Concrete (C-8) · Lesson 5 of 7

When Concrete Work Needs Special Inspection (CBC Table 1705.3)

"When Concrete Work Needs Special Inspection (CBC Table 1705.3)" is lesson 5 of 7 in the Concrete (C-8) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where the Rule Lives" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where the Rule Lives
  2. The Five Exceptions
  3. Continuous Versus Periodic in Table 1705.3
  4. Do Not Strip Early
  5. Hospital-Type (OSHPD) Work Adds Rules

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "Spread footings" through "Elevated slab".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "When Concrete Work Needs Special Inspection (CBC Table 1705.3)" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Continuous Versus Periodic in Table 1705.3".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Do Not Strip Early".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Hospital-Type (OSHPD) Work Adds Rules".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
CONCRETE SPECIAL INSPECTION2025 CBC Section 1705.3 and Table 1705.3WHICH WORK NEEDS INSPECTION?Isolated spread footings, 2-storyException 1EXEMPTContinuous footing, design f'c 3,000Fails exception 2.3INSPECTNonstructural interior slab on groundException 3EXEMPTDriveway and sidewalk on gradeException 5EXEMPTElevated slab on shores (structural)Not on exception listINSPECTELEVATED SLAB: TABLE 1705.3 ROWS1 Reinforcement placementPERIODIC6 Cylinders, slump, air, tempCONTINUOUS7 Placement techniqueCONTINUOUS8 Curing temperature, methodsPERIODIC13 Strength before shore removalPERIODIC14 Formwork shape, locationPERIODIC2 continuous + 4 periodic rowsrow numbers are the item numbers in Table 1705.3Elevated slab: continuous rows 6 and 7; periodic rows 1, 8, 13 and 14The 3,000 psi footing and the elevated slab need it; the other three are exemptExceptions 1 to 5 and Table 1705.3 as printed in the 2025 California Building CodeSource: 2025 California Building Code 1901.6, 1705.3 exceptions 1-5, Table 1705.3 items 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where the Rule Lives

2025 CBC 1901.6 says special inspections and tests of concrete elements and concreting operations are required by Chapter 17. Section 1705.3 and Table 1705.3 list what must be inspected and whether the special inspector must be present continuously or periodically. The special inspector is not the concrete contractor, but your pour schedule has to leave room for the inspections the table calls for.

Step 2: The Five Exceptions

Special inspections and tests are not required for: (1) isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane fully supported on earth or rock; (2) continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane fully supported on earth or rock, where all three conditions hold: the footings support light-frame walls (2.1), they are designed per Table 1809.7 (2.2), and the structural design is based on f'c not more than 2,500 psi regardless of the strength specified or used (2.3); (3) nonstructural slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade with effective prestress under 150 psi; (4) concrete foundation walls built per Table 1807.1.6.2; (5) concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks on grade. OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5 projects may not use exceptions 1 through 4.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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