CBC · California Building Code

What inspections and tests are required for concrete construction?

For a homeowner: the California Building Code requires qualified inspectors to check critical concrete work (reinforcement, mix, slump/air tests, curing, prestressing and shotcrete mockups) on many buildings — particularly seismic or multi‑story structures — and points you to ACI/ASTM standards for how tests are performed; simple on‑grade patios, driveways and sidewalks are exempt.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code requires special inspections and tests for concrete construction. The general federal/IBC-based requirement is in §1705.3 (special inspections and tests of concrete construction) and the California-specific table and supplemental requirements are in §1705A.3 and its Table 1705A.3, which list the types of inspections (continuous or periodic), referenced standards, and the specific responsibilities for verification, sampling and testing.

Requirements in detail

Summary: The CBC separates (1) what items must be inspected/tested, (2) whether inspection is continuous or periodic, and (3) the referenced standards that define test methodology (ACI, ASTM, etc.). The mandatory items and where they are required are listed in Table 1705.3 (IBC/§1705.3) and Table 1705A.3 (California supplemental table); many specific test actions (e.g., fabrication of specimens, slump and air tests, shotcrete mockups, prestress verification) are identified by subsection references in §1705A.3.

Key inspection / test requirements (high level)

  • Inspect and test reinforcement (including prestressing tendons) and verify placement — required per Table 1705.3 / Table 1705A.3; some elements (special moment frames, boundary elements, coupling beams) require continuous inspection.
  • Verify use of the required design mix (batch/mix verification) and related quality assurance.
  • Prior to and during placement: fabricate strength-test specimens, perform slump and air-content tests, and measure concrete temperature; these tests are to follow the listed ASTM/ACI standards (e.g., ASTM C31, ASTM C172, ACI 318 chapters called out in the table).
  • Inspect concrete/shotcrete placement methods, curing and maintenance of specified curing temperature and techniques. Shotcrete specifically requires preconstruction mockup panels and testing.
  • Inspect application of prestressing forces and related procedures for prestressed concrete.

Decision-relevant dimensions / values (condensed)

Inspection / test Continuous or Periodic Typical referenced standard(s) Code Reference
Inspect reinforcement placement (incl. prestressing tendons). Continuous for specified seismic elements; periodic for others. Continuous (for special moment frames, boundary elements, coupling beams) / Periodic (others) ACI 318 (Ch. 20; 25; 26) §1705.3; §1705A.3 (Table 1705A.3 row 1 / §1705A.3.9)
Verify use of the required design mix (batch/mix verification). Periodic (as listed in table) ACI 318 Ch. 19; mix design requirements §1705A.3 (Table 1705A.3 row 5)
Fabricate test specimens; slump, air content and temperature tests prior to/during placement. Continuous / as specified (Table notes) ASTM C31, ASTM C172, ACI 318 (Ch. 26) §1705A.3.5, §1705A.3.6, §1705A.3.9 (Table 1705A.3 row 6)
Inspect concrete/shotcrete placement technique and tolerances; shotcrete preconstruction mockup required. Continuous for placement observation; preconstruction testing required for shotcrete ACI 318; ACI 506 (shotcrete standards) §1705.3; §1705A.3.9; §1705A.3 (Table entries and §1705A.3.9.2)
Verify curing (temperature and technique) Periodic (verify maintenance of specified curing temp/techniques) ACI 318 curing provisions §1705A.3 (Table 1705A.3 row 8)
Inspect and verify application of prestressing forces Continuous inspection required during prestressing operations ACI 318 (prestress provisions referenced in table) §1705A.3.4; Table 1705A.3 (row 9)

Notes:

  • The tables in §1705.3 and §1705A.3 list which items are continuous vs periodic and list the referenced standards that define exact test procedures (ACI, ASTM). Use those referenced standards (e.g., ASTM C31 for specimen fabrication) for procedural detail; the CBC points you to those standards.

