2. Special Inspections
• INTRODUCTION
• BACKGROUND
• PURPOSE AND GOALS
• RECENT CHANGES IN BUILDING CODES
• RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE SPECIAL INSPECTION PROCESS
• END RESULT
Table of Contents
3. WHAT IS AND WHY IS THERE A SPECIAL
INSPECTION PROCESS?
Special Inspections
Versailles Wedding Hall
Jerusalem, Israel
Hyatt Regency Walkway
Kansas City, Missouri
4.
5. 2012 IBC Chapter 2 Definitions:
SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction requiring the
expertise of an approved special inspector in order to ensure
compliance with this code and the approved construction
documents.
2009 IBC Section 1702 Definitions:
Special Inspection is the inspection of the materials, installation,
fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections
requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved
construction documents and referenced standards.
Special Inspections
6. • Since the 1988 Supplement to the 1987 Edition of the BOCA
National Codes, Special Inspections have been part of the
building code. Special Inspection requirements have
addressed three specific areas in the construction process:
Special Inspections
7. • Since the 1988 Supplement to the 1987 Edition of the
BOCA National Codes, Special Inspections have been part
of the building code. Special Inspection requirements have
addressed three specific areas in the construction
process:
1. Adequacy of Materials
Special Inspections
8. • Since the 1988 Supplement to the 1987 Edition of the
BOCA National Codes, Special Inspections have been
part of the building code. Special Inspection
requirements have addressed three specific areas in the
construction process:
1. Adequacy of Materials
2. Adequacy of Fabrication
Special Inspections
9. • Since the 1988 Supplement to the 1987 Edition of the
BOCA National Codes, Special Inspections have been part
of the building code. Special Inspection requirements
have addressed three specific areas in the construction
process:
1. Adequacy of Materials
2. Adequacy of Fabrication
3. Adequacy of Installation Techniques
Special Inspections
10. Numerous structural failures occurred during the late
70’s and early 1980’s, for example:
Skyline Plaza
Fairfax County, VA
Collapse of a 26 story reinforced concrete
residential tower
Rosemont Horizon Arena
Illinois
Glued laminated timber roof arches
spanning 288 feet collapsed
The 1970’s
Special Inspections
11. Highway Ramp Collapse
East Chicago, Indiana
Temporary false work collapsed during
construction.
Harbour Cay Condominium
Cocoa Beach, FL
A five (5) story, cast-in-place reinforced concrete
building collapsed due to design and
construction deficiencies
Numerous structural failures occurred during the late
70’s and early 80’s, for example:
The 1980’s
Special Inspections
12. In 1982 the U.S. House of Representatives
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight,
chaired by Albert Gore, Jr., held investigative
hearings regarding these structural failures.
Special Inspections
13. The Subcommittee identified over twenty
contributing factors, with two of the most critical
being:
Special Inspections
14. The Subcommittee identified over twenty
contributing factors, with two of the most critical
being:
• The need for improved organization on construction
projects and better communication between
participants.
Special Inspections
15. The Subcommittee identified over twenty
contributing factors, with two of the most critical
being:
• The need for improved organization on construction
projects and better communication between
participants.
• The need for construction inspection by the
Structural Engineer of Record (SER) during the
construction of principal structural components.
Special Inspections
16. The Subcommittee recommended:
“Professional organizations, such as the Building Officials and
Code Administrators International (BOCA), the International
Conference and Building Officials (ICBO), and the Southern
Building Code Conference International (SBCCI), should make
every effort to ensure that provisions are written into the
building codes and adopted in public forum which make the
on-site presence of the structural engineer mandatory during
the construction of structural components on public
facilities.”
Special Inspections
17. Model code organizations and Building Officials have
attempted to address structural failures by enacting and
enforcing Special Inspection provisions since the 1988
Supplement to the 1987 Edition of The BOCA National
Building Code.
• All forty-eight (48) states within the United States have
adopted and/or amended the IBC.
• Chapter 17 of the IBC currently mandates the
Special Inspection requirements.
Special Inspections
18. However, the Special Inspection process and the role
of the Structural Engineer of Record have been topics
of controversy and confusion in recent years.
