Determine structural-steel special-inspection requirements for welding under the International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 17, and where to read the code text without purchasing it.

Steps

1. Read IBC Chapter 17 (Special Inspections and Tests) free online via ICC's digital codes portal (codes.iccsafe.org) — ICC provides free online, view-only reading access to current I-Codes as part of its public-access commitment; you do not need to purchase a copy just to read it.
2. Confirm the applicable IBC edition — jurisdictions adopt editions on their own timeline (2021, 2024, etc.) and often layer local amendments on top, so check your specific city/county's adopted edition and amendments page, not just the base ICC text.
3. Note that IBC Table 1705.2 distinguishes complete-joint-penetration (CJP) welds (continuous special inspection) from fillet welds not part of a seismic force-resisting system (periodic inspection) — inspection frequency depends on weld type/role, not just "any welding present."
4. Cross-reference AISC 360 (referenced by IBC Chapter 17 for structural-steel special inspection/NDT requirements) — this is itself a separate paid AISC standard, not part of the free-to-read IBC text.
5. Confirm whether your project qualifies for the fabricator material-control exception (no welding/thermal cutting in the fabrication process), which can waive special inspection of the fabrication process itself.