Inspection process
In-process inspection
In-process inspection happens during the work rather than at the end of it: checking rebar placement while it can still be tied, watching weld technique as connections are made, verifying a membrane lap as it goes down. It is the middle of the three-phase rhythm (preparatory before the work, in-process during, final after), and it is the phase where a drift gets corrected on the spot instead of becoming a finished condition someone has to write up.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Concrete pre-pour inspection checklist
14 items · 20 photos required
Why it matters
Once work is complete, every miss is either accepted or torn out. Inspecting while it is in progress means a spacing error, a missed backing, or a bad technique gets fixed by the crew that is already there, at almost no cost. It is the difference between coaching the work and grading it.
It is also where consistency is set on repetitive work. Catching a problem on the first unit in-process keeps it from being reproduced on every unit that follows, which is exactly what a final-only inspection cannot do.
How it shows up on site
A super or QC rep checking rebar and embeds before the pour is called, walking a membrane as it is laid, or spot-checking fastener spacing while a crew frames, with concealed conditions photographed before the next step covers them.
Checklists that put in-process inspection to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Initial phase inspectionThe second phase of control: inspecting the first representative portion of a feature to set the workmanship standard for the rest.
- Hold pointA stop in the inspection and test plan where work cannot continue until a required party inspects and signs off the release.
- Pre-cover inspectionThe last inspection of an assembly before it is concealed by drywall, insulation, backfill, or a slab pour that hides the work underneath.
- Visual inspectionJudging work by direct observation against the drawings and standard: the first and most common check on any job.
- Formwork inspectionThe check of the forms, shoring and embeds before a concrete pour, confirming the mold will hold shape and produce the right member.
- Dimensional inspectionMeasuring built work against the drawings (locations, sizes, elevations and clearances) to confirm it lands within tolerance.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
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