• Board of Directors Announce New Management for Association and Celebration Strategies for 50th Anniversary

    Thursday, December 19, 2024

    Mount Vernon, IA (date) – The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Board of Directors has announced a management change for the organization, which coincides with its 50th anniversary. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, CFA will be managed by the AOE Team – an association management and marketing consulting firm with headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich.,  after more […]

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  • Using Decorative Concrete to Refresh Outdoor Spaces

    Thursday, December 19, 2024

    In both residential and commercial construction, decorative concrete is gaining popularity as a transformative element that revitalizes outdoor spaces. No longer reduced to just a functional, utilitarian solution, decorative concrete now serves as a versatile canvas for architects and designers looking to create aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective environments. The adaptability of decorative concrete allows […]

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  • New Identity for Central Wisconsin CFA Member

    Thursday, December 19, 2024

    Dane, WI – With a 77-year history of building trust, excellence, and strong foundations, Wisconsin-based concrete contractor Hottmann Construction, Inc. announces a rebranding initiative that reflects the company’s evolving vision, values, and commitment to the future. “We are excited to re-introduce ourselves to the marketplace in mid-December as Cru Concrete,” states company president, Ken Kurszewski. […]

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  • Caught-In-Action

    Thursday, December 19, 2024

    Timing on jobsites is not always precise, yet, as quality firms recognize, good crews always find a way to be productive. This photo was captured and sent in by CFA member, Bartley Corp, showing team members, who were waiting on forms to arrive to the site, capitalizing on available time. “This job was run by […]

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  • 2024 PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

    Thursday, December 19, 2024

    The Rest of the Best The last issue of Concrete Facts presented the top-voted project and each of the respective category winners from the 25th annual competition for the Concrete Foundations Association. Two ways to revisit these project awards are available in the toolbox accompanying this article. The feature image from each project can be […]

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Feature

Jun
27

Trends in Information Technology

There is a common saying “Work smarter, not harder”. This saying was never more true than in the use of computers (or Information Technology) in your everyday business. The title of this article could be named “Trends in Information Technology Which You Can Use to Improve Your Business”. This article is not so much about […]

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Jun
27

CERTAINTEED CORPORATION NOW OFFERING V-Buck® Vinyl Blocking System

To offer our foundations customers an increasingly broader range of products, CertainTeed Corporation now offers the VBuck(R) vinyl blocking system, a product manufactured by Vinyl Technologies Inc., (VTI) that helps building professionals simplify the process of creating window cut-outs in poured concrete basement walls. The V-Buck vinyl blocking system consists of vinyl window blockouts that […]

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Jun
27

Putzmeister America, Inc. Introduces Boom Pump QuickStart Series

NEW DVD SERIES MAKES IT EASIER FOR CUSTOMERS TO START SOMETHING BIG Putzmeister America announces the May 2007 release of its new Boom Pump QuickStart DVD series. Designed as a convenient reference for new and experienced boom pump operators, the QuickStart DVD series is a guide to operational procedures, general maintenance and advanced special features of […]

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Jun
27

EPA 2007 Fuel Regulations Now in Effect

A prototype of the new Mack TerraPro Series arrived at Schwing America recently. Since this model will also usher in the 2007 EPA certified engines there is considerable interest in the replacement for the venerable MR Macks that have been the standard for concrete pump applications. The 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding the […]

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Jun
27

CIFA’S K31 BOOM PUMP

Designed with the operator in mind, the unique characteristics of the K31 XZ boom pump make this machine flexible yet simple to operate. The NEW K31 XZ boom configuration allows operators maximum maneuverability in restricted areas through its amazingly low unfolding height of 18’-8” and the outstanding 360° bidirectional continuous rotary actuator located on the […]

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Jun
27

CATCH THE WAVE — SWITCH TO WATER

Concrete contractors have willingly used a variety of water based products for years. However, when it comes to form release agents, acceptance has been slower. While this was understandable a few years ago when the cost savings between water and petroleum based versions was minimal and the enticements to switch were fewer, times have changed. […]

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Magazine Issues

Jul
19

THE UN-COMFORT ZONE: Defeating the De-Motivator

with Robert Wilson The sweet strains of a Puccini aria cut through the Saturday night clatter of the busy Italian restaurant in New York City, but it wasn’t coming from the aging voice of the Sicilian baritone who was hired to belt out favorites like Funiculi- Funicula. It was a soprano whose crystal clear voice filled the room. Within moments all the ambient noise came […]

