Section 1705: Required Special Inspections & Tests
2018 Philadelphia Building Code (Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Tests)
1705.1 General
Special inspections and tests of elements and nonstructural components of buildings and structures shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.
1705.1.1 Special Cases
Special inspections and tests shall be required for proposed work that is, in the opinion of the building official, unusual in its nature, such as, but not limited to, the following examples:
- Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to materials and systems prescribed by this code.
- Unusual design applications of materials described in this code.
- Materials and systems required to be installed in accordance with additional manufacturer’s instructions that prescribe requirements not contained in this code or in standards referenced by this code.
1705.1.1.1 Identified Special Cases
Special inspections and tests shall be required for the proposed work identified in Sections B-1705.1.1.1.1 and B-1705.1.1.1.2.
1705.1.1.1.1 Underpinning
Underpinning of structures shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 1705. In addition to the special inspection for structural stability, any new foundation elements installed as part of underpinning operations shall be subject to special inspection as a permanent installation in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 17, including, but not limited to, special inspection for concrete, welding, and pile driving.
1705.1.1.1.1.1 Inspection Program
Prior to commencement of work, the special inspector shall review the contractor’s proposed sequence of operations and determine the areas of work that require design. Inspections of this work shall be continuous during the operations, and shall be conducted by a geotechnical, civil, or structural professional engineer licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
1705.1.1.1.2 Demolition
The following demolition operations shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 17:
- Complete demolition of a building in excess of three (3) stories or any structure in excess of 40 feet (12192 mm) in height. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 25 feet (7620 mm).
- Where the use of mechanical demolition is recommended in writing by a licensed structural engineer, pursuant to Section B-3303.9. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 15 feet (4572 mm).
- Where mechanical demolition equipment, other than handheld devices, is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building and with the mechanical equipment being supported by the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move material. These inspections shall be performed on a continuous basis until the structure is demolished to a height of 15 feet (4572 mm).
1705.1.1.1.2.1 Inspection Program
Prior to commencement of work, the special inspector shall review the permit documents, including the site safety demolition plan (also known as an engineering study), and become familiar with the reported demolition methods and details of any potential structural hazards to the project and adjoining properties.
1705.1.1.2 Records of Special Inspections for Special Cases
In addition to other reporting requirements established by this Chapter, a special inspection logbook shall be maintained at the special inspector’s office and shall contain the following information:
- Project identification, permit number and address.
- Date and time of each inspection.
- Names of personnel who performed each inspection.
- Dates of off-site meetings, names of the participants and a summary of the conversations.
- Any significant observations or instructions given related to any of the following:
- (a) Deviations from the design documents;
- (b) Anticipated field conditions;
- (c) Proper execution of the work;
- (d) Safe jobsite conditions; and
- (e) Precautions taken to maintain safe conditions, if work is stopped for any reason.
1705.2 Steel Construction
The special inspections and nondestructive testing of steel construction in buildings, structures, and portions thereof shall be in accordance with this section.
1705.2.1 Structural Steel
Special inspections and nondestructive testing of structural steel elements in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with the quality assurance inspection requirements of AISC 360.
1705.2.2 Cold-Formed Steel Deck
Special inspections and qualification of welding special inspectors for cold-formed steel floor and roof deck shall be in accordance with the quality assurance inspection requirements of SDI QA/QC.
1705.2.3 Open-Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders
Special inspections of open-web steel joists and joist girders in buildings, structures and portions thereof shall be in accordance with Table 1705.2.3.
| TYPE | CONTINUOUS | PERIODIC | REFERENCED STANDARDa |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Installation of open-web steel joists and joist girders. | — | — | — |
| a. End connections — welding or bolted. | — | X | SJI specifications listed in Section 2207.1. |
| b. Bridging — horizontal or diagonal. | — | — | — |
| 1. Standard bridging. | — | X | SJI specifications listed in Section 2207.1. |
| 2. Bridging that differs from the SJI specifications listed in Section 2207.1. | — | X | — |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Where applicable, see Section 1705.12, Special inspections for seismic resistance.
