+---
+title: Special Inspections and Structural Testing
+category: Structural
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: Defining the IBC Chapter 17 quality-assurance program for a
+ permitted building project: the Statement of Special Inspections, approval of
+ an independent inspection agency, inspector qualifications, continuous versus
+ periodic designations, and the field testing and final-report requirements for
+ concrete, structural steel, masonry, compacted fill, deep foundations,
+ high-strength bolting, and welding.
+ Not intended for: Designing the structural elements themselves -- concrete in
+ [[sync/cast-in-place-concrete]], steel members and connections in
+ [[sync/structural-steel-framing]], welding procedures in
+ [[sync/welding-requirements]], masonry in [[sync/unit-masonry]], deep
+ foundations in [[sync/deep-foundations]], anchors in
+ [[sync/epoxy-grouting-and-anchoring]]; geotechnical investigation and the soils
+ report; routine permit inspections by the Authority Having Jurisdiction; or
+ ASTM E119 fire-resistance assembly testing in
+ [[sync/fire-rated-wall-and-floor-assemblies]].
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard governs the special inspection and structural testing program required by IBC Chapter 17 for the Project, including the Statement of Special Inspections, agency approval, inspector qualifications, inspection frequency, field testing, and the final report required before the Certificate of Occupancy. {note}
+
+## Special inspection is an independent, owner-funded verification that structural construction conforms to the approved construction documents; it is distinct from the routine permit inspections performed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and from the structural observation performed by the Registered Design Professional. {note}
+
+## The work of this standard applies to all structural systems whose integrity affects life safety, including cast-in-place, precast, and prestressed concrete; post-installed anchors; structural steel fabrication and erection; high-strength bolting and structural welding; masonry in higher Seismic Design Categories; engineered and compacted fill beneath structures; and deep foundations. {note}
+
+## The Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) shall be prepared by the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge and submitted with the permit application.
+
+## Special inspections required by this standard and the SSI shall not be construed to relieve the Contractor of responsibility for the means, methods, and quality of the work, nor to relieve the AHJ of its code-required permit inspections.
+
+## Where this standard conflicts with the adopted edition of the IBC or the approved SSI, the approved SSI and the governing code shall control.
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Inspection, testing, and documentation shall comply with the latest edition of each of the following adopted by the AHJ, unless a specific edition is cited or the permit documents pin a different edition.
+
+## Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge directs otherwise in writing.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| IBC Chapter 17 | Special Inspections and Tests (International Building Code) |
+| IBC §1704 | Special Inspections and Tests -- Administration |
+| IBC §1705 | Required Verification and Inspection by material |
+| IBC §1710 | Structural Observations |
+| ACI 318 | Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete |
+| AISC 360 | Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (Chapter N, Quality Assurance) |
+| AWS D1.1/D1.1M | Structural Welding Code -- Steel |
+| AWS D1.4/D1.4M | Structural Welding Code -- Reinforcing Steel |
+| ASTM C31/C31M | Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field |
+| ASTM C39/C39M | Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens |
+| ASTM C270 | Mortar for Unit Masonry |
+| ASTM D1557 | Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort |
+| ASTM D6938 | In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil by Nuclear Methods |
+| ASTM F3125 | Structural Bolts, Heat Treated (Grades A325 and A490) |
+| ASCE 7 | Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures |
+| ICC/IAS AC291 | Accreditation Criteria for Inspection Bodies Providing Special Inspection Services |
+| ANSI/ASNT CP-189 | Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel |
+
+# Statement of Special Inspections {toc}
+
+## The Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) is the controlling document for the entire program: it lists every material and activity requiring special inspection, designates each as continuous or periodic, names the responsible inspection disciplines, and identifies the structural observation scope. Some jurisdictions call it the "Inspection and Testing Plan" or "Quality Assurance Plan," but the IBC term is controlling. {note}
+
+## The SSI shall be prepared and sealed by the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge.
+
+## The SSI shall be submitted to the AHJ with the permit application.
+
+## The SSI shall be approved by the building official before construction of any inspected element begins.
+
+## The SSI shall enumerate each material type and activity requiring special inspection per IBC §1705 for the Project's Seismic Design Category, including at minimum each applicable item of soils, concrete, post-installed anchors, masonry, structural steel, high-strength bolting, welding, and deep foundations.
