Special inspections services are observations and tests of fabrication, materials, placement, and connections of components vital to the structural integrity of a building. The objective of special inspections is to ensure that the building is designed and constructed to withstand extreme design loading conditions such as wind loads and earthquakes. The building may never experience these phenomena, but the building performance should be in-line with the design if it does.
Special inspections include tests on construction materials such as concrete compressive strength, soil compaction, fire-resistive materials, and welds. The inspection is conducted to determine compliance with the design. An observation or test that doesn’t comply with the design is known as a discrepancy.
Special inspections are not for constructions that are not vital to the structure’s integrity. They are more concerned with storm water control and pavement than the sanitary sewer. Other parts of the construction may be important to the project, but they do not fall under special inspections.
Material Testing
Material testing is used to determine the mechanical and physical properties of properties of raw materials. Construction material testing involves the testing of structural materials used in building projects from the ground up. Components and materials used to construct new additions to an existing facility have to be tested. The testing covers earthwork, destructive and non-destructive concrete testing, shallow and deep foundations, structural masonry, wood construction observations, structural steel, roofing evaluations, and much more.
Material testing is carried out for a number of reasons; they provide information about the tested materials. The information collected during testing can be useful to engineers, production managers, designers, and others.
Testing services can be divided into two areas;
- Field testing: These services take place on the site, airports, roadways, building developments, and utility projects typically require construction material testing carried out by certified experts. Field testing looks for moisture, compaction, air content, and more. They are often evaluated through visual inspection or non-destructive techniques. Examples of construction that are evaluated during field testing include steel structures, soil foundations, and retaining walls.
- Laboratory Testing: If a field study indicates the need for further study, lab testing will be recommended as the next phase. Lab testing is often performed on a needed basis. Common lab-tested materials include.
Asphalt – the tests conducted on asphalt include stability test, mix evaluation, gradation, bulk specific gravity, density, and more.
Soil–bearing ratios, modified or standard proctor, swell testing, classification tests, compressive strength testing, shear testing, pH testing, etc.
Masonry/concrete - compression strength testing, flexural strength testing, unit weight, mix design, and others
Construction material testing is important for the safety of a construction project; it reveals any problems related to construction quality. It shows future risks and assists with engineering decisions. Without construction material testing, builders and engineers may not know if the construction quality meets the requirements. CMT is also a requirement for most large-scale projects. Reach out to a construction company that can offer you these services and more.
