• 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

Oct
23

Custom Concrete Expands Regionally with New Addition

The Central Indiana-based company has acquired Triple Q Foundations out of the Greater Cincinnati area   WESTFIELD, Ind. (Oct. 23, 2018) — Custom Concrete, central Indiana’s quality concrete contractor, today announced it has acquired Triple Q Foundations, based in Lebanon, Ohio. The acquisition was finalized on Oct. 1, 2018.  The addition of Triple Q Foundations […]

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Sep
6

Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program

FEATURE ARTICLE: Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program By Jereme Montgomery, Business Development   Many of you reading this article will testify that the skill gap is real. There is a shortage of skilled craftsmen in the construction industry, and it has continued (and will continue) to effect quantity and quality of structures built […]

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Sep
6

Get More Workers: How to Use an Employee Referral Program to Bring in More People

By Doug Herbert   How much does it cost a contractor to hire one employee? According to my concrete contractor buddies, Sean Smith from Cleveland, Ohio and Jason Ells from Indianapolis, Indiana, the amount is at least $1,000 per new employee. Based on my experience and calculations, that number is spot on. Here are just […]

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Sep
6

Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations

Adequate Fall Protection in Residential Concrete Foundation Pouring: Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations By Michael G. Latiff and Mark W. Steiner   On May 1, 2017, the secretary of labor for the Northeast District of Ohio issued what can be fairly characterized as an unprecedented serious citation to a residential concrete foundation […]

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Sep
6

Projects of the Year: Customer Challenges Deliver Award-Winning Results

CFA PROJECTS OF THE YEAR 2018: Customer Challenges Deliver Award-Winning Results This article features the Concrete Foundation Association’s Projects of the Year, the expanding industry recognition program that features high-quality concrete work that is all too soon, never seen again. Projects are submitted by member organizations in a variety of project categories and are reviewed […]

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Sep
6

Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods: Part II

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT: Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods Part 2 of a 4-Part Series By Destry Kenning, Forming Market Segment Manager, Nox-Crete Products Group   Formwork requires a considerable investment, but even the best forms cannot produce the best results unless they are paired with the proper form release agent. To prevent the adhesion […]

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Magazine Issues

Oct
17

Sauter to be Honored During World of Concrete

Ed Sauter will retire as Executive Director of the CFA at the end of 2014.  World of Concrete will officially celebrate his legacy after 22 years of service. 1993 – ED SAUTER BECAME THE FIFTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE CONCRETE FOUNDATION ASSOCIATION and began expanding the benefits of membership as well as increasing the Association’s […]

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Oct
15

Letter from the Director: We’ve Learned Our Lessons – and Now We Are Stronger

This month’s letter from the CFA Executive Director: We’ve Learned Our Lessons – and Now We are Stronger Another winter is on its way but otherwise things are heating up in the residential concrete industry. Growth is slower than we would like to see but the trend is there. Credit is tighter (as it should […]

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Oct
15

Letter from the President: Learning from One Another…Being Friends

This month’s letter from the CFA Board President: Learning From One Another…Being Friends David Martinson Martinson Construction davem@martinsonconstruction.com   It gives me great pleasure to write to you as your president. As a third generation concrete contractor and a member since 1993, I have experienced first-hand what the Concrete Foundation Association has to offer. It was […]

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Oct
15

CFA Continues Popular Hotline for Members

CFA Continues Popular Hotline for Members Email hotline offers active CFA members convenient access to a wealth of information resources and experience. Access to technical information and solutions has never been easier. CFA members continue to have access to three levels of support for project, material and system questions. A technical staff member is available […]

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Oct
7

Schwing Adds New Boom Pump

Schwing Adds New Boom Pump October 6, 2014 – St. Paul, Minn.   Schwing has expanded their boom pump lineup with a new model, bringing the Schwing truck-mounted concrete pump with placing boom line to a total of 16 different models. The S 20 offers a unique boom design in a compact package, affording pumpers, […]

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Aug
11

Cygnus Business Media Sells Heavy Construction and Logistics Groups to AC Business Media Inc.

Cygnus Business Media Sells Heavy Construction and Logistics Groups to AC Business Media Inc. FORT ATKINSON, Wis. – Aug. 11, 2014 – Cygnus Business Media today announced that it has sold its Heavy Construction and Logistics Groups to AC Business Media Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The transaction was handled by Corporate Solutions, Inc., and […]

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Aug
11

ThermalDrain™ Chosen as Finalist for 2013 RISE® Durable Product Awards

ThermalDrain™ Chosen as Finalist for 2013 RISE® Durable Product Awards   Cleveland-based GMX, Inc.’s ThermalDrain nonwoven drain protection board is a finalist for the 2013 RISE Durable Product Awards. The award recognizes and rewards innovation in new, durable products that utilize nonwoven fabrics in a way that expands the usage of nonwovens in the consumer […]

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Aug
3

2014 Projects of the Year: Private Single-Family Residence >5,000 sq.ft.

Private Single-Family Residence >5,000 sq.ft. Norman Home Basement Contractors of Edmond, Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma   The final project to receive recognition this year represents the large-scale single-family residences over 5,000 square feet category. Basement Contractors from Edmond, Oka. submitted this challenging project that consisted of complex footings, tall foundation wall heights, concrete floors throughout all levels […]

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Aug
3

2014 Projects of the Year: Private Residence Foundation < 2000 sq.ft.

Private Residence Foundation <2000 Marietta Home Herbert Construction Marietta, Georgia The project award this year for foundations under 2,000 square feet goes to Herbert Construction of Marietta, Ga. for a very complex foundation system that accommodated severe elevation change and complex forming heights for such a relatively small footprint. Most projects of this size are […]

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Aug
2

2014 Projects of the Year: Commercial/ Multi Family

Commercial/Multi-family Condominium Project Basement Contractors of Edmond, Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma         Entered by Basement Contractors of Edmond, Okla., this year’s recipient of the Project of the Year for commercial and multi-family projects is a complex and impressive foundation system for condominiums in an urban setting in Oklahoma City. “The original plan called for […]

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Aug
2

2014 Projects of the Year Overall Grand Prize: Private Residence Foundation (2,000 to 5,000 sq.ft.)

Private Residence Foundation 2000-5000 sq.ft. Private Residence Hottmann Construction Company, Inc Dane, Wisconsin     This year’s overall grand project was completed by Hottmann Construction Company, Inc. of Dane, Wis.  It is also the winning entry in the single-family residence category for 2,000 to 5,000 square foot projects. Peers viewing this project during the World […]

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Jul
7

Thomas Bradley (Brad) Barnes – (1951-2014)

The CFA loses a strong friend and ally. Thomas Bradley (Brad) Barnes, 63, of Medina passed away suddenly, following complications from surgery on Friday, July 4, 2014. He was born May 29, 1951 in Fairmont, W.Va. to Ed and Dean Barnes. Brad graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1969 and received a B.S. and Masters […]

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