• 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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  • Volver a construir mejor: Resiliencia

    Friday, March 13, 2026

    Cuarto artículo de la serie  De Joe Nasvik  Una vez que se toma la decisión de construir una casa, la siguiente cuestión que hay que resolver es cómo se debe construir. El mejor sistema de construcción es aquel que sea más adecuado para los ocupantes actuales y futuros. El uso de pautas de sostenibilidad y resiliencia […]

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  • Building Back Better Resiliency

    Friday, March 13, 2026

    BY JOE NASVIK  This is the fourth and final article of the Building Back Better series.  After the decision is made to build a house, the next issue to resolve is how it should be built. The best building system is one that will be best for the current and future occupants. Using sustainability and resilience guidelines is […]

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  • 2025 CFA Consulting Members Directory

    Friday, March 6, 2026

    CFA works with many great consultants. If you are looking for consulting services, visit one of the companies below: BIC bicauctions.com BIC is a used concrete equipment specialist serving contrac­tors, manufacturers and lenders nationwide. The company helps industry professionals unlock value from idle or un­derutilized assets—whether it’s a single unit or an entire fleet. Their […]

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  • Interns posing in front of Custom Concrete building

    We See You: Custom Concrete Shouts Out Their Interns

    Friday, October 3, 2025

    Custom Concrete recently took time to celebrate the next generation of industry leaders by highlighting the contributions of their interns.

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Feature

Oct
15

CFA Introduces Marketing Presentation

Have you ever had the need to make a sales pitch to a builder, but didn’t have a prepared presentation? If so, CFA may be able to help. The Association has introduced a new tool called “Why Poured Walls” “Why Poured Walls”is a multifaceted Power Point presentation that addresses a wide variety of issues that […]

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Oct
15

CFA Enters New Dimension of Education

Yes, the Internet can be a rather intimidating arena for people looking for information and services to improve their businesses. Fortunately, there are opportunities that exist to help break down the many barriers and intimidating factors. This issue, we would like to introduce you to one of the newest ways we at CFA are working […]

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Aug
23

CFA Members Working On Concrete Homes Progress

For more than 30 years, CFA members have been making it their priority to construct durable, superior basements, but recently many of these individuals have begun taking concrete construction to the next level— concrete homes. Sharing a mutual love and respect for concrete, CFA members want to stay on the cutting edge of their industry […]

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Aug
23

CFA Awards Gary Bromley of ABI Corporation

Gary Bromley of ABI Corporation was awarded the Robert D. Sawyer Distinguished Service Award at the CFA annual awards luncheon July 8, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco in San Francisco, CA. Bromley, founder of ABI Corporation, is recognized for his dedication to the industry for over three decades. Founded in 1968, ABI was […]

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Aug
23

Alaskans Learn About Cold From the CFA

Until April, Anchorage, Alaska’s building department required a contractor to tent and heat foundations for 72 hours after placement when night time temperatures were below 35 degrees. This usually meant between October 15th through April 15th. For an average 2,000 square-feet two story house, this would cost $2,500 – $3,500 for sheet plastic, heat, and […]

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Jun
12

Tunnelform Construction = Increased Productivity & Better Quality

SOUTHEAST CAPITAL PARTNERS’ CONDOS IN METRO ATLANTA UTILIZE INNOVATIVE CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE Tunnelform Construction Increases Productivity and Results in Better Quality Homes at The Manhattan Southeast Capital Partners, developers of the only high-rise luxury condominium in Dunwoody, Georgia, The Manhattan, are utilizing the Outinord tunnelforming system in the construction of these highly anticipated condominium homes. Touted for its […]

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Magazine Issues

Dec
20

A SUSTAINING VISION: YOU AND OUR ASSOCIATION

Most of us are familiar with the name Andrew Carnegie, the industrial giant and shrewd investor from over a century ago. We’ve heard he was a man who both acquired and then gave away enormous amounts of wealth and who said, “The man who dies rich thus dies disgraced.” Less known is how Carnegie was driven to pass on his secrets of success to […]

