Home

ICCHome

ContactUs

Help

Shop

ICCpublicACCESS
Home > 2015InternationalBuildingCode

2015InternationalBuildingCode
TableofContents

ChapterSelector

CHAPTER17SPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTS

Usernote:Codechangeproposalstosectionsprecededbythe
designation[BF]willbeconsideredbytheIBCFire
SafetyCodeDevelopmentCommitteeduringthe2015(GroupA)Code
DevelopmentCycle.Sectionsprecededbythe
designation[F]willbeconsideredbytheInternationalFireCode
DevelopmentCommitteeduringthe2016(GroupB)
CodeDevelopmentCycle.Allothercodechangeproposalswillbe
consideredbytheIBCStructuralCode
DevelopmentCommitteeduringtheGroupBcycle.Seeexplanationon
pageiv.
SECTION1701GENERAL
1701.1Scope.
Theprovisionsofthischaptershallgovernthequality,workmanship
andrequirementsformaterialscovered.Materialsofconstructionand
testsshallconformtotheapplicablestandardslistedinthiscode.
1701.2Newmaterials.
Newbuildingmaterials,equipment,appliances,systemsormethodsof
constructionnotprovidedforinthiscode,andanymaterialof
questionedsuitabilityproposedforuseintheconstructionofabuilding
BACKTOTOP

orstructure,shallbesubjectedtothetestsprescribedinthischapter
andintheapprovedrulestodeterminecharacter,qualityand
limitationsofuse.
SECTION1702DEFINITIONS
1702.1Definitions.
ThefollowingtermsaredefinedinChapter2:
APPROVEDAGENCY.
APPROVEDFABRICATOR.
CERTIFICATEOFCOMPLIANCE.
DESIGNATEDSEISMICSYSTEM.
FABRICATEDITEM.
INTUMESCENTFIRERESISTANTCOATINGS.
MAINWINDFORCERESISTINGSYSTEM.
MASTICFIRERESISTANTCOATINGS.
SPECIALINSPECTION.
Continuousspecialinspection.
Periodicspecialinspection.
SPECIALINSPECTOR.
SPRAYEDFIRERESISTANTMATERIALS.
STRUCTURALOBSERVATION.
SECTION1703APPROVALS
1703.1Approvedagency.
Anapprovedagencyshallprovideallinformationasnecessaryforthe
buildingofficialtodeterminethattheagencymeetstheapplicable
requirementsspecifiedinSections1703.1.1through1703.1.3.

1703.1.1Independence.
Anapprovedagencyshallbeobjective,competentandindependent
fromthecontractorresponsiblefortheworkbeinginspected.The
agencyshallalsodisclosetothebuildingofficialandtheregistered
designprofessionalinresponsiblechargepossibleconflictsofintere0st
sothatobjectivitycanbeconfirmed.
1703.1.2Equipment.
Anapprovedagencyshallhaveadequateequipmenttoperform
requiredtests.Theequipmentshallbeperiodicallycalibrated.
1703.1.3Personnel.
Anapprovedagencyshallemployexperiencedpersonneleducatedin
conducting,supervisingandevaluatingtestsandspecialinspections.
1703.2Writtenapproval.
Anymaterial,appliance,equipment,systemormethodofconstruction
meetingtherequirementsofthiscodeshallbeapprovedinwritingafter
satisfactorycompletionoftherequiredtestsandsubmissionof
requiredtestreports.
1703.3Recordofapproval.
Foranymaterial,appliance,equipment,systemormethodof
constructionthathasbeenapproved,arecordofsuchapproval,
includingtheconditionsandlimitationsoftheapproval,shallbekepton
fileinthebuildingofficial'sofficeandshallbeavailableforpublic
reviewatappropriatetimes.
1703.4Performance.
Specificinformationconsistingoftestreportsconductedbyan
approvedagencyinaccordancewiththeappropriatereferenced
standards,orothersuchinformationasnecessary,shallbeprovided
forthebuildingofficialtodeterminethattheproduct,materialor
assemblymeetstheapplicablecoderequirements.
1703.4.1Researchandinvestigation.
Sufficienttechnicaldatashallbesubmittedtothebuildingofficialto
substantiatetheproposeduseofanyproduct,materialorassembly.If
itisdeterminedthattheevidencesubmittedissatisfactoryproofof
performancefortheuseintended,thebuildingofficialshallapprovethe
useoftheproduct,materialorassemblysubjecttotherequirementsof
thiscode.Thecosts,reportsandinvestigationsrequiredunderthese

provisionsshallbepaidbytheownerortheownersauthorizedagent.
1703.4.2Researchreports.
Supportingdata,wherenecessarytoassistintheapprovalofproducts,
materialsorassembliesnotspecificallyprovidedforinthiscode,shall
consistofvalidresearchreportsfromapprovedsources.
1703.5Labeling.
Products,materialsorassembliesrequiredtobelabeledshallbe
labeledinaccordancewiththeproceduressetforthinSections
1703.5.1through1703.5.4.
1703.5.1Testing.
Anapprovedagencyshalltestarepresentativesampleoftheproduct,
materialorassemblybeinglabeledtotherelevantstandardor
standards.Theapprovedagencyshallmaintainarecordofthetests
performed.Therecordshallprovidesufficientdetailtoverify
compliancewiththeteststandard.
1703.5.2Inspectionandidentification.
Theapprovedagencyshallperiodicallyperformaninspection,which
shallbeinplantifnecessary,oftheproductormaterialthatistobe
labeled.Theinspectionshallverifythatthelabeledproduct,materialor
assemblyisrepresentativeoftheproduct,materialorassemblytested.
1703.5.3Labelinformation.
Thelabelshallcontainthemanufacturersidentification,model
number,serialnumberordefinitiveinformationdescribingthe
performancecharacteristicsoftheproduct,materialorassemblyand
theapprovedagencysidentification.
1703.5.4Methodoflabeling.
Informationrequiredtobepermanentlyidentifiedontheproduct,
materialorassemblyshallbeacidetched,sandblasted,ceramicfired,
laseretched,embossedorofatypethat,onceapplied,cannotbe
removedwithoutbeingdestroyed.
1703.6Evaluationandfollowupinspectionservices.
Wherestructuralcomponentsorotheritemsregulatedbythiscodeare
notvisibleforinspectionaftercompletionofaprefabricatedassembly,
theownerortheownersauthorizedagentshallsubmitareportofeach
prefabricatedassembly.Thereportshallindicatethecompletedetails
oftheassembly,includingadescriptionoftheassemblyandits

components,thebasisuponwhichtheassemblyisbeingevaluated,
testresultsandsimilarinformationandotherdataasnecessaryforthe
buildingofficialtodetermineconformancetothiscode.Suchareport
shallbeapprovedbythebuildingofficial.
1703.6.1Followupinspection.
Theownerortheownersauthorizedagentshallprovideforspecial
inspectionsoffabricateditemsinaccordancewithSection1704.2.5.
1703.6.2Testandinspectionrecords.
Copiesofnecessarytestandspecialinspectionrecordsshallbefiled
withthebuildingofficial.
SECTION1704SPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTS,
CONTRACTORRESPONSIBILITYANDSTRUCTURAL
OBSERVATION
1704.1General.
Specialinspectionsandtests,statementsofspecialinspections,
responsibilitiesofcontractors,submittalstothebuildingofficialand
structuralobservationsshallmeettheapplicablerequirementsofthis
section.
1704.2Specialinspectionsandtests.
Whereapplicationismadetothebuildingofficialforconstructionas
specifiedinSection105,theownerortheownersauthorizedagent,
otherthanthecontractor,shallemployoneormoreapprovedagencies
toprovidespecialinspectionsandtestsduringconstructiononthe
typesofworkspecifiedinSection1705andidentifytheapproved
agenciestothebuildingofficial.Thesespecialinspectionsandtests
areinadditiontotheinspectionsbythebuildingofficialthatare
identifiedinSection110.
Exceptions:
1.Specialinspectionsandtestsarenotrequiredforconstructionofa
minornatureoraswarrantedbyconditionsinthejurisdictionas
approvedbythebuildingofficial.
2.Unlessotherwiserequiredbythebuildingofficial,specialinspections
andtestsarenotrequiredforGroupUoccupanciesthatareaccessory
toaresidentialoccupancyincluding,butnotlimitedto,thoselistedin
Section312.1.

