![\"A](\"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/439cc3c539d4da53a92c75697ff8aeaf.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHello, everyone.<\/p>\n
This is Enta.<\/p>\n
The first half of the fiscal year is over, and summer is finally in full swing.<\/p>\n
It's hot on site, paperwork keeps piling up, and to be honest, this time of year is the toughest lol.<\/p>\n
So, once summer is over and fall and winter roll around, the final inspection is just around the corner.<\/p>\n
So, here's something I've been thinking about for a long time lol<\/p>\n
But that's beside the point.<\/p>\n
This time, it\u2019s that thing that comes up time and time again on the job.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m going to write about \u201cthe problem of inspectors placing too much emphasis on personal judgment when evaluating finished products.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the inspection, I was asked, \u201cWhy does this look like this?\u201d and \u201cI\u2019m sure this is within spec, but\u2026 doesn\u2019t it seem a little off?\u201d and,<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all had those times when we\u2019re left feeling confused and unsettled because of unfounded personal assumptions, haven\u2019t we?<\/p>\n
So where exactly is that \u201cpassing mark\u201d?<\/p>\n
Have you ever thought that?<\/p>\n
That inspector's comments are way too subjective, lol<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
First, here\u2019s a fundamental principle: Whether a finished product passes or fails inspection is not determined by the inspector\u2019s mood or personal judgment.<\/p>\n
This is stated in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism\u2019s \u201cStandards and Specification Values for Civil Engineering Construction Management (Draft).\u201d<\/p>\n
It states that all actual measured values (from tests, inspections, and measurements) recorded by the contractor must satisfy the specified standards.<\/p>\n
In other words, as long as the product meets the specified standards, it is considered to have passed.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, creating and maintaining a control chart that compares design values with actual measurements, and monitoring whether the actual measurements deviate from the specified values,<\/p>\n
The standard specifies that when there is significant variation, the cause must be identified and corrective action taken.<\/p>\n
Incidentally, regarding the number of measurement points, the guidelines state that for items specified as \u201cone point per \u25ef\u25ef,\u201d the number of points should be measured by rounding up to the nearest whole number.<\/p>\n
In other words, even the exact number of measurement points is specified. (It\u2019s not a problem if there are more control values.)<\/p>\n
This is really important, but\u2014<\/p>\n
The standard for judgment is the \u201cspecification value,\u201d not the \u201cinspector\u2019s personal preferences.\u201d<\/p>\n
This isn't so much my opinion as it is a statement of what the guidelines say.<\/p>\n
I think the whole point of standard values is that they\u2019re set so that anyone can judge whether something passes or fails based on the same criteria.<\/p>\n
If the passing standard were to change depending on the inspector\u2019s mood or personal preferences, it would be a real headache for the contractors.<\/p>\n
That's why the standards are standardized.<\/p>\n
This is a fair system for both the client and the contractor.<\/p>\n
Given that premise, if someone asks for a level of accuracy that exceeds the standard values during an inspection, you\u2019re actually perfectly within your rights to ask, \u201cWhere exactly in which standard is that requirement specified?\u201d lol<\/p>\n
Well, whether I can actually say that right then and there depends on my position and my relationship with the general contractor, lol.<\/p>\n
I can't really say something like Hiroyuki does, \"That's just your opinion, right!?\" lol<\/p>\n
![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/d097b222498a5d813bfb510361a11b09.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
If the discussion is along the lines of, \u201cEveryone keeps talking about \u2018standard values, standard values,\u2019 but what about the slope?\u201d<\/p>\n
This is common knowledge among us professionals, but I\u2019ll explain it briefly.<\/p>\n
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism\u2019s As-Built Inspection Standards (General Provisions).<\/p>\n
For sprayed mortar and concrete, the allowable tolerance is -10 mm if the design thickness is less than 5 cm, and -20 mm if it is 5 cm or more.<\/p>\n
If the sprayed surface is uneven, it is sufficient to ensure that the minimum spray thickness is at least 50% of the design thickness and that the average thickness is equal to or greater than the design thickness.<\/p>\n
For formwork (cast-in-place or spray-applied), the allowable tolerance is -200 mm for the length L, -100 mm for slope lengths under 10 m, and up to -200 mm for slope lengths of 10 m or more.<\/p>\n
If you look at the numbers, you\u2019ll see that the tolerance is generally set on the \u201cnegative side\u201d\u2014in other words, it\u2019s a control measure to ensure that the product doesn\u2019t end up \u201ctoo thin or too short\u201d compared to the design specifications.<\/p>\n
In a world where every fraction of a millimeter counts, that simply doesn't exist.<\/p>\n
For example, for a frame with a length of 12 meters, the standard value is interpreted to mean that as long as the actual length falls within a range that is no more than 20 cm (\u2013200 mm) shorter than the design specification, it is considered acceptable.<\/p>\n
I'm surprisingly easygoing, aren't I? lol<\/p>\n
The standards are actually pretty lenient across all trades.<\/p>\n
Civil engineering, in particular!<\/p>\n
The principle that the spray thickness should be \u201cat least 50% of the design thickness at its thinnest point and, on average, equal to or greater than the design thickness.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is a real lifesaver when the scan shows an area of low density, lol (at least as long as it's listed here).<\/p>\n
