ICC Testing and Quality Assurance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IBC Chapter 17, which condition requires continuous special inspection rather than periodic special inspection?
- Masonry mortar joint thickness verification
- High-strength bolting using the turn-of-nut method
- Soils compaction testing at specified intervals
- Welding of moment frame connections (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Welding of moment frame connections
Welding of moment-resisting frame connections requires continuous special inspection because the inspector must be present throughout the entire welding operation.
Question 2: What does an ICC-approved 'approved agency' mean in the context of special inspections?
- Any licensed general contractor approved by the state
- An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in inspections with competent personnel (Correct answer)
- A federal agency such as OSHA or EPA
- A company certified only by the National Fire Protection Association
Correct answer: An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in inspections with competent personnel
An approved agency is one with established competence and recognized status for conducting the specific inspections and tests required.
Question 3: Under the IMC (International Mechanical Code), when must duct systems be tested for leakage?
- Only when the duct serves more than 10 occupants
- When required by the energy code or when ducts are located outside conditioned space (Correct answer)
- Only in commercial buildings over 5,000 sq ft
- Only if the system uses refrigerants
Correct answer: When required by the energy code or when ducts are located outside conditioned space
Duct leakage testing is triggered by energy code requirements, particularly when ducts run through unconditioned spaces where leakage causes significant energy loss.
Question 4: Which ASTM standard governs field testing of soils for compaction verification as referenced in ICC codes?
- ASTM D1557 — Modified Proctor
- ASTM D2487 — Soil Classification
- ASTM D1556 — Sand Cone or D6938 — Nuclear Gauge (Correct answer)
- ASTM D4318 — Atterberg Limits
Correct answer: ASTM D1556 — Sand Cone or D6938 — Nuclear Gauge
Field density of compacted soils is measured using the sand cone method (ASTM D1556) or nuclear moisture-density gauge (ASTM D6938) to verify relative compaction.
Question 5: Under the IPC (International Plumbing Code), what test is required to verify the integrity of a drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) system?
- Hydrostatic test at 10 psi for 15 minutes
- Air test at 5 psi or water test to the highest point for 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Smoke test only for above-grade systems
- Visual inspection with no pressure test required
Correct answer: Air test at 5 psi or water test to the highest point for 15 minutes
IPC requires DWV systems to be tested with water to the highest point of the system or air at 5 psi, maintained for 15 minutes without leakage.
Question 6: What is the role of the 'inspection record card' or job card required by the IBC during construction?
- To serve as the final certificate of occupancy document
- To be posted at the work site for recording required inspections as they are approved (Correct answer)
- To document contractor payment schedules
- To list OSHA safety training records for workers
Correct answer: To be posted at the work site for recording required inspections as they are approved
The inspection record card must be posted at the construction site and serves as the official log for recording each required inspection approval.
Question 7: When concrete strength test results fall below the specified compressive strength (f'c), what is the first course of action per IBC Chapter 19?
- Immediately remove all concrete placed on that day
- Conduct additional testing such as cores or load tests to evaluate actual in-place strength (Correct answer)
- Increase the next concrete pour mix proportions to compensate
- Accept the concrete if it is within 10% of the specified strength
Correct answer: Conduct additional testing such as cores or load tests to evaluate actual in-place strength
IBC directs that when cylinder tests fall below f'c, the adequacy of the structure shall be evaluated by additional testing, including cores or structural analysis.
ICC Testing and Quality Assurance 3
Under IBC Chapter 17, which condition requires continuous special inspection rather than periodic special inspection?