Look at the approved plans, Statement of Special Inspections and permit conditions. If they identify reinforced concrete special inspection, deputy inspection or continuous inspection for the pour, you need a qualified special inspector accepted for that jurisdiction. Call ASI with the project address, permit number, inspection type and requested date and time.
Where the requirement usually appears
The requirement may be shown in the Statement of Special Inspections, structural general notes, concrete notes, foundation or structural details, or a separate document approved with the permit. A detail may simply state “Special Inspection Required.”
If you cannot locate the requirement, send ASI the complete approved plan set. ASI can help identify the inspection information shown in the documents. When the required scope is missing or inconsistent, the registered design professional in responsible charge or building department must clarify it.
Pre-placement inspection and pour inspection are not always the same visit
On many commercial projects, reinforcing steel is inspected before the pour date. The pre-placement inspection may include reinforcing-bar size, spacing, location, laps, supports and concrete cover, along with forms, construction joints, embeds and anchors included in the approved scope.
The placement inspection occurs while concrete is being placed when continuous inspection is required. Depending on the approved documents, the work may include verifying the delivered concrete, observing placement and consolidation, reviewing delivery tickets, performing required slump and temperature tests and preparing strength specimens.
ASI generally schedules reinforcement and concrete-placement coverage separately. Complex reinforcement—such as tilt-up panels or seismic-brace footings—needs dedicated inspection time. Combined coverage may be practical for a small pour only when the schedule leaves enough time to complete the inspection and make corrections before the concrete arrives.
What ASI needs to confirm an assignment
- Project address and jurisdiction. Special-inspector approvals and registration requirements vary by city and county.
- Permit number. This connects the inspection to the permitted work.
- Approved plans and applicable details. Include the Statement of Special Inspections when available.
- Requested inspection type. Tell us whether the request is for reinforcement, concrete placement or testing. If you are requesting more than one phase, identify each one so ASI can plan the appropriate coverage.
- Date, start time, cubic yardage and type of pour. Tell us the approximate concrete quantity and whether the placement is for footings, panels, walls, slabs or another element.
- Site contact. Provide the name and mobile number of the person coordinating the work in the field.
Who selects the inspector?
ASI controls special-inspector assignments. We match the required inspection type and jurisdiction with a qualified special inspector based on the project location, requested time and availability. The person answering the call may not be the special inspector assigned to the project.
When should you call?
Call as soon as the pour date is reasonably known. Earlier notice gives ASI more time to review the approved documents, confirm jurisdiction requirements and coordinate the appropriate coverage. Short-notice requests may be possible, but availability cannot be assumed until ASI confirms the assignment.
What happens if conditions change?
Concrete schedules move. If the date, time, quantity, sequence or scope changes, contact ASI immediately. Weather, site conditions, incomplete work or a concrete load outside the project requirements can also affect the inspection. The special inspector documents observed conditions and reports discrepancies; the inspector does not redesign the work or waive the approved requirements.
After the pour
The assigned inspector prepares the required field documentation. When concrete specimens are required, testing continues through the designated laboratory and the applicable results become part of the project’s inspection and testing record. Final sign-off depends on completion of the required inspections, reports, testing and correction of unresolved discrepancies.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my concrete pour requires a special inspector?
Check the approved plans, Statement of Special Inspections and permit conditions. Look for reinforced concrete special inspection, deputy inspection, continuous inspection or a note stating that special inspection is required. If the documents are unclear, ASI can review the inspection information shown in the approved documents.
Is the special inspector the same as the city building inspector?
No. Special inspection is performed by a qualified special inspector on behalf of the owner or owner’s authorized agent. It does not replace inspections performed by the building department.
Does the reinforcement need to be inspected before the concrete pour?
When required by the approved documents, reinforcement and other concealed items must be inspected while they remain visible. This is commonly handled as a pre-placement inspection before the scheduled pour.
Does concrete over 2,500 psi require special inspection?
Yes, generally. Concrete with a specified compressive strength greater than 2,500 psi normally requires special inspection. However, the CBC provides limited exceptions, including certain foundations supporting light-frame construction and certain nonstructural slabs-on-ground. For example, a conventional one-story wood-framed residential foundation may qualify for an exception even when 3,000-psi concrete is used. The approved plans, Statement of Special Inspections, structural design and local building department requirements determine whether an exception applies.
Are patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade exempt from concrete special inspection?
The CBC lists concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade among the exceptions in Section 1705.3. That exception should not be applied automatically to other slabs or structural flatwork. The approved plans, permit requirements and local amendments control the project.
Can ASI provide concrete special inspection on weekends?
ASI is available seven days a week. Every assignment is confirmed after review of the scope, jurisdiction, location, requested time and special-inspector availability.
Need a concrete special inspector?
Call or text ASI at 626-525-1344. Available seven days a week. Call for pricing.
ASI will review the scope, jurisdiction and requested time before confirming the assignment.