3.Specialinspectionsandtestsarenotrequiredforportionsof
structuresdesignedandconstructedinaccordancewiththecold
formedsteellightframeconstructionprovisionsofSection2211.7or
theconventionallightframeconstructionprovisionsofSection2308.
4.Thecontractorispermittedtoemploytheapprovedagencieswhere
thecontractorisalsotheowner.
1704.2.1Specialinspectorqualifications.
Priortothestartoftheconstruction,theapprovedagenciesshall
providewrittendocumentationtothebuildingofficialdemonstratingthe
competenceandrelevantexperienceortrainingofthespecial
inspectorswhowillperformthespecialinspectionsandtestsduring
construction.Experienceortrainingshallbeconsideredrelevantwhere
thedocumentedexperienceortrainingisrelatedincomplexitytothe
sametypeofspecialinspectionortestingactivitiesforprojectsof
similarcomplexityandmaterialqualities.Thesequalificationsarein
additiontoqualificationsspecifiedinothersectionsofthiscode.
Theregistereddesignprofessionalinresponsiblechargeand
engineersofrecordinvolvedinthedesignoftheprojectarepermitted
toactastheapprovedagencyandtheirpersonnelarepermittedtoact
asspecialinspectorsfortheworkdesignedbythem,providedthey
qualifyasspecialinspectors.
1704.2.2Accessforspecialinspection.
Theconstructionorworkforwhichspecialinspectionortestingis
requiredshallremainaccessibleandexposedforspecialinspectionor
testingpurposesuntilcompletionoftherequiredspecialinspectionsor
tests.
1704.2.3Statementofspecialinspections.
Theapplicantshallsubmitastatementofspecialinspectionsin
accordancewithSection107.1asaconditionforpermitissuance.This
statementshallbeinaccordancewithSection1704.3.
Exception:Astatementofspecialinspectionsisnotrequiredfor
portionsofstructuresdesignedandconstructedinaccordancewiththe
coldformedsteellightframeconstructionprovisionsofSection2211.7
ortheconventionallightframeconstructionprovisionsofSection2308.
1704.2.4Reportrequirement.

Approvedagenciesshallkeeprecordsofspecialinspectionsandtests.
Theapprovedagencyshallsubmitreportsofspecialinspectionsand
teststothebuildingofficialandtotheregistereddesignprofessionalin
responsiblecharge.Reportsshallindicatethatworkinspectedor
testedwasorwasnotcompletedinconformancetoapproved
constructiondocuments.Discrepanciesshallbebroughttothe
immediateattentionofthecontractorforcorrection.Iftheyarenot
corrected,thediscrepanciesshallbebroughttotheattentionofthe
buildingofficialandtotheregistereddesignprofessionalinresponsible
chargepriortothecompletionofthatphaseofthework.Afinalreport
documentingrequiredspecialinspectionsandtests,andcorrectionof
anydiscrepanciesnotedintheinspectionsortests,shallbesubmitted
atapointintimeagreeduponpriortothestartofworkbytheowneror
theownersauthorizedagenttothebuildingofficial.
1704.2.5Specialinspectionoffabricateditems.
Wherefabricationofstructural,loadbearingorlateralloadresisting
membersorassembliesisbeingconductedonthepremisesofa
fabricatorsshop,specialinspectionsofthefabricateditemsshallbe
performedduringfabrication.
Exceptions:
1.Specialinspectionsduringfabricationarenotrequiredwherethe
fabricatormaintainsapproveddetailedfabricationandqualitycontrol
proceduresthatprovideabasisforcontroloftheworkmanshipandthe
fabricatorsabilitytoconformtoapprovedconstructiondocumentsand
thiscode.Approvalshallbebaseduponreviewoffabricationand
qualitycontrolproceduresandperiodicinspectionoffabrication
practicesbythebuildingofficial.
2.Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredwherethefabricatoris
registeredandapprovedinaccordancewithSection1704.2.5.1.
1704.2.5.1Fabricatorapproval.
Specialinspectionsduringfabricationarenotrequiredwherethework
isdoneonthepremisesofafabricatorregisteredandapprovedto
performsuchworkwithoutspecialinspection.Approvalshallbebased
uponreviewofthefabricatorswrittenproceduralandqualitycontrol
manualsandperiodicauditingoffabricationpracticesbyanapproved
agency.Atcompletionoffabrication,theapprovedfabricatorshall
submitacertificateofcompliancetotheownerortheowners
authorizedagentforsubmittaltothebuildingofficialasspecifiedin

Section1704.5statingthattheworkwasperformedinaccordancewith
theapprovedconstructiondocuments.
1704.3Statementofspecialinspections.
WherespecialinspectionsortestsarerequiredbySection1705,the
registereddesignprofessionalinresponsiblechargeshallpreparea
statementofspecialinspectionsinaccordancewithSection1704.3.1
forsubmittalbytheapplicantinaccordancewithSection1704.2.3.
Exception:Thestatementofspecialinspectionsispermittedtobe
preparedbyaqualifiedpersonapprovedbythebuildingofficialfor
constructionnotdesignedbyaregistereddesignprofessional.
1704.3.1Contentofstatementofspecialinspections.
Thestatementofspecialinspectionsshallidentifythefollowing:
1.Thematerials,systems,componentsandworkrequiredtohave
specialinspectionsortestsbythebuildingofficialorbytheregistered
designprofessionalresponsibleforeachportionofthework.
2.Thetypeandextentofeachspecialinspection.
3.Thetypeandextentofeachtest.
4.Additionalrequirementsforspecialinspectionsortestsforseismicor
windresistanceasspecifiedinSections1705.11,1705.12and
1705.13.
5.Foreachtypeofspecialinspection,identificationastowhetheritwill
becontinuousspecialinspection,periodicspecialinspectionor
performedinaccordancewiththenotationusedinthereferenced
standardwheretheinspectionsaredefined.
1704.3.2Seismicrequirementsinthestatementofspecial
inspections.
WhereSection1705.12or1705.13specifiesspecialinspectionsor
testsforseismicresistance,thestatementofspecialinspectionsshall
identifythedesignatedseismicsystemsandseismicforceresisting
systemsthataresubjecttothespecialinspectionsortests.
1704.3.3Windrequirementsinthestatementofspecial
inspections.
WhereSection1705.11specifiesspecialinspectionforwind

resistance,thestatementofspecialinspectionsshallidentifythemain
windforceresistingsystemsandwindresistingcomponentsthatare
subjecttospecialinspections.
1704.4Contractorresponsibility.
Eachcontractorresponsiblefortheconstructionofamainwindor
seismicforceresistingsystem,designatedseismicsystemorawind
orseismicforceresistingcomponentlistedinthestatementofspecial
inspectionsshallsubmitawrittenstatementofresponsibilitytothe
buildingofficialandtheownerortheownersauthorizedagentpriorto
thecommencementofworkonthesystemorcomponent.The
contractorsstatementofresponsibilityshallcontainacknowledgement
ofawarenessofthespecialrequirementscontainedinthestatementof
specialinspections.
1704.5Submittalstothebuildingofficial.
Inadditiontothesubmittalofreportsofspecialinspectionsandtestsin
accordancewithSection1704.2.4,reportsandcertificatesshallbe
submittedbytheownerortheownersauthorizedagenttothebuilding
officialforeachofthefollowing:
1.Certificatesofcomplianceforthefabricationofstructural,load
bearingorlateralloadresistingmembersorassembliesonthe
premisesofaregisteredandapprovedfabricatorinaccordancewith
Section1704.2.5.1.
2.Certificatesofcompliancefortheseismicqualificationof
nonstructuralcomponents,supportsandattachmentsinaccordance
withSection1705.13.2.
3.Certificatesofcompliancefordesignatedseismicsystemsin
accordancewithSection1705.13.3.
4.Reportsofpreconstructiontestsforshotcreteinaccordancewith
Section1908.5.
5.Certificatesofcomplianceforopenwebsteeljoistsandjoistgirders
inaccordancewithSection2207.5.
6.Reportsofmaterialpropertiesverifyingcompliancewiththe
requirementsofAWSD1.4forweldabilityasspecifiedinSection26.5.4
ofACI318forreinforcingbarsinconcretecomplyingwithastandard
otherthanASTMA706thataretobeweldedand

