Quality Control Inspections and Testing

Pre-pour Pier / Drilled Shaft

An inspection to ensure that the added foundation piers are placed according to the engineered plans, that the drilled shafts are the depth required, and that the rebar is in place or ready to be placed before concrete is poured.

Pre-pour Foundation

An inspection to ensure that the grade beams, cables and/or rebar has been placed according to the engineered design, before concrete placement.

OCE

Original Construction Elevation

An inspection documenting the elevations in a foundation. This information establishes a baseline to help accurately determine any movement that may occur in the future. It is preferable to obtain this inspection after concrete placement, prior to the installation of flooring and carpet.

Wall / Wind Bracing

An inspection to ensure that the wall/wind bracing is placed according to International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) standards.

Framing and Mechanical

An inspection for Warranty Purposes Only, to observe the foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems at access points available to determine general compliance with the approved plans and good construction standards. This inspection does NOT ensure that it is according to IRC/IBC standards.

Final

An inspection for Warranty Purposes Only, to ensure all home finishing is of good workmanship, and the residential unit(s) is ready for occupancy. This inspection does NOT ensure that it is according to IRC/IBC standards.

Final Grade

An inspection to determine if there are slopes greater than 6:1 (horizontal to vertical) or 15 % gradient within 50 feet of the home, or other potentially hazardous geological conditions that may affect the foundation performance, and to ensure that the grading and drainage on the lot is acceptable for the conditions of the lot. This inspection for Warranty Purposes Only.

Elevations

An inspection to document the variances of elevations in a foundation, to determine if and where any foundation movement has occurred. This comparison inspection to the (OCE), helps determine the location and magnitude of differential foundation movement by distinguishing between variations incurred during construction versus those caused by soil movement. This information helps in determining the cause of movement, and therefore assists in creating a course of action to alleviate a problem.

Concrete Testing

Everyone involved in a construction project benefits from the use of certified technicians to perform the field tests on freshly mixed concrete. Proper performance of the tests improves the reliability of the test results. This aids in the quality control of the concrete and can minimize costly delays resulting from a lack of confidence in the test results. Most importantly, proper field testing assures accuracy in the identification of good quality concrete and substandard concrete. Complete and accurate records filed by the certified technician are essential in the event of a dispute. Field and laboratory technicians working for Whitworth Engineering are trained and certified in the correct ASTM testing procedures as required for the sampling, handling, testing and record keeping for projects requiring the placement of concrete.

Density Testing

When fill material is imported and installed or native soil is significantly disturbed and recompacted, it is sometimes necessary to perform in-place field density testing. A sample of the material is obtained and returned to the lab. A series of tests including soil classification and a moisture/density relationship is performed. This provides the optimum moisture and density for the soil. After the lab testing is complete and as the soil is installed on site, a technician performs the in-place testing on each lift at different locations. Depending on soil type and specifications set forth, the technician is then able to advise the contractor and client if the soil has been properly compacted and contains the optimum amount of moisture to mitigate movement. This insures a much better end result.

Quality Control Process

Call 24-48 hours in advance to schedule.

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