IBC Special Inspections

Managing the Process

Otto J. Schwarz, P.E., S.E. Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C.

SE University, April, 2013

www.LearnWithSEU.com

IBC Special Inspections

Requirements and Managing the Process Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Special Inspections
A little background Required Testing
Base Level Wind and Seismic Provisions

The Exceptions Project Team Roles Paperwork

Managing the Process

Project Scenarios Best and Worst Case Communication and Active Involvement The frequently asked questions (and comments) SEOR Obligations
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Testing and Inspections

a little background

- Dr. Vineet Kumar Jain & Guillermo Leiva, The Evolution of the Building Codes in the United States with Respect to Hurricane Winds, Air Worldwide, March 16, 2010 and MBI Building News, 2002. 3

Standard Building Code (SBC)

1994 SBC Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Inspections
1701.1 Provisions of this chapter shall govern structural tests and inspections of materials, assemblies, and construction to determine structural adequacy and protection. 1701.2 The testing shall be done by an approved testing laboratory, or under the supervision of a registered architect or engineer.
When required by the building official, Not required for construction that has been designed in accordance with the applicable standards, unless damaged or reason to question safety exists. 4

Standard Building Code (1994 SBC)

1708 Seismic Inspections and Testing
Evidence of inspection and testing required in 1708 shall be furnished to the building official by the building owner in accordance with 105.3.
High Strength Bolts Seismic Performance Category C, D, and E SFRS elements
Structural Welding Reinforced Concrete reinforcing and concrete placement Masonry Construction Wood Construction Pier and Pile Foundations

Seismic Performance Category E

Wall Panels and Veneers Mechanical and Electrical Components

Uniform Building Code (UBC)

1994 UBC Volume 2 Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Inspections
1701.1 the owner or the engineer or architect of record acting as the owners agent shall employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed under Section 1701.5.
Concrete (test specimens, embedded bolts, SMF, reinforcing placement) Structural Welding High Strength Bolting Structural Masonry Spray Applied Fireproofing Piling, drilled piers, and caissons Grading, excavation, and filling. Smoke Control Systems.

1702 Structural observation shall be provided in Seismic Zone 3 or 4 under specified conditions.
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Building Officials and Code Administrators National Building Code (BOCA)

1993 BOCA Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Inspections
1701.1 The provisions of this chapter shall govern the quality, workmanship, and requirements for all materials hereafter used in the construction of buildings and structures. 1705.0 The permit applicant shall provide special inspections where application is made for construction as described in this section. The special inspectors shall be provided by the owner and shall be qualified and approved for the inspection of the work described herein.
Submittal of statement of special inspections a condition for permit issuance. Final Report of SI shall be submitted prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. 7

1993 BOCA
Special Inspections
1705.3 Steel Construction
Fabrication, Materials, Erection (bolts, welding, and details.)

1705.4 Concrete Construction

Materials, Installation of Reinforcing and Prestressing, Formwork, Concreting Operations

1705.5 Masonry Construction 1705.6 Wood Construction

Structural assemblies, connections and fastening in SFRS

1705.7, 8, and 9 Prepared Fill, Piles, Piers 1705.10 Wall Panels and Veneers (SPC E) 1705.11 Mechanical and Electrical (SPC E)
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IBC Special Inspections

Insurance that what is designed is what is built.

Is this what you specified and approved?

IBC Special Inspections

Insurance that what is designed is what is built.
To enhance public safety through improved quality control of construction. To catch problems / deviations early when they are easier to resolve. To control claims and financial losses. 1984 The 98th Congress House Committee on Science and Technology Report Structural Failures in Public Facilities 2 most critical factors of 20
Need for improved organization and better communication Need for inspection of principal structural components by Registered Design Professional Structural Engineer.
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Section 1704 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 owners agent shall employ one or more approved agencies to perform inspections during construction on the types of work listed under section 1704.
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IBC Special Inspections

Construction Included
Pre-fabricated load bearing elements (inspection of fabricators) Structural Steel - hot rolled and cold formed (light gauge) Concrete cast-in-place and precast Masonry Wood high load diaphragms and trusses Soils Deep foundations driven elements, cast-in-place elements, helical piles. Spray applied fire-proofing Mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) Smoke Control systems Special cases unusual cases in the opinion of the building official.
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Special Inspection and Testing

Special Inspection
Inspection as herein required 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.

