site inspections of concrete structures
site inspections of concrete structures
(OP)
How accurate (rigorous) should we be with site inspections of concrete structures? My question concerns, bar lengths, concrete cover, hairpin ties size, etc.






RE: site inspections of concrete structures
Documentation is important. If you find something, write it down. Keep a "non-compliance" list and delete the items as they are corrected.
If you are the engineer of record, or if you have responsibility for compliance, don't be shy. Employ the authority of the local building official if necessary to get the project on course if you find deficiencies.
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
Great advice Ron!
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
thanks a lot
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
Do you actually need to measure the length of the bar? Not really...there are other ways to see if it is correct. Where the bar terminates relative to the outside face of the form, for instance, tells you what you need to know.
One of the things we have to be careful of in our inspections is not to assume responsibility for items we cannot control. As an example,if you measure one horizontal control distance, are you expected to measure them all? It might then be assumed that you are responsible for horizontal LOCATION (different than horizontal distance).
Our goal in the specific inspection is to see if we or the engineer of record got what was wanted, based on the filed or officially changed plans, specs, or code requirements.
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
Similarly, you can gauge the clearance by using a cheater. A cheater would be a piece of wood on a long stick (length as required). The length of the wooden end piece is the required clearance and you place the stick down the forms to quickly assess the areas of concern.
Check bar ties as well. You don't want rebar moving all over when concrete is being placed.
And as mentioned above, DO check bar size. Many times the job is littered with bars of all shapes and sizes. Not everyone is paying attention when they go and grab something!
RE: site inspections of concrete structures
Also, one concept that is not well documented is the difference between observation and inspection.
The purpose of observation is - to inspect to such a degree that the engineer has confidence that the plans and specs are being correctly interpreted and implemented into the construction. In other words: Are you as an engineer successfully COMMUNICATING to the contractor. By reviewing rebar (perhaps to the extent that Ron suggested) do you begin to have confidence that the contractor has the ability, knowledge and know-how to correctly interpret all the other beams/details that you indicate.
Liability under observation: Did you have reasonable evidence to suggest that the contractor had the ability to interpret your plans? It then remains the contractor's responsibility to ensure that the bars are all in place correctly.
The purpose of inspection is not an attempt to determine the efficiency of your communication, but rather to exhaustively check ALL the work.
Liability under inspection: All yours.
RE: site inspections of concrete structures