Where the code tells you to look for test methods and sampling

The CBC references the technical standards (ACI, ASTM) for test procedures: for example, specimen making and slump/air tests are tied to ASTM C31 and ASTM C172 and ACI 318 provisions referenced in §1705A.3 entries. For shotcrete preconstruction tests the code requires mockup panels and cored/examined specimens in accordance with ACI 506 and the §1705A.3.9.2 preconstruction-test requirements.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The CBC lists explicit exceptions where special inspections and tests are not required. Examples include:
    • Isolated spread footings for buildings three stories or less above grade, fully supported on earth or rock. (see §1705.3 exceptions)
    • Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less that meet the Table 1809.7 conditions and have specified compressive strength f'c ≤ 2,500 psi.
    • Nonstructural concrete slabs on ground (including certain prestressed slabs on grade).
    • Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade.
  • California supplement (Table 1705A.3) adds or clarifies inspection requirements for shotcrete, prestressing and other items; shotcrete always requires preconstruction mockup testing as described in §1705A.3.9.2.

If your work falls into an exception, confirm the project-specific conditions carefully with the building official; the code permits local adaptation and the building official may still require inspections in unusual cases.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the CBC as prescribing test procedures rather than referencing ACI/ASTM — CBC identifies what must be inspected/tested and points to standards for how; follow the referenced ACI/ASTM methods for execution.
  • Not distinguishing continuous vs periodic obligations — some elements (for seismic/resisting systems or special moment frames) require continuous inspection per Table 1705.3 / 1705A.3.
  • Failing to keep the work accessible/exposed for inspection or to provide the statement of special inspections — Section 1704 and the statement requirements must be satisfied before construction. (See §1704 and the statement/report requirements referenced by the special-inspection sections.)
  • Overlooking shotcrete’s preconstruction mockup requirement — shotcrete requires representative mockups, testing and enforcement-agency approval before production work.

Worked example — applying the rule with numbers

Scenario: A mid-rise building with a reinforced-concrete shear-wall system pours 200 cubic yards of several classes of concrete in one day. The design includes special moment frames and boundary elements.

What the code requires in this scenario:

  • Because the project includes special moment-frame elements and boundary elements, reinforcement in those elements requires continuous special inspection as listed in Table 1705A.3 (continuous for those seismic elements). The special inspector must verify placement of reinforcement and prestressing tendons where applicable. §1705.3 and Table 1705A.3 identify these continuous inspection requirements.
  • For the concrete placed that day, the code requires fabrication of strength-test specimens and performance of slump and air-content tests prior to and during placement, following ASTM C31, ASTM C172 and ACI 318 provisions referenced in Table 1705A.3. §1705A.3 (and the table entries) tie those tests to the concrete-placement process.
  • The Table points to standards for sampling. If your practice follows the typical sampling guidance in the referenced standards (e.g., sampling at least once a day or per unit volume as defined in the ACI/ACI-referenced provisions), you would take multiple sets of specimens for compression testing when more than one class of concrete or a large volume is placed (the CBC table points you to the ASTM/ACI references for exact sampling frequency and specimen counts). The CBC table references those standards rather than listing every sampling number directly.
  • Shotcrete or prestressed elements (if present on the project) would trigger their specific additional tests (mockup panels for shotcrete, verification of prestressing forces for prestress) per §1705A.3 subsections.

(If you need a concrete sampling calculation using a specific standard’s frequency—e.g., “one set of cylinders per 50 yd3 per ASTM/ACI practice”—I can compute specimen counts; the CBC itself references those standards for exact frequencies and specimen counts.)

Related provisions

  • §1705.3 — Special inspections and tests of concrete construction (primary IBC/CRC section).
  • §1705A.3 — California supplemental concrete construction table and requirements (Table 1705A.3 and subsections).
  • §1704 / §1704.A — Statement of special inspections, report and access requirements (preparation and submittal of statement of special inspections and reporting).
  • §1705A.3.9 / §1705A.3.9.2 — Shotcrete testing and mockup-panel preconstruction-test requirements.
  • Table 1705.3 and Table 1705A.3 — the CBC tables that list which concrete activities require continuous vs periodic inspection and the referenced standards.
  • Section(s) in Chapter 19 (e.g., 1909.*) that provide additional concrete test/material requirements (used by the CBC and referenced in the tables).

