Q1. What is the role of an inspector?
A1. The role of an inspector is to inspect and document all field construction activities to make sure the works are in full compliance with the contract plans and specifications.
Q2. What are the contract plans and specifications?
A2. The contract plans and specifications consist of Special Provisions, Contract Plans (Roadway Plans and Bridge Plans), Standard Plans and Standard Specifications.
Q3. What are the responsibilities of an inspector?
A3. The responsibilities of an inspector are:
- Read and understand the contract plans and specifications, and approved works plans and approved shop drawings.
- Enforce field compliance of the contract plans and specifications and approved works plans and shop drawings.
- Document promptly with diaries, photos, videos or other forms of documentation for compliance and non-compliance of works in terms of material and workmanship; claims resolution; tracking of contract change orders; payment estimates; and tracking of works progress for project schedules.
- Measure and track progress of completed works and prepare monthly payment estimates.
- Measure and track contract change orders and disputed works for contract change order payments and resolution of contract claims.
- Communicate with contractor on the requirements of plans and specifications to achieve a common understanding on the quality of works.
- Keep resident engineer or structure representative informed of construction issues in the field in regard to plan discrepancies and deficiencies, contract non-compliance, disputed works and safety violations.
- Follow Caltrans inspection procedures and manuals.
- Prepare and submit diaries, estimates and other inspection documentation promptly to the resident engineer or structure representative.
- Obey and enforce the Codes of Safe Practices.
- Attend biweekly safety meeting.
- Calculate, check and approve contractor’s submittal on shop drawings, works plans and material specifications.
- Maintain project filing system.
- Maintain Caltrans required certifications, mainly in concrete testing and sampling
- Run and analyzer profilogragh and determine and lay out on site the must-grind areas.
- Use 4 scale to determine theoretical finished bridge elevations for columns, Abutments, Hinge Supports, and bridge decks and soffits.
- Conduct engineering calculations such as prestress elongations and movement ratings of joint seals.
Q4. What are the two basic types of Caltrans inspectors?
A4. They are roadway and structures inspectors.
Q5. What are the skills required of structure inspectors?
A5. The required skills are:
- Ability to read and understand bridge plans and specifications including the contract requirements and design intents.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with contractors on contract requirements and construction issues.
- Ability to understand and follow Caltrans procedures in inspection and documentation.