+
+## Each inspection item in the SSI shall be designated as either continuous or periodic.
+
+## The SSI shall identify the type and frequency of each required structural test.
+
+## The SSI shall identify the structural observation scope and the Registered Design Professional who will perform it, where structural observation is required by IBC §1710.
+
+## Omitting an applicable item from the SSI is a common and consequential defect: a designer who lists concrete but omits post-installed anchors, high-strength bolting, or steel erection leaves those activities uninspected, and each is a separate required line item under IBC §1705. {note}
+
+## Where the Seismic Design Category is elevated mid-project -- by adoption of updated ground-motion data or a change in occupancy category -- the SSI shall be amended to add any masonry, steel, or other inspections newly triggered.
+
+### Statement of Special Inspections package
+
+```datasheet
+label: Statement of Special Inspections preparation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - SSI prepared and sealed by the RDP in Responsible Charge (default)
+ - SSI prepared by delegated engineer of record for each discipline
+ - Combined SSI plus structural observation plan in one sealed document
+default: SSI prepared and sealed by the RDP in Responsible Charge
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Seismic Design Category (ASCE 7 §11.6)
+type: select
+options:
+ - A
+ - B
+ - C
+ - D
+ - E
+ - F
+default: C
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Inspection items included in the SSI
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Soils and compacted fill
+ - Cast-in-place concrete
+ - Precast and prestressed concrete
+ - Post-installed anchors
+ - Masonry
+ - Structural steel fabrication
+ - Structural steel erection and high-strength bolting
+ - Structural welding
+ - Cold-formed steel
+ - Deep foundations
+ - Structural observation
+default:
+ - Soils and compacted fill
+ - Cast-in-place concrete
+ - Post-installed anchors
+ - Structural steel erection and high-strength bolting
+ - Structural welding
+```
+
+# Special Inspection Agency {toc}
+
+## The special inspection agency is the independent third party retained to perform and document the inspections and tests in the SSI. Its independence from the Contractor is the foundation of the program's credibility; an agency selected or paid by the Contractor violates IBC §1704.2.1, and many AHJs will reject reports from a non-independent agency. {note}
+
+## The special inspection agency shall be approved by the AHJ before it performs any inspection.
+
+## The special inspection agency shall be independent of the Contractor and of any entity responsible for the work being inspected.
+
+## The agency shall be accredited under IAS AC291 or an equivalent program recognized by the AHJ, or shall otherwise demonstrate competence and independence to the AHJ's satisfaction.
+
+## The agency's laboratory performing concrete, soil, grout, and mortar testing shall be accredited for the test methods it performs.
+
+## Special inspection costs are owner-funded and are not included in the Contractor's base contract; the Owner shall retain and pay the agency directly. Identifying this responsibility in the Owner-Contractor Agreement early avoids a common budget dispute. {note}
+
+## Retaining the agency too late is a recurring and expensive failure: if footing excavation, reinforcement placement, and the first concrete pours proceed before the agency mobilizes, that work is uninspected and may trigger non-conformance reports or removal. {note}
+
+## The agency shall be engaged before any inspected element is constructed.
+
+### Special inspection agency configuration
+
+```datasheet
+label: Special inspection agency model
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Full-service firm covering soils, concrete, steel, masonry, and NDT under one contract (default)
+ - Inspection firm with subcontracted independent testing laboratory
+ - Inspector-of-record (single licensed PE) with laboratory subcontract
+ - Multiple specialty agencies coordinated by a prime SI agency
+default: Full-service firm covering soils, concrete, steel, masonry, and NDT under one contract
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Agency accreditation basis
+type: select
+options:
+ - IAS AC291 accredited
+ - AASHTO or A2LA laboratory accreditation plus AHJ approval
+ - AHJ-approved on demonstrated competence
+default: IAS AC291 accredited
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Agency engagement and payment
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Owner retains and pays the agency directly (default)
+ - Owner funds agency through a dedicated allowance in the contract
+default: Owner retains and pays the agency directly
+```
+
+# Inspector Qualifications {toc}
+
+## Each special inspector shall be qualified for the discipline being inspected, by ICC certification, professional engineer licensure with relevant experience, or other credentials accepted by the AHJ.
