Post Testing of Concrete Footings

[jwhitesel]

I have a situation where a contractor installed new footings for a building addition, and did not obtain an inspection from the local building inspector prior to pouring. The contractor did obtain the services of an independant inspection firm (payed for by the owner) to inspect the footing bearing capacity, the reinforcing, and the actual concrete.

The Building Inspector, since he didn't inspect the bottoms, is now requiring the footings to be removed so he can inspect the bottoms.

I think this is a little extreme and I'm wondering if anyone has had this experience in the past. Also is there any post testing that could be done to satisfy the Building Inspector.

Thanks in advance for your input

 

[Mickney]

Ouch.

I am a P.E. and principal of a liscensed engineering firm. We are typically the firm that inspects the bearing soils, concrete, etc. for the owner.

We have come across this situation in the past. For situations where the local building inspector was not present, we have furnished our reports and a "subgrade verification letter" all of which are sealed by a P.E. This has typically satisfied the inspector.

 

[BigH]

jwhitesel: Good point made here by Mickney. Too bad it wasn't in your other post! Please keep posts of same topic to one thread only. Almost all geotechs will belong to the foundation forum and the soil testing forum and all the other geotechnically oriented ones. Cheers.

 

[jwhitesel]

Yeah sorry about posting in two different forums. I posted here first and then found the foundation forum and thought it might need to be there instead of here. Anyway thanks for your responses.

 

[MRM]

It sounds as though we've had the same experiences as Mickney. We too have seen this situation and we approached it the same way. The Building Inspector sounds like he doesn't have much to do lately if he's really pushing this issue even after a PE was satisfied with the subgrade.