Even if you happen to find a single thin spot and are told, \u201cThat won\u2019t work,\u201d you can explain that the rule is to evaluate the material based on its minimum and average thicknesses.<\/p>\n
That said, this number almost never goes below that\u2014and it\u2019s never happened before! (Probably lol)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s definitely going to turn out better than the specs, and the area is even bigger than what was designed, lol.<\/p>\n
![\"Spray](\"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/830aad5a685fc313bcc368fcdb40af09.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
In the world of slope engineering, there are quite a few items for which the standard tables don\u2019t provide specific figures.<\/p>\n
For example, the drilling depth for ground anchors or rebar insertion work.<\/p>\n
It goes without saying that \u201cthe drilled hole length must be at least as long as the design length,\u201d but then who decides how to measure it and whether it meets the requirements?<\/p>\n
The answer to this is also provided in the guidelines.<\/p>\n
In cases where it is difficult to apply these management standards due to the type, scale, or construction conditions of the project, or for types of work for which no standards or specifications have been established,<\/em><\/p>\n Construction management will be carried out in consultation with the supervising staff.<\/em><\/p>\n The first meeting will focus on the construction plan.<\/p>\n As far as we're concerned, we'll just submit our standard construction plan\u2014the one we use on a daily basis\u2014and if it's approved, that should be fine.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no reason for them to nitpick after the fact during the inspection, lol.<\/p>\n Plus, even if an inspector tells me during an inspection\u2014based on their own subjective opinion, or saying things like, \u201cSuch-and-such contractor does it this way, or that way\u201d\u2014I\u2019m just like, \u201cI don\u2019t know anything about that!\u201d lol<\/p>\n In other words, just because something isn't covered by the standards doesn't mean an inspector can single-handedly decide, \"If I say it's not okay, then it's not okay.\"<\/p>\n Since this is the very first thing to be discussed and decided, if you have anything to say during the discussion, you should speak up right away, or the government office should reach a consensus on it beforehand.<\/p>\n Well, it's kind of a long shot, though...<\/p>\n So, how should you actually go about it?<\/p>\n This is the absolute basics, but you need to keep all the on-site specifications in mind.<\/p>\n If you don't know the criteria, you'll just have to go along with whatever you're told.<\/p>\n This is the most effective method.<\/p>\n Get all that background knowledge down pat!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBlocking escape routes\u201d with photos and records. This includes measuring the finished work, inspecting hidden areas, and conducting on-site inspections of the finished work.<\/p>\n I'll make sure to capture this clearly in a photo that conveys everything at a glance.<\/p>\n Even under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism\u2019s standards, areas that will no longer be visible after completion must be photographed and stored in accordance with the photographic record-keeping standards, and must be presented promptly upon request.<\/p>\n Basically, as long as you\u2019ve taken the photos properly, there\u2019s no problem, and you won\u2019t let the inspector say whatever they want, lol.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We will definitely continue the discussions.<\/p>\n Make sure to keep detailed records of on-site discussions to prevent any disputes over what was or wasn't said among the staff members.<\/p>\n Verbal agreements can easily be set aside during an inspection.<\/p>\n Let's be honest\u2014inspectors are human, too.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll speak up firmly to contractors who aren\u2019t fully prepared, but it\u2019s hard to say anything out of line to contractors who back up their claims with solid data and photos.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the best way to avoid expecting too much is to arm yourself with standards and records.<\/p>\n It feels like \"offensive defense,\" lol.<\/p>\n I don't think it's necessarily all bad that inspectors are strict.<\/p>\n It is precisely because there is a sense of tension that the quality of the work on site is maintained.<\/p>\n When I was a director myself, there\u2019s no doubt that I was shaped in part by a strict supervisor.<\/p>\n I keep thinking, \u201cNext time, next time,\u201d but I\u2019ve never actually had the same inspector again, though.<\/p>\n However, whether that strictness is \u201cstrictness based on standards\u201d or \u201cstrictness based on personal perception\u201d is an entirely different matter.<\/p>\n I gratefully accept the former. As for the latter, I ask for the basis of the claim and calmly respond by referring to the standard values and the meeting minutes.<\/p>\n I think what we need to do is not clash based on our emotions, but rather communicate using a common language\u2014specifications.<\/p>\n After all, that ends up being the best shield for protecting your own worksite and your craftsmen.<\/p>\n And then there's the question of whether future inspections will even qualify as inspections if the inspectors are inexperienced.<\/p>\n It's great that young people are working in government offices these days, but they're just too inexperienced.<\/p>\n Even the section chief above them\u2014or, for that matter, even the department head\u2014is a layman...<\/p>\n Seriously, government offices are so short-staffed that it's a total mess!!!<\/p>\n Personally, I think it was a political mistake, but there's nothing we can do about it now...<\/p>\n What does the future hold for our industry?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n See you later.<\/p>\n![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/769af600e0c9e390bb7f9d5baaffb938.png\")
<\/p>\nTo take on the inspector! lol<\/h3>\n
![\"Final](\"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/830a3b8a0c6fc9f6088ec284f226e574.png\")