competence, to the satisfaction of the building official, for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.

-Section 1704.1 states that the Owner shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide
inspection during construction.

Question 3

Structural Observations

Answer 3

Section 1709 states that where required, the Owner shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. (Usually the structural engineer)
At the conclusion of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement that site visits have been made and identify any reported deficiencies that have not been resolved.

Question 4

Who usually conducts special inspections?

Answer 4

Structural engineer

Question 5

Special Inspections include:

Answer 5

• Steel
• Concrete
• Seismic Resistance structural systems

–High Load diaphragms in wood frame construction (shear walls)

• Structural Masonry
• Pile foundations
• Smoke Control systems
• Sprayed fire-resistant materials for surface conditions, application, thickness, density, and bond strength
• Exterior insulation and finish systems
• Non-standard grading, excavation, cut and fill

Question 6

Special inspections that involve steel include inspecting what?

Answer 6

• Material verification for high strength bolts
• High strength bolts
• Material verification of structural steel
• Material verification of weld filler materials
• Welding of structural steel
• Steel joint frame details for compliance with construction documents

Question 7

Special inspections that involve concrete include inspecting what?

Answer 7

• Reinforcing steel
• Reinforcing steel and welding
• Bolts and anchors
• Verifying use of required design mix
• Sample concrete during placement for subsequent strength testing (core test)
• Shotcrete (sprayed on concrete mixture)
• Proper curing temperatures and techniques
• Prestressed concrete
• Erection of precast members
• Formwork