What the special inspector may verify
- Masonry-unit type, size, condition and placement
- Mortar materials, proportions and joint construction
- Reinforcement size, position, spacing, laps and clearances
- Anchors, embedded items and approved connections
- Grout-space cleanliness before grout placement
- Grout materials, placement, consolidation and reconsolidation
- Prisms, grout specimens or other testing when required
Call before grout placement
Reinforcement, lap splices, anchors, embeds and grout spaces must remain visible for the required inspection. Schedule ASI early enough to allow corrections before grout placement. If the work is grouted before required observations are completed, concealed conditions may not be verifiable.
Periodic and continuous masonry inspection
Structural masonry does not have one inspection frequency for every task. Some activities require continuous observation and others permit periodic inspection. The approved Statement of Special Inspections and the project’s masonry quality-assurance program identify the required coverage. ASI reviews the scope before assigning the qualified special inspector.
Testing depends on the approved project requirements
Not every masonry project requires prism testing. The approved documents may use the unit-strength method, prism testing or another approved method to verify masonry compressive strength. Grout specimens and other testing are provided when required by the project’s quality-assurance program.
Structural masonry special inspection questions
When should the masonry special inspector be scheduled?
Schedule the special inspector before masonry work requiring observation begins and before grout is placed. Reinforcement, anchors, embeds and grout spaces must remain visible long enough for the required inspection and any corrections.
Does structural masonry require continuous special inspection?
Some masonry activities require continuous special inspection and others permit periodic inspection. The required frequency comes from the approved Statement of Special Inspections and the masonry quality-assurance program referenced by the building code. ASI reviews the project documents before confirming coverage.
Does every masonry project require prism testing?
No. The required method for verifying masonry compressive strength is identified in the approved project documents. A project may use the unit-strength method, prism testing or another approved method. Grout specimens and other testing are performed when required by the approved quality-assurance program.
What if the masonry wall was grouted before the special inspection?
Contact the building inspector before proceeding. Reinforcement, lap splices, anchors and grout-space conditions may no longer be verifiable after grouting. The building official or design professional may require additional evaluation, testing, selective removal or corrective work.
Is the special inspector the same as the city building inspector?
No. The special inspector observes the specified masonry work for conformance with the approved project documents. Special inspection does not replace required city or county building inspections.
Common field problems
- Reinforcement at the wrong position or with insufficient lap
- Congested cells that cannot be properly grouted
- Mortar fins, debris or standing water in grout spaces
- Missing, misplaced or unapproved anchors and embeds
- Work grouted or concealed before required observation