• Many national engineering organizations, such as the
ACEC and the Virginia Structural Engineers Council,
as well as CASE, agree with the Subcommittee’s
recommendations and believe strongly that the
Structural Engineer of Record or his agent should
serve as the Special Inspector whenever possible and
practical.
• Likewise, it seems the congressional
committee reached the same conclusions.
Special Inspections
19. The simplicity of it’s Purpose and Goal:
• The goal of the Special Inspections process is to enhance
public safety through improved quality of construction.
Special Inspections
20. The simplicity of it’s Purpose and Goal:
• The goal of the Special Inspections process is to enhance
public safety through improved quality of construction.
• Quality of construction must be the mission of both the
design team and the construction team.
Special Inspections
21. The simplicity of it’s Purpose and Goal:
• The goal of the Special Inspections process is to enhance
public safety through improved quality of construction.
• Quality of construction must be the mission of both the
design team and the construction team.
• Therefore, communication between all parties is paramount.
Special Inspections
22. Special Inspections involve the fabrication,
installation, and protection of the structural
components of buildings.
• It is not a substitute for required municipality
Building Official inspections.
Special Inspections
23. Special Inspections involve the fabrication,
installation, and protection of the structural
components of buildings.
• It is not a substitute for required municipality
Building Official inspections.
• It is also not a substitute for the construction
administration or application for payment
inspections.
Special Inspections
24. Special Inspections involve the fabrication,
installation, and protection of the structural
components of buildings.
• It is not a substitute for required municipality
Building Official inspections.
• It is also not a substitute for the construction
administration or application for payment
inspections.
• It is not a substitute for the General Contractor
internal safety, QA, and QC programs.
Special Inspections
25. How is the Special Inspection process different from
previous construction industry standard construction
inspection requirements?
• The required special inspections shall be delineated in the
construction documents
Special Inspections
26. How is the Special Inspection process different from
previous construction industry standard construction
inspection requirements?
• The required special inspections shall be delineated in the
construction documents
• A Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special
Inspections must be prepared and approved by the RDP.
Special Inspections
27. How is the Special Inspection process different from
previous construction industry standard construction
inspection requirements?
• The required special inspections shall be delineated in the
construction documents
• A Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special
Inspections must be prepared and approved by the RDP.
• The building permit applicant shall submit a Statement of Special
Inspections as a condition for building permit issuance.
Special Inspections
28. How is the Special Inspection process different from
previous construction industry standard construction
inspection requirements?
• The required special inspections shall be delineated in the
construction documents
• A Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special
Inspections must be prepared and approved by the RDP.
• The building permit applicant shall submit a Statement of Special
Inspections as a condition for building permit issuance.
• The Special Inspectors shall keep records of all inspections and
furnish reports to the Building Official, Owner, General
Contractor, Prime Design Professional, and SER.
Special Inspections
29. How is the Special Inspection process different from
previous construction industry standard construction
inspection requirements?
• The required special inspections shall be delineated in the
construction documents
• A Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special
Inspections must be prepared and approved by the RDP.
• The building permit applicant shall submit a Statement of Special
Inspections as a condition for building permit issuance.
• The Special Inspectors shall keep records of all inspections and
furnish reports to the Building Official, Owner, General
Contractor, Prime Design Professional, and SER.
• A Final Report of Special Inspections documenting their
completion shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official.
Special Inspections
30. The 2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
adopts and amends the 2012 International Building
Code. The following sections of Chapter 17 Structural
Tests & Special Inspections have been amended by the
2012 VUSBC.
Chapter 1: Administration
• Section 103.10
• Section 111.2
Chapter 2: Definitions
• Special Inspections
Special Inspections
31. The 2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
adopts and amends the 2012 International Building
Code. The following sections of Chapter 17 Structural
Tests & Special Inspections have been amended by the
2012 VUSBC.
Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Test
• Section 1703.1
• Section 1703.1.1
• Section 1703.1.3
• Section 1704.2
• Section 1704.4.2.3
• Table 1705.3
Chapter 35: Referenced Standards
• ASTM E329-02
Special Inspections
32. 2012 VUSBC
Section 103.10 Use of certain provisions of referenced codes. The following
provisions of the IBC and of other indicated codes or standards are to be
considered valid provisions of this code. Where any such provisions have
been modified by the state amendments to the IBC, then the modified
provisions apply.
