Page 18 - StonecrestAnnual2017

ARE
THEY
REALLY
NECESSARY

SITE ?INSPECTIONS
Some see inspections as an unnecessary cost to the construction of their new facility. But for a majority of facilities, general
review is mandatory as part of the building permit requirements. Most building codes require professional engineers
to undertake a general review of construction of specified buildings and forward written reports from this general
review to the chief building official. The purpose of the general review is to ensure that the project is being constructed
in “general conformance” with the engineered plans. Your engineering firm should provide a list of inspection requirements, at
the completion of the engineered drawings, to ensure that you are aware of when an inspection is to be completed. Stonecrest
supplies a list of inspections to both the Owner and the Contractor to ensure none of the required inspections are missed. It is
critical that these inspections be completed. Not having the required inspections and reports completed can cause issues with the
local municipality such as denied occupancy and forfeited permit deposits.
The inspections you will require for your facility will differ depending on the type of facility you are building. An agricultural storage
shed may require a soil/footing inspection, a wall reinforcement inspection, a framing inspection and a final inspection. Whereas
a bunker silo may require a soil/footing inspection, a wall reinforcement inspection and a final inspection. Exceptions may apply

to liquid manure storage tank or structures that require fill material to be installed under
structural members. In these cases, a geotechnical engineering company may be required
to complete additional soil testing prior to continuing construction. For structural onsite
inspections, your project may include the following:
- Soil and footings. This first inspection is completed after excavation for the foundation
or footings for the facility and prior to concrete being poured into the strip, post or
pad footings for the facility. When the site has been completely prepared for the start
of construction and the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel have been set for the
placement of the footings for the structure, the engineer should be notified to provide an
inspection of the soil conditions and footings. This review may be performed provided the
ability to inspect either component is not compromised. You should notify the engineer
of any concerns with regards to, but not limited to, soil bearing capacity, slope stability,
groundwater and drainage. You should also notify the engineer if non-native soils have
been used in the site preparation. If your project contains provisions for a liquid manure
storage or requires fill material under structural members, a geotechnical engineer must

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