1705.2.4 Cold-Formed Steel Trusses Spanning 60 Feet or Greater
Where a cold-formed steel truss clear span is 60 feet (18 288 mm) or greater, the special inspector shall verify that the temporary installation restraint/bracing and the permanent individual truss member restraint/bracing are installed in accordance with the approved truss submittal package.
1705.3 Concrete Construction
Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.
- Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock.
- Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:
- 2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction.
- 2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7.
- 2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f ‘c, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the approved construction documents or used in the footing construction.
- Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 MPa).
- Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1807.1.6.2.
- Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
| TYPE | CONTINUOUS | PERIODIC | REFERENCED STANDARDa | IBC REFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect reinforcement, including prestressing tendons, and verify placement. | — | X | ACI 318: Ch. 20, 25.2, 25.3, 26.6.1-26.6.3 | 1908.4 |
| Reinforcing bar welding: a. Verify weldability of reinforcing bars other than ASTM A706; b. Inspect single-pass fillet welds, maximum 5/16″; and c. Inspect all other welds. |
— — X |
X X — |
AWS D1.4 ACI 318: 26.6.4 — |
— — — |
| Inspect anchors cast in concrete. | — | X | ACI 318: 17.8.2 | — |
| Inspect anchors post-installed in hardened concrete members.b a. Adhesive anchors installed in horizontally or upwardly inclined orientations to resist sustained tension loads. b. Mechanical anchors and adhesive anchors not defined in 4.a. |
X — |
X X |
ACI 318: 17.8.2.4 ACI 318: 17.8.2 |
— |
| Verify use of required design mix. | — | X | ACI 318: Ch. 19, 26.4.3, 26.4.4 | 1904.1, 1904.2, 1908.2, 1908.3 |
| Prior to concrete placement, fabricate specimens for strength tests, perform slump and air content tests, and determine the temperature of the concrete. | X | — | ASTM C172, ASTM C31, ACI 318: 26.5, 26.12 | 1908.10 |
| Inspect concrete and shotcrete placement for proper application techniques. | X | — | ACI 318: 26.5 | 1908.6, 1908.7, 1908.8 |
| Verify maintenance of specified curing temperature and techniques. | — | X | ACI 318: 26.5.3-26.5.5 | 1908.9 |
| Inspect prestressed concrete for: a. Application of prestressing forces; and b. Grouting of bonded prestressing tendons. |
X X |
— — |
ACI 318: 26.10 | — |
| Inspect erection of precast concrete members. | — | X | ACI 318: 26.9 | — |
| Verify in-situ concrete strength, prior to stressing of tendons in post-tensioned concrete and prior to removal of shores and forms from beams and structural slabs. | — | X | ACI 318: 26.11.2 | — |
| Inspect formwork for shape, location and dimensions of the concrete member being formed. | — | X | ACI 318: 26.11.1.2(b) | — |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Where applicable, see Section 1705.12, Special inspections for seismic resistance.
b. Specific requirements for special inspection shall be included in the research report for the anchor issued by an approved source in accordance with 17.8.2 in ACI 318, or other qualification procedures.
1705.3.1 Welding of Reinforcing Bars
Special inspections of welding and qualifications of special inspectors for reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with the requirements of AWS D1.4 for special inspection and of AWS D1.4 for special inspector qualification.
1705.3.2 Material Tests
In the absence of sufficient data or documentation providing evidence of conformance to quality standards for materials in Chapters 19 and 20 of ACI 318, the building official shall require testing of materials in accordance with the appropriate standards and criteria for the material in Chapters 19 and 20 of ACI 318.
1705.4 Masonry Construction
Special inspections and tests of masonry construction shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance program requirements of TMS 402 and TMS 602.
- Empirically designed masonry, glass unit masonry or masonry veneer designed in accordance with Section 2109, 2110 or Chapter 14, respectively, where they are part of a structure classified as Risk Category I, II or III.
