Construction Contract Administration

Our Knowledge Community Board engages with the AIA community periodically throughout the year. During these engagements we frequently get requests for guidance or information. A recent request was to provide a field observation checklist.

While field observations need to be customized per project and respond to job specific needs to preserve and protect the design intent, there are some common things that should be reviewed in all projects.  We will be releasing a series of field observations checklists categorized by different building components.  This week's category is steel framing and decking:

• Are base plates located properly on concrete foundations (ie- centered on piers)?

• Are lintels installed at the proper elevations with kickers if shown?

• Are galvanized lintels located per spec'd locations?

• Are MEP equipment (pipe & ductwork) hangers installed properly directly to the steel frame or to intermediate support steel and not directly to the roof deck. Are drilled in wedge type expansion anchors approved for usage. Powder actuated inserts are not allowed. Punched hanger slots in decking are approved for ceiling support only?

• Notify Structural Engineers if excessive base plate shimming is ongoing.

• Are reinforcing chairs installed properly prior to composite deck pours?

• Are masonry ties welded to the structural frame at the proper locations?

We are aware that it is impossible to create a comprehensive checklist and that in the process of attempting to do so it could easily turn into a CM/General contractor's quality control manual which is not the purpose of periodic site observation. However, we are all products of our experience and there is value in sharing as a profession as a way to expand our perspective.

Are there any other considerations that should be added to the list?

Thank you in advance for your contributions.

This can be a tough "category". Certainly, we rely on the structural engineers to do their appropriate site visits, but it is good to highlight some things architects can also be looking out for. Something else to consider would be the location of pour stops/slab edges in relation to our various details. Although this should also be reviewed during shop drawings, this can be another check in the field.