7.ReportsofmilltestsinaccordancewithSection20.2.2.5ofACI318
forreinforcingbarscomplyingwithASTMA615andusedtoresist
earthquakeinducedflexuraloraxialforcesinthespecialmoment
frames,specialstructuralwallsorcouplingbeamsconnectingspecial
structuralwallsofseismicforceresistingsystemsinstructures
assignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryB,C,D,EorF.
1704.6Structuralobservations.
WhererequiredbytheprovisionsofSection1704.6.1or1704.6.2,the
ownerortheownersauthorizedagentshallemployaregistered
designprofessionaltoperformstructuralobservations.Structural
observationdoesnotincludeorwaivetheresponsibilityforthe
inspectionsinSection110orthespecialinspectionsinSection1705or
othersectionsofthiscode.
Priortothecommencementofobservations,thestructuralobserver
shallsubmittothebuildingofficialawrittenstatementidentifyingthe
frequencyandextentofstructuralobservations.
Attheconclusionoftheworkincludedinthepermit,thestructural
observershallsubmittothebuildingofficialawrittenstatementthatthe
sitevisitshavebeenmadeandidentifyanyreporteddeficienciesthat,
tothebestofthestructuralobserversknowledge,havenotbeen
resolved.
1704.6.1Structuralobservationsforseismicresistance.
Structuralobservationsshallbeprovidedforthosestructuresassigned
toSeismicDesignCategoryD,EorFwhereoneormoreofthe
followingconditionsexist:
1.ThestructureisclassifiedasRiskCategoryIIIorIV.
2.Theheightofthestructureisgreaterthan75feet(22860mm)
abovethebaseasdefinedinASCE7.
3.ThestructureisassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryE,isclassified
asRiskCategoryIorII,andisgreaterthantwostoriesabovegrade
plane.
4.Whensodesignatedbytheregistereddesignprofessional
responsibleforthestructuraldesign.

5.Whensuchobservationisspecificallyrequiredbythebuilding
official.
1704.6.2Structuralobservationsforwindrequirements.
Structuralobservationsshallbeprovidedforthosestructuressited
whereVasdasdeterminedinaccordancewithSection1609.3.1
exceeds110mph(49m/sec),whereoneormoreofthefollowing
conditionsexist:
1.ThestructureisclassifiedasRiskCategoryIIIorIV.
2.Thebuildingheightisgreaterthan75feet(22860mm).
3.Whensodesignatedbytheregistereddesignprofessional
responsibleforthestructuraldesign.
4.Whensuchobservationisspecificallyrequiredbythebuilding
official.
SECTION1705REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTS
1705.1General.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofelementsandnonstructural
componentsofbuildingsandstructuresshallmeettheapplicable
requirementsofthissection.
1705.1.1Specialcases.
Specialinspectionsandtestsshallberequiredforproposedworkthat
is,intheopinionofthebuildingofficial,unusualinitsnature,suchas,
butnotlimitedto,thefollowingexamples:
1.Constructionmaterialsandsystemsthatarealternativestomaterials
andsystemsprescribedbythiscode.
2.Unusualdesignapplicationsofmaterialsdescribedinthiscode.
3.Materialsandsystemsrequiredtobeinstalledinaccordancewith
additionalmanufacturersinstructionsthatprescriberequirementsnot
containedinthiscodeorinstandardsreferencedbythiscode.
1705.2Steelconstruction.
Thespecialinspectionsandnondestructivetestingofsteelconstruction
inbuildings,structures,andportionsthereofshallbeinaccordance

withthissection.
Exception:Specialinspectionsofthesteelfabricationprocessshall
notberequiredwherethefabricatordoesnotperformanywelding,
thermalcuttingorheatingoperationofanykindaspartofthe
fabricationprocess.Insuchcases,thefabricatorshallberequiredto
submitadetailedprocedureformaterialcontrolthatdemonstratesthe
fabricatorsabilitytomaintainsuitablerecordsandproceduressuch
that,atanytimeduringthefabricationprocess,thematerial
specificationandgradeforthemainstresscarryingelementsare
capableofbeingdetermined.Milltestreportsshallbeidentifiabletothe
mainstresscarryingelementswhenrequiredbytheapproved
constructiondocuments.
1705.2.1Structuralsteel.
Specialinspectionsandnondestructivetestingofstructuralsteel
elementsinbuildings,structuresandportionsthereofshallbein
accordancewiththequalityassuranceinspectionrequirementsof
AISC360.
Exception:Specialinspectionofrailingsystemscomposedof
structuralsteelelementsshallbelimitedtoweldinginspectionofwelds
atthebaseofcantileveredrailposts.
1705.2.2Coldformedsteeldeck.
Specialinspectionsandqualificationofweldingspecialinspectorsfor
coldformedsteelfloorandroofdeckshallbeinaccordancewiththe
qualityassuranceinspectionrequirementsofSDIQA/QC.
1705.2.3Openwebsteeljoistsandjoistgirders.
Specialinspectionsofopenwebsteeljoistsandjoistgirdersin
buildings,structuresandportionsthereofshallbeinaccordancewith
Table1705.2.3.
TABLE1705.2.3REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSOFOPEN
WEBSTEELJOISTSANDJOISTGIRDERS
CONTINUOUS PERIODIC REFERENCED
SPECIAL
SPECIAL
a
INSPECTION INSPECTION STANDARD
1.Installationofopenwebsteeljoistsandjoistgirders.
SJI
specifications
a.Endconnectionsweldingorbolted.

X
listedinSection
2207.1.
TYPE

b.Bridginghorizontalordiagonal.
1.Standardbridging.
2.BridgingthatdiffersfromtheSJI
specificationslistedinSection2207.1.

SJI
specifications
listedinSection
2207.1.

ForSI:1inch=25.4mm.
a.Whereapplicable,seealsoSection1705.12,Specialinspectionsforseismicresistance

1705.2.4Coldformedsteeltrussesspanning60feetorgreater.
Whereacoldformedsteeltrussclearspanis60feet(18288mm)or
greater,thespecialinspectorshallverifythatthetemporaryinstallation
restraint/bracingandthepermanentindividualtrussmember
restraint/bracingareinstalledinaccordancewiththeapprovedtruss
submittalpackage.
1705.3Concreteconstruction.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofconcreteconstructionshallbe
performedinaccordancewiththissectionandTable1705.3.
Exception:Specialinspectionsandtestsshallnotberequiredfor:
1.Isolatedspreadconcretefootingsofbuildingsthreestoriesorless
abovegradeplanethatarefullysupportedonearthorrock.
2.Continuousconcretefootingssupportingwallsofbuildingsthree
storiesorlessabovegradeplanethatarefullysupportedonearthor
rockwhere:
2.1.Thefootingssupportwallsoflightframeconstruction.
2.2.ThefootingsaredesignedinaccordancewithTable1809.7.
2.3.Thestructuraldesignofthefootingisbasedonaspecified
compressivestrength,fc,notmorethan2,500poundspersquareinch
(psi)(17.2MPa),regardlessofthecompressivestrengthspecifiedin
theapprovedconstructiondocumentsorusedinthefooting
construction.
3.Nonstructuralconcreteslabssupporteddirectlyontheground,
includingprestressedslabsongrade,wheretheeffectiveprestressin
theconcreteislessthan150psi(1.03MPa).

4.ConcretefoundationwallsconstructedinaccordancewithTable
1807.1.6.2.
5.Concretepatios,drivewaysandsidewalks,ongrade.
TABLE1705.3REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTSOF
CONCRETECONSTRUCTION
CONTINUOUS PERIODIC REFERENCED
IBC
SPECIAL
SPECIAL
a REFERENCE
STANDARD
INSPECTION INSPECTION
1.Inspectreinforcement,including
ACI318Ch.
prestressingtendons,andverify

X
20,25.2,25.3,
1908.4
placement.
26.5.126.5.3
2.Reinforcingbarwelding:
a.Verifyweldabilityofreinforcing
bars

X
AWSD1.4
otherthanASTMA706
b.Inspectsinglepassfilletwelds,
ACI318:
maximum
X

26.5.4
5/ and
16
TYPE

c.Inspectallotherwelds.
3.Inspectanchorscastin
concrete.
4.Inspectanchorspostinstalledin
hardenedconcretemembers.b
a.Adhesiveanchorsinstalledin
horizontally
orupwardlyinclinedorientations
toresistsustainedtensionloads.
b.Mechanicalanchorsand
adhesiveanchors
notdefinedin4.a
5.Verifyuseofrequireddesign
mix.
6.Priortoconcreteplacement,
fabricatespecimensforstrength
tests,performslumpandair
contenttests,anddeterminethe
temperatureof
theconcrete.
7.Inspectconcreteandshotcrete
placementfor
properapplicationtechniques.
8.Verifymaintenanceofspecified
curingtemperatureand
techniques.
9.Inspectprestressedconcrete
for:
a.Applicationofprestressing
forcesand

X
ACI318:
17.8.2

ACI318:
17.8.2.4

ACI318:Ch.
19,26.4.3,
26.4.4

1904.1,
1904.2,
1908.2,
1908.3

ASTMC172
ASTMC31
ACI318:
26.4.5,26.12

1908.10

ACI318:
26.4.5

1908.6,
1908.7,
1908.8

ACI318:
26.4.726.4.9

1908.9

ACI318:
26.9.2.1

b.Groutingofbonded
prestressingtendons.
10.Inspecterectionofprecast
concretemembers.
11.Verifyinsituconcrete
strength,priortostressing
oftendonsinposttensioned
concreteand
priortoremovalofshoresand
formsfrom
beamsandstructuralslabs.
12.Inspectformworkforshape,
locationanddimensionsofthe
concretememberbeing
formed.