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 17A-10 High relevance — show source text

    17A-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    TABLE 1705A.3—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION—continued Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6
    TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION    		 REFERENCED
    STANDARDa    		 CBC REFERENCE
    5. Verify use of required design mix. — X ACI 318: Ch. 19,
    26.4    		 1903A.4,1904_A.1,
    1904_A.2, 1910A.1,
    **    [DSA-SS/CC]    **1909.2.1,
    1909.2.2
    6. Prior to_and during_concrete placement, fabricate specimens
    for strength tests, perform slump and air content tests, and
    determine the temperature of the concrete.    		 X — ASTM C31
    ASTM C172
    ACI 318:_ 26.4,_ 26.5,
    26.12,26.13.3.2    		 1705A.3.5, 1705A.3.6,
    1705A.3.9, 1909A.1.16,
    [DSA-SS/CC]1909.3.10
    7. Inspect concrete and shotcrete placement for proper applica-
    tion techniques.    		 X — ACI 318: 26.5,
    26.13, ACI 506: 3.4    		 1705A.3.9, 1909A.13,
    1909A.14,
    [DSA-SS/CC]_ 1909.3.7,_
    1909.3.8
    8. Verify maintenance of specified curing temperature and
    techniques.    		 — X ACI 318: 26.5.3-
    26.5.5,26.13.3.3    		 —
    9. Inspect prestressed concrete for: —
    9. a. Application of prestressing forces. X — ACI 318:26.10.2,
    26.13.1, 26.13.3.2    		 1705A.3.4
    9. b.
  • CBC § 2.5 High relevance — show source text

    All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents . Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official.

    1704 A .2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication.

    1704 A .2.5.1 Fabricator approval. Not permitted by DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC or OSHPD.

    1704 A .3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705 A, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.3.

    Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The exception is not permitted by DSA.

    1704 A .3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705 A .12, 1705 A .13 and 1705 A .14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

    1704 A .3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .13 or 1705 A .14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equipment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 17A-5

  • CBC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The exception is not permitted by DSA.

    1704 A .3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705 A .12, 1705 A .13 and 1705 A .14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

    1704 A .3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .13 or 1705 A .14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equipment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705 A .12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1704 A .4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, installation of equipment/components requiring special seismic certification or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The contractor’s statement is required only when specified on the approved construction documents.

    1704 A .5 Submittals to the building official. In addition to the submittal of reports of special inspections and tests in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.4, reports and certificates shall be submitted by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official for each of the following:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    3. Certificates of compliance for equipment/components requiring special seismic certification in accordance with Section 1705 A .14.3.

    4. Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318 and Section 1705A.3.9.2.

    5. Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207 A. 5.

  • CBC § 2216.2 High relevance — show source text

    The welding inspector shall make a systematic daily record of all welds. This record shall include:

    1. Identification marks of welders.

    2. List of defective welds.

    3. Manner of correction of defects.

    The welding inspector shall check the material, details of construction and procedure, as well as workmanship of the welds. The special inspector shall verify that the installation of end-welded stud shear connectors are in accordance with the requirements of Section 2216.2 and the approved construction documents. The approved agency shall furnish the architect, structural engineer and the enforcement agency with a verified report that the welding has been done in conformance with AWS D1.1, D1.3, D1.4, D1.6, D1.8, and the approved construction documents.

    1705.2.8 Special inspection and tests of high-strength fastener assemblies. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Special inspections and tests for high-strength fasteners shall be in accordance with this section and Section 2216.1.

    1705.3 Concrete construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.

    Exceptions: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for: [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Exceptions 1 through 4 are not permitted by OSHPD.

    1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock.

    2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where: 2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction. 2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7. 2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f′ c, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the approved construction documents or used in the footing construction.

    3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 MPa).

    4. Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1807.1.6.2.

    5. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    TABLE 1705.3—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6
    TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION    		 REFERENCED
    STANDARDa    		 **CBC **
    REFERENCE
    1. Inspect reinforcement, including prestressing tendons, and verify
    placement.    		 — X ACI 318: Ch.
  • CBC § 1705.14.3. High relevance — show source text
    1. Certificates of compliance for designated seismic systems in accordance with Section 1705.14.3.
    2. Reports of preconstruction tests for shotcrete in accordance with ACI 318.
    3. Certificates of compliance for open web steel joists and joist girders in accordance with Section 2207.5.
    4. Reports of material properties verifying compliance with the requirements of AWS D1.4 for weldability as specified in Section 26.6.4 of ACI 318 for reinforcing bars in concrete complying with a standard other than ASTM A706 that are to be welded.
    5. Reports of mill tests in accordance with Section 20.2.2.5 of ACI 318 for reinforcing bars complying with ASTM A615 and used to resist earthquake-induced flexural or axial forces in the special moment frames, special structural walls or coupling beams connecting special structural walls of seismic force-resisting systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F.

