SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
Special inspections, formerly called controlled inspections, went thru fundamental changes In 2009, when the New York City Department of Buildings redefine the way special inspections were conducted. To enhance the safety and integrity of construction processes, effective July 1, 2009, every construction project in the NYC, approved under the 2008 New York City Building Code, must be inspected and tested by approved Special Inspection Agencies, with qualifications set to consistent standards and firm requirements.
Técnico Special Inspection Agency (TSIA) is a registered Class 1 Special Inspection Agency providing a full range of integrated special inspection services that emphasize the highest standards of quality, reliability, and safety.
The inspector will verify that steel shape, base metals and fillers are of the type, size, grade and condition specified on the approved plans and specifications. Structural steel orientation, details and member sizes will also be verified.
The inspector will perform an inspection of the steel frame to verify compliance with the approved construction documents such as bracing, stiffening, member location etc, including connections designed for seismic effects.
While the work is in progress, the special inspector shall determine that the requirements for bolts, nuts, washers and paint; bolted parts and installation and tightening in such standards are met.
The inspection will verify if the steel frame was built according to the approved drawings and proper shoring techniques are being used. Inspection will include materials verification, inspection of high strength bolts, welding and joints.
The inspector will verify that the proper size reinforcing steel with the required spacing, and also verify proper design mix, supervise slump and air entrapment tests and verify that appropriate techniques were used to lay the concrete.
The inspector will verify that any precast concrete used has been properly formed and assembled. Also that the pre casting plant has been approved following acceptable manufacturing processes and techniques.
Verification of construction techniques used as well as the materials. Verification of mortar preparation and use in the required timeframe, the masonry units is spaced properly, anchors and reinforcements are proper size and spacing.
This inspection is to confirm that the footing site has been prepared properly according to the soils report. The inspector will verify that the site is properly prepared so the fill material can be placed.
This inspection is to ensure that the proper fill is being used in the correct quantity and that it is sufficiently compacted.
The special inspector shall inspect the excavation, underpinning, and demolition work that requires “design”, including earth shoring, underpinning, protection of adjacent structures and buildings is in accordance with the approved drawings.
The special inspector will verify that the method of underpinning and the frequency of supports are according to the design drawings.
This inspection is to verify that the fire resistant material was applied properly over the structure at the specified thickness to ensure that it has bonded correctly and will provide the designed fire protection rating.
The special inspector will conduct special inspection for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems, and perimeter fire barrier systems to verify that listed are in accordance with ASTM E2393.
The inspector will verify the seismic isolation units during fabrication and installation to verify that they are in agreement with the approved drawings and that they have been installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This inspection will be performed to confirm that the mechanical systems specified are being installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and in accordance with the approved engineering drawings.
This special inspection is to verify installation of storm drainage detention facilities are as specified on the engineering drawings.
The inspector will verify the storm drainage, materials of construction, proper bedding of piping, placement of fill materials, volume of the detention facilities, installation of flow control devices and quality of the installation.
The special inspector shall witness all required tests, and shall verify that all installations of all materials, fittings, hangers, assemblies and signage are in accordance with the approved construction documents.
The special inspector shall witness all required standpipe systems tests, and shall verify that all installations of all materials, fittings, hangers, assemblies and signage are in accordance with the approved construction documents.
The inspector will look at the chimney connections, test gauges, supports and safety relief valves.
This inspection is performed whenever construction work consists of structural alterations to the existing structure or adjacent structure(s).
The inspector shall verify that ductwork and smoke control devices are being installed in their proper locations as indicated on the approved drawings.
The inspector will field check the structure during component installation to verify that proper joining and anchorage are being used, drainage and flashing requirements are being followed and that the structure is properly aligned.
The special inspector will check if the power system was installed according to the approved drawings. He will look at the quality of the installation, materials, supports, the feeder lines and other aspects.
A special inspector will be present continuously during the installation of each deep foundation element, and also shall be present continuously for all required testing of deep foundation elements.
The inspector will verify the exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) as it pertains to the method of attachment, waterproofing, drainage provisions, mold prevention and adherence to the manufacturers written installation instructions.
Inspector will inspect that the mastic and intumescent fire resistant coating applied to structural elements and deck are in accordance with the approved drawings.
The inspector will verify that the anchor is in accordance with the project specifications, the installation procedure is in accordance with the MPII.
The inspector will verify that the system was installed according to the approved drawings and that the installation is in accordance with any applicable standards.
The special inspector will prepare a report compiling the findings of the test pits and it will witness at least 50 percent of the test pits.