1. Special inspection requirements in Chapter 2 -35
2. Chapter 34, Existing Structures, except that Section 3412, Compliance
Alternatives, shall not be used to comply with the retrofit requirements
identified in Section 103.7 and shall not be construed to permit
noncompliance with any applicable flood load or flood-resistant
construction requirements of this code.
3. Testing requirements and requirements for the submittal of
construction documents in any of the ICC codes referenced in
Chapter 35 of the IRC.
Special Inspections
33. 2012 VUSBC
Section 111.2 Special inspection requirements. Special inspection shall be
conducted when required by Section 1704. Individuals or agencies, or both,
conducting special inspections shall meet the qualification requirements of
Section 1703 and 1704.2.1. The permit applicant shall submit a completed
statement of special inspections with the permit application. The building
official shall review, and if satisfied that the requirements have been met,
approve the statement of special inspections as required in Sections
1704.2.3 and 1705 as a requisite to the issuance of a building permit. The
building official may require interim inspection reports. The building
official shall receive, and if satisfied that the requirements have been met,
approve a final report of special inspections as specified in Section
1704.2.4. All fees and costs related to the special inspections shall be
the responsibility of the building owner.
Special Inspections
34. 2012 IBC
1703.1 Approved Agency. An approved agency shall provide
all information as necessary for the building official to
determine that the agency meets the applicable requirements.
2012 VUSBC
1703.1 Approved Agency. An approved agency responsible
for laboratory testing or special inspections, or both, must
comply with the qualification certification, and experience
requirements of ASTM E329 or the alternatives listed herein.
Special Inspections
35. 2012 IBC
1703.1.1 Independence. An approved agency shall be
objective, competent and independent from the contractor
responsible for the work being inspected. The agency shall also
disclose possible conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be
confirmed.
2012 VUSBC
1703.1.1 Independence. An approved agency shall be
objective and competent. The agency shall also disclose
possible conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be
confirmed. The special inspector and their agents shall be
independent from the person, persons or contractor responsible
for the physical construction of the project requiring special
inspections.
Special Inspections
36. 2012 IBC
1703.1.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employ
experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising and
evaluating tests and/or inspections.
Special Inspections
37. 2012 VUSBC
1703.1.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employ
experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising and
evaluating test or inspections, or both. Upon request by the
building official, documentation shall be provided
demonstrating the applicable agency’s accreditation as noted in
ASTM E329 and individuals’ resumes indicating pertinent
training, certifications and other qualifications for special
inspection personnel associated with the proposed construction
requiring special inspections. The building official may
prescribe the manner of qualification documentation and
frequency of updating information regarding agency or
individual inspector approval.
Special Inspections
38. 2012 VUSBC
1703.1.3 Personnel. (Continued)
Firms providing special inspection services or individual
inspectors seeking approval of alternative certifications or
qualifications, or both, listed in ASTM E329 may submit
documentation demonstrating equivalency. This documentation
may include evidence of meeting other recognized standards or
alternative certifications to demonstrate that the minimum
qualifications, certification and experience intended by ASTM
E329 have been met. The building official may, if satisfied that
equivalency has been demonstrated, approve the credentials of
the firm or individual.
Special Inspections
39. 2012 IBC
1704.2. Special Inspections. Where application is made for construction as
described in this section, the owner or the registered design professional in
responsible charge acting as the owner’s agent shall employ one or more approved
agencies to provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed
under Section 1705. These inspections are in addition to the inspections identified in
Section 110.
Exceptions:
1. Special inspections are not required for construction of a minor nature or as
warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building
official.
2. Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections are
not required for Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential
occupancy including, but not limited to, those listed in Section
3. Special inspections are not required for portions of structures designed and
constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame
construction provisions of Section 2211.7 of the conventional light-frame
construction provisions of Section 2308.
Special Inspections
40. 2012 IBC
1704.2. Special Inspections. Where application is made for
construction as described in this section, the owner or the
registered design professional in responsible charge acting as
the owner’s agent shall employ one or more approved agencies
to provide inspections during construction on the types of work
listed under Section 1705. These inspections are in addition to
the inspections identified in Section 110.
