Contributed by Jackie Taylor,
Froehling and Robertson

Over 100 years ago, the company known today as Froehling & Robertson had its beginning as a chemical and medical research laboratory. Dr. Henry Froehling, a native of Germany with a Ph.D. from the University of Gottingen, started the company in 1876 in Baltimore, Md. He had previously taught as a professor of chemistry, toxicology, and medical jurisprudence at what is now Johns Hopkins University, from where he had earned his M.D. degree. In 1881 he moved to Richmond, Va., and expanded his laboratory operations to include general chemistry and coal mining consultation.

Dr. Andrew Robertson joined Froehling about 1900 and, although he left the company 10 years later, the name was established. Froehling & Robertson was incorporated under the laws of Virginia on Oct. 11, 1924.

In 1929, Samuel H. Shieb, M.D., Ph.D., became F&R’s president and subsequently commenced the development of the physical testing services normal to today’s construction industry—in cement and concrete, bituminous materials, and steel. Following Dr. Shieb’s death in 1937, the new administration expanded the company’s services to include soil and geotechnical investigations, and radiographic examination.

More recently, F&R has expanded its scope of services to include environmental studies, product failure analysis and restoration and rehabilitation support activities. These services were a natural extension of the integrated growth of the company. F&R’s services are provided throughout the mid-Atlantic region, which includes but is not limited to Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia.

Since 1904, F&R has been a member of ASTM. A 1924 publication of ASTM states F&R was a member of Committee C01 on Cement, and was also active in subcommittees on sampling and specific gravity. Today, F&R remains actively involved by working on Committees C01, C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry, C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units, D18 on Soil and Rock, and E36 on Conformity Assessment.

F&R will continue to expand and develop company operations to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry by continuing dedication to quality processes with evolution to new methods and materials. As the oldest American-owned independent engineering laboratory in the nation, F&R offers the services of professional engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, chemists, certified industrial hygienists, construction materials testing inspectors, and more.

Copyright 2001, ASTM