+
+## A reinforced concrete special inspector shall hold a current ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector certification or an AHJ-accepted equivalent.
+
+## A structural steel and bolting special inspector shall hold a current ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector certification or an AHJ-accepted equivalent.
+
+## A structural welding special inspector shall be a qualified welding inspector per AWS D1.1 (or AWS D1.4 for reinforcing steel) or hold an AHJ-accepted equivalent.
+
+## A structural masonry special inspector shall hold a current ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector certification or an AHJ-accepted equivalent.
+
+## A soils special inspector shall hold a current ICC Soils Special Inspector certification or shall work under the direct supervision of a licensed geotechnical engineer.
+
+## Nondestructive testing personnel shall be qualified and certified per ANSI/ASNT CP-189 for each NDT method they perform.
+
+## ICC certification is granted by discipline -- Reinforced Concrete, Structural Masonry, Structural Steel and Bolting, Structural Welding, and Soils are separate credentials -- so a single inspector is rarely qualified across every discipline on the Project; the agency shall assign personnel accordingly. {note}
+
+### Inspector qualification basis
+
+```datasheet
+label: Concrete inspector qualification
+type: select
+options:
+ - ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector
+ - Licensed PE with concrete inspection experience
+ - AHJ-approved equivalent
+default: ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Steel and bolting inspector qualification
+type: select
+options:
+ - ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector
+ - AISC-qualified inspector per Chapter N
+ - Licensed PE with steel inspection experience
+default: ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Welding inspector qualification
+type: select
+options:
+ - AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
+ - AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) under CWI supervision
+ - AHJ-approved equivalent
+default: AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: NDT personnel certification level
+type: select
+options:
+ - ASNT Level II per CP-189 for the method performed
+ - ASNT Level III oversight with Level II performing
+ - AHJ-approved equivalent
+default: ASNT Level II per CP-189 for the method performed
+```
+
+# Continuous and Periodic Inspection {toc}
+
+## Each inspection activity is designated continuous or periodic in the SSI, and the designation drives the Contractor's notification duty. A continuous inspection requires the special inspector to be present for the entire duration of the operation; a periodic inspection requires intermittent presence at a frequency set by the SSI. {note}
+
+## The Contractor shall provide the special inspection agency advance notice of each inspected operation sufficient for the inspector to be present as the SSI designation requires.
+
+## For continuous inspection activities, the inspected operation shall not proceed when the special inspector is not present.
+
+## Ambiguous or missing continuous-versus-periodic designations are a frequent source of missed inspections: when arrival timing is uncoordinated, periodic inspections are skipped entirely. Every inspection item in the SSI shall carry an explicit designation. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall maintain daily inspection records and shall furnish them to the building official, the RDP, and the Owner as required by the SSI.
+
+## The special inspector shall bring discrepancies to the immediate attention of the Contractor for correction and, if uncorrected, to the RDP and the building official.
+
+### Notification lead time
+
+```datasheet
+label: Contractor notice to agency before inspected operations
+type: range
+unit: hours
+min: 24
+max: 72
+step: 24
+default: 48
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Inspection reporting cadence
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Daily field reports plus weekly summary (default)
+ - Daily field reports only
+ - Per-operation reports plus monthly summary
+default: Daily field reports plus weekly summary
+```
+
+# Concrete Inspection and Testing {toc}
+
+## Special inspection of concrete construction verifies that reinforcement, embedments, mix, placement, and curing conform to the approved documents and to ACI 318. Inspection is required for all structural concrete in Seismic Design Category C or higher, and verification of compressive strength applies regardless of category. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall verify reinforcing steel size, grade, placement, and clear cover before concrete placement.
+
+## The special inspector shall verify the placement and embedment of anchor bolts, embed plates, and other cast-in items before concrete placement.
+
+## The special inspector shall verify that the delivered mix matches the approved mix design and shall record batch tickets.
+
+## The special inspector shall observe concrete placement, consolidation, and the protection and curing measures applied.
+
+## Concrete compressive strength shall be verified by cylinders cast and cured per ASTM C31 and broken per ASTM C39.
