Wood Special Inspections According To The IBC Code
Does the International Building Code (IBC) require special inspections on wood construction elements during the construction phases of a new project? The answer is YES; however, the frequency of special inspections and what specific code compliance criteria to apply according to the IBC code can be challenging to ascertain. IBC Chapter 17, “Special Inspections and […]
WAR STORIES – IBC Code Special Inspections
Mentioning the term special inspections among a group of architects, structural engineers, project engineers, contractors, building officials, and testing agencies could elicit some negative reactions. This shouldn’t happen, but it often does, and here is just one scenario that illustrates why: Project special inspectors observe code discrepancies related to construction procedures or construction materials and […]
ACI 117 Specification for Tolerances
So, what is this American Concrete Institute (ACI) standard ACI 117, and how important is it? ACI 117 is critical if you are part of the project team constructing a building or other structure that will include concrete elements or concrete masonry elements. However, defining exactly what ACI 117 is can be a little challenging. […]
IBC Table 1705.3 Concrete Special Inspections
Anyone involved with concrete special inspections should be familiar with Table 1705.3, “Required Special Inspections/Tests of Concrete Construction.” Concrete special inspectors, construction managers, and project engineers should also become acquainted with the two reference columns at the far right-hand side of Table 1705.3 Does Table 1705.3 list all required inspections and tests the project special […]
ACI 311.6-18 – Specification for Testing Ready-Mixed Concrete
ACI 311.6-18, “Specification for Testing Ready-Mixed Concrete,” is a relatively new ACI standard, and this particular ACI standard is targeted to specification writers. There are probably more people within the design and construction community who haven’t heard of it than those who have. ACI 311.6 is not adopted by the International Building Code (IBC) nor […]
SPECIAL EDITION: Cold-weather Concreting
‘Tis the season for temperatures to drop, and Mother Nature doesn’t seem to care about her effect on concrete. Fortunately, F&R is pleased to have the opportunity to share the following article on issues with cold weather concrete courtesy of someone who would know – Robert Neal, Technical Services Engineer with Lehigh Cement in Richmond, […]
Cold-Weather Welding of Structural Steel
Many of us involved with special inspections during construction hear and read a lot about the dos and don’ts of cold-weather concreting and cold-weather masonry. Are there problems associated with cold-weather welding? Absolutely! How do low temperatures affect the materials we weld? Metals have a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT), with most metals becoming more brittle […]
Post-Installed Anchors in Concrete and ACI 355.4
The International Building Code (IBC) Table 1705.3 requires continuous special inspections on post- installed adhesive concrete anchors when installed horizontally or upwardly inclined (see narrative box at the bottom of page). ACI 318 (Concrete Code) Section 17.8.2.4 also requires continuous special inspections for these post-installed anchors. Section 17.8.2.4 of ACI 318 also invokes ACI 355.4, […]
ASTM C476 Masonry Grout Mixtures
If a building’s components include reinforced concrete masonry construction, those hollow concrete masonry units (CMU) will get filled with masonry grout. Contract documents often require masonry wall construction that is not reinforced masonry to be filled with masonry grout; the reasons for this include increased fire ratings, acoustical performance, thermal storage capacity, etc. Masonry Grout […]
Field Inspections of Stairs and Railing Systems
When project engineers are developing the metals portion of proposals, do they include the cost of providing special inspections on the welding of stairs and railing systems? Do structural steel inspectors automatically perform field inspections on the project welds related to the stairs and railing systems? Does the International Building Code (IBC) require special inspections […]
IBC Statement of Special Inspections Quandary
Why do we associate the word quandary with the statement of special inspections (SSI)? A quandary is a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do or say; this often exists when it comes to preparing, reviewing, interpreting, or enforcing the SSI required by the International Building Code (IBC). Every project in the country […]
Masonry Grout Placement – Code Criteria
Many rules and code compliance criteria apply when masonry grout is placed into the concrete masonry unit (CMU) cells according to TMS 402/602 (Masonry Code). The first rule is that the grout must be proportioned according to ASTM C476 requirements. The grout may be produced at the project site or furnished by a local concrete […]