- Masonry foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1807.1.6.3(1), 1807.1.6.3(2), 1807.1.6.3(3) or 1807.1.6.3(4).
- Masonry fireplaces, masonry heaters or masonry chimneys installed or constructed in accordance with Section 2111, 2112 or 2113, respectively.
1705.4.1 Empirically Designed Masonry, Glass Unit Masonry and Masonry Veneer in Risk Category IV
Special inspections and tests for empirically designed masonry, glass unit masonry or masonry veneer designed in accordance with Section 2109, 2110 or Chapter 14, respectively, where they are part of a structure classified as Risk Category IV shall be performed in accordance with TMS 602, Level 2.
1705.4.2 Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements
Special inspections and tests of vertical masonry foundation elements shall be performed in accordance with Section 1705.4.
1705.5 Wood Construction
Special inspections of prefabricated wood structural elements and assemblies shall be in accordance with Section 1704.2.5. Special inspections of site-built assemblies shall be in accordance with this section.
1705.5.1 High-Load Diaphragms
High-load diaphragms designed in accordance with Section 2306.2 shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in Section 1704.2. The special inspector shall inspect the wood structural panel sheathing to ascertain whether it is of the grade and thickness shown on the approved construction documents. Additionally, the special inspector must verify the nominal size of framing members at adjoining panel edges, the nail or staple diameter and length, the number of fastener lines and that the spacing between fasteners in each line and at edge margins agrees with the approved construction documents.
1705.5.2 Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses Spanning 60 Feet or Greater
Where a truss clear span is 60 feet (18 288 mm) or greater, the special inspector shall verify that the temporary installation restraint/bracing and the permanent individual truss member restraint/bracing are installed in accordance with the approved truss submittal package.
1705.6 Soils
Special inspections and tests of existing site soil conditions, fill placement and load-bearing requirements shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.6. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance. During fill placement, the special inspector shall verify that proper materials and procedures are used in accordance with the provisions of the approved geotechnical report.
| TYPE | CONTINUOUS | PERIODIC |
|---|---|---|
| Verify materials below shallow foundations are adequate to achieve the design bearing capacity. | — | X |
| Verify excavations are extended to proper depth and have reached proper material. | — | X |
| Perform classification and testing of compacted fill materials. | — | X |
| Verify use of proper materials, densities and lift thicknesses during placement and compaction of compacted fill. | X | — |
| Prior to placement of compacted fill, inspect subgrade and verify that site has been prepared properly. | — | X |
1705.7 Driven Deep Foundations
Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of driven deep foundation elements as specified in Table 1705.7. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.
| TYPE | CONTINUOUS | PERIODIC |
|---|---|---|
| Verify element materials, sizes and lengths comply with the requirements. | X | — |
| Determine capacities of test elements and conduct additional load tests, as required. | X | — |
| Inspect driving operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element. | X | — |
| Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm type and size of hammer, record number of blows per foot of penetration, determine required penetrations to achieve design capacity, record tip and butt elevations and document any damage to foundation element. | X | — |
| For steel elements, perform additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.2. | — | — |
| For concrete elements and concrete-filled elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.3. | — | — |
| For specialty elements, perform additional inspections as determined by the registered design professional in responsible charge. | — | — |
1705.8 Cast-In-Place Deep Foundations
Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of cast-in-place deep foundation elements as specified in Table 1705.8. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.
| TYPE | CONTINUOUS | PERIODIC |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect drilling operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element. | X | — |
| Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm element diameters, bell diameters (if applicable), lengths, embedment into bedrock (if applicable) and adequate end-bearing strata capacity. Record concrete or grout volumes. | X | — |
| For concrete elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.3. | — | — |
1705.9 Helical Pile Foundations
Continuous special inspections shall be performed during installation of helical pile foundations. The information recorded shall include installation equipment used, pile dimensions, tip elevations, final depth, final installation torque and other pertinent installation data as required by the registered design professional in responsible charge. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professional shall be used to determine compliance.