Special Inspections
41. 2012 VUSBC
1704.2. Special Inspections. (Continued)
Exceptions:
1. Special inspections are not required for work of a minor nature or as
warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building
official.
2. Special inspections are not required for building components unless the
design involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture
as defined by the laws of this Commonwealth and regulations governing
the professional registration and certification of engineers and
architects.
3. Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections
are not required for occupancies in Groups R-3, R-4, or R-5 and
occupancies in Group U that are accessory to a residential occupancy
including, but not limited to, those listed in Section 312.1.
Special Inspections
42. 2012 IBC
1704.2.3 Statement of Special Inspections. The applicant
shall submit s statement of special inspections in accordance
with Section 107.1 as a condition for permit issuance. This
statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.
Exceptions:
A statement of special inspections is not required for
portions of structures designed and constructed in
accordance with the cold-formed steel light frame
construction provisions of Section 2211.7 or the
conventional light-frame construction provisions of
Section 2308.
Special Inspections
43. 2012 VUSBC
1704.2.3 Statement of Special Inspections. The applicant
shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the
RDP in responsible charge in accordance with Section 111.1.
This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.
Exceptions:
1. A statement of special inspections is not required for
structures designed and constructed in accordance with
the conventional construction provisions of Section 2308.
2. The statement of special inspections is permitted to be
prepared by a qualified person approved by the building
official for construction not designed by a registered
deign professional.
Special Inspections
44. Special Inspections
Verification and Inspection Continuous Periodic Referenced
Standard
IBC
Reference
Inspect formwork for shape,
location and dimensions of the
concrete member being formed.
_ X ACI 318: 6.1.1 _
Verification and Inspection Continuous Periodic Referenced
Standard
IBC
Reference
Inspect formwork for shape,
location and dimensions of the
concrete member being formed,
shoring and reshoring
_ X
ACI 318:
6.1.1
_
2012 IBC Table 1705.3
2012 VUSBC Table 1705.3
45. Special Inspections
Standard Reference
Section
Title Referenced in
Code Section
ASTM E329-02
Standard Specification for Agencies
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of
Materials Used in Construction
1703.1,
1703.1.3
2012 VUSBC Chapter 35
47. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
Special Inspections
48. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
• Building Code Official
Special Inspections
49. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
• Building Code Official
• Owner
Special Inspections
50. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
• Building Code Official
• Owner
• Special Inspector, Agent 1
Special Inspections
51. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
• Building Code Official
• Owner
• Special Inspector, Agent 1
• Material Testing Laboratory, Agent 2
Special Inspections
52. Responsibilities of the parties involved in Special
Inspections:
• Structural Engineer of Record
• Building Code Official
• Owner
• Special Inspector, Agent 1
• Material Testing Laboratory, Agent 2
• General Contractor
Special Inspections
53. The end result of the simplicity of Special
Inspections:
The pro-active nature of the Special Inspection process
provides a valuable quality assurance plan, which benefits all
parties involved in the construction project.
Special Inspections
54. Remember there was a reason to start this process and
this reason was substantiated by the Subcommittee on
Investigations and Oversight in 1982. However, let us
not forget that when short cuts are taken in the interest
of economics:
“The elements of poor construction and design will remain;
long after the sweetness of cheapness is gone”
Special Inspections
55. Special Inspections
Discussion of the Schedule of Special
Inspections
Numerous municipalities and counties throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia have created:
• Guidelines for Special Inspections
56. Special Inspections
Discussion of the Schedule of Special
Inspections
Numerous municipalities and counties throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia have created:
• Guidelines for Special Inspections
• Statement of Special Inspections
57. Special Inspections
Discussion of the Schedule of Special
Inspections
Numerous municipalities and counties throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia have created:
• Guidelines for Special Inspections
• Statement of Special Inspections
• Schedule of Special Inspections
58. Special Inspections
Discussion of the Schedule of Special
Inspections
Numerous municipalities and counties throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia have created:
• Guidelines for Special Inspections
• Statement of Special Inspections
• Schedule of Special Inspections
• Final Statement of Special Inspections