Testing
The analysis of materials in accordance with approved standards to determine compliance with the contract documents. These services may not modify the requirements of the construction documents application of engineering judgment or approval for deviations is the responsibility of the RDP of Record.
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Periodic and Continuous.

Periodic
The part-time or intermittent observation of work requiring special inspection by an approved special inspector who is present in the area where the work has been or is being performed and at the completion of the work.

Continuous
The full-time observation of work requiring special inspection by an approved special inspector who is present in the area where the work is being performed.
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1704.2 Inspection of Fabricators

Where fabrication of structural load-bearing members and assemblies is being performed on the premises of a fabricators shop, special inspection of the fabricated items shall be required by this section and as required elsewhere in the code. 15

IBC Special Inspections

Exceptions for pre-fabricated elements

Special Inspections as required by Section 1704.2 shall not be required where the fabricator is approved in accordance with Section 1704.2.2
Approval shall be based upon review of the fabricators written procedural and QC manuals and periodic auditing by an approved special inspection agency. (AISC, etc.)

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1704.3 Steel Construction

The special inspections for steel elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by Section 1704.3 and Table 1704.3.
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Steel Construction
Table 1704.3

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Steel Construction
Table 1704.3

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IBC Special Inspections

Exceptions for Steel Construction
where steel fabrication process does not perform any welding, thermal cutting, or heating operations of any kind. Detailed procedures must be submitted. if materials, procedures, and qualifications are verified prior to start of work, periodic inspection of welds in progress and 100% final visual inspection in lieu of continuous inspection is allowed for:
Single pass fillet welds not exceeding 5/16 inch Floor and rood deck welding Welded studs for structural diaphragm Welded sheet steel for cold-formed steel members Welding of stairs and railing systems.
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1704.4 Concrete Construction

The special inspections and verifications for concrete construction shall be as required by this section and Table 1704.4.

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Concrete Construction
Table 1704.4

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Concrete Construction
Table 1704.4

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IBC Special Inspections

Exceptions for Concrete Construction
For buildings three stories or less above grade plane:
Spread concrete footings fully supported on earth or rock,
Any construction type.

Continuous concrete footings supporting walls, fully supported on earth or rock, if

Walls are of light-frame construction, and Footings are designed in accordance with table 1809.7 (prescriptive), or Structural design of footing is based on fc </= 2,500 psi

Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on ground

Including prestressed slabs on grade where Pe/A < 150 psi

Concrete foundation walls constructed per Table 1807.1.6.2

Prescriptive and primarily plain concrete

Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks on grade.

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1704.5 Masonry Construction

Masonry construction shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of Sections 1704.5.1 through 1704.5.3, depending on the occupancy category of the building or structure.

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Masonry Construction
Table 1704.5.1 - Level 1

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Masonry Construction
Table 1704.5.1 - Level 1

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Masonry Construction
Table 1704.5.3 Level 2

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IBC Special Inspections

Exceptions for Masonry Construction
Empirically designed masonry, glass unit masonry, or masonry veneer:
Per Chapter 14, Section 2109 or 2110, or Chapters 5, 6, or 7 of ACI 530 Occupancy category I, II, or III

Masonry foundation walls constructed per Table 1807.1.6.3(1), 1807.1.6.3(2), 1807.1.6.3(3), or 1807.1.6.3(4) Masonry fireplaces, heaters, or chimneys per section 2111, 2112, or 2113.
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1704.6 Wood Construction

Fabrication process for prefabricated wood structural elements. High-load diaphragms (blocked diaphragms with multiple rows of fasteners.) Metal-plate-connected wood trusses spanning 60 feet or greater.
Verify temporary installation restraint/bracing Verify permanent individual truss member restraint/bracing

installed in accordance with the approved truss submittal package.

