• Overcoming Concrete Permeability with Multi-crystalline Technology

    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    By Mark Chew, VP Sales & Marketing US and Canada, ICC Distribution Group While many attributes of the concrete foundation industry have remained constant throughout the years, notable changes including technological advancements and the advent of Portland-limestone cement (PLC), or 1L concrete have introduced new challenges. Additionally, the inherent porosity of concrete makes it vulnerable […]

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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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  • Happy Anniversary to Our Members!

    Friday, October 3, 2025

    As we close out 2025, the CFA celebrates four standout members who are marking significant anniversaries.

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  • Buck Bartley smiles at the camera while at a job site.

    CFA Charter Member Passes: Robert Taylor “Buck” Bartley, Jr. 1938-2025

    Friday, October 3, 2025

    The CFA commemorates the life of Robert “Buck” Bartley, one of the founding members of the association.

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  • Concrete Facts Magazine Spring 2025 Issue Now Available in Spanish

    Tuesday, April 29, 2025

    The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) is excited to highlight the Spanish-language edition of the latest issue of its industry magazine, Concrete Facts. Released quarterly in both English and Spanish, Concrete Facts delivers high-value insights, technical expertise and industry updates to English- and Spanish-speaking concrete professionals across North America and beyond. According to James Baty, Executive […]

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Feature

Dec
3

Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries For CFA Members

Every year as the calendar flips, companies that have become part of the fabric of this Association reach milestone anniversaries. The Concrete Foundations Association recognizes one company each year that, within the first three years of membership, evidences the exciting results of increasing participation in the network. Likewise, year after year it is important to […]

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Dec
3

Portland Cement Association Issues Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality

In 2015, industrialized nations signed the Paris Accord, committing to a goal of keeping the maximum average global temperature at no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2060. This directed attention to the primary systems and industries that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and, correspondingly, led to plans for participating in or influencing this […]

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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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Magazine Issues

Oct
24

For Sale: BEP Gang-“like” Aluminum Forms

CFA member from Iowa is looking to reduce form inventory by selling a set of vertex brick textured “big” aluminum panel forms.  These forms are 9-ft tall and have an inventory including: 8 – 6 ft (w) x 9 ft (h) [72″ x 108″] 8 – 9 ft (w) x 9 ft (h)  [108″ x […]

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Oct
23

Custom Concrete Expands Regionally with New Addition

The Central Indiana-based company has acquired Triple Q Foundations out of the Greater Cincinnati area   WESTFIELD, Ind. (Oct. 23, 2018) — Custom Concrete, central Indiana’s quality concrete contractor, today announced it has acquired Triple Q Foundations, based in Lebanon, Ohio. The acquisition was finalized on Oct. 1, 2018.  The addition of Triple Q Foundations […]

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Sep
6

Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program

FEATURE ARTICLE: Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program By Jereme Montgomery, Business Development   Many of you reading this article will testify that the skill gap is real. There is a shortage of skilled craftsmen in the construction industry, and it has continued (and will continue) to effect quantity and quality of structures built […]

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Sep
6

Get More Workers: How to Use an Employee Referral Program to Bring in More People

By Doug Herbert   How much does it cost a contractor to hire one employee? According to my concrete contractor buddies, Sean Smith from Cleveland, Ohio and Jason Ells from Indianapolis, Indiana, the amount is at least $1,000 per new employee. Based on my experience and calculations, that number is spot on. Here are just […]

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Sep
6

Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations

Adequate Fall Protection in Residential Concrete Foundation Pouring: Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations By Michael G. Latiff and Mark W. Steiner   On May 1, 2017, the secretary of labor for the Northeast District of Ohio issued what can be fairly characterized as an unprecedented serious citation to a residential concrete foundation […]

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Sep
6

Projects of the Year: Customer Challenges Deliver Award-Winning Results

CFA PROJECTS OF THE YEAR 2018: Customer Challenges Deliver Award-Winning Results This article features the Concrete Foundation Association’s Projects of the Year, the expanding industry recognition program that features high-quality concrete work that is all too soon, never seen again. Projects are submitted by member organizations in a variety of project categories and are reviewed […]

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Sep
6

Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods: Part II

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT: Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods Part 2 of a 4-Part Series By Destry Kenning, Forming Market Segment Manager, Nox-Crete Products Group   Formwork requires a considerable investment, but even the best forms cannot produce the best results unless they are paired with the proper form release agent. To prevent the adhesion […]

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Sep
6

Letter from the Director: Thoughts from my Desk…

Thoughts From My Desk… Throughout the 26th volume of Concrete Facts magazine, I will be sharing insights from the many interactions I have with members, non-member companies and the general public. My goals are first, to show you how the challenges faced are universal throughout North America, and second, to use these interactions to help […]

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Sep
6

Letter from the President: Greetings from the new Pres!

Greetings, CFA Members and readers of Concrete Facts! I would like to introduce myself to all of you who may not know me. I am Phillip Marone, President of Marone Contractors and affiliated companies. I am honored to have been selected by our Board too represent all of you as the next association President. Our […]

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Aug
17

WANTED: Independent Sales Reps (National & International)

Seeking experienced, veteran Independent Sales Reps with concrete coatings knowledge.  Applicant must have excellent customer service and follow up skills. Professional Products Direct is a company developed with both the professional contractor and DIY customer in mind, selling only through qualified distribution channels. Professional Products Direct has gathered together some of the top talent in […]

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Jul
2

Obituary: Kristine Martinson (Dave Martinson)

It is with deep sympathy and sadness that we provide this obituary for the wife of Dave Martinson of Martinson Construction, Waterloo, Iowa.  Kristine was present at many CFA events including the Concrete Foundations Convention year after year, often with their kids along for the fun.   Kristine J. Martinson, 52, of Cedar Falls, died […]

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Jul
2

Tim Neubauer Awarded Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year

[Raleigh, NC] – Tim Neubauer, President of Evolution Safety Resources, was granted the prestigious Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year Award from Columbia Southern University (CSU). The award was established in 2016 with the goal of recognizing members of the Occupational Safety and Health networkor their dedication, professionalism, and accomplishments within the industry. Although more […]

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