ACI318:
26.9.2.3
ACI318:Ch.
26.8

ACI318:
26.10.2

ACI318:
26.10.1(b)

ForSI:1inch=25.4mm.
a.Whereapplicable,seealsoSection1705.12,Specialinspectionsforseismicresistance.
b.Specificrequirementsforspecialinspectionshallbeincludedintheresearchreportforthe
anchorissuedbyanapprovedsourceinaccordancewith17.8.2inACI318,orother
qualificationprocedures.Wherespecificrequirementsarenotprovided,specialinspection
requirementsshallbespecifiedbytheregistereddesignprofessionalandshallbeapprovedby
thebuildingofficialpriortothecommencementofthework

1705.3.1Weldingofreinforcingbars.
Specialinspectionsofweldingandqualificationsofspecialinspectors
forreinforcingbarsshallbeinaccordancewiththerequirementsof
AWSD1.4forspecialinspectionandofAWSD1.4forspecialinspector
qualification.
1705.3.2Materialtests.
Intheabsenceofsufficientdataordocumentationprovidingevidence
ofconformancetoqualitystandardsformaterialsinChapters19and
20ofACI318,thebuildingofficialshallrequiretestingofmaterialsin
accordancewiththeappropriatestandardsandcriteriaforthematerial
inChapters19and20ofACI318.
1705.4Masonryconstruction.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofmasonryconstructionshallbe
performedinaccordancewiththequalityassuranceprogram
requirementsofTMS402/ACI530/ASCE5andTMS602/ACI
530.1/ASCE6.
Exception:Specialinspectionsandtestsshallnotberequiredfor:
1.Empiricallydesignedmasonry,glassunitmasonryormasonry
veneerdesignedinaccordancewithSection2109,2110orChapter14,

respectively,wheretheyarepartofastructureclassifiedasRisk
CategoryI,IIorIII.
2.MasonryfoundationwallsconstructedinaccordancewithTable
1807.1.6.3(1),1807.1.6.3(2),1807.1.6.3(3)or1807.1.6.3(4).
3.Masonryfireplaces,masonryheatersormasonrychimneysinstalled
orconstructedinaccordancewithSection2111,2112or2113,
respectively.
1705.4.1Empiricallydesignedmasonry,glassunitmasonryand
masonryveneerinRiskCategoryIV.
Specialinspectionsandtestsforempiricallydesignedmasonry,glass
unitmasonryormasonryveneerdesignedinaccordancewithSection
2109,2110orChapter14,respectively,wheretheyarepartofa
structureclassifiedasRiskCategoryIVshallbeperformedin
accordancewithTMS402/ACI530/ASCE5,LevelBQuality
Assurance.
1705.4.2Verticalmasonryfoundationelements.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofverticalmasonryfoundationelements
shallbeperformedinaccordancewithSection1705.4.
1705.5Woodconstruction.
Specialinspectionsofprefabricatedwoodstructuralelementsand
assembliesshallbeinaccordancewithSection1704.2.5.Special
inspectionsofsitebuiltassembliesshallbeinaccordancewiththis
section.
1705.5.1Highloaddiaphragms.
HighloaddiaphragmsdesignedinaccordancewithSection2306.2
shallbeinstalledwithspecialinspectionsasindicatedinSection
1704.2.Thespecialinspectorshallinspectthewoodstructuralpanel
sheathingtoascertainwhetheritisofthegradeandthicknessshown
ontheapprovedconstructiondocuments.Additionally,thespecial
inspectormustverifythenominalsizeofframingmembersatadjoining
paneledges,thenailorstaplediameterandlength,thenumberof
fastenerlinesandthatthespacingbetweenfastenersineachlineand
atedgemarginsagreeswiththeapprovedconstructiondocuments.
1705.5.2Metalplateconnectedwoodtrussesspanning60feetor
greater.
Whereatrussclearspanis60feet(18288mm)orgreater,thespecial

inspectorshallverifythatthetemporaryinstallationrestraint/bracing
andthepermanentindividualtrussmemberrestraint/bracingare
installedinaccordancewiththeapprovedtrusssubmittalpackage.
1705.6Soils.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofexistingsitesoilconditions,fill
placementandloadbearingrequirementsshallbeperformedin
accordancewiththissectionandTable1705.6.Theapproved
geotechnicalreportandtheconstructiondocumentspreparedbythe
registereddesignprofessionalsshallbeusedtodeterminecompliance.
Duringfillplacement,thespecialinspectorshallverifythatproper
materialsandproceduresareusedinaccordancewiththeprovisions
oftheapprovedgeotechnicalreport.
Exception:WhereSection1803doesnotrequirereportingof
materialsandproceduresforfillplacement,thespecialinspectorshall
verifythattheinplacedrydensityofthecompactedfillisnotlessthan
90percentofthemaximumdrydensityatoptimummoisturecontent
determinedinaccordancewithASTMD1557.
TABLE1705.6REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTSOF
SOILS
TYPE
1.Verifymaterialsbelowshallowfoundationsare
adequatetoachievethedesignbearingcapacity.
2.Verifyexcavationsareextendedtoproperdepthand
havereachedpropermaterial.
3.Performclassificationandtestingofcompactedfill
materials.
4.Verifyuseofpropermaterials,densitiesandlift
thicknessesduringplacementandcompactionof
compactedfill.
5.Priortoplacementofcompactedfill,inspectsubgrade
andverifythatsitehasbeenpreparedproperly.

CONTINUOUS
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

PERIODIC
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

1705.7Drivendeepfoundations.
Specialinspectionsandtestsshallbeperformedduringinstallationof
drivendeepfoundationelementsasspecifiedinTable1705.7.The
approvedgeotechnicalreportandtheconstructiondocuments
preparedbytheregistereddesignprofessionalsshallbeusedto
determinecompliance.

TABLE1705.7REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTSOF
DRIVENDEEPFOUNDATIONELEMENTS
TYPE
1.Verifyelementmaterials,sizesandlengths
complywiththerequirements.
2.Determinecapacitiesoftestelementsand
conductadditionalloadtests,asrequired.
3.Inspectdrivingoperationsandmaintaincomplete
andaccuraterecordsforeachelement.
4.Verifyplacementlocationsandplumbness,
confirmtypeandsizeofhammer,record
numberofblowsperfootofpenetration,determine
requiredpenetrationstoachievedesign
capacity,recordtipandbuttelevationsand
documentanydamagetofoundationelement.
5.Forsteelelements,performadditionalspecial
inspectionsinaccordancewithSection1705.2.
6.Forconcreteelementsandconcretefilled
elements,performtestsandadditionalspecial
inspectionsinaccordancewithSection1705.3.
7.Forspecialtyelements,performadditional
inspectionsasdeterminedbytheregistered
designprofessionalinresponsiblecharge.

CONTINUOUS
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

PERIODIC
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

1705.8Castinplacedeepfoundations.
Specialinspectionsandtestsshallbeperformedduringinstallationof
castinplacedeepfoundationelementsasspecifiedinTable1705.8.
Theapprovedgeotechnicalreportandtheconstructiondocuments
preparedbytheregistereddesignprofessionalsshallbeusedto
determinecompliance.
TABLE1705.8REQUIREDSPECIALINSPECTIONSANDTESTSOF
CASTINPLACEDEEPFOUNDATIONELEMENTS
TYPE
1.Inspectdrillingoperationsandmaintaincomplete
andaccuraterecordsforeachelement.
2.Verifyplacementlocationsandplumbness,
confirmelementdiameters,belldiameters
(ifapplicable),lengths,embedmentintobedrock(if
applicable)andadequateendbearing
stratacapacity.Recordconcreteorgroutvolumes.
3.Forconcreteelements,performtestsand
additionalspecialinspectionsinaccordance
withSection1705.3.

