News & Resources
With more than 140 years in business, F&R is excited to share the insights we’ve gained relating to effective strategies in code compliance, industrial hygiene, select specialty services, and many other relevant topics. We’ll help you stay informed about current regulations, significant industry trends, best practices, and F&R news.
Speaking in Code
“Speaking in Code” is a series of articles that aims to demystify various building codes and construction standards. Written by our resident code expert, Alan Tuck, these articles cover a wide range of topics, including concrete, structural steel, masonry, soils, and special inspections, breaking down complex technical language into more understandable terms. The articles often highlight crucial aspects of codes like ASTM, ACI, IBC, and AISC, emphasizing their practical implications for architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials to ensure project compliance and quality.
Practice Good Industrial Hygiene
The “Practice Good Industrial Hygiene” series offers valuable insights and guidance on maintaining safe and healthy workplace environments. These articles delve into various aspects of industrial hygiene, including understanding and controlling exposure to hazards like respirable crystalline silica and mercury, as well as general practices for preventing the spread of contaminants like viruses. F&R’s industrial hygienists share their expertise on topics such as OSHA compliance, personal monitoring, proper cleaning and disinfection protocols, and the historical and evolving landscape of occupational exposure limits, aiming to help businesses protect their employees and meet regulatory requirements.
Digging Deeper
“Digging Deeper” articles provide more in-depth explorations of various subjects related to F&R’s expertise in geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting. From articles about environmental career searches and integrating hydraulic and geologic models, to exploring the historical context of certain engineering challenges, these articles provide a more comprehensive look at specific issues.
Company Updates
The “Company Updates” section serves as a central hub for all official announcements and general updates about F&R. Here, readers can find press releases detailing new projects, significant achievements, and corporate milestones. Additionally, the section features general news covering various aspects of the firm, including community involvement, employee spotlights, industry recognition, and other relevant happenings that showcase F&R’s ongoing work and contributions.
Developing a “Near-Perfect” Statement of Special Inspections
The International Building Code (IBC) requires that every new construction project have a project-specific “Statement of Special Inspections” (SSI) prepared by the registered design professional
When Things Heat Up
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analyzed Chemical Reporting Data (1) gathered from 5,237 sites for the 2020 reporting cycle. The most recent round of data
F&R’s Jessica Behmke, P.G., Honored with 2025 NAWIC Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Jessica “Jesse” Behmke, P.G., a standout member of our team in F&R’s Richmond office, has been recognized with the
Special Inspections of Welded Metal Stairs and Railing Systems
Say you have a construction project that is a typical steel frame six-story dormitory-type building on the campus of any university. The building is equipped
The Unsung Concrete Slump Test
The concrete slump test is more than 100 years old and is one of the oldest concrete test methods around for use on fresh plastic
Efflorescence in Masonry: What Causes It? How to Prevent It? How to Remove It?
Efflorescence – 1. Change on the masonry surface to a powdery white substance upon exposure to air, as a crystalline substance through loss of water.