Section 1705.1/Special Inspections and Tests
IBC 1705 requires special inspections for critical structural work including steel welding, concrete placement, high-strength bolting, and post-installed anchors.
Special inspections are required for structural work where the consequences of improper construction are significant. Section 1705.2 requires special inspection for fabrication and erection of structural steel. Section 1705.3 requires special inspection for concrete placement, reinforcement, and prestressing. Section 1705.4 covers masonry. Section 1705.5 covers wood construction. Section 1705.6 covers soils. The registered design professional must prepare a statement of special inspections listing all required inspections, the type (continuous or periodic), and the qualifications of the inspector.
Why this section exists
Structural design calculations assume specific material properties, placement methods, and connection details that must be achieved in the field. A concrete beam designed for 4,000 psi concrete that is poured with 3,000 psi concrete is structurally deficient even though the design was correct. Special inspections provide independent verification that the construction matches the design intent. The special inspector reports to the registered design professional, not to the contractor, ensuring independence.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check the structural drawings for the statement of special inspections. They verify it lists all required inspections per Section 1705 based on the structural systems used in the project. They check that the inspection types (continuous vs. periodic) match the code requirements. They verify the structural general notes reference IBC Section 1705 and identify the registered design professional responsible for the statement.