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. Stay informed about current regulations, significant industry trends, best practices, and F&R news below.
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.

Concrete Rebar Special Inspections – Periodic or Continuous?
The project special inspector makes his periodic job-site visit to inspect the concrete reinforcing steel being placed on that particular Wednesday (remember this day). The

The Statistics of Exposure Risk
In the world of data analytics, information is mined from various sources and gathered into meticulous piles to be organized, categorized, and synthesized into digestible

F&R Announces Appointment of Alex Sabra as Business Development Manager
We are pleased to announce that Alex Sabra has joined F&R as Business Development Manager for our Columbia, MD, operations. Alex brings more than 18

Larry Day is Promoted to Market Segment Business Development Director
Congratulations to Larry Day, who has been promoted to Market Segment Business Development Director. In this role, Larry will guide business development, marketing, and estimating

Special Inspections Master Class
Defining and understanding project special inspections according to the International Building Code (IBC) is not easy. This is especially true when addressing the inspections and

Should the Contractor Employ the Special Inspector?
Due to the age-old conflict-of-interest rule, the International Building Code (IBC) forbids the building contractor from hiring or paying the special inspector. Code law requires