Statement of Special Inspection: What is an inspection "type"?

[Delchi]

Section 1705.2(2) of the IBC states that the statement of special inspections shall identify "the TYPE and extent of each special inspection". That section also states that, for each TYPE of special inspection, the engineer must indentify its frequency (continuous or periodic).

I always thought that Type and Frequency were synonymous, but the code appears to distinguish between the two. I'm looking for some thoughts on what the the code means by the "type of inspection". Thanks!

 

[Ron]

Type refers to component observed. For instance a "Type" of inspection would be "rebar", or "masonry fill cells", or "nondestructive testing", or....

Type and frequency are not synonymous. Frequency refers to how often that particular inspected item is to be checked. For instance, "At least 10 percent of the high-strength bolted connections shall be inspected at random, by the "turn-of-nut" method. All bolts in each inspected connection shall be checked". In this case, the type of inspection would be high-strength bolted connections and the frequency would be 10 percent of the connections.

 

[Delchi]

Ron, I guess that makes sense if we are differentating between (1)Material/system/component/work and (2) Type. If that was the case, then a sample clause in the inspection statement could be as follows:

Material/Component: Reinforced concrete;
Inspection Type: Rebar placement, cleanliness, and grade;
Frequency: Periodic

Do you agree?

 

[Ron]

Periodic is not a word you want to use. From a legal perspective that means that the inspection will be performed at recurring intervals, consistently. State what you expect in terms of the frequency. For instance for rebar inspection for footings, state that all rebar shall be inspected prior to concrete placement.

 

[Delchi]

Excellent point--Thanks for the thoughts!