This special inspector will verify that the structure was built as indicated on the approved drawings. This inspection is only required when the structure is being built in a flood zone as indicated by FEMA FIS 360497 or FEMA FIRMs 360497.
The special inspector will verify that exit signs have been installed as indicated on the approved construction documents. The inspector will verify that proper photo luminescent materials were used and battery backup has been installed.
The special inspector will verify that the construction is being performed as the design engineer intended on the approved construction documents as they may not be how the original equipment manufacturer intended.
The special inspector will check that the demolition is being carried out to the proper extent with adequate protective measures and that the proper phasing is used.
The special inspector will verify that the welder is qualified to perform the welding by reviewing his certifications and that the welding material being used is suitable according to applicable welding standards.
TR3 – Coordinated by Técnico from an alternate testing lab.
Qualified field technician to properly cast the test cylinders and deliver to the laboratory for series of testing. Curing box needs to be provided on site by contractor in accordance with ASTM C-31 standard.
Before approving construction documents, the commissioner is authorized to examine or cause to be examined structures or premises for which an application has been filed.
A qualified inspector will inspect if the footings and foundations are constructed to proper width and depth and meet all other code requirements.
The inspector will verify that the lowest floor (including the basement) for flood zone purposes shall be elevated to at or above the design flood elevation specified in ASCE24.
The inspector will visually inspect and / or test as the Energy code compliance inspection and verify that they are in accordance with approved drawings.
Fire-resistant rated construction shall be inspected to determine compliance with the approved construction documents, including inspection of fire resistance rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts and fire blocking of concealed spaces.
Special inspector will perform inspection for Wood structural framing to determine compliance with the approved documentation.
Director of Special Inspection Agency will review all the inspections submitted for inspections performed on the project prior to final TR-1 Application sign off.
Insulation shall be visually inspected to verify proper protection where applied to the exterior of basement or cellar walls, crawl space walls and /or the perimeter of slab-on-grade floor.
A qualified inspector shall visually inspect installed insulation to verify that the R-values are marked, that such R-values conform to the R-values in the construction documents and that the components are installed correctly.
U-factors of installed fenestration shall be verified by visual inspection for conformance with the U-factors identified in the construction drawings, by verifying the manufacturer’s NFRC labels.
Windows, skylights and sliding glass doors, except site built windows, skylights and doors, shall be visually inspected to verify that installed assemblies are listed and labeled to the referenced standard.
Dimensions of windows, doors and skylights shall be verified by visual inspection.
Openings and penetrations in the building envelope, including site-built fenestration and doors, shall be visually inspected to verify that they are properly sealed.
Testing must be performed in accordance with section ECC C402.5.1.3 or ASHRAE 90.1 section 5.4.3.5, and shall be accepted if the building and/or its air-barrier assemblies meet the requirements detailed in such section.
Weather seals at loading docks shall be visually verified.
The special inspector shall visually verify that the required entrance vestibules are operating properly.
Provision of combustion air and tight-fitting fireplace doors shall be verified by visual inspection.
Dampers for stair and elevator shaft vents and other outdoor air intakes and exhaust openings integral to the building envelope shall be inspected to verify that such dampers comply with approved construction drawings.
Equipment sizing and other performance factors of all major equipment units, as determined by the applicant of record, and no less than 15% of minor equipment units, shall be verified by visual inspection and review of manufacturer’s data.
No less than 20% of each type of required controls and economizers shall be verified by visual inspection and tested for functionality and proper operation.
Installed duct and piping insulation shall be visually inspected to verify correct insulation placement and values. Ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts shall be visually inspected for proper sealing.
For duct systems designed to operate at static pressures in excess of 3 inches w.g.(747Pa), representative sections, as determined by the progress inspector, totaling at least 25% of the duct area shall be tested.
The presence and operation of individual meters or other means of monitoring individual apartments shall be verified by visual inspection for all apartments and where required in a covered tenant space.
Lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be visually inspected to verify compliance with high-efficiency requirements.
Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with the lighting power allowance by visual inspection of fixtures, lamps, ballasts and transformers.
Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with source efficiency and/or the lighting power allowance by visual inspection of fixtures, lamps, ballasts and relevant transformers.
Each type of required lighting controls will be verified by visual inspection and tested for functionality and proper operation.
Where required by the construction documents for energy code compliance, motor listing or labels shall be visually inspected to verify that they comply with the respective energy requirements in the construction documents.
Maintenance manuals for mechanical, service hot water and electrical equipment and systems requiring preventive maintenance shall be reviewed for applicability to installed equipment and systems before such manuals are provided to the owner.