by GFA International Structural Steel Inspections consist of the visual inspection of welds, testing of bolted connections and the placement steel members and metal deck. Weld inspections may include measurement of the weld size, length, porosity, undercut or slag inclusions. Welds can also be inspected with Magnetic Particle, Eddy current, Ultrasonic, or x-ray methods. The job
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by GFA International Soil Compaction Testing (otherwise known as density tests) are performed in order to determine the soil compaction level. This compaction is a comparison of the laboratory compaction (Proctor) to the field density and recorded as a percentage. In other words, the density is a comparison of the weight of one cubic foot of material
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by GFA International Threshold Inspections are performed on a threshold building in accordance to a structural inspection plan prepared by the structural engineer or architect of record. These inspections are a law in Florida and are part of the Florida Statute under section 553.71. The definition of a threshold building is any building which is greater than
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by GFA International Course Masonry Grout testing differs greatly from traditional concrete testing. Per ASTM C1019 grout testing is performed by casting 3” x 3” x 7” grout specimens instead of cylinders. The test method is used to determine compressive strength of the grout mix. Grout typically has a higher slump than concrete mixes. Grout
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by GFA International Demucking is one of the oldest and simplest form of soil improvement technique ever devised. Demucking is performed as part of the building pad or roadway preparation prior to starting the construction. Demucking consist of the excavation of any unsuitable materials (muck, peat, organic soils, debris, clay,…) in the shallow zones which, if left in place,
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by GFA International Concrete slump testing is the most common industry test to measure the workability of concrete and its performance. This test is used to determine if the concrete mixture delivered to the project meets the specified slump. Who or what agency requires it? Concrete slump testing is specified by ASTM (American Standards of
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by GFA International Compressive strength testing is the most common industry test to measure concrete strength and its performance. What is this test used for? This test is used to determine if the concrete mixture delivered to the project meets the specified strength as required. Who or what agency requires it? Concrete test cylinders are
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by GFA International Geotechnical Soil Investigations (including soil borings) are performed in order to determine the soil bearing capacity of the soil beneath a future building or roadway. The soil borings are performed by a drill rig and crews utilizing a 140 lb. hammer driving a 2” dia. Split barrel sampler. The sampler is driven
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By GFA International Augered Cast-In-Place (ACIP) piles are the most common form of foundation support for large buildings. Although the installation of ACIP piles is a common practice, it is a complicated operation that requires experience, attention to detail, and a good quality control program to be done correctly. The installation process consists of using
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