Foundation and Slab Inspection Overview

Introduction

• Focus on frequently missed inspection items.
• Methodology aims to enhance understanding of foundation and slab inspection requirements.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more content and check out related videos.

Pre-Inspection Items

Important Considerations

• Review approved building plans for project-specific conditions.
• Special Project Conditions:
  • Tree protection requirements.
  • Compaction report requirements before foundation inspection.
  • Soils engineer footings excavation inspection requirements.
  • Elevation certificate documentation for flood hazard zones.
  • Special inspections by third-party agencies.

Importance of Understanding Project Conditions

• Overlooked project conditions can lead to delays.

Foundation Inspection Process

Initial Steps

• Verify project address is visible from the road for emergency access.
• Ensure best management practices (BMP) are in place including:
  • Stockpiling materials.
  • Dirt and mud mitigation.
  • Trash management.
  • Erosion control measures.
  • On-site toilet facilities for workers.

Required Documentation

• Official stamped approved building plans.
• Building permit(s).

Verification Steps

Building Setbacks

• Confirm building is constructed within legal setbacks.
• Setbacks affect fire resistive requirements.
• Use string lines to identify property lines.
  • Avoid using existing fences as they may not align with legal property lines.
• Check for utility easements which are typically no-build zones.

Form Boards and Footings

• Verify form boards are complete and adequately braced.
• Footing depths and widths must reach undisturbed soils (minimum 12 inches).
• Footing depth varies based on building stories and site conditions.

Rebar Requirements

• All rebar must be tied in place.
• Size verification:
  • Number 4 rebar = 1/2 inch.
  • Number 5 rebar = 5/8 inch.
  • Number 6 rebar = 3/4 inch.
• Spacing and clearances:
  • Minimum 3 inches to earth.
  • Minimum 1.5 inches to forms.
  • Minimum 0.75 inches to top of forms.
• Rebar splices must be a minimum of 20 inches for Number 4 rebar.

Hold Down and Anchor Bolts

• Secure hold down bolts and straps.
• Minimum half-inch diameter for anchor bolts.
• General spacing requirements:
  • Maximum 6-foot on center for one and two-story buildings.
  • Minimum 2 anchor bolts per sill plate piece.
  • Specific clearance requirements from mud sill splice.

Shear Walls and Slab Thickness

• Verify pre-manufactured shear wall templates and bolts are in place.
• Ensure a minimum of 3.5-inch slab thickness.
• Base gravel and vapor retarder requirements:
  • 4 inches of base gravel.
  • 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder in inhabitable areas.

Utility Items in Slab Inspection

• Verify protection of piping from direct concrete contact.
• Check installation of concrete encased electrode:
  • Minimum 20-foot long half-inch rebar or number four bare copper wire.
  • Extend electrode 6 inches above the mud sill.

Conclusion

• The video provides basic fundamentals for foundation and slab inspections.
• Encouragement to continue learning and stay engaged.