    1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations. At the conclusion of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement that the site visits have been made and identify any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer’s knowledge, have not been resolved.

    1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures where one or more of the following conditions exist:

    1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.
    2. The structure is a high-rise building.
    3. The structure is assigned to Seismic Design Category E, and is greater than two stories above grade plane.
    4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.
    5. Such observation is specifically required by the building official.

    SECTION 1705—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705.1 General. Special inspections and tests of elements and nonstructural components of buildings and structures shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.

    1705.1.1 Special cases. Special inspections and tests shall be required for proposed work that is, in the opinion of the building official, unusual in its nature, such as, but not limited to, the following examples:

    1. Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to materials and systems prescribed by this code.
    2. Unusual design applications of materials described in this code.
    3. Materials and systems required to be installed in accordance with additional manufacturer’s instructions that prescribe requirements not contained in this code or in standards referenced by this code.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705.2 Steel construction. The special inspections and nondestructive testing of steel construction in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with this section.

  • CBC § 1705.7 High relevance — show source text

    The duties of the geotechnical engineer or his or her qualified representative shall include, but need not be limited to, the inspec- tion of cleared areas and benches prepared to receive fill; inspection of the removal of all unsuitable soils and other materials; the approval of soils to be used as fill material; the inspection of placement and compaction of fill materials; the testing of the completed fills; and the inspection or review of geotechnical drainage devices, buttress fills or other similar protective measures in accordance with the approved construction documents.

    A verified report shall be submitted by the geotechnical engineer as required by the California Administrative Code. The report shall indicate that all tests and inspections required by the approved construction documents were completed and whether the tested materials and/or inspected work meet the requirements of the approved construction documents.

    1705.7 Driven deep foundations. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of driven deep foundation elements as specified in Table 1705.7. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.

    TABLE 1705.7—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF DRIVEN DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS Col2 Col3
    TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL
    INSPECTION
    1. Verify element materials, sizes and lengths comply with the requirements. X —
    2. Determine capacities of test elements and conduct additional load tests, as required. X —
    3. Inspect driving operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element. X —
    4. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm type and size of hammer, record number
    of blows per foot of penetration, determine required penetrations to achieve design capacity,
    record tip and butt elevations and document any damage to foundation element.    		 X —
    5. For steel elements, perform additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.2. In accordance with Section 1705.2 In accordance with Section 1705.2
    6. For concrete elements and concrete-filled elements, perform tests and additional special
    inspections in accordance with Section 1705.3.    		 In accordance with Section 1705.3 In accordance with Section 1705.3
    7.For specialty elements, perform additional inspections as determined by the registered design
    professional in responsible charge.    		 In accordance with Statement of Special
    Inspections    		 In accordance with Statement of Special
    Inspections

    1705.7.1 Driven deep foundations observation. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The installation of driven deep foundations shall be continu- ously observed by a qualified representative of the geotechnical engineer responsible for that portion of the project.

    The representative of the geotechnical engineer shall make a report of the deep foundation pile-driving operation giving such pertinent data as the physical characteristics of the deep foundation pile-driving equipment, identifying marks for each deep founda- tion pile, total depth of embedment for each deep foundation; and when the allowable deep foundation pile loads are determined by a dynamic load formula, the design formula used, and the permanent penetration under the last 10 blows. One copy of the report shall be sent to the enforcement agency.

  • CBC § 1704.5 High relevance — show source text

    At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.

    1704.3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704.2.3.

    Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

    1704.3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1704.3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the designated seismic systems and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equip- ment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspection or tests.

    1704.3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.

    1704.4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, designated seismic system or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections.

  • CBC § 1705A.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Welding inspector approval by the enforcement agency shall occur when specified in the California Administra- tive Code. Nondestructive testing shall be performed by qualified NDT Level II personnel employed by the approved agency. Additionally, the applicable portions in Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705A.2.8 Special inspection and tests of high-strength fastener assemblies. Special inspections and tests for high-strength fasteners shall be in accordance with this section and Section 1705A.2.1. High-strength bolts, nuts and washers shall be sampled and tested by an approved agency for conformance with the requirements of applicable ASTM standards [OSHPD 1 & 4] and in accor- dance with Section 2216A.1.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] The minimum requirements for a qualified high-strength bolting special inspector shall be an International Code Council certified Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (S1). Additionally, the requirements in Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.

