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.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” in Inspections, Testing, and Quality Assurance
Gary Pasquarell, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Quality and Training at F&R, recently gave the keynote at the 2026 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange, or

Not All Flowable Concrete Mixtures Are Created Equal
It may surprise you to know that most people in the design and construction community (including concrete ready-mix producers) do not consider flowable concrete to

Soil Field Density Tests – Importance of Accuracy
Anyone who provides, reviews, or specifies soil special inspections is aware of the soil special inspections required by the International Building Code (IBC), Chapter 17,

Joseph Cedillo Promoted to CMT Department Manager
F&R is pleased to announce Joseph Cedillo’s promotion to Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Department Manager in our Charlotte, NC, office. Joseph joined us in 2023

Concrete Rebar Special Inspections
Special inspections of concrete reinforcing steel are required by the International Building Code (IBC), and these inspections are at times important, even critical, to the

F&R’s Dan Schaefer Appointed President of the Geoprofessional Business Association Board
Dan Schaefer, P.E., Vice President of Operations, has been appointed President of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) Board of Directors. Formed in 1969, the GBA