Special Inspections - Florida Building Code (2020) 1

[WinelandV]

For those here who practice in Florida, how are you calling out required special inspections?

This question is being driven by Sections 1704 and 1705 being listed as RESERVED. Chapter 19 (Concrete) and Chapter 22 (Steel) say to reference Chapter 17 for special inspections, but then there's nothing to be found there. Seeing as buildings are being built, I think I must be missing something, probably something substantial.

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".

 

[EZBuilding]

Florida is slightly different in how they perform special inspections in comparison to other states I've practiced. Florida has Threshold Inspections which are required structural inspections for buildings above a certain threshold (size, occupancy, etc...) These are intended to be more comprehensive than Special Inspections. It is a bit confusing as the state decided to call those people registered to perform Threshold Inspections as Special Inspectors - thanks guys Threshold Inspector was right there for the taking...

Now there are still special inspections for structural elements in buildings which do not qualify as a Threshold Building. Often times local Engineer of Records would not list required special inspections, and the Building Department would define the required special inspections. Most local building departments have a form such as this one

https://www.miamigov.com/files/asse...ector-notification-to-building-department.pdf

which are used to identify which special inspections are required under a certain permit. As of late, for non-threshold buildings I have been listing the special inspections I think are justified using these forms as a benchmark.

 

[WinelandV]

So, first I see if my building qualifies as a Threshold Building.

If yes then, per FBC 2020 110.8, I would create a "structural inspection plan". In your experience, does this essentially map to a typical special inspection table?
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If my building does not qualify as a threshold building, then the typical practice is to not list the typical standard inspections and the required inspections will be provided by the local jurisdiction - ...yes?​

But if I understand your last sentence correctly, you have been assembling an inspection table for non-threshold buildings anyway.

Do I have the general idea correct?

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".

 

[WinelandV]

An additional question. Since my project is in Miami-Dade, I went and looked up code 8-22, which lists this:

When is says that "Special Building Inspectors... shall inspect and supervise:", and if we look specifically at high-strength bolting, where does one find the frequency and type of inspection? Is this just known knowledge in the state, or is it listed somewhere else?

Would the inspection that is done more or less correlate with the normal special inspection table?

Sorry for all the questions - just trying to understand how this all works.

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".

 

[EZBuilding]

If yes then, per FBC 2020 110.8, I would create a "structural inspection plan". In your experience, does this essentially map to a typical special inspection table?

No this is somewhat more comprehensive than a special inspection table without having inspections items listed. The expectation is that the inspector is inspecting all structural elements on a project versus a checklist of items that get crossed off. Not always how it works out, but that was the intent. The threshold inspection plan often ends up looking closer to a Structural Notes sheet.

If my building does not qualify as a threshold building, then the typical practice is to not list the typical standard inspections and the required inspections will be provided by the local jurisdiction - ...yes?

But if I understand your last sentence correctly, you have been assembling an inspection table for non-threshold buildings anyway.

Yes that often is the case - but I agree in identifying the required special inspections on your documentation. When I do it, I list out the required Special Inspections, but do not go into providing a full table as may be common place in other jurisdictions.

When is says that "Special Building Inspectors... shall inspect and supervise:", and if we look specifically at high-strength bolting, where does one find the frequency and type of inspection? Is this just known knowledge in the state, or is it listed somewhere else?

Would the inspection that is done more or less correlate with the normal special inspection table?

I think you often see Special Inspectors rely on the guidance of the ICC or other trade publications for what should be done - but I don't know of a place central to the FBC which delineates those responsibilities.

I would recommend a call to Miami Dade County outlining what you propose to do and if they have any other recommendations. Also keep an eye out for the higher wind speeds in the FBC for the "High Velocity Hurricane Zone".

 

[WinelandV]

I appreciate the info, EZBuilding.

I did the catch the wind speed increase for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Can't say I've ever used 175 mph as the design speed before, but here we are.

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".