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1704.7 Soils

Special Inspections for existing site soil conditions, fill placement, and loadbearing requirements shall be as required by this section and Table 1704.7. The approved geotechnical report, and the construction documents prepared by the RDP, shall be used to determine compliance. 31

Soils
Table 1704.7

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Driven and Cast-in-Place Deep Foundation Elements

Driven Deep Foundation Elements
Table 1704.8

Cast-in-Place Deep Foundation Elements

Table 1704.9

The approved geotechnical report, and the construction documents prepared by the RDP shall be used to determine compliance.
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IBC Special Inspections

Construction Included (Additional) - Wind
Exposure B where V >= 120 mph, or Exposure C or D where V>= 110 mph.
Structural Wood Field gluing, nailing, bolting, anchoring, and other fastening within MWFRS including: wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, and hold-downs. Cold Formed Steel light-frame construction - Welds, screw attachments, bolting, anchoring, and other fastening within MWFRS including: shear walls, braces, diaphragms, collectors (drag struts), hold-downs. Roof Cladding Wall Cladding

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IBC Special Inspections

Construction Included (Additional) Wind & Seismic
What might special inspections for wind resistance reveal in this instance?

Would special inspections for load bearing light gauge be valuable?

but this structure was in a moderate seismic region with 90 mph winds 35

IBC Special Inspections

Construction Included (Additional) Seismic
Seismic Design Category A or B -------------C, D, E, F -------------Inspection Required no additional required Seismic Force Resisting System - HVAC ductwork w/ hazardous materials - piping systems and mechanical units (flammable, combustible, or toxic) - anchorage of electrical for emergency or standby power - vibration isolation systems designated seismic systems - exterior wall panels and anchorage - suspended ceiling systems and anchorages - access floors and anchorages - steel storage racks and anchorages - interior and exterior non-bearing walls and veneer - all electrical equipment 36

D, E, F

--------------

E, F

--------------

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IBC Special Inspections

Construction Included (Additional) Seismic
Structural Steel QA of AISC 341 (not just SFRS) Structural Wood Field gluing, nailing, bolting, anchoring, and other fastening within SFRS including: wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, and hold-downs CFS in light-frame construction Welds, screw attachments, bolting, anchoring, and other fastening within SFRS including: shear walls, braces, diaphragms, collectors (drag struts), hold-downs.

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IBC Special Inspections

General Exceptions
Work of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official. Building components unless the design involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture. Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential occupancy. Statement of Special Inspections not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with the conventional construction provisions of Section 2308. (Wood Construction.)

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IBC Special Inspections

General Exceptions
Group U - Agricultural buildings, Barns, Carports, Greenhouses, Livestock shelters, Private garages, sheds, stables, etc. See IBC Section 312.1 Section 2308 Conventional Light Frame Construction: Buildings limited to a maximum of 3 stories above grade plane. Maximum floor-to-floor height shall not exceed 11 feet 7 inches and bearing walls shall not exceed a stud height of 10 feet. Live load less than 40 psf, Dead Load less than 15 psf for combined roof and ceiling, exterior walls, floors, and partitions. Ground snow load less than 50 psf. Wind speed less than 100 mph (3 second gust.) Roof trusses and rafters limited to 40 foot span. Shall not include Occupancy IV bldgs in SDC B, C, D, E, or F. Shall not include irregular structures in SDC D or E.
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IBC Special Inspections

