Significance of Special Inspection

 

     The building code has required special inspections since the 1955 code. Following the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, engineers determined that some of the structural damage from the earthquake was the result of a lack of construction conformance with the drawings. It was decided that the code provisions for special inspection needed to be strengthened and expanded. The new language strengthening inspection requirements was added to the 1976 edition of the Uniform Building Code. Chapter 17 of the current building code provides procedures and criteria for test materials and the requirement for special inspections of structural assemblies. In addition, the code prohibits the contractor from hiring the Special Inspectors.

 

Awareness of Code Requirements:

     Many owners and contractors are aware of Special Inspections, but are not always aware of the specific requirements outlined in Chapter 17 of the building code. Owners are often surprised when presented the proposal for Special Inspecting services. Special inspections provide a means of quality assurance. In other words, the special inspector is the 'eyes in the field' for the owner and engineer and the inspector's job is to provide some degree of insurance that the owner is getting what he paid for. Typically, construction materials must be tested and their installation must be monitored in order to provide a finished structure that performs in accordance with the construction documents.

 

Conclusion:

     Special Inspections and material testing are an important part of any project. A quality inspection and testing lab will reduce the risks of construction errors and ultimately the risk of lawsuits and insurance claims.

 

Dave Kramer-
Kramer Engineering Inc. is a 36 year old structural engineering firm that specializes in industrial and commercial buildings.