Effective Site Inspections for Structural Engineers - Insights from Brendan Hasty

When most people talk about site visits, they often focus on safety—ensuring they have the correct PPE and adhering to common sense practices. However, few delve into the nuances of verifying drawings and ensuring on-site observations align with planned designs. In this post, we’ll explore effective site visit strategies and share some pro tips to enhance your inspection process, with insights from Brendan Hasty, a seasoned structural engineer.

Preparation Before the Visit

Before arriving on site, familiarize yourself with the drawings. Understand what you’re looking at, and if possible, involve yourself in the design process. This background knowledge enables you to spot discrepancies between the design and the actual construction. Preparation involves identifying critical areas to inspect and understanding what you can overlook.

Systematic Site Inspection

When conducting a site visit, a systematic approach is crucial. Start by noting the date, time, and who accompanies you. This documentation is vital for recalling discussions and observations later. Use a methodical way to take photos—begin at one area and work your way around the site. Capture wide-angle shots to set context, followed by closer shots to detail specific observations. Always include photos of plans with markers indicating where you are on the site.

Observing Beyond the Checklist

While inspecting, keep an eye out for issues beyond your checklist. Sometimes, you may notice problems that others have missed. For instance, the Hilton walkway collapse could have been prevented if earlier damage signs were addressed. Always be ready to speak up if something looks odd, even if it’s not on your inspection list.

Taking Effective Photos and Videos

Brendan Hasty recommends a structured approach to taking photos and videos during site inspections. Start by taking a photo from a distance to capture the overall context, then move closer for detailed shots. Use plans or drawings to mark your location and ensure your photos are systematic and easy to reference later. This method helps in creating a comprehensive visual record that can be crucial for later reviews and reports.

Documenting Observations

It's important to document everything you observe during a site visit. Note any discrepancies between the drawings and what you see on-site, and take detailed notes of any discussions you have with colleagues or site workers. Use color-coded markups on drawings to highlight issues (red for rectifications, green for verified areas). This will help you stay organized and ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

Simplifying Inspections with Site Report Builder

Creating detailed reports from site visits can be time-consuming and tedious. Site Report Builder (SRB) simplifies this process by combining AI and speech recognition technology to quickly generate comprehensive reports. Simply record your observations, upload the video, and let SRB create a professional report. This tool saves you time and ensures that your documentation is thorough and accurate. With SRB, you can easily edit reports, add text, photos, and tailor them to your company's specific needs.

Pro Tips for Thorough Inspections

Familiarize Yourself with the Drawings: Understand the design and know what to look for.
Identify Critical Areas: Focus on the most important areas that need inspection.
Take Systematic Photos: Document your inspection methodically.
Look Beyond the Checklist: Be aware of other potential issues on site.
Document Everything: Keep detailed notes and use markups for clarity.

Conclusion

Effective site visits require more than just checking off a list—they demand a thorough understanding of the design, meticulous observation, and detailed documentation. By following these strategies and leveraging tools like Site Report Builder, you can ensure that your inspections are efficient, comprehensive, and ultimately contribute to the successful completion of projects.

For more detailed guidance, watch Brendan Hasty’s informative YouTube video on this topic