    1705A.2.9 Special inspection and tests of cold-formed steel light-frame construction. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Special inspections and tests for cold-formed steel light-frame construction shall be in accordance with quality assurance requirements of AISI S240 and this code. Additionally, the applicable portions in Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.

    Quality assurance application is not permitted for the following AISI S240, Chapter D Sections: 1. D6.4 (Quality Assurance Inspection Tasks). 2. D6.5 (Coordinated Inspection). 3. D6.7 (Inspection of Welding). 4. D6.8 (Inspection of Mechanical Fastening). 5. D6.9 (Inspection of Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction). 6. D6.10 (Additional Requirements for Lateral Force-Resisting Systems). 7. D7 (Nonconforming Material and Workmanship).

    Basic frame inspection provisions of AISI S240, Chapter D are not permitted and inspector of record inspections shall be in accor- dance with the California Administrative Code.

    1705 A .3 Concrete construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705 A .3.

    Exception: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.

  • CBC § 1705A.3.9.2 High relevance — show source text

    1705A.3.9.2 Preconstruction tests. A shotcrete mockup panel shall be shot, cured, cored or sawn, examined and tested prior to commencement of the project. The mockup panel shall be representative of the project and simulate job conditions as closely as possible. The mockup panel thickness and reinforcing shall reproduce the thickest and most congested area specified in the struc- tural design. It shall be shot at the same angle, using the same nozzleman and with the same concrete mix design that will be used on the project. Adequate encasement of bars larger than No. 5 shall be demonstrated by the mockup panel. The equipment used in preconstruction testing shall be the same equipment used in the work requiring such testing, unless substitute equipment is approved by the building official. Reports of preconstruction tests shall be submitted to the building official as specified in Section 1704A.5. Approval from the enforcement agency must be obtained prior to performing shotcrete mockup panels.

    1705 A .4 Masonry construction. Special inspections and tests of masonry construction shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance program requirements of TMS 402 and TMS 602, as set forth in Tables 3 and 4, Level 3 requirements and Chapter 21A. Testing shall be performed in accordance with Section 2105A ([DSA-SS/CC] 2115.8). Special inspection and testing of post-installed anchors in masonry shall be required in accordance with requirements for concrete in Chapters 17A and 19A. Batch plant inspection of grout materials shall be in accordance with Section 1705A.3.3.

    1705 A .4.1 Glass unit masonry and masonry veneer in Risk Category II, III or IV. Special inspections and tests for glass unit masonry or masonry veneer designed in accordance with Section 2110 A or Chapter 14, respectively, where they are part of a structure classified as Risk Category II, III or IV shall be performed in accordance with TMS 602 Tables 3 and 4, Level 2.

    1705A.4.1.1 TMS 602 Section 1.6 Quality Assurance. Replace footnote (d) in TMS 602 Table 4 as follows:

    (d) Periodic special inspection is required for all veneer.

    1705 A .4.2 Vertical masonry foundation elements. Special inspections and tests of vertical masonry foundation elements shall be performed in accordance with Section 1705 A .4.

    1705 A .5 Wood construction. Special inspections of prefabricated wood structural elements and assemblies shall be in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.5 except as modified in this section . Special inspections of site-built assemblies shall be in accordance with this section.

  • CBC § 1704A.2.4. High relevance — show source text

    If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Report requirement shall be per 1704A.2.4.

    1704.2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication, except where the fabricator has been approved to perform work without special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.1.

    1704.2.5.1 Fabricator approval. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Special inspections during fabrication are not required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator approved to perform such work without special inspection. Approval shall be based on review of the fabricator’s written fabrication procedures and quality control manuals that provide a basis for control of materials and workmanship, with periodic auditing of fabrication and quality control practices by an approved agency or the building official. At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.

    1704.3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704.2.3.

    Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.

    1704.3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:

    1. The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.

    2. The type and extent of each special inspection.

    3. The type and extent of each test.

    4. Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.

