What is in your structural inspection bag?
What is in your structural inspection bag?
(OP)
Fairly new structural engineer here. I'm looking to fill a grab bag with all of the necessary tools needed for a structural inspection of an existing structure. Currently my list is:
100 foot tape
25 foot tape
calipers
hammer & nails
string
4 foot level
hardhat
shovel
good flashlight
headlamp
protractor
clipboard
knife
100 foot tape
25 foot tape
calipers
hammer & nails
string
4 foot level
hardhat
shovel
good flashlight
headlamp
protractor
clipboard
knife






RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
This is supplemented by two temperature data loggers, an infrared temperature device, a hilti laser measuring device, a hilti laser level, an incremental borer, and a 5 second theodolite.
Dik
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
A compass is sometimes useful when you dont have existing drawings and you want to be able to refer to the north wall e.t.c.
But usually all I have are helmet boots, drawings tapemeasure and notepad this covers 90% of visits.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
F250 to haul all this stuff in.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Ultrasonic type is ok for short distance measurements to large flat surfaces (walls, ceilings, etc.).
Laser type is more versatile, accurate and better for longer distances (say 25+ ft)
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RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Plus a copy of your errors and omissions liability insurance policy.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
just read your post re., E&O.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
How about taking a camera
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Make sure you have pencils to take notes - if your notepad gets wet in the rain then pens will often not work but pencils always do (this is particularly important in the UK.)
To further this point I often take along surveying field books, as they are designed to be written on in wet weather.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
In addition to some of the above;
Disposable Tyvek overalls
Piece of carpet to kneel on
Sharpened roofing punch to probe for decayed timber
JSA (job safety analysis document)
phone
3m (10') tape (easy to carry in pocket and large enough for most measurements)
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
A few more ideas from a similar post
http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=113143
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Weld gauge for measuring weld sizes
Magnetic mounting plumb line
Optical theodolite
5m Leveling staff
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
As a structural engineer, other than a tape measure and a crack card (clear credit card with crack widths marked), I have never needed any specific tools for all the routine structural inspections I have done over the last 15 years. I am not referring to material testing or bolt tightness inspections (where I might need feeler gages if using load indicating washers). I am talking about going on site to inspect the contractor's work to see that it is in general conformance with my design. I also do a fair bit of Threshold Inspection work here in Florida. But even that doesn't need more than a tape measure, as the testing agency will be doing all the complicated testing (concrete sampling, weld inspections, etc).
A notepad and a camera are the two most important tools I carry with me for all inspections. And try to have some indication of scale in all of your photos, particularly of small items like cracks or voids in concrete. A pen or business card is great for showing scale of small items.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Beyond a sharp pencil, notepad, camera, tapes, 6 foot rule, caliper, lumber chalk, string, plumb bob, small screwdriver, chipping hammer and safety gear, I cannot think of much else that I would need. Anything beyond that I would hire a contractor and/or testing consultant.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
An aside on gear bags - in July 2001 I flew out to California to do a bridge inspection. On the way back, my bag had my harness, an 18" long screw driver (high-tech wood pile tester), a large MagLite flash light (the 4 D-cell size), and a sliver of rail that I picked up from the bridge (to use as a paperweight), among other things. I carried this bag on the plane and the only thing I was questioned about was the piece of rail. I told them it was a conversation piece for my office and they waved me through security. Naturally, when I went back in November of 2001, I checked that bag - times have really changed...
If you "heard" it on the internet, it's guilty until proven innocent. - DCS
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
A Manual Concrete Rebound Test Hammer can be used if you are concerned with non-destructive testing of hardened concrete for it's compressive strength. However, there are some pros and cons to it.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
A small piece of mirror to reflect sunlight down a drilled pier hole. Works way better than a flashlight.
Plunge cut type of sheetrock saw.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
From my days as a coatings (bridge painting) inspector...an extendable mirror to see thoses inacessable areas.
Also don't forget your hardhat and other safety gear.
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
That is all I ever take on 99.9% of inspections
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
RE: What is in your structural inspection bag?
Cell phone with camera, so I can send a pic to my boss so he will understand what I am talking about.
Never, but never question engineer's judgement