Special Inspections. John P. Stoppi Jr., PE, FPE, CBO, CFI Stoppi Engineering

Transcription

1 Special Inspections John P. Stoppi Jr., PE, FPE, CBO, CFI Stoppi Engineering

2 Special Inspections Timeline

3 Special Inspections Evolution, Codes

4 Special Inspections Evolution, Work Inspected 1. Structural Special Inspections 2. Specialty MEP, System Inspections 3. Work Formerly Inspected by Municipality (NYC, others?)

5 Special Inspections, Model Building Code (IBC) Typical Municipal Inspector Qualifications: High School Diploma / Trades School / Associates Degree Trades background (electrician, carpenter, plumber, etc.) Code training and certification This typical inspector normally does not have the education, training, and expertise for all construction / systems encountered. Inception of Special Inspector was the Structural Engineer of Record, who inspects advanced structural systems.

6 Special Inspections, IBC, Section

7 Special Inspector Qualifications Catch 22 Building Department not qualified to perform Building Official evaluates SI Qualifications Takes one to know one? Problem addressed by IAS and NYC Special Inspections Program

8 Typical Special Inspector Qualifications Most normally a PE but can sometimes be an RA Rare case where discipline PE licensing would be helpful Project experience similar to that being inspected Specialty Certifications with Relevant Experience NICET, AWS certifications, etc. BS/AS degree plus experience Trade license(s) and experience Code/inspection certifications and experience

9 Types of Structural Special Inspections, IBC Structural Inspection Code Section Off Site Fabricators Steel Construction Concrete Construction Masonry Construction Wood (Prefab & Site) Soils Foundations & Elements Seismic and Wind Various

10 Types of Other Special Inspections, IBC Structural Inspection Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM) Mastic and Intumescent fire-resistant coatings Exterior insulation and finish systems Special Cases e.g. Fire Alarm Test Code Section Smoke Control Systems Seismic Systems for Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical Components

11 Smoke Control Special Inspection Qualifications Requires expertise in ME, FPE, and certification as air balancers (NYC recognizes National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Air Balancer Certification) Normally provided/performed by more than one company entity e.g., a fire protection engineer with a certified air balancer Typically only done for new construction, larger projects

12 Special Inspections in Practice, Various Jurisdictions Historically, Special Inspections were only enforced on a limited basis or not at all. If enforced, relegated to merely structural Section requires a statement of Special Inspections by the Registered Design Professional (RDP). RDP spells out when and how special inspections are to be conducted. Statement contains the following: Materials, systems, and work required to have special inspections Extent of each special inspection (continuous vs periodic) Additional requirements for special inspection of seismic/wind resistance

13 Problems with Special Inspections in Practice Limited or selected enforcement Qualification and/or Accreditation of Special Inspection Agencies Qualifications of Special Inspectors Dynamics and coordination of Special Inspection Process Scheduling/Notification/Preparation Special Inspections coordinator vs individual special inspectors RDP standard Construction Administration duties versus the additional Special Inspection duties Lack of Expeditor, applications role

14 Part II: NYC Special Inspections Program

15 NYC Special Inspections History 1968 Code Controlled Inspections Program 2008 Construction Codes implemented Special Inspections Program 1 RCNY Section established qualifications for special inspectors, qualifications for special inspection agencies, special inspection classes, accreditation, SIA structure and operation, and the dynamics of operation and regulation by the NYC DOB 1 RCNY Section SIA Accreditation for Class I Special Inspections 1 RCNY Section mandatory registration and requirements for all SIA Agencies

16 NYC Special Inspection vs Progress Inspection Special Inspection Agency has to be registered and/or accredited as a Special Inspection Agency Inspectors have to meet qualifications specific to the inspection For example: mechanical systems, sprinkler systems, firestopping, spray-fire, etc. Progress Inspection Agency does not have to be registered or accredited Inspectors do not need any specific qualifications For example: fire resistance rated construction, energy conservation code, final inspection, etc. NYC Municipality is only required to inspect electrical, fire alarm, and plumbing (normally is self-certified)

17 NYC Special Inspections Program Key Enhancements Special Inspections are tied to permit approval; Department supplies forms necessary for the process (TR1, TR8, etc. ) Applicant required to notify special inspectors 72 hours from date of inspection Requirements and of Special Inspection Agencies are given Qualifications/Accreditation Only NYC and Las Vegas requires accreditation of SIAs Required Qualification of Special Inspectors are discretely stated Framework for Special Inspection process, operations, are provided

18 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications

19 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications

20 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications

21 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications

22 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications

23 NYC Special Inspector Types and Qualifications From Appendix A to 1 RCNY Section NYC has extra Special Inspection types/categories compared to IBC these inspections would be performed by AHJ elsewhere or not specifically identified/inspected PE qualifies inspector for many special inspections Discipline PE in General PE state? Contractor Qualifications And other, structural inspections and qualifications

24 NYC SIA Structure SIA Director Director signs compliance forms, supervises inspections and inspections process. May perform special inspections as well. Responsible for ensuring inspections are performed by personnel with the required qualifications. Inspector has to have either Primary Inspector Qualifications or meet alternate qualifications (those required with supervision). Primary inspectors may have independent qualifications allowing them to perform inspections without supervision. Primary or Alternate Inspector Inspection Supervisor Alternate Inspector

25 NYC Special Inspections Equipment Calibrated Pressure Gauge (Sprinkler Hydro) Depth Gauge (spray-fire depth and piping insulation)

26 NYC Special Inspections Equipment Tape Measure (various) LED Flashlight Multi tool (access panels, covers, screws, etc.)

27 NYC Special Inspections Equipment Smartphone with good camera. Get appointments from calendar. Maps, directions, communications, even store codes Ability to maintain smartphone charge all day

28 Common NYC Special Inspections Issues Sprinkler spacing around corridors < 7.5 >7.5 Sprinklers need to see each other around corridor corners or both need to be within 7.5 of the corner wall

29 Common NYC Special Inspections Issues Sprinkler hydrostatic test drops < 5 psi Sprinkler system is connected to riser control valve No other leaks are evident Leak is most likely back through the riser valve Can pass the test

30 Common NYC Special Inspections Issues Existing Spray-fire resistant material (SFRM) is not present where it s required. AOR/EOR determines required rating of the structural component Required thickness of material for the beam/column in question, for that exact size Measure thickness on all exposed faces code permits some deviation In practice, worse case thickness is known and used. The required thickness for that material is known from experience

31 Common NYC Special Inspections Issues Firestopping (UL 1479) versus joint stopping (UL 2079) Firestopping sealant material versus fill/void material both approved to UL 1479 but sealant normally has to be the caulk material TPFS normally requires caulk to seal the exterior surfaces Wall/ceiling firestopping joints can be sealed with UL 2079 material, which is sometimes spray applied Consult UL Design details for specific guidance when in doubt

32 Questions/Comments