• 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

Jun
18

Overcoming Concrete Permeability with Multi-crystalline Technology

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 […]

Read More
Apr
3

World of Concrete Recap: Foundation Contractors Night, Education and Industry Innovation

World of Concrete once again proved why it remains a primary gathering for the concrete and masonry industries, bringing together contractors, suppliers, educators and innovators from across the country. For CFA and its members, the week was packed with meaningful networking, valuable education and ongoing conversations on technology innovations. Every year on the first night […]

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Apr
3

The Top 10 Technical Inquiries in Concrete Foundation Construction

Construction professionals make hundreds of decisions a day. Navigating the complexities of running a business alone is hard enough. But to stay on top of industry advancements, evolving codes, new materials and the constant pressure to deliver structural integrity on tight schedules—we all need to rely from time to time on the advice from a […]

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Apr
3

Strengthening Support for the Foundation Industry

For decades, CFA has served as a critical technical resource for foundation contractors and the broader concrete industry.  From best practices and standard development to real-world problem-solving, CFA’s mission has always centered on helping members build smarter, safer and more efficiently. As the industry evolves, CFA remains committed to strengthening the resources available to its […]

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Apr
3

How to Submit Your Project for the CFA Project of the Year Award

Submitting your best work for an award is more than just seeking applause. It is about validating your team’s hard work, showcasing your craftsmanship to future clients and setting a new benchmark for the cast-in-place concrete industry. The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Project of the Year program is the platform for recognizing innovation, technical skill […]

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Apr
3

Bulletproof Your Business Against Lawsuits

By Larry Oxenham, senior advisor, American Society for Asset Protection Lawsuits are not just a threat to small businesses across America; they are expensive and always on the horizon. As one small business owner told me, “I spend as much time trying to prevent lawsuits as I do running my business.” More than 12 million […]

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Magazine Issues

Social media post from N S Giles. Text: Mayflower Hill Residence Hall Project - Celebrating 130 days injury free with a team Safety Lunch!" 14 construction workers in flourescent yellow and hard hats wait for lunch at a food truck. On the right side are previews of three more photos with a plus 3 at the bottom showing even more.
Jul
7

WE SEE YOU: Celebrating Our Crews for Their Commitment to Safety! 

N S Giles, CFA member from Bangor, Maine, is in the middle of commercial concrete work on the Mayflower Hill Residence Hall Project where they are celebrating 130 days injury-free with a team Safety Lunch! Project Overview: Construction of a new 112,000 sq. ft. residence hall on Colby College campus, designed to house 217 juniors […]

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Aerial view of a building foundation in a forest will fall colors, circled by various construction vehicles.
Jul
7

Why Membership Matters: Capturing Concrete from a New Perspective

Featuring Nate Salter, Mint Drone Shots  When Nate Salter launched Mint Drone Shots, he wasn’t just starting a business, he was stepping into a new industry, building a bridge between the concrete construction industry and the wider world. Armed with a drone, a sharp eye and a deep appreciation for the grit behind the craft, […]

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Six construction crew members stand in a concrete construction project. Three of them are curling their arms to show their biceps.
Jul
7

Caught In Action

Often, friendly crew competition is one of the ways to inspire quality to increase within your company. Even the everyday, mundane tasks can be claimed as recognition of the great work that is accomplished for the customer. CFA contractor member, Coello & Associates from Waukesha, Wisconsin recently evidenced this through social media with the self-proclaimed […]

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Two bundles of black bars arranged in a square
Jul
7

Design and Construction of GFRP Reinforced Residential Concrete

By Danielle Kleinhaus, Mateenbar Composite Reinforcements  Greetings fellow CFA members!  Is your crew tired of hauling steel rebar around your job sites?  Are you sick of looking at rusty rebar and rust stains on your concrete?   With this article, I want to introduce you to a construction innovation that you can apply to your business […]

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Máquina de pantalla colocando pavimento de concreto.
Jul
7

The Limits of Colloidal Silica for Concrete Densification, Strength and Abrasion Resistance

By Derick Rainey, Vice President Nox-Crete Inc.  This white paper has been reproduced with approval from Nox-Crete Inc. Executive Summary This white paper critically examines the claims surrounding colloidal silica as a densifier for Type 1L concrete, specifically regarding its efficacy for enhancing strength, densification and abrasion resistance. While colloidal silica is widely promoted for […]

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Jul
7

Building Back Better: Concrete and Fire

The second article in a series about concrete housing  By Joe Nasvik  There are many ways to build a concrete home; the most popular methods today include removable form, precast concrete, grout-filled concrete block, and insulating concrete forms (ICF). Concrete homes can be very expensive modern constructions, built to look like any other house on […]

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Four students are spreading gravel in a concrete room that is under construction.
Jul
7

Cru Concrete Gives High School Students Hands-On Learning about Rewarding Careers in Concrete Construction

  The American construction industry is one of the largest in the world, with a commitment to quality, safety and longevity. And within the United States, Wisconsin stands out as a great place to be a construction worker. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors’ 10th annual Merit Shop Scorecard released in December 2024, Wisconsin ranks […]

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Jun
9

2025 CFA Projects of the Year Opens for Evaluations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Concrete Foundations Association Invites Public to Score 2025 “Projects of the Year” Finalists Mount Vernon, IA – June 9, 2025 – The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) is excited to announce the public evaluation period is now open for its 2025 “Projects of the Year” competition. This annual program highlights some of the most impressive […]

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Apr
29

Concrete Facts Magazine Spring 2025 Issue Now Available in Spanish

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 […]

Read More
Apr
8

How to Rewire Your Brain for Success

The human brain is incredibly adaptable. It holds the potential to change, learn and grow throughout our lives. However, many people unknowingly sabotage this by operating with a fixed mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence are static. Research shows that this mindset limits personal and professional success, as well as discourages positive change. On […]

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Two construction workers are working on a piece of machinery in the snow.
Apr
8

Caught in Action

Often, the menial tasks of the construction environment go unnoticed or unrewarded. Contractors tend to consider the major schedule stages and the completion of the project in general as the time to appreciate overall accomplishments. Yet, thriving company cultures are built on identifying the important in-between steps. In January, The Bartley Corporation demonstrated this value, […]

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Two men stand in front of a Concrete Foundations Association banner at a convention.
Apr
8

World of Concrete 2025—An Electric Atmosphere

By Trenton Baty, Membership & Marketing Director  The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) started the year on a high note with a successful presence at World of Concrete (WOC), our first major event under AOE’s new management. Our booth was a focal point of activity, providing an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing members while also welcoming […]

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