• 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 […]

    Read More
  • 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 […]

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More
  • 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 […]

    Read More

Feature

Feb
11

100% PURE GRAIN CHALLENGE

Agricultural Foundation Structure | Robert’s Grain Facility ATKINS BROTHERS CONCRETE, BEAVERCREEK, OHIO CFA Contractor Member  A CFA member new to the process of submitting for the Projects of the Year competition sought the opportunity to tell their story of taking on one of the most challenging projects they had encountered in recent years. Atkins Brothers […]

Read More
Feb
11

“UN-BRIDLED” SIZE AND PLAN COMPLEXITY

Single-Family Foundation, Over 5,000 Square Feet | 26 Bridlebourne CUSTOM CONCRETE, WESTFIELD, INDIANA CFA Contractor Member Another regular participant in CFA’s annual Project of the Year competition, Custom Concrete of Westfield, Indiana, entered this year with one of the more complicated perimeter configurations for the behemoth residence category. There certainly have been bigger structures winning […]

Read More
Feb
11

EXPOSED CONCRETE MASTERY

Single-Family Foundation, 2,000–5,000 Square FeetBrowning-Plunkett Ski Lodge SOLID CONCRETE WALLS, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH CFA Contractor Member The winning entry for the 2019 CFA Project of the Year award was Solid Concrete Walls of Salt Lake City, Utah. This medium-sized yet complex structure attests to the popularity of board form architectural concrete in that region. […]

Read More
Jan
29

Concrete Foundations Convention 2019 “It’s A Wrap!”

Every year, the Concrete Foundations Convention brings together cast-in-place contractors, design professionals, suppliers and manufactures for three days of education, networking, exhibitions, certification, awards, and much more. The event is the largest annual gathering dedicated to the cast-in-place concrete industry, and plays a vital role in the growth and development of companies, big and small, […]

Read More
Jan
29

In Memory of Lawrence D. Clark

Larry Clark, 84, passed away November 8, 2019. He was born on December 10, 1934 to Newton and Elsie (Harper) Clark in Lansing, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Herb; two sisters, Hazel and Patricia; and great-grandson, Oliver. He is survived by his wife, Doris; two sons, David […]

Read More
Jan
29

Hottmann Construction Becomes Newest Certified Foundation Company in Wisconsin

Residential concrete foundations constructed in the state of Wisconsin will now be produced by Wisconsin’s newest CFA Certified Foundation Company, Hottmann Construction Co. Inc. The Certified Foundation Company program was established by the Concrete Foundations Association, headquartered in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The program offers third-party rating and quality assurance for professional concrete foundation companies. The […]

Read More

Magazine Issues

Oct
7

CFA Member Obituary: John ‘Jack’ Easton

John Thomas “Jack” – Age 93, of Linden, died Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. Chaplain Hank Messing officiating. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday from 6-9 […]

Read More
Oct
7

OSHA Was Off. Way Off.

OSHA was off, way off! That’s according to a new report by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), which found that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed silica standards for U.S. construction industry will cost the industry $5 billion per year—roughly $4.5 billion per year more than OSHA’s estimates. The coalition cautioned that the flawed cost estimates reflect deeper flaws in the rule and […]

Read More
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI)
Oct
5

Dr. David McDonald Retained as New President and Chief Executive Officer of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute

(SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS — October 5, 2015) The Executive Committee of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) has appointed David McDonald, Ph.D., PE, F.ACI as the 11th President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute effective immediately. Dr. McDonald will continue to oversee daily operations as well as directing future progress of the Institute as he has for the past three […]

Read More
nox-crete.com
Sep
9

Nox-Crete Hires Seasoned Sales Manager for Great Plains Region

This press release published on behalf of an active CFA National Associate member.   Nox-Crete Hires Seasoned Sales Manager for Great Plains Region   OMAHA, NEB.−Sept. 9, 2015—Todd Harris is bringing his 22 years of experience in the building and contractor supply industry to Nox-Crete Products Group as its Great Plains regional sales manager. He […]

Read More
Aug
3

Out of Plumb May Not Mean Damaged and Unsafe

As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine. Question: The foundation for my new home has one wall showing two vertical cracks and the top of the wall is not even with the base of the wall.  I’m concerned the backfilling has pushed the wall in and the building inspector wants an engineer to certify the wall […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
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 […]

Read More
Aug
2

2015 Projects of the Year Overall Grand Project: Commercial/Multi Family

Commercial Structure The George Washington University Science and Engineering Hall Ballinger AE Washington DC   The project recognized by popular vote as this year’s overall grand project is the Science & Engineering Hall at George Washington University.  Submitted by Ballinger AE, a professional member of the CFA, this project also demonstrates the growing network of […]

Read More
Jul
30

Putzmeister America, Inc. Opens New Facility in Houston to Better Serve Southern U.S. Market

Putzmeister America, Inc. Opens New Facility in Houston to Better Serve Southern U.S. Market   STURTEVANT, WIS. (July 1, 2015) – Putzmeister America, Inc. (Putzmeister) has announced the opening of its Houston, Texas location, a 41,400-square foot (3,846-m2) facility opened in March 2015 on 6 acres (2.3 ha) of property. The operations based here include […]

Read More
Jul
30

Putzmeister America, Inc. Welcomes Peter Mendel as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Putzmeister America, Inc. Welcomes Peter Mendel as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer STURTEVANT, WIS. (July 1, 2015) – Putzmeister America, Inc. (Putzmeister) has announced the addition of Peter Mendel as Putzmeister’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. Mendel will be responsible for Putzmeister’s operational activities, which include Putzmeister America and its subsidiaries […]

Read More