Masonry Magazine October 1989 Page. 21
NCMA-TEK
An Information series from National Concrete Masonry Association
13:
Inspector's Guide for
Concrete Masonry Construction
INTRODUCTION
Inspection is a critical appraisal of the quality of workmanship as measured by generally accepted industry standards and practices and the acceptability of all materials of construction as provided for in the plans and specifications.
Reports of inspection provide important documentation which may later be invaluable in evaluating the performance of the building.
PURPOSE
The primary purpose of construction inspection is to insure that the intent of the designer and owner is fulfilled; i.e. all materials and workmanship incorporated into the project are in compliance with the plans and specification. It is necessary, therefore, to also identify any significant changes or variations in the original contract documents, such as material substitutions or unusual construction techniques proposed by the contractor, and submit them to the designer for approval prior to implementation.
Concrete masonry construction is primarily dependent upon hand-installed labor requiring use of site-prepared materials. Specified or required field sampling and testing of these materials, if not properly conducted, can have a significant influence on the outcome of test results, and may result in an inaccurate representation of the actual quality and ultimate performance of the materials. Thus it is evident that the importance of adequate inspection cannot be over emphasized.
This does not necessarily imply that the inspector must be present at all times; he should visit the project with sufficient frequency to observe the various stages of work. Each visit should be of such duration that the inspector is able to ascertain that the materials and workmanship are in compliance with the contract documents and code requirements.
ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR
The inspector, acting on behalf of the designer and owner, is an integral part of the construction team. As such, he should participate in all meetings relative to the actual construction.
It is the primary function of the inspector to see that the intent of the plans and specifications is carried out. This is accomplished by examining the products submitted to the job site for compliance with the specification requirements and by observing the work conducted by the contractor. In order to carry out this assignment successfully, he must be allowed: (1) free access to product manufacturers for the purpose of sampling and appraising products; (2) freedom of movement throughout the construction area for the purpose of observing the work in progress; and (3), be granted authority to reject improper or unauthorized materials or workmanship.
On the other hand, the inspector should be capable of good judgement permitting the contractor reasonable freedom by avoiding unnecessary requirements and restrictions which would prevent him from performing his work in the most advantageous and profitable manner.
The inspector should completely familiarize himself with the plans and specifications prior to the start of construction and meet with the designer to establish priorities concerning those parts of the construction requiring special consideration. It is also his responsibility to maintain complete and accurate records of all phases of construction including test report results, weather, temperature, and any revisions to, or variations from, the original contract documents. These records should be turned over to the designer at the completion of the project to become a part of the permanent record.
The inspection program consists of two separate and distinct phases.
(1) Prequalification and periodic monitoring of materials:
Identification
Quantities
Acceptability
Uniformity
Storage
Handling
Testing
(2) Review of construction practices and procedures relative to:
Materials proportioning
Wall alignment and elevations
Surface conditions of masonry
foundations
Block laying procedures
Acceptable tolerances
Grouting procedures
Temporary bracing and
protection
TEK 132 © 1983 National Concrete Masonry Association