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Dec
20

Insurance Captive – Yes, You Need To Know

I last wrote about the CFA Insurance Captive in this forum a little over a year ago so its time to get on the pulpit yet again. If this were a normal business climate, the captive would have been in operation for nearly a year. We need approximately $3 million premiums to meet the threshold for the underwriter and […]

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Oct
24

CFA Announces Availability of Alternate Fall Protection Plan for Members

Member companies now have access to a model or draft alternate fall protection plan conforming to the requirements of OSHA 1926.502(k). This document details the recommended plan for companies delivering concrete foundations for projects identified as “residential construction” by OSHA’s recently implemented STD 03-11-002. “The Alternate Fall Protection Plan is a collaborative effort of CFA staff and key CFA member contractors with a passion for providing solutions not […]

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Oct
24

CFA Summer Convention 2011 – If You Weren’t There, Boy Did You Miss It!

Okay, so it is now the end of summer and the start of the fall construction season rush to winter. Somewhere along the way, there are two types of companies in the CFA that may be looking at this transition differently. What defines the difference may very well be whether or not you were able to make it to Virginia this summer to network, learn and […]

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Oct
24

Ergonomic Solutions: Small Changes Make A Big Difference

Construction work is hard work, and construction workers feel the results. In one survey, seven out of ten construction workers from 13 trades reported back pain, and nearly a third went to the doctor for it. Some of the most common injuries in construction are the result of job demands that push the human body beyond its natural limits. […]

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Oct
24

WELCOME YOUR 2011 BOARD MEMBERS

Each year at Annual Meeting, according to your by-laws, the assembled membership is presented a slate of candidates to the Board of Directors. Board members serve three-year terms under the present by-laws and may be re-elected to serve until such time that they feel it is in their best interest to step away and have new energy added to the Board. This year, we are pleased […]

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Oct
24

TOUGH DECISIONS TO PULL OUR BUSINESSES THROUGH

The CFA Summer Meeting has always been my favorite association event and our recent gathering inWintergreen VA was no exception. The pleasant temperatures and inviting surroundings were a perfect setting for hearing a great lineup of speakers and renewing friendships with fellow contractors and suppliers. Thanks to all of you who made this a great event to attend. My mind drifts back […]

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Oct
24

Another CFA Summer Convention is in the Books

The venue was great, the food good and plentiful, and the views were tremendous. A special thank you is extended to all of you who took the time (and spent the money) to attend this year’s event. Feedback from those in attendance was that this was one of the best values and events we have […]

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Oct
24

Industry Loses Leader: Charles Engelken

An extraordinary journey on this earth came to a close with the passing of Charles Orval Engelken, age 48, of Overland Park, KS on Saturday, September 3, 2011. He was born on July 14, 1963 in Kansas City, KS, the son of Verna Jean (Lewis) and Orval Charles “Skeeter” Engelken. Charles was a 1981 graduate of Center High School and earned […]

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Oct
24

John Crowe Appointed President and CEO of Saint-Globain and Certainteed Corporations

Crowe to continue focus on energy efficiency and sustainability Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials company, has announced the appointment of John Crowe as President and CEO of both Saint-Gobain Corporation (Saint-Gobain’s North American holding company) and CertainTeed Corporation (Saint-Gobain’s largest North American subsidiary). Crowe takes on these two roles effective September 1. As President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Corporation, Crowe will […]

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Oct
24

Liv-Space Building Concepts

The Boman Kemp Companies in Ogden, Utah have been involved with the manufacturing and nationwide distribution of basement egress window systems for over 30 years. IRC 2009 R-310, calls out for a means of egress from every basement. Boman Kemp is the only basement window manufacturer to earn an ESR from the International Code Council: ESR #1856 In addition to […]

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Jun
15

Scott Smith Receives 2010 Robert D. Sawyer Award

During the CFA Summer Convention in Branson, Missouri, Scott Smith of MPW Construction Services was awarded the Robert D. Sawyer Distinguished Service Award. The Summer Convention was held August 4-6, 2010 at the Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Missouri. Last year’s winner, Barry Herbert of Herbert Construction, recognized Smith as this year’s recipient. “Scott is the type of person who makes the CFA such a great organization,” states […]

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