CONTINUOUS
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

PERIODIC
SPECIAL
INSPECTION

1705.9Helicalpilefoundations.
Continuousspecialinspectionsshallbeperformedduringinstallationof
helicalpilefoundations.Theinformationrecordedshallinclude
installationequipmentused,piledimensions,tipelevations,finaldepth,
finalinstallationtorqueandotherpertinentinstallationdataasrequired
bytheregistereddesignprofessionalinresponsiblecharge.The
approvedgeotechnicalreportandtheconstructiondocuments
preparedbytheregistereddesignprofessionalshallbeusedto
determinecompliance.
1705.10Fabricateditems.
Specialinspectionsoffabricateditemsshallbeperformedin
accordancewithSection1704.2.5.
1705.11Specialinspectionsforwindresistance.
SpecialinspectionsforwindresistancespecifiedinSections1705.11.1
through1705.11.3,unlessexemptedbytheexceptionstoSection
1704.2,arerequiredforbuildingsandstructuresconstructedinthe
followingareas:
1.InwindExposureCategoryB,whereVasdasdeterminedin
accordancewithSection1609.3.1is120milesperhour(52.8m/sec)
orgreater.
2.InwindExposureCategoryCorD,whereVasdasdeterminedin
accordancewithSection1609.3.1is110mph(49m/sec)orgreater.
1705.11.1Structuralwood.
Continuousspecialinspectionisrequiredduringfieldgluingoperations
ofelementsofthemainwindforceresistingsystem.Periodicspecial
inspectionisrequiredfornailing,bolting,anchoringandotherfastening
ofelementsofthemainwindforceresistingsystem,includingwood
shearwalls,wooddiaphragms,dragstruts,bracesandholddowns.
Exception:Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredforwoodshearwalls,
shearpanelsanddiaphragms,includingnailing,bolting,anchoringand
otherfasteningtootherelementsofthemainwindforceresisting
system,wherethefastenerspacingofthesheathingismorethan4
inches(102mm)oncenter.
1705.11.2Coldformedsteellightframeconstruction.
Periodicspecialinspectionisrequiredforweldingoperationsof

elementsofthemainwindforceresistingsystem.Periodicspecial
inspectionisrequiredforscrewattachment,bolting,anchoringand
otherfasteningofelementsofthemainwindforceresistingsystem,
includingshearwalls,braces,diaphragms,collectors(dragstruts)and
holddowns.
Exception:Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredforcoldformedsteel
lightframeshearwallsanddiaphragms,includingscrewing,bolting,
anchoringandotherfasteningtocomponentsofthewindforceresisting
system,whereeitherofthefollowingapplies:
1.Thesheathingisgypsumboardorfiberboard.
2.Thesheathingiswoodstructuralpanelorsteelsheetsononlyone
sideoftheshearwall,shearpanelordiaphragmassemblyandthe
fastenerspacingofthesheathingismorethan4inches(102mm)on
center(o.c.).
1705.11.3Windresistingcomponents.
Periodicspecialinspectionisrequiredforfasteningofthefollowing
systemsandcomponents:
1.Roofcovering,roofdeckandroofframingconnections.
2.Exteriorwallcoveringandwallconnectionstoroofandfloor
diaphragmsandframing.
1705.12Specialinspectionsforseismicresistance.
Specialinspectionsforseismicresistanceshallberequiredas
specifiedinSections1705.12.1through1705.12.9,unlessexempted
bytheexceptionsofSection1704.2.
Exception:ThespecialinspectionsspecifiedinSections1705.12.1
through1705.12.9arenotrequiredforstructuresdesignedand
constructedinaccordancewithoneofthefollowing:
1.Thestructureconsistsoflightframeconstructionthedesign
spectralresponseaccelerationatshortperiods,SDS,asdeterminedin
Section1613.3.4,doesnotexceed0.5andthebuildingheightofthe
structuredoesnotexceed35feet(10668mm).
2.Theseismicforceresistingsystemofthestructureconsistsof
reinforcedmasonryorreinforcedconcretethedesignspectral

responseaccelerationatshortperiods,SDS,asdeterminedinSection
1613.3.4,doesnotexceed0.5andthebuildingheightofthestructure
doesnotexceed25feet(7620mm).
3.Thestructureisadetachedoneortwofamilydwellingnot
exceedingtwostoriesabovegradeplaneanddoesnothaveanyofthe
followinghorizontalorverticalirregularitiesinaccordancewithSection
12.3ofASCE7:
3.1.Torsionalorextremetorsionalirregularity.
3.2.Nonparallelsystemsirregularity.
3.3.Stiffnesssoftstoryorstiffnessextremesoftstoryirregularity.
3.4.Discontinuityinlateralstrengthweakstoryirregularity.
1705.12.1Structuralsteel.
Specialinspectionsforseismicresistanceshallbeinaccordancewith
Section1705.12.1.1or1705.12.1.2,asapplicable.
1705.12.1.1Seismicforceresistingsystems.
Specialinspectionsofstructuralsteelintheseismicforceresisting
systemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesign
CategoryB,C,D,EorFshallbeperformedinaccordancewiththe
qualityassurancerequirementsofAISC341.
Exception:Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredintheseismicforce
resistingsystemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismic
DesignCategoryBorCthatarenotspecificallydetailedforseismic
resistance,witharesponsemodificationcoefficient,R,of3orless,
excludingcantilevercolumnsystems.
1705.12.1.2Structuralsteelelements.
Specialinspectionsofstructuralsteelelementsintheseismicforce
resistingsystemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismic
DesignCategoryB,C,D,EorFotherthanthosecoveredinSection
1705.12.1.1,includingstruts,collectors,chordsandfoundation
elements,shallbeperformedinaccordancewiththequalityassurance
requirementsofAISC341.
Exception:Specialinspectionsofstructuralsteelelementsarenot
requiredintheseismicforceresistingsystemsofbuildingsand

structuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryBorCwitha
responsemodificationcoefficient,R,of3orless.
1705.12.2Structuralwood.
Fortheseismicforceresistingsystemsofstructuresassignedto
SeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorF:
1.Continuousspecialinspectionshallberequiredduringfieldgluing
operationsofelementsoftheseismicforceresistingsystem.
2.Periodicspecialinspectionshallberequiredfornailing,bolting,
anchoringandotherfasteningofelementsoftheseismicforce
resistingsystem,includingwoodshearwalls,wooddiaphragms,drag
struts,braces,shearpanelsandholddowns.
Exception:Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredforwoodshearwalls,
shearpanelsanddiaphragms,includingnailing,bolting,anchoringand
otherfasteningtootherelementsoftheseismicforceresistingsystem,
wherethefastenerspacingofthesheathingismorethan4inches(102
mm)oncenter.
1705.12.3Coldformedsteellightframeconstruction.
Fortheseismicforceresistingsystemsofstructuresassignedto
SeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorF,periodicspecialinspectionshall
berequired:
1.Forweldingoperationsofelementsoftheseismicforceresisting
systemand
2.Forscrewattachment,bolting,anchoringandotherfasteningof
elementsoftheseismicforceresistingsystem,includingshearwalls,
braces,diaphragms,collectors(dragstruts)andholddowns.
Exception:Specialinspectionsarenotrequiredforcoldformedsteel
lightframeshearwallsanddiaphragms,includingscrewinstallation,
bolting,anchoringandotherfasteningtocomponentsoftheseismic
forceresistingsystem,whereeitherofthefollowingapplies:
1.Thesheathingisgypsumboardorfiberboard.
2.Thesheathingiswoodstructuralpanelorsteelsheetsononlyone
sideoftheshearwall,shearpanelordiaphragmassemblyandthe
fastenerspacingofthesheathingismorethan4inches(102mm)on

center.
1705.12.4Designatedseismicsystems.
ForstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorF,the
specialinspectorshallexaminedesignatedseismicsystemsrequiring
seismicqualificationinaccordancewithSection13.2.2ofASCE7and
verifythatthelabel,anchorageandmountingconformtothecertificate
ofcompliance.
1705.12.5Architecturalcomponents.
Periodicspecialinspectionisrequiredfortheerectionandfasteningof
exteriorcladding,interiorandexteriornonbearingwallsandinteriorand
exteriorveneerinstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryD,E
orF.
Exception:Periodicspecialinspectionisnotrequiredforthefollowing:
1.Exteriorcladding,interiorandexteriornonbearingwallsandinterior
andexteriorveneer30feet(9144mm)orlessinheightabovegradeor
walkingsurface.
2.Exteriorcladdingandinteriorandexteriorveneerweighing5psf
(24.5N/m2)orless.
3.Interiornonbearingwallsweighing15psf(73.5N/m2)orless.
1705.12.5.1Accessfloors.
Periodicspecialinspectionisrequiredfortheanchorageofaccess
floorsinstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryD,EorF.
1705.12.6Plumbing,mechanicalandelectricalcomponents.
Periodicspecialinspectionofplumbing,mechanicalandelectrical
componentsshallberequiredforthefollowing:
1.Anchorageofelectricalequipmentforemergencyandstandby
powersystemsinstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,
D,EorF.
2.Anchorageofotherelectricalequipmentinstructuresassignedto
SeismicDesignCategoryEorF.
3.Installationandanchorageofpipingsystemsdesignedtocarry
hazardousmaterialsandtheirassociatedmechanicalunitsin

structuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorF.
4.Installationandanchorageofductworkdesignedtocarryhazardous
materialsinstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,D,Eor
F.
5.Installationandanchorageofvibrationisolationsystemsin
structuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorFwherethe
approvedconstructiondocumentsrequireanominalclearanceof1/4
inch(6.4mm)orlessbetweentheequipmentsupportframeand
restraint.
1705.12.7Storageracks.
Periodicspecialinspectionisrequiredfortheanchorageofstorage
racksthatare8feet(2438mm)orgreaterinheightinstructures
assignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryD,EorF.
1705.12.8Seismicisolationsystems.
Periodicspecialinspectionshallbeprovidedforseismicisolation
systemsinseismicallyisolatedstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesign
CategoryB,C,D,EorFduringthefabricationandinstallationof
isolatorunitsandenergydissipationdevices.
1705.12.9Coldformedsteelspecialboltedmomentframes.
Periodicspecialinspectionshallbeprovidedfortheinstallationofcold
formedsteelspecialboltedmomentframesintheseismicforce
resistingsystemsofstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategory
D,EorF.
1705.13Testingforseismicresistance.
Testingforseismicresistanceshallberequiredasspecifiedin
Sections1705.13.1through1705.13.4,unlessexemptedfromspecial
inspectionsbytheexceptionsofSection1704.2.
1705.13.1Structuralsteel.
Nondestructivetestingforseismicresistanceshallbeinaccordance
withSection1705.13.1.1or1705.13.1.2,asapplicable.
1705.13.1.1Seismicforceresistingsystems.
Nondestructivetestingofstructuralsteelintheseismicforceresisting
systemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesign
CategoryB,C,D,EorFshallbeperformedinaccordancewiththe
qualityassurancerequirementsofAISC341.

Exception:Nondestructivetestingisnotrequiredintheseismicforce
resistingsystemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismic
DesignCategoryBorCthatarenotspecificallydetailedforseismic
resistance,witharesponsemodificationcoefficient,R,of3orless,
excludingcantilevercolumnsystems.
1705.13.1.2Structuralsteelelements.
Nondestructivetestingofstructuralsteelelementsintheseismicforce
resistingsystemsofbuildingsandstructuresassignedtoSeismic
DesignCategoryB,C,D,EorFotherthanthosecoveredinSection
1705.13.1.1,includingstruts,collectors,chordsandfoundation
elements,shallbeperformedinaccordancewiththequalityassurance
requirementsofAISC341.
Exception:Nondestructivetestingofstructuralsteelelementsisnot
requiredintheseismicforceresistingsystemsofbuildingsand
structuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryBorCwitha
responsemodificationcoefficient,R,of3orless.
1705.13.2Nonstructuralcomponents.
ForstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryB,C,D,EorF,
wheretherequirementsofSection13.2.1ofASCE7fornonstructural
components,supportsorattachmentsaremetbyseismicqualification
asspecifiedinItem2therein,theregistereddesignprofessionalshall
specifyontheapprovedconstructiondocumentstherequirementsfor
seismicqualificationbyanalysis,testingorexperiencedata.
Certificatesofcompliancefortheseismicqualificationshallbe
submittedtothebuildingofficialasspecifiedinSection1704.5.
1705.13.3Designatedseismicsystems.
ForstructuresassignedtoSeismicDesignCategoryC,D,EorFand
withdesignatedseismicsystemsthataresubjecttotherequirements
ofSection13.2.2ofASCE7forcertification,theregistereddesign
professionalshallspecifyontheapprovedconstructiondocumentsthe
requirementstobemetbyanalysis,testingorexperiencedataas
specifiedtherein.Certificatesofcompliancedocumentingthatthe
requirementsaremetshallbesubmittedtothebuildingofficialas
specifiedinSection1704.5.
1705.13.4Seismicisolationsystems.
Seismicisolationsystemsinseismicallyisolatedstructuresassignedto
SeismicDesignCategoryB,C,D,EorFshallbetestedinaccordance

withSection17.8ofASCE7.
[BF]1705.14Sprayedfireresistantmaterials.
Specialinspectionsandtestsofsprayedfireresistantmaterialsapplied
tofloor,roofandwallassembliesandstructuralmembersshallbe
performedinaccordancewithSections1705.14.1through1705.14.6.
Specialinspectionsshallbebasedonthefireresistancedesignas
designatedintheapprovedconstructiondocuments.Thetestssetforth
inthissectionshallbebasedonsamplingsfromspecificfloor,roofand
wallassembliesandstructuralmembers.Specialinspectionsandtests
shallbeperformedaftertheroughinstallationofelectrical,automatic
sprinkler,mechanicalandplumbingsystemsandsuspensionsystems
forceilings,whereapplicable.
[BF]1705.14.1Physicalandvisualtests.
Thespecialinspectionsandtestsshallincludethefollowingto
demonstratecompliancewiththelistingandthefireresistancerating:
1.Conditionofsubstrates.
2.Thicknessofapplication.
3.Densityinpoundspercubicfoot(kg/m3).
4.Bondstrengthadhesion/cohesion.
5.Conditionoffinishedapplication.
[BF]1705.14.2Structuralmembersurfaceconditions.
Thesurfacesshallbepreparedinaccordancewiththeapprovedfire
resistancedesignandthewritteninstructionsofapproved
manufacturers.Thepreparedsurfaceofstructuralmemberstobe
sprayedshallbeinspectedbythespecialinspectorbeforethe
applicationofthesprayedfireresistantmaterial.
[BF]1705.14.3Application.
Thesubstrateshallhaveaminimumambienttemperaturebeforeand
afterapplicationasspecifiedinthewritteninstructionsofapproved
manufacturers.Theareaforapplicationshallbeventilatedduringand
afterapplicationasrequiredbythewritteninstructionsofapproved
manufacturers.
[BF]1705.14.4Thickness.

Nomorethan10percentofthethicknessmeasurementsofthe
sprayedfireresistantmaterialsappliedtofloor,roofandwall
assembliesandstructuralmembersshallbelessthanthethickness
requiredbytheapprovedfireresistancedesign,butinnocaseless
thantheminimumallowablethicknessrequiredbySection
1705.14.4.1.
[BF]1705.14.4.1Minimumallowablethickness.
Fordesignthicknesses1inch(25mm)orgreater,theminimum
allowableindividualthicknessshallbethedesignthicknessminus1/4
inch(6.4mm).Fordesignthicknesseslessthan1inch(25mm),the
minimumallowableindividualthicknessshallbethedesignthickness
minus25percent.Thicknessshallbedeterminedinaccordancewith
ASTME605.Samplesofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialsshallbe
selectedinaccordancewithSections1705.14.4.2and1705.14.4.3.
[BF]1705.14.4.2Floor,roofandwallassemblies.
Thethicknessofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialappliedtofloor,roof
andwallassembliesshallbedeterminedinaccordancewithASTME
605,makingnotlessthanfourmeasurementsforeach1,000square
feet(93m2)ofthesprayedarea,orportionthereof,ineachstory.
[BF]1705.14.4.3Cellulardecks.
Thicknessmeasurementsshallbeselectedfromasquarearea,12
inchesby12inches(305mmby305mm)insize.Aminimumoffour
measurementsshallbemade,locatedsymmetricallywithinthesquare
area.
[BF]1705.14.4.4Fluteddecks.
Thicknessmeasurementsshallbeselectedfromasquarearea,12
inchesby12inches(305mmby305mm)insize.Aminimumoffour
measurementsshallbemade,locatedsymmetricallywithinthesquare
area,includingoneeachofthefollowing:valley,crestandsides.The
averageofthemeasurementsshallbereported.
[BF]1705.14.4.5Structuralmembers.
Thethicknessofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialappliedtostructural
membersshallbedeterminedinaccordancewithASTME605.
Thicknesstestingshallbeperformedonnotlessthan25percentofthe
structuralmembersoneachfloor.
[BF]1705.14.4.6Beamsandgirders.
Atbeamsandgirdersthicknessmeasurementsshallbemadeatnine

