• Superar la permeabilidad del concreto con tecnología multicristalina

    Thursday, June 25, 2026

    Por Mark Chew, vicepresidente de Ventas y Marketing para EE. UU. y Canadá, ICC Distribution Group Si bien muchas características del sector de los cimientos de concreto se han mantenido constantes a lo largo de los años, algunos cambios notables —como los avances tecnológicos y la llegada del cemento Portland-caliza (PLC), o concreto 1L— han […]

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  • CFA Tech Note 014: Interpreting Nominal Concrete Wall Thickness

    Wednesday, April 1, 2026

    Introduction  A frequent point of discussion between contractors, designers and code authorities involves the interpretation of “nominal” versus “actual” concrete wall thickness. This technical note provides clarification on this topic by examining relevant building codes and industry standards. Understanding the code-defined relationship between nominal and actual dimensions is essential for ensuring compliance and project continuity.  Analysis of Code Requirements  The International Residential […]

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  • Volver a construir mejor: Resiliencia

    Friday, March 13, 2026

    Cuarto artículo de la serie  De Joe Nasvik  Una vez que se toma la decisión de construir una casa, la siguiente cuestión que hay que resolver es cómo se debe construir. El mejor sistema de construcción es aquel que sea más adecuado para los ocupantes actuales y futuros. El uso de pautas de sostenibilidad y resiliencia […]

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  • Building Back Better Resiliency

    Friday, March 13, 2026

    BY JOE NASVIK  This is the fourth and final article of the Building Back Better series.  After the decision is made to build a house, the next issue to resolve is how it should be built. The best building system is one that will be best for the current and future occupants. Using sustainability and resilience guidelines is […]

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  • 2025 CFA Consulting Members Directory

    Friday, March 6, 2026

    CFA works with many great consultants. If you are looking for consulting services, visit one of the companies below: BIC bicauctions.com BIC is a used concrete equipment specialist serving contrac­tors, manufacturers and lenders nationwide. The company helps industry professionals unlock value from idle or un­derutilized assets—whether it’s a single unit or an entire fleet. Their […]

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Feature

Oct
7

CFA Recognizes Industry Commitment

CFA 2015 Award Recipients Announced at Convention The Concrete Foundations Association(CFA) – the recognized voice and authority for the residential concrete industry, announced the 2015 award recipients at CFA Convention 2015 in Williamsburg, Va. on Friday, July 24, 2015. Awards include Contractor of the Year, Most Innovative Contractor, Associate of the Year, Most Valuable Player and the Kick-Start Membership Award. The awards signify the ultimate […]

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Oct
7

Reflections on CFA Convention 2015 From My Perspective

Why is convention so important to this industry? What do you, as a leader, take away from this event? There are few limitations within a network of people who share a common goal. Together, they push the boundaries of their industry, create a higher demand for their products and services, foster healthy relationships and fuel innovation. As we begin to prepare for another convention […]

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Aug
2

2015 Projects of the Year: Private Residence Foundation (>5000 sq.ft.)

Private Residence Foundation >5000 sq.ft. Acworth Home Herbert Construction of Marietta, GA. Acworth, Ga   The largest residential project to receive recognition this year represents the large-scale single-family residences over 5,000-square-feet category. Herbert Construction of Marietta, Ga. maintains their presence in the annual awards program with a private residence entry from Acworth, Ga. “We estimated […]

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Aug
2

2015 Projects of the Year: Private Residence Foundation 2000-5000 sq.ft.

Private Residence Foundation (2000-5000 sq.ft.) Pappas Residence Hottmann Construction Company Fox Lake, Wisconsin   Following the recognition received for their “Overall Grand Project” award in 2014, Hottmann Construction Company receives the award for a private residence foundation between 2,000 and 5,000-square-feet with the Pappas Residence in Fox Lake, Wis. “We submitted the Pappas Residence this […]

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Aug
2

2015 Projects of the Year: Private Residence Foundation<2000 sq.ft.

 Private Residence Foundation  <2000 sq.ft. Point of the Woods Purinton Builders Lyme, Connecticut   This year’s award for a private residence foundation under 2,000-square-feet goes to Purinton Builders of East Granby, Conn. for the project known as Point of the Woods in Old Lyme, Conn. This extreme challenge included concrete piers excavated into and setting […]

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Aug
2

2015 Projects of the Year: Above-Grade Concrete Home

Above-Grade Concrete Home Clifton Concrete Home Bartley Corporation     Since the start of the new millennia, the recognition of performance and aesthetic advantage for all concrete homes has been a focus for the CFA and many throughout the concrete industry. Over the years, many fine works of construction and design have been recognized in […]

