Factory inspection visits are vital, yet they unfortunately
have a habit of being overlooked. The factory inspection process during the
Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) is especially important when it relates
to fenestration systems, when any prefabricated components are being installed
or when complex architectural glazing is being utilized on a project. As more
and more systems are being fabricated off-site (to minimize not only rising
costs of field labor, but also to improve general quality) the importance of
reviewing these components in the factory is critical to ensuring that they
ultimately will meet the project’s goals. While this process starts on paper
with the review and commenting on Quality Control/Assurance plans and
discussions with the contractor and their team, it is most important that these
steps and processes are verified in the factory setting with project specific
materials. Critical components that are commonly verified in factory settings
are architectural glazing, metal panels, stone cladding systems, fenestration
components, unitized curtain walls, and other specialty systems. Major points
discussed include defining the process in which factory inspections should be
approached throughout the design process, determining when they are most
critical, identifying common deficiencies, as well as the value that factory
inspections bring to a project in terms of reducing risk.
After registration, to download and print the "AIA Group Credit Form", please click on the resources tab.
If additional participants wish to earn continuing education credits please make sure they sign the AIA form and email back to sadams@bcxa.org. There is a $25 fee for each additional participant. As soon as payment has been made each individual will receive an access code to obtain their certificate for credits.