locationsaroundthebeamorgirderateachendofa12inch(305mm)
length.
[BF]1705.14.4.7Joistsandtrusses.
Atjoistsandtrusses,thicknessmeasurementsshallbemadeatseven
locationsaroundthejoistortrussateachendofa12inch(305mm)
length.
[BF]1705.14.4.8Wideflangedcolumns.
Atwideflangedcolumns,thicknessmeasurementsshallbemadeat12
locationsaroundthecolumnateachendofa12inch(305mm)length.
[BF]1705.14.4.9Hollowstructuralsectionandpipecolumns.
Athollowstructuralsectionandpipecolumns,thickness
measurementsshallbemadeataminimumoffourlocationsaround
thecolumnateachendofa12inch(305mm)length.
[BF]1705.14.5Density.
Thedensityofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialshallnotbelessthan
thedensityspecifiedintheapprovedfireresistancedesign.Densityof
thesprayedfireresistantmaterialshallbedeterminedinaccordance
withASTME605.Thetestsamplesfordeterminingthedensityofthe
sprayedfireresistantmaterialsshallbeselectedasfollows:
1.Fromeachfloor,roofandwallassemblyattherateofnotlessthan
onesampleforevery2,500squarefeet(232m2)orportionthereofof
thesprayedareaineachstory.
2.Frombeams,girders,trussesandcolumnsattherateofnotless
thanonesampleforeachtypeofstructuralmemberforeach2,500
squarefeet(232m2)offloorareaorportionthereofineachstory.
[BF]1705.14.6Bondstrength.
Thecohesive/adhesivebondstrengthofthecuredsprayedfire
resistantmaterialappliedtofloor,roofandwallassembliesand
structuralmembersshallnotbelessthan150poundspersquarefoot
(psf)(7.18kN/m2).Thecohesive/adhesivebondstrengthshallbe
determinedinaccordancewiththefieldtestspecifiedinASTME736
bytestinginplacesamplesofthesprayedfireresistantmaterial
selectedinaccordancewithSections1705.14.6.1through1705.14.6.3.
[BF]1705.14.6.1Floor,roofandwallassemblies.
Thetestsamplesfordeterminingthecohesive/adhesivebondstrength

ofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialsshallbeselectedfromeachfloor,
roofandwallassemblyattherateofnotlessthanonesamplefor
every2,500squarefeet(232m2)ofthesprayedarea,orportion
thereof,ineachstory.
[BF]1705.14.6.2Structuralmembers.
Thetestsamplesfordeterminingthecohesive/adhesivebondstrength
ofthesprayedfireresistantmaterialsshallbeselectedfrombeams,
girders,trusses,columnsandotherstructuralmembersattherateof
notlessthanonesampleforeachtypeofstructuralmemberforeach
2,500squarefeet(232m2)offloorareaorportionthereofineach
story.
[BF]1705.14.6.3Primer,paintandencapsulantbondtests.
Bondteststoqualifyaprimer,paintorencapsulantshallbeconducted
whenthesprayedfireresistantmaterialisappliedtoaprimed,painted
orencapsulatedsurfaceforwhichacceptablebondstrength
performancebetweenthesecoatingsandthefireresistantmaterialhas
notbeendetermined.AbondingagentapprovedbytheSFRM
manufacturershallbeappliedtoaprimed,paintedorencapsulated
surfacewherethebondstrengthsarefoundtobelessthanrequired
values.
[BF]1705.15Masticandintumescentfireresistantcoatings.
Specialinspectionsandtestsformasticandintumescentfireresistant
coatingsappliedtostructuralelementsanddecksshallbeperformedin
accordancewithAWCI12B.Specialinspectionsandtestsshallbe
basedonthefireresistancedesignasdesignatedintheapproved
constructiondocuments.
1705.16Exteriorinsulationandfinishsystems(EIFS).
SpecialinspectionsshallberequiredforallEIFSapplications.
Exceptions:
1.SpecialinspectionsshallnotberequiredforEIFSapplications
installedoverawaterresistivebarrierwithameansofdraining
moisturetotheexterior.
2.SpecialinspectionsshallnotberequiredforEIFSapplications
installedovermasonryorconcretewalls.
1705.16.1Waterresistivebarriercoating.

AwaterresistivebarriercoatingcomplyingwithASTME2570requires
specialinspectionofthewaterresistivebarriercoatingwheninstalled
overasheathingsubstrate.
[BF]1705.17Fireresistantpenetrationsandjoints.
InhighrisebuildingsorinbuildingsassignedtoRiskCategoryIIIorIV,
specialinspectionsforthroughpenetrations,membranepenetration
firestops,fireresistantjointsystemsandperimeterfirebarriersystems
thataretestedandlistedinaccordancewithSections714.3.1.2,
714.4.2,715.3and715.4shallbeinaccordancewithSection
1705.17.1or1705.17.2.
[BF]1705.17.1Penetrationfirestops.
Inspectionsofpenetrationfirestopsystemsthataretestedandlistedin
accordancewithSections714.3.1.2and714.4.2shallbeconductedby
anapprovedagencyinaccordancewithASTME2174.
[BF]1705.17.2Fireresistantjointsystems.
Inspectionoffireresistantjointsystemsthataretestedandlistedin
accordancewithSections715.3and715.4shallbeconductedbyan
approvedagencyinaccordancewithASTME2393.
[F]1705.18Testingforsmokecontrol.
Smokecontrolsystemsshallbetestedbyaspecialinspector.
[F]1705.18.1Testingscope.
Thetestscopeshallbeasfollows:
1.Duringerectionofductworkandpriortoconcealmentforthe
purposesofleakagetestingandrecordingofdevicelocation.
2.Priortooccupancyandaftersufficientcompletionforthepurposes
ofpressuredifferencetesting,flowmeasurementsanddetectionand
controlverification.
[F]1705.18.2Qualifications.
Approvedagenciesforsmokecontroltestingshallhaveexpertisein
fireprotectionengineering,mechanicalengineeringandcertificationas
airbalancers.
SECTION1706DESIGNSTRENGTHSOFMATERIALS
1706.1Conformancetostandards.

Thedesignstrengthsandpermissiblestressesofanystructural
materialthatareidentifiedbyamanufacturersdesignationasto
manufactureandgradebymilltests,orthestrengthandstressgrade
isotherwiseconfirmedtothesatisfactionofthebuildingofficial,shall
conformtothespecificationsandmethodsofdesignofaccepted
engineeringpracticeortheapprovedrulesintheabsenceofapplicable
standards.
1706.2Newmaterials.
Formaterialsthatarenotspecificallyprovidedforinthiscode,the
designstrengthsandpermissiblestressesshallbeestablishedbytests
asprovidedforinSection1707.
SECTION1707ALTERNATIVETESTPROCEDURE
1707.1General.
Intheabsenceofapprovedrulesorotherapprovedstandards,the
buildingofficialshallmake,orcausetobemade,thenecessarytests
andinvestigationsorthebuildingofficialshallacceptduly
authenticatedreportsfromapprovedagenciesinrespecttothequality
andmannerofuseofnewmaterialsorassembliesasprovidedforin
Section104.11.Thecostofalltestsandotherinvestigationsrequired
undertheprovisionsofthiscodeshallbebornebytheownerorthe
ownersauthorizedagent.
SECTION1708INSITULOADTESTS
1708.1General.
Wheneverthereisareasonabledoubtastothestabilityorload
bearingcapacityofacompletedbuilding,structureorportionthereof
fortheexpectedloads,anengineeringassessmentshallberequired.
Theengineeringassessmentshallinvolveeitherastructuralanalysis
oraninsituloadtest,orboth.Thestructuralanalysisshallbebased
onactualmaterialpropertiesandotherasbuiltconditionsthataffect
stabilityorloadbearingcapacity,andshallbeconductedin
accordancewiththeapplicabledesignstandard.Ifthestructural
assessmentdeterminesthattheloadbearingcapacityislessthanthat
requiredbythecode,loadtestsshallbeconductedinaccordancewith
Section1708.2.Ifthebuilding,structureorportionthereofisfoundto
haveinadequatestabilityorloadbearingcapacityfortheexpected
loads,modificationstoensurestructuraladequacyortheremovalof
theinadequateconstructionshallberequired.

