Choosing a special inspector

It should be noted when the SER or the designated agent is the special inspector, the concern identified by congress to bring the SER onsite during construction is addressed. In cases where the SER is not local to the project, this is rarely economically practical. Therefore, it would be more economical to use a local firm as the special inspector, if designated by the SER, which can access the project site more efficiently.

Regardless, the special inspector should have experience in performing the types of special inspections required for the project and a good track record of scheduling and completing special inspections in a way that does not interfere with the general contractor’s schedule—construction delays can be costly to the owner. Further, as the emphasis of the special inspections program is to bring structural engineering knowledge and expertise to the jobsite, the special inspector’s experience should be scrutinized by the local building officials to ensure knowledgeable inspectors will be onsite.

Installed “in accordance with plans and specifications”
All too frequently, an underqualified special inspector who is uninformed of the building code requirements is engaged by an unaware owner. Further, such inspectors do not meet the minimum requirements of the ASTM E329, Standard Specifications for Agents Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Materials used in Construction. These underqualified special inspectors frequently lack the structural engineering expertise necessary to certify critical structural components. Further, they frequently elicit inspection contracts from owners based on lump sum contracts, or with promises of a limited number of site visits. Logically, it would be impossible to know the number of inspections required to inspect a building before construction commences, as it depends on the contractor’s means and construction methods, as well as adherence to the schedule.

Additionally, these underqualified special inspectors often poorly inspect required items, or altogether overlook required items in inspections as they are too focused on just completing the task. These underqualified special inspectors typically document inspections with broad statements, which generally indicate a location (e.g. north wall), type of inspection (i.e. wall reinforcing inspection), and a generic statement (e.g. installed in accordance with plans and specifications).

These brief reports provide minimal useful information and can potentially provide a false sense of security that what was constructed was truly in accordance with the plans and specifications. Further, these broad statements are rarely qualified with reference to specific items that were inspected, such as reinforcement size and specific location or the installation of any special items, such as embeds that might have been required in reinforced concrete.

Additionally, it should be noted field modifications are made to every project. Whether because of the use of an alternate product or because of an oversight by the contractor, as-built construction is never perfectly identical to the original design. However, these underqualified special inspectors rarely alert the SER to field changes that may or may not be acceptable under the original design intent.

Unfortunately for the SER, these underqualified special inspectors are frequently used, thereby diluting the original reason for such special inspections. From the SER’s perspective, inspection reports providing generic statements such as “Installed in accordance with Plans and Specifications” are of no use. Further, in the event of a failure, the SER is placed in the undesirable position of having to defend their design when these inspections may have likely approved faulty construction. This has historically led to long and costly failure investigations, as well as the ensuing litigation costs.

Adding value to a project
Aside from the obvious improvement in public safety, special inspections can provide additional value to both the registered design professional and owner. This value can be envisioned as a quality assurance (QA) plan that checks the construction of the critical structural and life-safety components against the construction documents and shop drawings. A poorly executed special inspections program enlisting unqualified and inexpensive inspectors can be worse than no special inspections at all, because it leaves the owner, design team, building official, and public with a false sense of security that what was constructed met the intent of the approved construction documents.

Registered design professionals who advise owners to choose a skilled special inspection service benefit by reducing the likelihood of future insurance claims. Construction deficiencies can be identified in the field during proper special inspections and often corrected before they become costly, time consuming, or dangerous when the SER or his designated agent serves as the special inspector. Generally, timely identification of construction deficiencies and quick development of solutions can lead to quick repair of deficient conditions at minimal expense.

Quality special inspections provide added assurance to the owner and the design team the structure is constructed as it was designed and with the materials specified in the drawings. Building owners can further benefit by having a special inspection record details the construction of critical building design elements. Often, this record will include photographic documentation and true as-built conditions. The as-built conditions denoted in the special inspections field reports become more valuable when future additions or changes in use of the structure are considered.

Michael A. Matthews, PE, is president/CEO of the Structures Group (TSG), a consulting engineering firm specializing in a diverse range of skills focused in the areas of structural engineering, forensic analysis, special inspections, risk analysis, and independent plan reviews. He has been a licensed engineer for nearly 30 years, and is licensed in 20 states, as well as the District of Columbia. A sought-after speaker on topics related to structural engineering and forensic analysis, Matthews has presented seminars at Kansas State University, American Institute of Architects’ (AIA’s) ArchEX conference, Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA) Annual Conference, and the annual Virginia Engineers Conference. He can be contacted by e-mail at mmatthews@thestructuresgroup.com[2].