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.
The checklist
Every item, and the photo evidence it needs
The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.
Subgrade and bearing
Bearing surface verified against the geotechnical report
Material and condition consistent with the report's bearing assumptions; unsuitable material removed.
Excavation depth, dimensions and dewatering confirmed
Depth and plan dimensions match the documents; the excavation is stable and dry.
Proof-roll witnessed and yielding areas marked for removal
Subgrade rolled with the equipment the geotechnical report calls for; soft or pumping areas marked, undercut and replaced.
Unexpected bearing conditions shown to the geotechnical engineer
Soil, rock or water that does not match the report referred to the geotechnical engineer before footings are formed; the direction recorded.
No photo
Engineered fill and compaction
Fill material approved for use
Imported or reused material matches what the report and specification allow.
Laboratory compaction curve on file for each fill source
Each fill material has a current moisture-density relationship so field densities are compared against the right maximum.
No photoLift thickness and moisture controlled during placement
Lifts within the specified thickness; moisture conditioning observed.
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
Pile or pier location, plumbness and dimensions verified
Position and alignment within tolerance before and during installation.
Pile or pier materials match the approved submittals
Where piles or piers are used, pile section and length, reinforcing cage, and concrete or grout match the approved submittals; mill or batch records on file.
No photoDrilled shaft or pier bottoms cleaned before concrete
Where drilled shafts or piers are used, base free of loose spoil and water beyond what the documents allow, and bearing material confirmed before concrete goes in.
No photoInstallation records capture the capacity evidence
Driving resistance, drilling logs or load-test data recorded as the documents require.
Discrepancies and reporting
Test locations and nonconforming areas plotted on a site plan
Density test locations, failing lifts, soft spots and off-plan piles plotted by lift or pile number; reworked areas retested before they are covered.
No photoOpen earthwork items sent to the geotechnical engineer and AHJ
Items not resolved before cover carried on the report to the geotechnical engineer, the engineer of record and the building official, per the statement of special inspections.
No photo
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.
Common questions
6 answers
- What does this soils & foundations checklist cover?
- 14 items across 4 sections, covering subgrade and bearing, engineered fill and compaction, deep foundations, discrepancies and reporting. 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 do these items ask for a photo?
- 8 of the 14 items call for photo evidence, 14 photos in all. 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.
Related checklists
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 14 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.
See all 508 checklists · 6741 items and 5984 photo requirements in total.