1708.2Teststandards.
Structuralcomponentsandassembliesshallbetestedinaccordance
withtheappropriatereferencedstandards.Intheabsenceofa
standardthatcontainsanapplicableloadtestprocedure,thetest
procedureshallbedevelopedbyaregistereddesignprofessionaland
approved.Thetestprocedureshallsimulateloadsandconditionsof
applicationthatthecompletedstructureorportionthereofwillbe
subjectedtoinnormaluse.
1708.3Insituloadtests.
InsituloadtestsshallbeconductedinaccordancewithSection
1708.3.1or1708.3.2andshallbesupervisedbyaregistereddesign
professional.Thetestshallsimulatetheapplicableloadingconditions
specifiedinChapter16asnecessarytoaddresstheconcerns
regardingstructuralstabilityofthebuilding,structureorportionthereof.
1708.3.1Loadtestprocedurespecified.
Whereareferencedstandardcontainsanapplicableloadtest
procedureandacceptancecriteria,thetestprocedureandacceptance
criteriainthestandardshallapply.Intheabsenceofspecificload
factorsoracceptancecriteria,theloadfactorsandacceptancecriteria
inSection1708.3.2shallapply.
1708.3.2Loadtestprocedurenotspecified.
Intheabsenceofapplicableloadtestprocedurescontainedwithina
standardreferencedbythiscodeoracceptancecriteriaforaspecific
materialormethodofconstruction,suchexistingstructureshallbe
subjectedtoatestproceduredevelopedbyaregistereddesign
professionalthatsimulatesapplicableloadinganddeformation
conditions.Forcomponentsthatarenotapartoftheseismicforce
resistingsystem,ataminimumthetestloadshallbeequaltothe
specifiedfactoreddesignloads.Formaterialssuchaswoodthathave
strengthsthataredependentonloadduration,thetestloadshallbe
adjustedtoaccountforthedifferenceinloaddurationofthetest
comparedtotheexpecteddurationofthedesignloadsbeing
considered.Forstaticallyloadedcomponents,thetestloadshallbeleft
inplaceforaperiodof24hours.Forcomponentsthatcarrydynamic
loads(e.g.,machinesupportsorfallarrestanchors),theloadshallbe
leftinplaceforaperiodconsistentwiththecomponentsactual
function.Thestructureshallbeconsideredtohavesuccessfullymet
thetestrequirementswherethefollowingcriteriaaresatisfied:
1.Underthedesignload,thedeflectionshallnotexceedthelimitations

specifiedinSection1604.3.
2.Within24hoursafterremovalofthetestload,thestructureshall
haverecoverednotlessthan75percentofthemaximumdeflection.
3.Duringandimmediatelyafterthetest,thestructureshallnotshow
evidenceoffailure.
SECTION1709PRECONSTRUCTIONLOADTESTS
1709.1General.
Whereproposedconstructionisnotcapableofbeingdesignedby
approvedengineeringanalysis,orwhereproposedconstructiondesign
methoddoesnotcomplywiththeapplicablematerialdesignstandard,
thesystemofconstructionorthestructuralunitandtheconnections
shallbesubjectedtothetestsprescribedinSection1709.Thebuilding
officialshallacceptcertifiedreportsofsuchtestsconductedbyan
approvedtestingagency,providedthatsuchtestsmeetthe
requirementsofthiscodeandapprovedprocedures.
1709.2Loadtestproceduresspecified.
Wherespecificloadtestprocedures,loadfactorsandacceptance
criteriaareincludedintheapplicablereferencedstandards,suchtest
procedures,loadfactorsandacceptancecriteriashallapply.Inthe
absenceofspecifictestprocedures,loadfactorsoracceptancecriteria,
thecorrespondingprovisionsinSection1709.3shallapply.
1709.3Loadtestproceduresnotspecified.
Whereloadtestproceduresarenotspecifiedintheapplicable
referencedstandards,theloadbearinganddeformationcapacityof
structuralcomponentsandassembliesshallbedeterminedonthe
basisofatestproceduredevelopedbyaregistereddesign
professionalthatsimulatesapplicableloadinganddeformation
conditions.Forcomponentsandassembliesthatarenotapartofthe
seismicforceresistingsystem,thetestshallbeasspecifiedinSection
1709.3.1.Loadtestsshallsimulatetheapplicableloadingconditions
specifiedinChapter16.
1709.3.1Testprocedure.
Thetestassemblyshallbesubjectedtoanincreasingsuperimposed
loadequaltonotlessthantwotimesthesuperimposeddesignload.
Thetestloadshallbeleftinplaceforaperiodof24hours.Thetested
assemblyshallbeconsideredtohavesuccessfullymetthetest

requirementsiftheassemblyrecoversnotlessthan75percentofthe
maximumdeflectionwithin24hoursaftertheremovalofthetestload.
Thetestassemblyshallthenbereloadedandsubjectedtoan
increasingsuperimposedloaduntileitherstructuralfailureoccursor
thesuperimposedloadisequaltotwoandonehalftimestheloadat
whichthedeflectionlimitationsspecifiedinSection1709.3.2were
reached,ortheloadisequaltotwoandonehalftimesthe
superimposeddesignload.Inthecaseofstructuralcomponentsand
assembliesforwhichdeflectionlimitationsarenotspecifiedinSection
1709.3.2,thetestspecimenshallbesubjectedtoanincreasing
superimposedloaduntilstructuralfailureoccursortheloadisequalto
twoandonehalftimesthedesiredsuperimposeddesignload.The
allowablesuperimposeddesignloadshallbetakenasthelesserof:
1.TheloadatthedeflectionlimitationgiveninSection1709.3.2.
2.Thefailureloaddividedby2.5.
3.Themaximumloadapplieddividedby2.5.
1709.3.2Deflection.
Thedeflectionofstructuralmembersunderthedesignloadshallnot
exceedthelimitationsinSection1604.3.
1709.4Wallandpartitionassemblies.
Loadbearingwallandpartitionassembliesshallsustainthetestload
bothwithandwithoutwindowframing.Thetestloadshallincludeall
designloadcomponents.Wallandpartitionassembliesshallbetested
bothwithandwithoutdoorandwindowframing.
1709.5Exteriorwindowanddoorassemblies.
Thedesignpressureratingofexteriorwindowsanddoorsinbuildings
shallbedeterminedinaccordancewithSection1709.5.1or1709.5.2.
Forthepurposesofthissection,therequireddesignpressureshallbe
determinedusingtheallowablestressdesignloadcombinationsof
Section1605.3.
Exception:Structuralwindloaddesignpressuresforwindowunits
smallerthanthesizetestedinaccordancewithSection1709.5.1or
1709.5.2shallbepermittedtobehigherthanthedesignvalueofthe
testedunitprovidedsuchhigherpressuresaredeterminedbyaccepted
engineeringanalysis.Allcomponentsofthesmallunitshallbethe
sameasthetestedunit.Wheresuchcalculateddesignpressuresare

used,theyshallbevalidatedbyanadditionaltestofthewindowunit
havingthehighestallowabledesignpressure.
1709.5.1Exteriorwindowsanddoors.
Exteriorwindowsandslidingdoorsshallbetestedandlabeledas
conformingtoAAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440.Thelabelshallstate
thenameofthemanufacturer,theapprovedlabelingagencyandthe
productdesignationasspecifiedinAAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440.
Exteriorsidehingeddoorsshallbetestedandlabeledasconformingto
AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440orcomplywithSection1709.5.2.
ProductstestedandlabeledasconformingtoAAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440shallnotbesubjecttotherequirementsofSections
2403.2and2403.3.
1709.5.2Exteriorwindowsanddoorassembliesnotprovidedfor
inSection1709.5.1.
Exteriorwindowanddoorassembliesshallbetestedinaccordance
withASTME330.Structuralperformanceofgaragedoorsandrolling
doorsshallbedeterminedinaccordancewitheitherASTME330or
ANSI/DASMA108,andshallmeettheacceptancecriteriaof
ANSI/DASMA108.Exteriorwindowanddoorassembliescontaining
glassshallcomplywithSection2403.Thedesignpressurefortesting
shallbecalculatedinaccordancewithChapter16.Eachassembly
shallbetestedfor10secondsataloadequalto1.5timesthedesign
pressure.
1709.6Skylightsandslopedglazing.
Skylightsandslopedglazingshallcomplywiththerequirementsof
Chapter24.
1709.7Testspecimens.
Testspecimensandconstructionshallberepresentativeofthe
materials,workmanshipanddetailsnormallyusedinpractice.The
propertiesofthematerialsusedtoconstructthetestassemblyshallbe
determinedonthebasisoftestsonsamplestakenfromtheload
assemblyoronrepresentativesamplesofthematerialsusedto
constructtheloadtestassembly.Requiredtestsshallbeconductedor
witnessedbyanapprovedagency.

ContactUs:18884227233Ext:33821|TechnicalSupport:Support&FAQforElectronicsProductst|Shop

Copyright2014ICC.Allrightsreserved.