The Purpose and Impact of the New CFA Technical Committee

Building concrete foundations requires a solid understanding of changing building codes, emerging materials and safe construction practices. Contractors face new challenges on job sites every day. To help our members navigate these complexities, the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) has revised the CFA Technical Committee. This dedicated group of professionals was established to support the broader […]

Post-Tensioned Slabs-on-Ground: PTI Certification Requirements

A slab-on-ground post-tensioning layout.

By Brandon Harman, Engineer, Post-Tensioning Institute CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR PTI CERTIFICATION New code changes in the 2024 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) directly influence the construction of residential post-tensioned slabs-on-ground (PT-SOG). Prior to the 2024 edition of the IRC, Section R506 “Concrete Floors (On Ground)” only referred to ACI 332 for the design […]

Fifty Years of Change in the Concrete Foundation Industry: How Collaboration and Innovation Continue to Shape the Work of Foundation Contractors

By MPW Construction Services Over the past fifty years, the concrete foundation industry has experienced dramatic transformation. Advances in technology, improvements in jobsite safety, increased specialization and the ability of contractors to learn from one another have reshaped how foundation work is performed across North America. Since then, organizations such as the Concrete Foundations Association […]

Bad Concrete or Bad Testing? Handling Low Cylinder Breaks in Concrete Testing

A cylinder of concrete with cracks in it.

By CFA Staff Based on the CFA Classroom resource, “When Bad Breaks Happen,” presented by Kim Basham. The 2018 presentation has been updated to include current references to codes and standards. The integrity of any construction project relies heavily on the materials used. When compressive strength evaluation results fall short of expectations, it often triggers […]

A Conversation with incoming CFA President Ken Kurszewski

Headshot of Ken Kurszewski

We sat down with Ken Kurszewski, president of Cru Concrete, Inc., to discuss his recent experience with low cylinder breaks. Kurszewski shared valuable insights from his career, including lessons learned and strategies for managing challenges in concrete construction. Q1: IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HOW OFTEN DO LOW CYLINDER BREAKS OCCUR, AND WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU SEEN […]

Adapting to New Materials and Industry Demands in the Concrete Industry

concrete foundation for a stairwell

By CFA Staff In the concrete construction sector, each project often has at least one challenge that requires a lot of creativity and research to solve. In addition, the standards for materials, tools and methods are constantly changing. Sustainability targets, new performance expectations and operational constraints require a more adaptive mindset for planning and delivery. […]

CFACON26: Your Path to Industry Excellence

Companies attend industry events for different reasons, but the most successful share a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability and operational excellence. CFACON26 is designed to support those goals. From July 21–23, 2026, the cast-in-place concrete industry will convene in Milwaukee, Wis., for three days of education, exhibits and meaningful networking. Hosted at the Brookfield Conference […]

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer as a Replacement for Steel: Q&A with Industry Leaders

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is competing with steel for the position of the preferred method of reinforcement in concrete foundations. GFRP’s high tensile strength, low weight and natural resistance to corrosion reduce maintenance, streamline installation and improve both safety and long-term ROI. We asked three leading fiberglass rebar manufacturers who are all CFA members—GatorBar, […]

Exhibitors and Sponsors Support CFA at CFACON26

This year’s CFACON will be held in Milwaukee, Wis., from July 21-23. CFACON is made possible by its sponsors and exhibitors. Here is a sample of who is sponsoring or exhibiting at CFACON26. Mateenbar Exhibitor Mateenbar Composite Reinforcements (Mateenbar) is the global leader in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar, delivering innovative, sustainable and corrosion-free […]

Caught in Action: The Foundation of Excellence with Ekedal Concrete

A construction worker lays rebar

In the world of concrete construction, the final product often steals the spotlight. But as Ekedal Concrete, from Irvine, Ca., reminds us, a good finish starts long before the final pour. It’s the unseen details, the groundwork, the preparation and the materials that truly set the stage for success. “Our reputation is everything, especially in […]