Exceptions

Even if your structure (or portion thereof) falls under an exception, a similar level of testing and inspections may still be required.
(It just wont be special.) Check the applicable material standard these are generally incorporated by the IBC.
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Steel Construction
IBC Section 2204, 2205, and 2210.1
Inspection of welding and bolts shall be in conformance with specifications listed in sections 2205, 2206, 2207, 2209, and 2210. Special inspection of welding and highstrength bolts shall be provided where required by section 1704. The design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel for buildings and structures shall be in accordance with AISC 360. The design and installation of cold-formed steel lightframe construction shall be in accordance with AISI S200 and Sections 2210.2 through 2210.7, as applicable.
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Steel Construction
AISC 360 / AWS D1.1
AISC 360 Chapter M, Section M5 The fabricator shall provide quality control procedures to the extent that the fabricator deems necessary to assure the work in performed in accordance with this specification.
material and workmanship at all times may be subject to inspection by qualified inspectors representing the purchaser. The inspection of welding shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of AWS D1.1 except as modified in Section J2. The inspection of slip-critical high-strength bolted connections shall be in accordance with the provisions of the RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts.

AWS D1.1 Section 6 Inspection (Parts A to G)

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Steel Construction
AISC 303
AISC 303 Section 8.1.1 The Fabricator shall maintain a quality assurance program to ensure that the work is performed in accordance with the requirements in this Code, the AISC Specification, and the Contract Documents. AISC 303 Section 8.1.2 The Erector shall maintain a quality assurance program to ensure that the work is performed in accordance with the requirements in this Code, the AISC Specification, and the Contract Documents. AISC 303 Section 8.5 When inspection by personnel other than those of the Fabricator and/or Erector is specified in the Contract Documents, the requirements in Sections 8.5.1 through 8.5.6 shall be met.
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Concrete Construction
IBC Section 1901.2

Structural concrete shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and ACI 318 as amended in Section 1908 of this code.

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Concrete Construction
ACI 318 - 08
Section 1.3.1 Concrete construction shall be inspected as required by the legally adopted building code. In the absence of such inspection requirements, concrete construction shall be inspected throughout the various Work stages by of under the supervision of a licensed design professional or be a qualified inspector.

Section 5.6 Evaluation and acceptance of concrete Concrete shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of 5.6.2 through 5.6.5.

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Concrete Construction
ACI 318 - 08
Section 1.3.2 inspection records shall include:
Delivery, placement, and testing reports documenting quantity, location of placement, fresh concrete tests, strength, and other test of all classes of concrete mixtures. Construction and removal of forms and reshoring, Placing of reinforcement and anchors, Mixing, placing, and curing of concrete, Sequence of erection and connection of precast members, Tensioning of tendons, Any significant construction loadings on completed floors, members, or walls, General progress of work.
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Masonry Construction
IBC Section 2104 and 2105
Masonry construction shall comply with the requirements of Sections 2104.1.1 through 2104.4 and with TMS 602 / ACI 530.1 / ASCE 6. A quality assurance program shall be used to ensure that the constructed masonry is in compliance with the construction documents. The quality assurance program shall comply with the inspection and testing requirements of Chapter 17.

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Masonry Construction
ACI 530 - 08
Section 1.18 The quality assurance program shall comply with the requirements of this section, depending on the facility function, as defined in the legally adopted building code or ASCE7.

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Masonry Construction
ACI 530 08 Level B

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Masonry Construction
ACI 530 08 Level C

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The Teams Roles in the Process

Owner :
Any person, agent, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property. Responsible to Employ directly (or indirectly through the registered design professional in responsible charge (SI)) the approved agency or agencies who will provide special inspection services.
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The Teams Roles in the Process

Building Official Individual or department responsible for:
Approval of Agency and Special Inspector Requiring and receiving Statement of Special Inspections prior to issuance of building permit. Receiving and reviewing intermediate inspection reports. Receiving and reviewing Final Report of Special Inspection (prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.)