    5. For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.

    6. Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

  • CBC § 17A-15 High relevance — show source text

    For steel elements, perform additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705_A_.2.|In accordance with Section 1705_A_.2|In accordance with Section 1705_A_.2| |6. For concrete elements and concrete-filled elements, perform tests and additional special
    inspections in accordance with Section 1705_A_.3.|In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3|In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3| |7. For specialty elements, perform additional inspections as determined by the registered design
    professional in responsible charge.|In accordance with Statement of Special
    Inspections|In accordance with Statement of Special
    Inspections|

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    1705A.7.1 Driven deep foundations observation. The installation of driven deep foundations shall be continuously observed by a qualified representative of the geotechnical engineer responsible for that portion of the project.

    The representative of the geotechnical engineer shall make a report of the deep foundation pile-driving operation giving such pertinent data as the physical characteristics of the deep foundation pile-driving equipment, identifying marks for each deep founda- tion pile, total depth of embedment for each deep foundation; and when the allowable deep foundation pile loads are determined by a dynamic load formula, the design formula used, and the permanent penetration under the last 10 blows. One copy of the report shall be sent to the enforcement agency.

    1705 A .8 Cast-in-place deep foundations. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of cast-in-place deep foundation elements as specified in 1810A.3.3.1.2 and Table 1705 A .8. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.

    TABLE 1705A.8—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CAST-IN-PLACE DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS Col2 Col3
    TYPE CONTINUOUS
    SPECIAL INSPECTION    		 PERIODIC
    SPECIAL INSPECTION
    1. Inspect drilling operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element. X —
    2. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm element diameters, bell diameters (if
    applicable), lengths, embedment into bedrock (if applicable) and adequate end-bearing
    strata capacity. Record concrete or grout volumes.    		 X —
    3. For concrete elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance
    with Section 1705_A_.3.    		 In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3 In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3

    �

    �

    �

    �

    1705A.8.1 Micropile tests. Micropile preproduction and production load tests shall be in accordance with Section 1810A.3.10.4.

    1705 A .9 Helical pile foundations. Continuous special inspections shall be performed during installation of helical pile foundations. The information recorded shall include installation equipment used, pile dimensions, tip elevations, final depth, final installation torque and other pertinent installation data as required by the registered design professional in responsible charge. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professional shall be used to determine compliance.

  • CBC § 7-115 High relevance — show source text

    1704 A .1 General. Special inspections and tests, statements of special inspections, responsibilities of contractors, submittals to the building official and structural observations shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.

    1704 A .2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as specified in Section 105 the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705 A and identify the approved agencies to the building official. These special inspections and tests are in addition to the inspections by the building official that are identified in Section 110.

    [OSHPD 1 & 4] The inspectors shall act under the direction of the architect or structural engineer or both, and be responsible to the Owner. Where the California Administrative Code (CAC) Section 7-115 (a) 2 permits construction documents to be prepared under the

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    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

    responsible charge of a mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, inspectors shall be permitted to work under the direction of engineer in appropriate branch as permitted therein.

    Exceptions:

    1. Special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
    2. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 105 and Section 110 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.

    1704 A .2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.

    The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.

    1704 A .2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.

    1704 A .2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the regis- tered design professional in general responsible charge in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for construction documents review . This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.

    [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 107.1 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.

    1704 A .2.4 Report requirement. The inspector(s) of record and approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests.

Frequently asked questions

Who must perform the special inspections and tests?

An approved agency or special inspector(s) qualified per the CBC must perform required special inspections; the owner employs the approved agency and the registered design professional prepares the statement of special inspections as required by §1704 and §1705A.3.

Are exact test procedures (how to make cylinders, how to do slump tests) in the CBC?

No — the CBC requires the tests and directs you to the referenced standards (ACI, ASTM). For example, specimen fabrication and sampling are referenced to ASTM C31, ASTM C172 and ACI 318 in Table 1705A.3. Use those standards for procedural details.

Do shotcrete operations need anything special?

Yes — shotcrete requires preconstruction mockup panels and preconstruction tests (per §1705A.3.9.2) and the mockup must be representative of the project and tested according to the referenced ACI shotcrete standards.

When are inspections continuous vs periodic?

The tables in §1705.3 and §1705A.3 indicate continuous versus periodic for each listed item — e.g., reinforcement in special moment frames and boundary elements is continuous; other reinforcement inspection is periodic. Check the applicable row in Table 1705.3 / 1705A.3 for the item.

If my job is small (patio, sidewalk), do I need these inspections?

Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade are specifically listed as exceptions to the special inspection requirement in §1705.3; confirm local enforcement requirements, but the CBC exempts those items.

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California Building Code