Bringing back an old thread looking for some clarification. Scenario is, I have a single story, steel construction, 8320 sq. ft. Family Dollar being built here and the structural plans state that: "Special inspections of concrete footings, grade beams, walls, and slabs are not required as per exceptions 1, 2.3, 3, 4, and 5 to 2009 IBC, Section 1704.5.
The exceptions are as follows:
Exception: Special inspections shall not be required for:
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less in height that are fully supported on earth or rock.This one checks out OK
2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less in height 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 1805.4.2; or
2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f ’ c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.This is where it gets tricky. The construction documents are calling for 4,500 psi concrete but I cannot find what psi the structural design was based off of.
3. 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).This checks out OK
4. Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1805.5(5).
5. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
So my question is, should I be requiring concrete testing based on the fact that I do not know what the structural design compressive strength of the footing is regardless of the 4,500 psi specified on the plans? And if I do find out that the structural design compressive strength is no greater than 2,500 psi no concrete testing is required? Tough question for me to answer by myself. Hopefully someone out there more knowledgeable can chime in. Thanks