Course Overview
Become one of the more than 6,800 inspectors and construction engineers from the U.S. and Canada who have tuned up their skills at this practical course. This course delivers a comprehensive foundation in construction inspection, covering essential topics like contracts, materials, sewer and water systems, concrete and asphalt paving, and erosion control. Participants will gain hands-on knowledge of inspection methods, documentation practices, and communication strategies that ensure quality and compliance. Whether you're new to inspection or seeking a refresher, this course will help you become a more effective and confident professional.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply core engineering principles and inspection techniques to public works construction projects.
- Identify key inspection points for sewer, water, concrete, and asphalt systems to ensure quality and safety.
- Improve documentation, communication, and coordination with contractors and stakeholders.
Who Should Attend?
- Inspectors and engineering technicians new to the field or seeking formal training.
- Engineers and managers responsible for construction oversight or specification development.
- Public works personnel, lab technicians, and maintenance supervisors involved in inspection and quality assurance.
Course Outline
Online Course Schedule 2026:
Live Session 1 Contracts, Plans, and Specifications: Framework for a Quality Project
Live Session 2 Concrete Pavement and Simple PW Concrete Structures: Key Inspection Points for Quality
Live Session 3 Asphalt Pavement Construction Inspection Using the Inspection Checklist
Live Session 4 Inspecting Sewer and Water Construction
Live Session 5 Inspecting Storm Drainage, Grading, Erosion and Sedimentation Control and Storm Water BMP Construction
Live Session 6 Documentation and Workzone Traffic Control Inspection
In-person Course Outline:
Asphalt Pavement Construction: Using the Inspection Checklist
- Importance of a soils and subgrade
- Characteristics of asphaltic concrete
- Pre-construction activities
- Paving equipment and methods
- Laying and compacting
- Test methods and results
Contracts, Plans, and Specifications: Framework for a Quality Project
- The inspector’s role in quality
- Interpreting contract documents
- Knowing your authority
- Keeping good records
Inspecting Sewer and Water Construction
- Pipe characteristics: stress, strength, failure
- Trenching, bedding, installation, backfill
- Manholes, connections, laterals
- Hydrants, valves, services
- Acceptance testing
- Documentation
Storm Sewer, Grading, and Storm Water BMP, and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspection
Construction Inspection Documentation
Concrete Pavement: Key Inspection Points for Quality Concrete Pavements
- Desirable characteristics of concrete
- Pre-construction activities
- Paving and mixing equipment
- Test methods and interpretation of results
- Inspection during placing, finishing, and curing
- Post-placement inspection activities
Plans, Specifications, and Inspection Exercise
Work Zone Traffic Control Inspection
*Schedule and instructors may vary by location, see website for full details.
Testimonials
"Course covered all aspects of public works construction projects. Great for someone new like me to learn new things about construction inspection."
—Ryan Gundstrom, Public Works Engineering Technicians, City of Superior, Wisconsin
"Learned a lot and heard a variety of viewpoints on issues in construction inspection."
—James Buskohl, Public Works Construction Inspector, City of Johnston, Iowa
"All the instructors were very responsive to technical and layman's questions. They were also very good at explaining topics in plain English."
—Chad Rehahn, Lockheed Martin, Washington
Instructors
Benjamin Jordan
Benjamin J. Jordan, P.E. is a Program Director at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, College of Engineering, Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, where he develops continuing education courses for civil engineers and public works professionals. He has over forty years of experience in civil engineering and public works. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign and a Master of Public Affairs degree with a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Mr. Jordan is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, Washington, And Wisconsin.Eric (RICK) Eilertson
Rick Eilertson, PE is a Municipal Project Engineer/Manager at AECOM. He has experience in municipal engineering and environmental engineering
Todd Nelson
Todd D. Nelson, PE, is an Associate Principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. He has over 25 years of experience specializing in troubleshooting, investigation, repairing of concrete distress and deterioration; specifying, proportioning, and testing of concrete. He serves on ASTM Committee C09 -Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, ACI Committee 360 - Design of Slabs on Ground and ACI Committee 302 - Construction of Concrete Floors. Mr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois.