Twin Peaks TestingBlogThe Importance of Special Inspections
Special inspections are ‘inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards as required by this chapter or elsewhere in this code or its referenced standards’ (BC 1702.1)EXCERPT FROM NYC Buildings
Special inspections are an essential aspect in the field of construction in New York City. These inspections are performed by special inspectors. Special inspections are an integral part of the success of construction projects; they preserve structural soundness, protect structural stability, guard framework integrity, and provide quality assurance.
To verify that work being performed complies with approved plans and specifications, special inspections are essential during the construction phase. Special inspections are performed by special inspectors representing registered special inspection agencies. There are different types of special inspectors; inspections can be made on masonry, concrete, structural steel and bolting, and others.
Special inspections encourage compliance with approved plans, codes, and standards; this improves construction excellence. These inspections can detect discrepancies early in the construction process. To reduce or minimize the risk of structural failures in the future, special inspections are necessary. In addition, special inspections protect the public, manage construction quality, and reduce schedule and budget risks.
There have been fatal accidents in the 1970’s and early 1980’s due to a lack of special inspections on buildings. As a result of these accidents, special inspections were incorporated into the International Building Code. These inspections act as a safety net, catching deviations early in the process and mitigating the risk of structural failures down the line.