1705.10 Fabricated Items
Special inspections of fabricated items shall be performed in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.
1705.11 Special Inspections for Wind Resistance
Special inspections for wind resistance specified in Sections 1705.11.1 through 1705.11.3, unless exempted by the exceptions to Section 1704.2, are required for buildings and structures constructed in the following areas:
- In wind Exposure Category B, where Vasd as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 is 120 miles per hour (52.8 m/sec) or greater.
- In wind Exposure Category C or D, where Vasd as determined in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 is 110 mph (49 m/sec) or greater.
1705.11.1 Structural Wood
Continuous special inspection is required during field gluing operations of elements of the main windforce-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the main windforce-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces and hold-downs.
1705.11.2 Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction
Periodic special inspection is required for welding operations of elements of the main windforce-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for screw attachment, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the main windforce-resisting system, including shear walls, braces, diaphragms, collectors (drag struts) and hold-downs.
- The sheathing is gypsum board or fiberboard.
- The sheathing is wood structural panel or steel sheets on only one side of the shear wall, shear panel or diaphragm assembly and the fastener spacing of the sheathing is more than 4 inches (102 mm) on center (o.c.).
1705.11.3 Wind-Resisting Components
Periodic special inspection is required for fastening of the following systems and components:
- Roof covering, roof deck and roof framing connections.
- Exterior wall covering and wall connections to roof and floor diaphragms and framing.
1705.12 Special Inspections for Seismic Resistance
Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.12.1 through 1705.12.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.
- The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm).
- The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists of reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm).
- The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories above grade plane and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7:
- 3.1. Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.
- 3.2. Nonparallel systems irregularity.
- 3.3. Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity.
- 3.4. Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity.
1705.12.1 Structural Steel
Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be in accordance with Section 1705.12.1.1 or 1705.12.1.2, as applicable.
1705.12.1.1 Seismic Force-Resisting Systems
Special inspections of structural steel in the seismic force-resisting systems in buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 341.
- In buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B or C, special inspections are not required for structural steel seismic force-resisting systems where the response modification coefficient, R, designated for “Steel systems not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, excluding cantilever column systems” in ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1, has been used for design and detailing.
- In structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, special inspections are not required for structural steel seismic force-resisting systems where design and detailing in accordance with AISC 360 is permitted by ASCE 7, Table 15.4-1.
1705.12.1.2 Structural Steel Elements
Special inspections of structural steel elements in the seismic force-resisting systems of buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F other than those covered in Section 1705.12.1.1, including struts, collectors, chords and foundation elements, shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 341.
1705.12.2 Structural Wood
For the seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F:
- Continuous special inspection shall be required during field gluing operations of elements of the seismic force-resisting system.
- Periodic special inspection shall be required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the seismic force-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, shear panels and hold-downs.
1705.12.3 Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction
For the seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, periodic special inspection shall be required for both:
- Welding operations of elements of the seismic force-resisting system.
- Screw attachment, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the seismic force-resisting system, including shear walls, braces, diaphragms, collectors (drag struts) and hold-downs.
1705.12.4 Designated Seismic Systems
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F, the special inspector shall examine designated seismic systems requiring seismic qualification in accordance with Section 13.2.2 of ASCE 7 and verify that the label, anchorage and mounting conform to the certificate of compliance.
1705.12.5 Architectural Components
Periodic special inspection is required for the erection and fastening of exterior cladding, interior and exterior nonbearing walls and interior and exterior veneer in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
1705.12.6 Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Components
Periodic special inspection of plumbing, mechanical and electrical components shall be required for the following:
- Anchorage of electrical equipment for emergency and standby power systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
- Anchorage of other electrical equipment in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E or F.
- Installation and anchorage of piping systems designed to carry hazardous materials and their associated mechanical units in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
- Installation and anchorage of ductwork designed to carry hazardous materials in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
- Installation and anchorage of vibration isolation systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F where the approved construction documents require a nominal clearance of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) or less between the equipment support frame and restraint.
- Installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, including duct work, piping systems and their structural supports, where automatic fire sprinkler systems are installed in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F to verify clearances.
1705.12.7 Storage Racks
Periodic special inspection is required for the anchorage of storage racks that are 8 feet (2438 mm) or greater in height in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
1705.12.8 Seismic Isolation Systems
Periodic special inspection shall be provided for seismic isolation systems in seismically isolated structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F during the fabrication and installation of isolator units and energy dissipation devices.
1705.12.9 Cold-Formed Steel Special Bolted Moment Frames
Periodic special inspection shall be provided for the installation of cold-formed steel special bolted moment frames in the seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
1705.13 Testing for Seismic Resistance
Testing for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.4, unless exempted from special inspections by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.
1705.13.1 Structural Steel
Nondestructive testing for seismic resistance shall be in accordance with Section 1705.13.1.1 or 1705.13.1.2, as applicable.
[BF] 1705.14 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials
Special inspections and tests of sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be performed in accordance with Sections 1705.14.1 through 1705.14.6. Special inspections shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents. The tests set forth in this section shall be based on samplings from specific floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members. Special inspections and tests shall be performed after the rough installation of electrical, automatic sprinkler, mechanical and plumbing systems and suspension systems for ceilings, where applicable.
[BF] 1705.14.1 Physical and Visual Tests
The special inspections and tests shall include the following to demonstrate compliance with the listing and the fire-resistance rating:
- Condition of substrates.
- Thickness of application.
- Density in pounds per cubic foot (kg/m3).
- Bond strength adhesion/cohesion.
- Condition of finished application.
[BF] 1705.14.2 Structural Member Surface Conditions
The surfaces shall be prepared in accordance with the approved fire-resistance design and the written instructions of approved manufacturers. The prepared surface of structural members to be sprayed shall be inspected by the special inspector before the application of the sprayed fire-resistant material.
[BF] 1705.14.4 Thickness
Not more than 10 percent of the thickness measurements of the sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be less than the thickness required by the approved fire-resistance design, and none shall be less than the minimum allowable thickness required by Section 1705.14.4.1.
[BF] 1705.14.5 Density
The density of the sprayed fire-resistant material shall be not less than the density specified in the approved fire-resistance design. Density of the sprayed fire-resistant material shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E605.
[BF] 1705.14.6 Bond Strength
The cohesive/adhesive bond strength of the cured sprayed fire-resistant material applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be not less than 150 pounds per square foot (psf) (7.18 kN/m2). The cohesive/adhesive bond strength shall be determined in accordance with the field test specified in ASTM E736.
[BF] 1705.15 Mastic and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings
Special inspections and tests for mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings applied to structural elements and decks shall be performed in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections and tests shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents.
1705.16 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Special inspections shall be required for all EIFS applications.
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over a water-resistive barrier with a means of draining moisture to the exterior.
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over masonry or concrete walls.
[BF] 1705.17 Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints
In high-rise buildings or in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2, 714.5.1.2, 715.3 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.17.1 or 1705.17.2.
[F] 1705.18 Testing for Smoke Control
Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector.
[F] 1705.18.1 Testing Scope
The test scope shall be as follows:
- During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
- Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure difference testing, flow measurements and detection and control verification.
[F] 1705.18.2 Qualifications
Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.
💡 Special Inspector's Commentary
Section 1705 is the ultimate checklist for structural integrity in Philadelphia. It outlines the exact, non-negotiable field tests and continuous oversight required for everything from deep foundations and structural steel to concrete placement and underpinning.
Because the Department of Licenses and Inspections rigidly enforces these requirements, missing a mandated inspection can halt your job site entirely. Viking Engineers is fully licensed and accredited to perform the complete suite of Section 1705 Special Inspections, ensuring your materials and methods strictly comply with the approved engineered drawings.