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Magazine Issues

Dec
3

OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) For Covid – 19 Vaccinations Stayed

Perhaps you caught wind of the emergency temporary standard developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Association that became effective on November 5, 2021. There have been many presentations about the ETS in various settings and with information from various sources. Of primary importance to each company represented by our readers is that on Friday, […]

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Dec
3

Selecting Relevant Education During World of Concrete – Baty’s Top – 10 List

The Concrete Foundations Association has played a significant role in what education opportunities are offered at the World of Concrete for many years. The CFA has consistently brought engaging educational content, with thought leadership by former executive director, Ed Sauter; current executive director, James Baty; such influential thought leaders as engineer, Brent Anderson; and contractors […]

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Dec
3

A Major Win—Motor Carrier Insurance Increase Not Carried in Federal Legislation Proposal

Previously, the Concrete Foundations Association served notice of transportation and infrastructure legislation being developed that would have resulted in a federally mandated increase in minimum liability coverage for all commercial motor vehicles from $750,000 per truck to a proposed $2,000,000. Executive director, James Baty, participated in over two dozen virtual conferences with staff members of […]

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Dec
3

Is Your Safety Manual OSHA Compliant? | A Summary of the Required Topics

By Julia Kunlo, CSP, Vice President CFA Consulting Member A written safety manual is often seen as the backbone of a workplace safety program. Documented processes are powerful tools, helping to outline expectations, train employees, bid work, and even avoid legal trouble. What many people do not know, however, is that the Occupational Safety and […]

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Dec
3

Roman Noblewoman’s Tomb Reveals Secrets of Ancient Concrete Resilience

By Paul Gabrielsen science writer, University Marketing & Communications Over time, concrete cracks and crumbles. Well, most concrete cracks and crumbles. Structures built in ancient Rome are still standing, exhibiting remarkable durability despite conditions that would devastate modern concrete. One of these structures is the large cylindrical tomb of first-century noblewoman Caecilia Metella. New research […]

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Oct
21

Cold Weather’s a-Comin’

Practical Applications of CFA Cold-Weather Research Every year since 2004, contractors, homeowners, builders, and especially members have contacted the Concrete Foundations Association headquarters looking for information about the performance of and best practices for cast-in-place concrete during the winter season. In advance of the approaching winter, this article offers practical advice supported by the significant […]

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Oct
21

2021 CFA PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

Recognizing Experience, Commitment, and Perseverance Associations are networks of organizations and individuals with common goals, themes, and interests. Each year, associations spend billions of dollars on conventions, conferences, convenient networking systems, resources, and programs designed, often, to support the idealistic purpose of bettering their industries. However, perhaps the more realistic or actual impact is the […]

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Oct
21

Cyberattacks Have Increased More Than 600% Since the Start of the Pandemic

The Small Business Association advises small businesses to be aware of the most common types of cyberattacks, shown below: Malware is software designed to damage your computer, server, client, or computer network. A virus is a kind of malware that inserts a self-replicating code into your computer with the intention of  giving cybercriminals access to […]

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Oct
21

Driving CFA Member Benefits: Perks Marketplace

Every association has the goal of developing opportunities that make sure its member companies benefit from membership. As an organization grows, variety begins to define it more than any other aspect. That variety is produced by company sizes, locations, demographics, interests, services and much more. Most companies joining the Concrete Foundations Association find the two […]

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Oct
21

Build Confidence by Building Up Your Team

Take a moment to read the article in this issue of Concrete Facts about this year’s recipients of the CFA’s professional awards. As the executive director, it brings me great pride and joy to continue seeing the variety of individuals and companies who provide thought leadership, issue challenges, and roll up their sleeves to drive […]

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Oct
21

Improving Membership for You

The Concrete Foundations Association continues to make progress on efforts to help our members improve their businesses. Late last year, over the course of several meetings, the board of directors created a strategic plan for the future of our association. We identified five key areas to focus on that would help our members and the […]

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Jul
13

Concrete Foundations Association Updates Market on Shortage of Form Ties: Shortage Estimated to Affect Residential Construction into 2022

The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) – the leading organization serving as the voice of cast-in-place contractors – has provided an update related to the continued industry-wide effort to mitigate the current shortage of steel form ties across the North American markets.  According to James Baty, Executive Director of the CFA, while the shock of the […]

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