Masonry Special Inspection
Structural masonry fails quietly. Under-consolidated grout, a bar out of position, or mortar that never got sampled will pass a walk-through and show up years later in a seismic event.
What we inspect
We provide continuous and periodic special inspection of structural masonry on reinforced CMU and clay masonry construction — shear walls, retaining walls, pilasters, and load-bearing assemblies. Work is performed to the requirements of IBC/CBC Chapter 17 and the TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures, at the inspection level the structural engineer assigns on the statement of special inspections.
- Reinforcement size, grade, position, lap splice length and clearance from cell faces before grouting
- Proportions and mixing of site-prepared mortar and grout
- Grout space cleanliness, cleanout locations and closure prior to grouting
- Grout lift height, consolidation and reconsolidation
- Construction of mortar joints and unit placement
- Protection of masonry during cold and hot weather placement
- Anchors, ties and connectors embedded in masonry
Sampling and field testing
Sampling is where most masonry programs get thin. We cast and cure grout specimens on site rather than relying on the contractor to deliver them, log the placement location for every set, and coordinate break dates with the testing laboratory so results land before the pour is buried.
- Grout specimens cast per ASTM C1019
- Mortar sampling and property evaluation per ASTM C780
- Masonry prisms fabricated and tested per ASTM C1314 where prism testing is specified
- Unit sampling coordinated with the laboratory of record
- Slump flow and consistency checks on self-consolidating grout
Reporting
Every visit produces a dated field report identifying the area inspected, the work verified, the specimens taken, and any item found not in conformance. Non-conforming work is documented in a written non-conformance report, transmitted the same day, and tracked until the engineer of record or the building official signs off on the correction. Nothing gets closed on a verbal.
Common questions
Do you cast grout prisms on site?
Yes. Grout specimens are cast in the field per ASTM C1019 at the time of placement, identified by location and lift, and transferred to the laboratory of record under our custody.
Is masonry inspection continuous or periodic?
It depends on what the structural engineer specified. Grouting and reinforcement placement are commonly continuous; unit placement and mortar joint construction are commonly periodic. The approved statement of special inspections governs, and we work to that document rather than to a general assumption.
Code basis and deliverables
| Code basis | IBC / CBC Chapter 17, Section 1705.4 |
|---|---|
| Referenced standards | TMS 402/602; ASTM C1019, C780, C1314, C140 |
| Inspection level | Continuous or periodic, per the approved statement of special inspections |
| Deliverables | Dated field reports, specimen logs, non-conformance reports, final signed report of special inspection |
Need an inspector on site this week?
Send the plan set, the statement of special inspections, and the jurisdiction. We will come back with scope and pricing — not a form to fill out.