Concrete Special Inspection

What we inspect

We provide special inspection of cast-in-place structural concrete under IBC/CBC Table 1705.3 — foundations, mats, walls, columns, slabs, shear walls and post-tensioned elements. Inspection covers the placement itself and the pre-placement conditions that determine whether the placement is even valid.

• Reinforcing steel size, grade, spacing, lap length, and clear cover
• Reinforcement supports, ties and securement against displacement during placement
• Mechanical couplers and welded splices where used
• Anchor bolts and embedded items — position, projection and securement before placement
• Formwork geometry, cleanliness and readiness
• Verification of the delivered mix against the approved design mix on every ticket
• Placement technique, drop height, consolidation and cold joint treatment
• Curing and protection procedures, including hot and cold weather placement

Field testing

Fresh concrete testing is performed on site at the frequency the specification requires, with specimens cast, initially cured and transported under our control.

• Compressive strength specimens cast per ASTM C31
• Slump per ASTM C143
• Air content per ASTM C231 or C173
• Concrete temperature per ASTM C1064
• Unit weight per ASTM C138 where specified
• Truck ticket review — mix ID, batch time, water added on site, and elapsed time to discharge

Batch tickets and water addition

Every load gets its ticket reviewed before discharge. Mix identification, batch time and any water added at the site are recorded, and loads outside the specified time or water limits are rejected at the truck. This is the least popular part of the job and the one that prevents the most argument later.

Common questions

How many cylinders do you cast per pour?

The project specification governs. A common requirement is one set per 150 cubic yards or per 5,000 square feet of surface area, with a minimum of one set per day per mix design, but we work to the specified frequency on the job rather than a default.

Do you reject loads?

Yes, when the ticket or the fresh concrete falls outside the approved mix design or the specified time and temperature limits. Rejection at the truck is far cheaper for everyone than a low break three weeks later on placed concrete.

Code basis and deliverables