IBC Quality Assurance & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IBC Section 1703, what is required for an approved agency performing special inspections?
- The agency must be owned by a licensed professional engineer
- The agency must be approved by the building official and demonstrate competency (Correct answer)
- The agency must carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance
- The agency must be a government entity
Correct answer: The agency must be approved by the building official and demonstrate competency
IBC Section 1703.1 requires that approved agencies be approved by the building official and demonstrate competence, independence, and objectivity.
Question 2: Which IBC chapter governs the quality and design of materials used in construction?
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 17 (Correct answer)
- Chapter 16
Correct answer: Chapter 17
IBC Chapter 17 covers Special Inspections and Tests, which governs quality assurance for materials and construction methods.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a geotechnical investigation report under IBC Chapter 18?
- To satisfy environmental impact requirements only
- To provide subsurface data for foundation design and establish allowable bearing capacity (Correct answer)
- To document the site drainage plan
- To verify zoning compliance
Correct answer: To provide subsurface data for foundation design and establish allowable bearing capacity
IBC Section 1803 requires geotechnical investigations to provide data for foundation design, including soil bearing capacity and subsurface conditions.
Question 4: Under IBC Chapter 17, masonry construction typically requires special inspection when the specified compressive strength (f'm) exceeds:
- 1,500 psi
- 2,000 psi (Correct answer)
- 2,500 psi
- 3,000 psi
Correct answer: 2,000 psi
IBC Section 1705.4 requires special inspection for masonry when the specified compressive strength f'm exceeds 2,000 psi.
Question 5: A Certificate of Occupancy under IBC Section 111 may be issued only after:
- The structural frame is complete
- The building is determined to comply with the provisions of the IBC (Correct answer)
- All mechanical systems pass energy code review
- The contractor submits a written warranty
Correct answer: The building is determined to comply with the provisions of the IBC
IBC Section 111.2 states that a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued after the building official determines that the work complies with the IBC.
Question 6: Under IBC Section 110.3, which inspection must be performed before any below-grade work is covered?
- Frame inspection
- Energy efficiency inspection
- Foundation inspection (Correct answer)
- Fire-resistant penetration inspection
Correct answer: Foundation inspection
IBC Section 110.3.1 requires a foundation inspection to be performed after excavations are complete and before any concrete is placed.
Question 7: When a building permit is issued, what document authorizes the proposed work under the IBC?
- The owner's sworn affidavit
- The approved construction documents (Correct answer)
- The contractor's license
- The geotechnical report
Correct answer: The approved construction documents
IBC Section 107.1 states that approved construction documents are the basis upon which the permit is issued and work is authorized.
IBC Quality Assurance & Compliance 3
Under IBC Section 1703, what is required for an approved agency performing special inspections?