ABSTRACT
Quality is conformance to requirements and provides the focus for the quality control and quality assurance efforts made throughout construction. Once the design requirements are defined, inspection actions begin. Local building jurisdictions often impose additional tests and special inspections of various critical fabrication and installation operations. Nondestructive examination methods cause no damage to the item under inspection. Masonry inspection requirements include: grout slump verification, masonry and grout compressive strength testing, proportions of site-prepared mortar, mortar joint construction, location and sizes of reinforcing, grout spaces are clear, size and location of structural elements, protection during cold or hot weather, and placement of grout. Trained personnel perform the inspections and prepare reports for the building official, architect, and structural engineer. Any defective work is removed and replaced with satisfactory construction. Certificates of Compliance, legal statements imposed by the International Building Code, bind the signers to the full weight of the law should their certified affirmations later prove false.