+
+## A minimum of one set of cylinders shall be cast for each 50 cubic yards placed, for each day of placement, or for each class of concrete, whichever produces the greater number of sets.
+
+## The average of two 28-day cylinders shall equal or exceed the specified compressive strength f'c per ACI 318.
+
+## No single 28-day cylinder shall fall more than 500 psi below the specified compressive strength f'c.
+
+## Field-cast cylinders shall be maintained between 60 °F and 80 °F for the first 24 hours per ASTM C31.
+
+## Where cylinders are left unprotected in hot or cold weather they are invalidated and the test shall be repeated.
+
+## Cylinders left unprotected in hot or cold weather cannot be recovered by later curing; the cost of a failed test is one lost set of breaks. {note}
+
+## Where concrete has f'c greater than 5,000 psi, the additional records required by the AHJ per IBC §1705.3 shall be furnished.
+
+## Concrete with f'c greater than 5,000 psi triggers enhanced documentation requirements under IBC §1705.3; confirm the required record types with the AHJ at the start of the project. {note}
+
+### Concrete inspection and testing parameters
+
+```datasheet
+label: Specified compressive strength f'c
+type: range
+unit: psi
+min: 2500
+max: 8000
+step: 500
+default: 4000
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Concrete inspection designation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Periodic for reinforcement placement, continuous during placement of seismic-resisting elements
+ - Periodic throughout
+ - Continuous throughout
+default: Periodic for reinforcement placement, continuous during placement of seismic-resisting elements
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cylinder set frequency
+type: select
+options:
+ - 1 set per 50 CY, per day, or per class, whichever governs
+ - 1 set per pour for typical slabs-on-grade
+ - 1 set per 100 CY for mass placements
+default: 1 set per 50 CY, per day, or per class, whichever governs
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cylinders per set
+type: select
+options:
+ - 4 (two at 7 days, two at 28 days)
+ - 5 (one at 7, two at 28, two reserve)
+ - 6 (extended break schedule)
+default: 4 (two at 7 days, two at 28 days)
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Post-installed anchor inspection
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Periodic verification of hole prep, embedment, and torque (default)
+ - Continuous for anchors resisting seismic or tension loads
+ - Not applicable -- no post-installed anchors
+default: Periodic verification of hole prep, embedment, and torque
+```
+
+# Structural Steel, Bolting, and Welding Inspection {toc}
+
+## Special inspection of structural steel follows the Quality Assurance program of AISC 360 Chapter N: the special inspector verifies fabrication, erection, high-strength bolting, and welding against the approved documents and the governing welding code. {note}
+
+## High-strength bolt assemblies shall receive pre-installation verification before installation begins: a minimum of three fastener assemblies per rotational-capacity lot shall be tested per AISC 360 Section N5.
+
+## Pre-installation verification testing shall be completed before any high-strength bolts are installed on the Project.
+
+## The special inspector shall observe the installation and pretensioning of high-strength bolts at the frequency required for the selected installation method.
+
+## All complete-joint-penetration (CJP) groove welds shall receive 100% visual inspection per AWS D1.1.
+
+## Demand-critical welds in Seismic Design Categories D through F shall receive ultrasonic testing at a minimum sampling rate of 10% per the AISC Seismic Provisions, or at a higher rate where the SSI requires.
+
+## The NDT plan shall be specified by the design documents.
+
+## The special inspector has no authority to order ultrasonic or radiographic testing absent a contract provision; omitting an NDT percentage from the design documents leaves the Contractor free to assume none is required. {note}
+
+## Welds of reinforcing steel shall be inspected per AWS D1.4 by an inspector qualified for reinforcing-steel welding.
