Free checklist
Special inspectionSoils and foundations special inspection checklist
The ground gets covered as fast as it is inspected. The independent inspector verifies the bearing surface, witnesses the fill and compaction testing, and records deep-foundation installation while it can still be seen.
- Items
- 7
- Photos required
- 13
- Built for
- Owner's reps & special inspectors
Who runs it
A third-party or owner's-rep geotechnical/special inspector, with the earthwork or foundation crew and the testing lab.
When in the schedule
At subgrade and bearing exposure, during fill placement and compaction, and throughout pile or pier installation.
The checklist
Every item, and the photo that proves it
The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Copy the list as is, or load it into RTI and let the gate enforce it.
Subgrade and bearing
- 2 photos
Bearing surface verified against the geotechnical report
Material and condition consistent with the report's bearing assumptions; unsuitable material removed.
- 2 photos
Excavation depth, dimensions and dewatering confirmed
Depth and plan dimensions match the documents; the excavation is stable and dry.
Engineered fill and compaction
- 1 photo
Fill material approved for use
Imported or reused material matches what the report and specification allow.
- 2 photos
Lift thickness and moisture controlled during placement
Lifts within the specified thickness; moisture conditioning observed.
- 2 photos
In-place density testing witnessed at the specified frequency
Tests performed at the required locations and lifts; passing results recorded before the next lift.
Deep foundations
- 2 photos
Pile or pier location, plumbness and dimensions verified
Position and alignment within tolerance before and during installation.
- 2 photos
Installation records capture the capacity evidence
Driving resistance, drilling logs or load-test data recorded as the documents require.
What usually sends this back
The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work
- Bearing surface approved from memory rather than against the geotechnical report's requirements.
- Fill placed in lifts too thick for the specified compaction, with density tests taken too sparsely.
- Pile or pier installation records missing the driving or drilling data that proves capacity.
Run it with the Photo Gate
A checklist nobody can submit half-finished
Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 13 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper-evident record behind every line.
Submission state
The gate is enforced on the server, so it holds even if the phone is offline when the walk happens.
Common questions
- What does this soils & foundations checklist cover?
- 7 items across 3 sections, covering subgrade and bearing, engineered fill and compaction, deep foundations. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
- Who should run this inspection?
- A third-party or owner's-rep geotechnical/special inspector, with the earthwork or foundation crew and the testing lab.
- When in the schedule should this walk happen?
- At subgrade and bearing exposure, during fill placement and compaction, and throughout pile or pier installation.
- Why does every item ask for a photo?
- 13 of the 7 items call for photo evidence. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
- What most often fails a soils & foundations inspection?
- Bearing surface approved from memory rather than against the geotechnical report's requirements. Fill placed in lifts too thick for the specified compaction, with density tests taken too sparsely. Pile or pier installation records missing the driving or drilling data that proves capacity.
- Can I use this checklist in RTI?
- Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper-evident audit trail.
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