• 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

Feb
24

Joe Carr, Custom Concrete (1934-2021)

The Concrete Foundations Association owes considerable gratitude to Joe Carr of Custom Concrete (member since 1986) a true pioneer in this industry.  His passing leaves both a hole in the spirit that established this Association and a legacy of leadership to continue building the future.  “Joe had a very influential part in allowing me to […]

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Feb
24

Why Wait to Form Walls on Cold-Weather Footings?

by JAMES R. BATY II  As most contractors realize, it is quite normal for walls to still be formed on footings the next day (or two) during the colder months of December to March. While concrete does gain strength at a slower rate during this time of the year, the footing concrete placed with just […]

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Feb
24

Getting Paid

Among the many advancements this Association has made for its members over the last decade, the growing affinity programs, those services and contract opportunities that bring you significant discounts or performance advantages, are among our greatest source of pride.  One such program is that from C2C Resources, a global commercial collections agency.  Established at the […]

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Feb
4

Bartley Corp in Middle Tennessee is Open for Business

Silver Spring, MD (February 3, 2021) Bartley Corp in Middle Tennessee is Open for Business The Bartley Corporation announces the opening of a new location that will provide concrete construction based in Springfield Tennessee.  Aiming to meet the increasing demand for qualified contractors in Nashville’s booming housing market, the company has established a new team under […]

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Oct
30

Taking Control of Your Post-Injury Healthcare

by Levi Schrock, Custom Concrete Though COVID-19 has slowed customer traffic for many companies across America, most construction businesses and medical facilities are as busy as ever. For these construction companies, employees will always face some level of physical risk when on the job — and being pushed to extra fast-paced production usually results in […]

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Oct
30

Making Offices and Construction Sites Safer From the COVID-19 Virus

by Joseph Nasvik Epluribus unum—out of many, one. This is the Latin motto the United States adopted in 1776 to signify the joining of states to form one national government. At the time, it was a difficult concept for people to accept because it meant that states and individuals would have to give up some […]

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Magazine Issues

May
25

Nebraska’s Leading Concrete Construction Company Obtains New Resource

Lincoln, NE – Stephens & Smith Construction Co., (www.stephensandsmith.com) has announced that Jereme “Bird” Montgomery has joined the S&S team as their Business Development Coordinator.  His primary duties will focus on new and existing clients, sales, marketing, and social media.  Mr. Montgomery has a wealth of experience within the concrete construction industry, having spent the […]

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May
25

For Sale: 2005 Western Star Crane Truck

For sale by a CFA member is a 2005 Western Star Crane Truck.  Truck is in excellent running and working condition. My shop manager has thoroughly reviewed the equipment and verified no repair is required.  Details of the equipment are as follows: Model: 4900SA Engine: Mercedes OM460LA,  450 HP Mileage: 174,574 Hours: 10,381 Vin: 5KKHALCVX5PU00833 […]

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May
4

FOR SALE: Trimble 5600 Geodimeter and Miscellaneous Equipment

CFA member looking to sell a used Robotic Layout machine.  To go along with the machine, we have multiple data collectors with and without pole mounts, 360 prisms, and charging units.  For more information contact Bob Nickoloff at 440 647 6661, or bnickoloff@mpwcs.com. List of items can be seen pictured below and includes: Trimble 5600 […]

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Apr
24

Winter Walls – The Walls Are “Leaking”

As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, April 10, 2017. This column presents a comparison issue between what is assumed to be faulty construction or installation and the natural hydration process combined with the change of seasons. Question: Last winter we installed several foundations for a builder in one development. He called this week asking us […]

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Mar
31

Safety 24/7

Last fall a truly “by the book” safe GC tendered a project. Submission of our OSHA training certifications and Safety Program was part of the subcontractor selection process. The submittal included a full-page list of questions about our safety practices. I met with the safety officer on the jobsite and explained that I chose to […]

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Mar
31

March Madness

Let’s face it, I’m about this entirely and I’m guessing many of you are too. I don’t have many conversations it seems without someone having a college team that inspires them. Now, maybe you’re not a basketball fan and prefer wrestling or football, but you have to admit that there is a frenzy, a delirium, […]

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Mar
31

Why Attend Convention

Between podcasts, YouTube tutorials, webinars and google.com, why would I invest the time and money to attend a convention? What will I learn there that I can’t learn online? If this is your mindset, I challenge you to take your company to the next level and explore the real benefits of attending your industry events, […]

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Mar
31

Top Safety Awards Call For Entries

The Board of Directors for the Concrete Foundations Association has created a Top Safety Awards program to recognize contractors in the industry committed to maintaining safe working environments on their job sites. In 2011, OSHA rescinded the exemption from fall protection for residential construction, including that of residential foundation construction under the belief that significant […]

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Mar
31

Millennials in the Workforce

Millennials:  we have all heard the word used in some way or another.  In the workforce, it can carry a negative connotation among employers.  Lazy, high maintenance, ignorant, entitled, and self-righteous are just a few of the words used to describe them.  But this word carries with it another implication that the world is changing […]

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Mar
31

The Power of Following Up

You can get many of the things you want in life simply by following up. Follow up with that prospect that hasn’t returned your call. Follow up with your customer to let them know your men are on the jobsite. Follow up to ensure the concrete is on the way. Follow up with your employee/coworker […]

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Mar
31

Around The Association

It’s been a busy start to 2017 in this industry and certainly throughout CFA membership.  After a very productive and energy-packed World of Concrete, there have been some great developments and challenging progress made that we are proud to report on. New Members Everyone is encouraged by the growth of the Association.  When a new […]

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Mar
31

Trick of the Trade: The Step-Down Flow-Stop

This ‘Trick of the Trade’ is shared by Mary Wilson of Michel Concrete Inc. in Springfield, IL. Mary offers this solution in response to the challenge by CFA President, Dennis Purinton. Mary’s company is rewarded with 50 points to her member account to be redeemed for an upcoming registration, event or purchase. The tip comes […]

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