+
+### Structural steel inspection parameters
+
+```datasheet
+label: High-strength bolt installation method
+type: select
+options:
+ - Turn-of-Nut
+ - Direct Tension Indicator (DTI)
+ - Twist-Off Tension Control (TC)
+ - Calibrated Wrench
+default: Twist-Off Tension Control (TC)
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Pre-installation verification assemblies per rotational-capacity lot
+type: range
+unit: assemblies
+min: 3
+max: 8
+step: 1
+default: 3
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Bolting inspection designation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Periodic for snug-tight, periodic monitoring of pretensioning (default)
+ - Continuous during pretensioning operations
+ - Periodic throughout
+default: Periodic for snug-tight, periodic monitoring of pretensioning
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: CJP groove weld visual inspection
+type: select
+options:
+ - 100% VT of all CJP welds per AWS D1.1
+default: 100% VT of all CJP welds per AWS D1.1
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Ultrasonic testing rate for demand-critical welds (SDC D-F)
+type: range
+unit: "%"
+min: 10
+max: 100
+step: 10
+default: 10
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: NDT methods required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Visual (VT)
+ - Ultrasonic (UT)
+ - Magnetic particle (MT)
+ - Penetrant (PT)
+ - Radiographic (RT)
+default:
+ - Visual (VT)
+ - Ultrasonic (UT)
+```
+
+# Masonry Inspection and Testing {toc}
+
+## Special inspection of masonry is required for all masonry in Seismic Design Categories C through F, and for engineered masonry regardless of category; empirically designed masonry exceeding 35 ft in height also triggers inspection per IBC §1705.4. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall verify unit type, mortar type, grout, and reinforcement placement against the approved documents.
+
+## Mortar and grout shall be sampled and tested for compressive strength at the frequency required by the SSI.
+
+## A minimum of one mortar and grout sample shall be taken per 5,000 square feet of masonry wall per day of placement.
+
+## Type S mortar shall achieve a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 2,000 psi per ASTM C270.
+
+## The special inspector shall verify grout space cleanout, lift heights, and consolidation during grouting operations.
+
+### Masonry inspection and testing parameters
+
+```datasheet
+label: Masonry inspection trigger
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Required -- engineered masonry or SDC C-F (default)
+ - Required -- empirical masonry exceeding 35 ft height
+ - Not applicable -- no structural masonry
+default: Required -- engineered masonry or SDC C-F
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Mortar type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Type M
+ - Type S
+ - Type N
+default: Type S
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum mortar compressive strength at 28 days
+type: range
+unit: psi
+min: 750
+max: 2500
+step: 250
+default: 2000
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Mortar and grout sampling frequency
+type: select
+options:
+ - 1 sample per 5,000 SF of wall per day
+ - 1 sample per 2,500 SF of wall per day
+ - 1 sample per lift per wall
+default: 1 sample per 5,000 SF of wall per day
+```
+
+# Soils and Compacted Fill Inspection {toc}
+
+## Special inspection of soils verifies that fill placed beneath structures is the approved material, placed in controlled lifts, and compacted to the required density. Field density is referenced to the maximum dry density established by a laboratory Modified Proctor per ASTM D1557. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall verify that placed fill matches the approved material and source.
+
+## Fill shall be placed in loose lifts not exceeding the thickness set by the SSI for the soil type and compaction equipment.
+
+## In-place density shall be tested per ASTM D6938 (nuclear method) or an equivalent approved method.
+
+## Compacted fill beneath slabs-on-grade shall achieve a minimum of 90% of Modified Proctor maximum dry density per ASTM D1557.
+
+## Compacted fill beneath footings and structural fills shall achieve a minimum of 95% of Modified Proctor maximum dry density.
+
+## A minimum of one density test shall be performed per 2,500 square feet of compacted area per lift, or one per 500 cubic yards, whichever is more frequent, per IBC §1705.6.
+
+## Some jurisdictions require 95% compaction throughout rather than the slab/footing split; the SSI shall reflect the AHJ's adopted criterion. {note}
+
+### Fill compaction parameters
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compaction acceptance beneath slabs-on-grade
+type: range
+unit: "% Modified Proctor"
+min: 90
+max: 98
+step: 1
+default: 90
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compaction acceptance beneath footings and structural fill
+type: range
+unit: "% Modified Proctor"
+min: 92
+max: 100
+step: 1
+default: 95
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum loose lift thickness -- granular fill
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 6
+max: 12
+step: 1
+default: 8
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum loose lift thickness -- cohesive fill
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 4
+max: 8
+step: 1
+default: 6
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Density test frequency
+type: select
+options:
+ - 1 per 2,500 SF per lift or 1 per 500 CY, whichever is more frequent
+ - 1 per 5,000 SF per lift
+ - 1 per lift per building pad
+default: 1 per 2,500 SF per lift or 1 per 500 CY, whichever is more frequent
+```
+
+### The grading, undercut, and proof-roll operations that precede engineered fill are governed by [[sync/site-rough-grading]], and any chemical or mechanical soil treatment is governed by [[sync/soil-stabilization]]. {note}
+
+# Deep Foundation Inspection {toc}
+
+## Special inspection of deep foundations verifies that driven, cast-in-place, and helical piles are installed at the approved locations, to the approved depths or capacities, and with the approved materials. Deep foundation installation is a continuous-inspection activity in most jurisdictions because installation records cannot be reconstructed after the fact. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall record pile type, size, location, tip elevation, and installation data for each pile.