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The Teams Roles in the Process

Approved Agency Company or individual having proven that it meets the applicable requirements:
Independence - Is objective, competent, and independent from the contractor responsible for the work being inspected. Equipment - Possesses adequate equipment to perform required tests. Personnel - Employs experienced personnel educated in conducting, supervising, and evaluating tests and/or inspections. (i.e. Special Inspectors)

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The Teams Roles in the Process

Special Inspector Person(s) qualified to perform inspections for the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
The RDP in Responsible Charge (SI) and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as the approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as the special inspectors for work designed by them

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Inspector Qualifications
Certification of inspectors
Check local amendments to or adoptions of the IBC
New York Building Code

Check codes department web-site and/or consult local building code official Consult local or regional Structural Engineer Association (SEA) chapter or website
TNSEA (www.tn-sea.org) SEAOG (www.seaog.org) SEAOK (www.seaok.org) Etc
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2010 BCONYS
Minimum Qualifications for Special Inspectors Table 1704.1

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2010 BCONYS
Minimum Qualifications for Special Inspectors Table 1704.1

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The Teams Roles in the Process

Registered Design Professional (RDP) in Responsible Charge (SI):
A registered design professional engaged by the owner to review and coordinate certain aspects of the project, as determined by the building official, for compatibility with the design of the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others, deferred submittal documents, and phased submittal documents.

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The Teams Roles in the Process

Registered Design Professional (RDP) in Responsible Charge (SI) Individual responsible for:
Preparation of Statement of Special Inspections
Structural Architectural Mechanical / Electrical / HVAC / Plumbing

Receiving and reviewing of intermediate inspection reports Receiving and reviewing of Final Report of Special Inspections
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The Teams Roles in the Process

Structural Observer (SI) Registered Design Professional employed by the owner responsible for:
Submitting to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations, Performing visual observations of the designated/required structural systems for general conformance to the approved construction documents, Submitting to the building official a written statement that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observers knowledge, have not been resolved.

Structural Observer (SI) is required as indicated by the provisions for Seismic or Wind resistance (1710.2 or 1710.3) and / or when designated by the Structural Engineer of Record (design).
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The Teams Roles in the Process

Contractor responsible to:
Construct the project in accordance with the Construction Documents and control the quality of construction. Cooperate with special inspectors and testing agents. (Provide notification when work is ready for SI) Submit required statement of Contractor Responsibility to building official and owner prior to commencement of work (where required on seismic and wind force resisting systems.) Review special inspection and testing reports Correct deficiencies identified.

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The Teams Roles in the Process

The Structural Engineer of Record ( SEOR)
Registered design professional responsible for the structural design of the project.

SEOR may (not must) fill the roles of:

The RDP in Responsible Charge (SI). The Special Inspectors in areas of competence The structural observer. The language of Chapter 17 differentiates between the SEOR, RDP (SI), and structural observer.
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Paperwork
Required Submittals and Timing
Statement of Special Inspections Statement of Structural Observations Contractor Statement of Responsibility Records of Inspections Final Report of Special Inspections Final Report of Structural Observations
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Statement of Special Inspections

Section 1704.1.1 applicant shall submit as a condition for permit issuance. Statement shall include:
Materials, Systems, Components, and Work required to have SI or testing by the Building Official or RDP responsible for each portion of work. Type and Extent of each SI and test, Continuous or Periodic SI and testing for Wind and Seismic resistance
Identify SFRS Identify MWFRS and Wind Resisting Components 65

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Statement of Structural Observations

Section 1710.1 Prior to commencement of observations, the Structural Observer shall submit to the Building Official a written statement identifying: Frequency and Extent of Required Observations for:
Seismic Resistance Wind Requirements

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Statement of Contractor Responsibility

Section 1709.1 Contractor Responsibility Requirements for a written statement: For work conducted on SFRS and MWFRS. By each contractor involved with an associated component. Indicating acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspection. Submitted to Building Official and Owner.
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Records of Inspections
Increments for Report Submittal Not Explicitly Defined Section 1704.1.2:
Special Inspectors shall keep records of inspections. Special Inspectors shall furnish reports to the Building Official and RDP in Responsible Charge (SI) Reports shall indicate: Work Inspected Work not completed in compliance with construction documents.