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Jun
30

YOU NEED TO BE THINKING CERTIFICATION RIGHT NOW…

Imagine yourself on the phone tomorrow bidding for a foundation contract, but you tell the general contractor “I am a CFA Certified Contractor”. His response will be one of surprise and admiration. Ten years from now his response will be “I only hire Certified CFA Contractors.” Get in on the ground floor of a new […]

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Jun
30

The Road That Lies Ahead

2013 CFA Convention Theme The Road That Lies Ahead ‘The Road That Lies Ahead’ is the theme of the CFA Annual Summer Convention this year. Hopefully you have already made your plans to attend because this year’s event promises to be the best line-up for education we have ever presented. To use Scott Smith’s words, […]

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Mar
28

Irving Equipment Sells Largest Concrete Pump in North America During WOC 2013

This year’s World of Concrete in Las Vegas was a highly successful event for Irving Equipment. Irving once again proved to be one of the dominant forces in the industry, with the sale of the largest concrete pump in North America; a Concord 65-meter, which sold during the show. In addition, our display was complete with quality equipment […]

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Mar
28

8 Steps To Prevent Construction Site Theft

by Kimberly Hegeman, originally published on ForConstructionPros.com   Theft and vandalism account for $1 billion a year in losses and other costs to contractors; here’s how to prevent it from happening at your jobsites Construction equipment and material theft is big business, and it’s growing. Estimates say that theft and vandalism account for $1 billion a year in losses and other costs to builders, a number […]

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Mar
28

What Does the Future Hold?

The following article is a synopsis of the January 16, 2013 PCA Market Intelligence Residential Construction Outlook. For a pdf of the full report, contact Ed Sauter (esauter@cfawalls.org) or Jim Baty (jbaty@cfawalls.org). RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK Conditioned pessimism. That is the term Ed Sullivan, chief economist for the Portland Cement Association, used to describe the attitude and outlook of citizens, businesses […]

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Mar
28

Post-Injury Testing

To efficiently and effectively manage workers’ compensation claims, many companies have implemented a program for injured workers to undergo a physical capability evaluation and functional assessment of the major muscle groups of knees, shoulders and low back along their entire range of motion in both extension and flexion. This evaluation will show the injured worker’s current physical abilities and aid […]

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Mar
28

Are We Really A Family?

Dear CFA Brothers and Sisters, Many institutions claim to have a “family” environment. Is “family” an overused cliché…or is it real? This March, we at the Bartley Corporation, lost a dear friend and long-time employee. Betty was our dispatcher, also known as “Mother-Central”. Our employees sprang into action to help her, stood beside her, and continue to grieve her loss. We will never […]

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Mar
28

CFA Returns to Tamaya

The CFA will return to the Tamaya Resort at the Santa Ana Pueblo north of Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2013 Summer meeting. We don’t often return to a prior venue but this is a very special place. Quiet, beautiful, and serene are just a few of the adjectives used by attendees following our stay in 2008. As you will […]

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Mar
1

Custom Concrete Makes Promotion

Jason Ells has been promoted to executive director of operations at Westfield, Indiana, based Custom Concrete. Ells, who launched his career in 1998 at Custom Concrete as a Quality Control Tech, will oversee the sales force and production departments, establishing processes that produce both quality and efficiency. He will also continue to work closely with customers to ensure the individualized attention they expect from […]

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Mar
1

Garland Industries Acquires DryDog Barriers, Expands Line of Waterproofing Products

Garland Industries, Inc. recently acquired DryDog Barriers, LLC, a manufacturer of waterproofing products and related accessories for the residential and commercial marketplace, expanding its line of high-performance, below-grade waterproofing solutions for the building envelope. The DryDog line of products and services will be integrated into GMX, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Garland Industries and a leading manufacturer of waterproofing solutions […]

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Mar
1

2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference Co-Sponsorship Agreement

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) are co-sponsoring the upcoming 2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference scheduled for May 6-8, 2013 in San Francisco at the Hotel Sofitel. The Conference is designed to bring researchers and practitioners together to exchange the latest ideas, knowledge, and tools to build the future of concrete construction as it relates […]

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