+
+## For driven piles, the special inspector shall record the hammer energy and the driving resistance (blow count) used to establish capacity.
+
+## For cast-in-place piles, the special inspector shall verify excavation, reinforcement, and concrete placement before and during pour.
+
+## For helical piles, the special inspector shall record installation torque and correlate it to the design capacity.
+
+## Deep foundation design and installation methods are specified in [[sync/deep-foundations]]; this standard governs only the inspection and recording of that installation. {note}
+
+### Deep foundation inspection parameters
+
+```datasheet
+label: Deep foundation type inspected
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Driven piles
+ - Cast-in-place piles
+ - Helical piles
+ - Drilled shafts
+default:
+ - Driven piles
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Deep foundation inspection designation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Continuous during installation (default)
+ - Periodic with continuous for capacity verification
+default: Continuous during installation
+```
+
+# Structural Observation {toc}
+
+## Structural observation is the visual observation of the structural system by the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (or a designated RDP) at significant construction stages, required by IBC §1710 for certain structures. It is a separate, less frequent deliverable than special inspection and does not replace it. {note}
+
+## Structural observation shall be performed by the Registered Design Professional designated in the SSI or the permit documents.
+
+## Structural observation visits shall occur at the construction stages identified in the approved documents.
+
+## The structural observer shall report observed deficiencies to the Owner, the Contractor, and the building official.
+
+## Combining structural observation with special inspection in a single scope line leads to overbilling disputes and missed coverage. {note}
+
+## Structural observation and special inspection shall be scoped and billed separately.
+
+### Structural observation scope
+
+```datasheet
+label: Structural observation requirement
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Required by IBC §1710 -- RDP performs at significant stages
+ - Not required by the AHJ for this structure (default)
+default: Not required by the AHJ for this structure
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Observation visit cadence
+type: select
+options:
+ - At each significant construction stage defined in the documents
+ - Monthly during structural construction
+ - At foundation, framing, and pre-CO completion
+default: At each significant construction stage defined in the documents
+```
+
+# Non-Conformance and Disposition {toc}
+
+## A non-conformance is work that the special inspector finds does not conform to the approved documents. The program is only credible if the authority to disposition non-conforming work is fixed in advance; absent a clear protocol, the Contractor may proceed over rejected work. {note}
+
+## The special inspector shall document each non-conformance in a written non-conformance report and shall distribute it to the Contractor, the RDP, the Owner, and the building official.
+
+## Non-conforming work shall not be covered or built upon until it is dispositioned.
+
+## The Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge shall have the authority to approve remediation, accept-as-is, or reject non-conforming work.
+
+## The disposition of each non-conformance shall be recorded and the corrective action re-inspected before the work proceeds.
