• 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
  • 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 […]

    Read More
  • 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 […]

    Read More
  • 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 […]

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More

Feature

Jun
10

Golden Tie Membership Development Award: Western Forms

The award luncheon began with a new award recognition as Jason Ells, who is the CFA president and the executive vice president for Custom Concrete of Westfield, Indiana, stepped up to the microphone. “The Golden Tie Award is something we’ve been developing for a while within the Board of Directors,” he said. “We recognize that […]

Read More
Apr
4

Lighthouse After School

Stephens and Smith Concrete Construction participates with a Trades/Industry Program Attracting tomorrow’s workforce to the concrete industry involves fostering early engagement and understanding of the field. Introducing high school students to construction trades through a structured workshop approach holds immense potential in shaping their perception of and interest in concrete careers. “Our TIP program is […]

Read More
Dec
12

Holiday Blues: How To Manage Seasonal Depression

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone shares in this festive spirit. For some, this time of year can be challenging, filled with feelings that are less about joy and more about coping with stress or sadness. This lesser-discussed […]

Read More
Oct
27

Building Careers CFA’s Wall Foreman Qualification @ WOC2024

This January we welcome year number two of an exciting new professional development program offered by the Concrete Foundations Association: the Wall Foreman Qualification Industry Training. The program has expanded and looks to provide an even broader range of learning experiences. This program is designed for individuals engaged in residential cast-in-place construction to grow in […]

Read More
Oct
27

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete as an Alternative to Conventional Steel

As the demand for more sustainable construction grows and raw material shortages like steel continue to be a challenge, fiber-reinforced concrete has become an increasingly popular choice for flatwork and elevated construction—from precast and ready-mix concrete to shotcrete. Fibers make concrete significantly more resistant to cracking from plastic and drying shrinkage, leading to a highly […]

Read More
Jun
27

Federal OSHA Announced the Launch of a National Emphasis Program (NEP) On Heat Illness and Injury 

by Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP, President of Exceed Safety LLC When it is extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is diminished. If your body heats too rapidly it will use body fluids to cool itself. When this happens, too much fluid or salt is lost through sweating. The body temperature […]

Read More

Magazine Issues

Jun
10

Golden Tie Membership Development Award: Western Forms

The award luncheon began with a new award recognition as Jason Ells, who is the CFA president and the executive vice president for Custom Concrete of Westfield, Indiana, stepped up to the microphone. “The Golden Tie Award is something we’ve been developing for a while within the Board of Directors,” he said. “We recognize that […]

Read More
Apr
4

Lighthouse After School

Stephens and Smith Concrete Construction participates with a Trades/Industry Program Attracting tomorrow’s workforce to the concrete industry involves fostering early engagement and understanding of the field. Introducing high school students to construction trades through a structured workshop approach holds immense potential in shaping their perception of and interest in concrete careers. “Our TIP program is […]

Read More
Mar
26

An Issue to Sink Your Teeth Into

James Baty jbaty@cfaconcretepros.org  As a reader of Concrete Facts, whether this is your first issue or you have been appreciating its content for a while, I hope you can sense the diligence that goes in to making each of these quarterly issues impactful to your business. They are designed to inspire, designed to challenge, designed […]

Read More
Mar
26

Foundation Contractors Night: Enthusiastic Participation at The Strat

I am thrilled to reach out to you following the recent Foundation Contractors Night hosted at The Strat in Las Vegas. Once again, our Concrete Foundation Association staff has demonstrated their exceptional talent in pulling off another fantastic event. With over 320 attendees gracing the occasion, the night was filled with lively conversation, networking opportunities, […]

Read More
Mar
26

Build my Future: Collaboration Engages Youth, How did it come about? What are its Goals

Perma-Structo of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, a Certified Contractor member of the Concrete Foundations Association, has a long history of participation in efforts aimed at awareness and trades education for youth to bring about a stronger future for the construction industry. The most recent event, Build My Future, continued to demonstrate the value for all involved. Build […]

Read More
Mar
26

Why Membership Matters

“PRECISION FOCUS!!” I have had the privilege in the last two years of being introduced to the field of concrete construction in an incredibly dynamic way.  While it started with photographing job sites for my brother-in-law, Russ Talpey of Talpey Construction, I have been inspired to continue telling the story I find so compelling.  Not […]

Read More
Mar
26

Concrete Reasons to set BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for your Concrete Business

By Bill Humbert, recruiterguy.com There is a difference between properly setting a goal and making a resolution for your business. I know. I have been in business for 34 years. Why not make a “resolution”? The answer is easy. Are many New Year’s resolutions kept? Over my past 34 years, maybe two New Year’s resolutions […]

Read More
Mar
26

Ensuring Worker Safety: The Vital Role of Alternative Fall Protection Plans

By Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP For construction, safeguarding the lives of workers is not just a regulatory mandate but is also a moral obligation. As the construction industry grapples with the persistent challenge of fall-related fatalities, the importance of proper fall protection measures becomes increasingly evident. Data from 2020 reveals a stark reality: out of […]

Read More
Mar
26

Navigating Generational Shifts in Family Construction Businesses While Keeping the Construction Legacy Alive

Prepared by: Jerry Aliberti, Owner of Pro-Accel Surviving and thriving in the construction business is no walk in the park! Passing the family business on to the next generation should be a moment of pride. But let’s be real: it is a challenge loaded with all sorts of fears. Fear of letting go, fear of […]

Read More
Mar
26

The “Oops” Factor: How Human Error is Powering a Multibillion-Dollar Cybercrime Empire

By Jeff Robinson, President & CEO of Tier 3 Technology Solutions You may have heard this statistic before: According to an Accenture study, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. The explanation is simple enough—small businesses have valuable data and resources worth targeting but often don’t prioritize cybersecurity. Even more daunting for small business owners? […]

Read More
Mar
7

Spring into action with MAX USA Corp.’s Exciting Tool Promo

Plainview, NY (March 7, 2024) – As the season blooms, MAX USA Corp. is thrilled to unveil an exclusive promotion crafted to supercharge your toolkit. From March 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024, gear up with MAX’s acclaimed SuperFramer®, SuperRoofer®, and SuperLocator® —all at discounted rates, topped with a FREE Tumbler with every purchase. Discover […]

Read More
Jan
15

Fall Board Meeting Highlights

I trust this letter finds you well and thriving. As we approach the end of another successful year, I am delighted to share some highlights from our recent Fall Board Meeting, which was held in beautiful Oklahoma City. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength and camaraderie that defines the Concrete Foundations […]

Read More