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Water and electrical in same trench, 12 inch separation, not in code, so it would be an adoption and governed by plans and specs. Bob Do You have any additional information. on this? It seem to be an industry standard but hard to enforce. Thanks
Hi inspector Bob - I am currently an contract professional/Construction mgr for lausd. How would i become an independent inspector? How is that process different than going thru dsa. Even st dsa would i start at dsa 4? In your experience which route is better & what is the timeline?
I remember the 1″ requirement…it’s been a while, but was that 1″ overall which gives you 1/2″ around the anchor? Again, I would look for an ICC/ESR Report that covers the specific anchor you are installing.
I don’t know what type of anchors you are using but every anchor type and installation should have an ESR Report that gives you the guidelines for an approved installation.
I am currently working one a new CMU building and we are installing 3/4″ anchor bolts to attach ledgers for the roof framing. Everyone agreed that DSA requires 1″ clear grout all around the anchor but the 2013 code now calls for only 1/2″ (2104A.5.1). No-one seems to know where the original 1″ requirement came from even though its been used for yesrs. As best we can figure it must have been in an old IR that has since been deleted. Could you clear up this question as to where did the 1″ requirement come from?
Rich, I wish I could answer your question but I only deal with day-to-day DSA inspections. I am not involved in project management. Maybe someone else has experience with this?
Is a DSA Inspector of Record acting as a School District’s Project Manager required to have a CSLB license? And if so, if the work requires an A license, would the DSA Inspector be required to have this license as well? Do DSA Inspection companies have to be DIR Registered?
All-thread rod and WF beams typically fall under similar mild steel and/or hardened steel classifications, and in structural use will fall under the AWSD1.1 structural steel welding code. The welder should be qualified/certified for structural welding and carry a current AWS or L.A. City certification card (check your spec) for the welding process that will be used. Typically the welder cert will indicate that the welder is qualified to weld using SMAW (stick) and/or FCAW (wire) welding processes. The welder certification should also indicate what positions the welder is qualified to weld (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead). CWI visual inspection is the only inspection typically used for welding threaded rod to steel beams in structural applications. On occasion, magnetic particle inspection may be required per contract specification.
There should also be an approved welding procedure submitted that will mandate which process, position, type and thickness of steel, and preheat/postheat have been approved. The CWI inspector will match the welder’s certs and qualifications with the approved procedure and determine if the welder has the correct certifications.
Welding all-thread to WF beams is not a complicated process. The all-thread should be free of oil or grease and fit-up and joint preparation should be detailed on the approved plans.
What are the welder qualification required to weld 1/2″ all-thread to top of wf steel beams. is that a prequalified joint?,
What are the welders qualification to weld all-thread to top of WF steel beams. is there any special test for that type of welds?
How many questions are there typically on the Class 4 exam ?
I am unable to find specific information regarding your question. Any waiver of inspection should be noted on the DSA approved plans by the design professional AND should be noted on DSA Form 103.07 Statement of Structural Tests and Special Inspectors.
Regarding precast fabricator inspection: if the precast plant is an ICC approved fabricator, is plant inspection still required for precast piles? Please provide code source.
Use of a “calibrated” wrench for determining pretension of high strength bolts is covered in the AISC Field Construction Manual section called the “Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts” printed by the RESEARCH COUNCIL ON STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS. I am sure that the lab of record on a DSA project must also have it in their LEA DSA certification procedures that only calibrated equipment may be used for determining bolt tension and that records be maintained indicating periods of calibration. Use of a un-calibrated device could give erroneous results. I always look for the certification/calibration sticker on any torque wrench used on the job and provided by the lab.
Do you know where in the code or ASTM standards or in the ESR reports that states a “Certified Torque Wrench” must be used for torque testing evaluation of post installed anchors?
I’m trying to find this “Certified Torque Wrench” requirement in writing somewhere.
Lisa Greenberg
Cornerstone Specialty Insurance Services, Inc
14252 Culver Dr, #A299, Irvine, CA 92604
lisa@cornerstonespecialty.com
714 731 7700
Some school districts want G. L. insurance instead of E and O. The insurance companies I checked with only want to give GL coverage to home inspectors. Do you have some sources for school inspectors GL?
Mostly a one man inspection company
Just my opinion based on your referenced documents: When the SEOR issues the written statements required in IR A-10 I would go ahead and fill in the form 999. IR A-10 seems clear and it is not your responsibility to make a determination without proper backup from the person responsible for design. IR A-10: 1.2.1 A California registered structural engineer shall examine the project and prepare a written statement certifying that the project does not contain any work of a structural nature. The statement must attest that the work does not cause any alteration or reconstruction of structural elements nor trigger structural rehabilitation per Title 24, Part 1, Section 4-309 (c). This statement shall bear the signature and stamp or seal of the structural engineer and shall be filed with the appropriate DSA Regional Office.
1.2.2 The design professional in responsible charge of the project shall prepare a statement certifying that the plans and specifications (1) contain no work that is regulated by the accessibility standards of Title 24, (2) contain no work that triggers accessibility upgrades to existing buildings or facilities, and (3) meet any applicable fire and life safety standards. This statement shall bear the signature and stamp or seal of the design professional and shall be filed with the appropriate DSA Regional Office.
I have no idea how heavy these fans are or how they are being supported. Perhaps no structural mods are required or perhaps there should be. It’s the engineer’s job to do the calculations. I’d hate to have one of these drop down on staff or students during a seismic event. Why should you assume that responsibility?
I have been asked to provide Inspection Services on installation of “Big Ass Fans” in a High School Gym. The Owner and Architect want to do this without DSA involvement and have me sign a DSA Form 999 at the end of the project. DSA IR A-10 requires the 999 form be signed as part of alteration or reconstruction processes. Within IR A-10 it states a Structural Engineer and Design Professional shall each submit letters to DSA stating this basically does not affect Structural, Access or Fire & Life Safety. My question concern is this.. The Architect believes the DSA Form 999 does not have to be tied to the IR A-10 process. He believes I can sign the 999 form without having the Engineer and Architect submitting letters to DSA per IR A-10. The Architects understanding is that adding the Fans is a supplement to the swamp coolers. What is your knowledge on this?
Thank you Bob. I found your archives….. I understand about Software OUT-dates. Operating Systems too!
inspector Steve.
Your wish is my command. If you click on link to “Resources and Information” on main page or right hand sidebar you will now find a link to a page called ASK INSPECTOR BOB ARCHIVE. All the older Q&A are posted on this page. Just so you know…I never wanted to change the website from the older format. I was forced out because my program software was no longer recognized. I had to build from scratch using supplied format (WORD PRESS). I was not happy about it but hey…everything is still on the site and I’m seeing your information posted no problem.
Inspector Bob I am having a difficult time adjusting to your newly designed website I used to be able to glean your site and learn from years of previously posted comments Is there access to the previous website thankyou for your work it keeps us sharp
Inspector Steve
Class III. Here’s a quote from DSA:
Alteration and modernization projects that are primarily non-structural, such as
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, accessibility features, and site improvement
work.
Non-building structures, such as signs and poles, less than 35 feet in height,
bleachers with a maximum of five rows of seats, walls less than 10 feet in height
above grade, and single-story canopies less than 200 square feet in horizontal
projected area.
What level of inspector is required to inspect the anchoring of a kiln in a community college?
See NFPA 13, 24.2.1.1: hydrostatically test fire pipe at 200 psi without loss of pressure for a period of 2 hours.
What are the pressure requirements for testing newly installed fire sprinkler piping in a school?