+
+### Non-conformance handling
+
+```datasheet
+label: Non-conformance disposition authority
+type: radio
+options:
+ - RDP in Responsible Charge dispositions all non-conformances (default)
+ - Discipline engineer of record dispositions within their discipline
+default: RDP in Responsible Charge dispositions all non-conformances
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Re-inspection of corrected work
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Required before work proceeds (default)
+ - Required and documented in a closeout log
+default: Required before work proceeds
+```
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action submittals are documents the special inspection agency and Contractor submit for review before or during the work. {note}
+
+### The agency and Contractor shall submit the following action submittals:
+
+- Statement of Special Inspections, sealed by the RDP in Responsible Charge
+- Special inspection agency qualifications and accreditation (IAS AC291 or equivalent)
+- Inspector and NDT personnel certifications by discipline
+- Laboratory accreditation for concrete, soil, grout, and mortar testing
+- Nondestructive testing plan with methods and sampling percentages
+- Concrete mix designs with required compressive strength documentation
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Statement of Special Inspections (sealed)
+ - Agency qualifications and accreditation
+ - Inspector and NDT certifications
+ - Laboratory accreditation
+ - NDT plan
+ - Concrete mix designs
+default:
+ - Statement of Special Inspections (sealed)
+ - Agency qualifications and accreditation
+ - Inspector and NDT certifications
+ - Laboratory accreditation
+ - NDT plan
+ - Concrete mix designs
+```
+
+## Informational submittals are records furnished during construction to document inspections and tests. {note}
+
+### The agency shall submit the following informational submittals:
+
+- Daily and periodic field inspection reports
+- Concrete cylinder compressive strength test reports (ASTM C39)
+- Soil density test reports (ASTM D6938) and Modified Proctor results (ASTM D1557)
+- Mortar and grout test reports (ASTM C270)
+- High-strength bolt pre-installation verification reports
+- Weld visual and nondestructive test reports
+- Non-conformance reports and their dispositions
+
+```datasheet
+label: Informational submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Field inspection reports
+ - Concrete strength test reports
+ - Soil density and Proctor reports
+ - Mortar and grout test reports
+ - Bolt pre-installation verification reports
+ - Weld VT and NDT reports
+ - Non-conformance reports and dispositions
+default:
+ - Field inspection reports
+ - Concrete strength test reports
+ - Soil density and Proctor reports
+ - Bolt pre-installation verification reports
+ - Weld VT and NDT reports
+ - Non-conformance reports and dispositions
+```
+
+## Closeout submittals are the final records required to close the inspection program before occupancy. {note}
+
+### The agency shall submit the following closeout submittals:
+
+- Final report of special inspections, stating whether the inspected work conforms to the approved documents
+- Summary of all outstanding non-conformances and their resolution
+- Complete log of inspections and tests performed
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Final report of special inspections
+ - Outstanding non-conformance summary
+ - Complete inspection and test log
+default:
+ - Final report of special inspections
+ - Outstanding non-conformance summary
+ - Complete inspection and test log
+```
+
+# Final Report and Certificate of Occupancy {toc}
+
+## The final report of special inspections is the program's terminal deliverable. The approved agency must submit it to the building official before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, per IBC §1704.5, stating whether the inspected work conforms to the approved construction documents. {note}
+
+## The approved special inspection agency shall submit a final report of special inspections to the building official before application for the Certificate of Occupancy.
+
+## The final report shall state whether the work requiring special inspection was, to the best of the agency's knowledge, in conformance with the approved construction documents.
+
+## All outstanding non-conformances shall be resolved, or their disposition documented and accepted by the RDP, before the final report is submitted.
+
+## Late submission of the final report is a common cause of a last-minute occupancy delay; allow sufficient time for the building official's review. {note}
+
+## The final report shall be prepared and submitted in time to clear the building official's review before the Certificate of Occupancy is needed.
+
+### Final report
+
+```datasheet
+label: Final report submission timing
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Submitted before CO application, after all non-conformances resolved (default)
+ - Submitted incrementally by discipline as each completes
+default: Submitted before CO application, after all non-conformances resolved
+```
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## The special inspection program is itself the Project's structural quality-assurance program; the requirements below govern the conduct of that program as a whole. {note}
+
+## The special inspection agency shall coordinate its inspections and tests with the Contractor's schedule so that required inspections are not bypassed by the sequence of work.
+
+## The special inspection agency shall retain all field records, test reports, and non-conformance documentation for the period required by the AHJ and shall make them available on request.
+
+## The Contractor shall provide safe access and adequate facilities for the special inspector to perform the inspections and tests.
+
+## The Contractor shall not conceal or build over any element designated for special inspection until that inspection has been performed and accepted.
+
+### Records retention
+
+```datasheet
+label: Records retention period
+type: range
+unit: years
+min: 2
+max: 10
+step: 1
+default: 5
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Records format
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Electronic with searchable index (default)
+ - Electronic and paper originals
+default: Electronic with searchable index
+```