Non compliant work shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Contractor. If not addressed, non-compliant work shall be brought to attention of Building Official and RDP in Responsible Charge (SI) prior to completion of that phase of work.
During construction at increments as defined in RFP and at points of significant discrepancies if not corrected during the phase of work being conducted. 69

Final Report of Special Inspections

Section 1704.1.2 submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the applicant and the building official. Report shall:
Document SI required and conducted Document Correction of any discrepancies previously noted

Language indicating submittal as condition of issuance of occupancy permit not included

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Final Report of Structural Observations

Section 1710.1 Submitted to the Building Official at the conclusion of the work included in the permit. Written Statement Indicating: Site visits have been conducted Deficiencies in construction which have not been resolved to the best of the Structural Observers knowledge.

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The Best Case Scenario

SEOR is consulted during the schematic design phase
Conversation is open with the local building official and owner. Submittal forms are standardized and available. The whole design team is already familiar with the process.

RDP in responsible charge of SI is designated and compensated. Special Inspector and testing agency are contracted through the owner, and communicate freely with the RDP (design) and SEOR (design). Contractor provides timely and safe access for SIs. Field reports are compete and submitted regularly and discrepancies are immediately resolved. Special Inspector submits complete Final Report.

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The Worst Cast Scenario

SEOR is brought in late in the process or not at all, Owner or Client indicates that SI is not required by building official, and therefore does not wish to proceed with SI, Building official is non-responsive, Testing firm is retained:
Without review of proposal by SEOR, and/or By the contractor,

SEOR (design) is not retained for CA services and/or

Project is not local and site visits are limited.

Certification letter is required by codes, from the SEOR (design), prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
SEOR has not received field test or inspection reports, and/or SEOR is aware of some construction discrepancy.
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IBC Special Inspections

Early Communication is Vital
Determine who will act as the RDP for SI Discuss requirements with the Building Official Define responsibilities for composition of testing and inspection requirements (structural, architectural, MP&E) Determine the format for the Statement of Special Inspections Ensure the RFP for SI reflects the required scope. Establish chain of method and communication for agent of SI and RDP (design and SI)
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Special Inspections
F.A.Q.
How do I manage the cost of SI if the contractor isnt responsible for it?
Because SI and testing is typically provided on a time and materials basis where the response to RFP only indicates an estimated maximum cost, this is problematic. Be Active in the Process: Require preliminary construction schedule to be submitted with the construction bids (write or review the RFP):
Provide this information in the SI RFP, or better yet Write the RFP including base service quantities from this schedule.

Enforce construction schedule and approve deviations.

Set up an allowance system for additional SI required for Non conforming construction Deviation from construction schedule 75

Special Inspections
F.A.Q.
Buildings have not been falling down, so why is all of this new testing and inspection required?
Construction testing has been required by the model codes and material standards before the IBC. Good construction practice has long implemented these, through the owner, fabricator, erector, or contractor.

If all of this has been required before, why should your fee increase now?
While scope of testing is similar, coordination and management of process has increased. include this in your proposal and describe this additional service.
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Special Inspections
F.A.Q.
Are there any instances when SI may be ignored?
Construction falls under code exceptions Excluded by local adopted amendments

Should the RDP in Responsible Charge of SI have a structural background?

Not Necessarily. Divisions of SI can be handled as a team.
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Special Inspections
F.A.Q.
What should be done if the SI does not respond to RDP (design) or SEOR (design) questions because they are contracted through the Owner?
Communication is the key and team environment essential. SI is required to provide information to the RDP in Responsible Charge (SI) by code. Final solution through Owner.

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Fulfill SEOR Obligations

Protect Yourself and Your Client to the Extent You Can. Even when all else fails
Provide the required / recommended areas for:
Special Inspections and testing including:
Wind Requirements Seismic Requirements

Structural Observations.

Provide the required structural tests and inspections:

On the Structural Drawings, and/or In the Structural Specifications, or Document that this professional recommendation was made.

SEOR cannot force compliance, but must perform due diligence and meet standard of care.
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