• 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

Máquina de pantalla colocando pavimento de concreto.
Jul
7

The Limits of Colloidal Silica for Concrete Densification, Strength and Abrasion Resistance

By Derick Rainey, Vice President Nox-Crete Inc.  This white paper has been reproduced with approval from Nox-Crete Inc. Executive Summary This white paper critically examines the claims surrounding colloidal silica as a densifier for Type 1L concrete, specifically regarding its efficacy for enhancing strength, densification and abrasion resistance. While colloidal silica is widely promoted for […]

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Jul
7

Building Back Better: Concrete and Fire

The second article in a series about concrete housing  By Joe Nasvik  There are many ways to build a concrete home; the most popular methods today include removable form, precast concrete, grout-filled concrete block, and insulating concrete forms (ICF). Concrete homes can be very expensive modern constructions, built to look like any other house on […]

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Four students are spreading gravel in a concrete room that is under construction.
Jul
7

Cru Concrete Gives High School Students Hands-On Learning about Rewarding Careers in Concrete Construction

  The American construction industry is one of the largest in the world, with a commitment to quality, safety and longevity. And within the United States, Wisconsin stands out as a great place to be a construction worker. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors’ 10th annual Merit Shop Scorecard released in December 2024, Wisconsin ranks […]

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Jun
9

2025 CFA Projects of the Year Opens for Evaluations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Concrete Foundations Association Invites Public to Score 2025 “Projects of the Year” Finalists Mount Vernon, IA – June 9, 2025 – The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) is excited to announce the public evaluation period is now open for its 2025 “Projects of the Year” competition. This annual program highlights some of the most impressive […]

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Apr
8

How to Rewire Your Brain for Success

The human brain is incredibly adaptable. It holds the potential to change, learn and grow throughout our lives. However, many people unknowingly sabotage this by operating with a fixed mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence are static. Research shows that this mindset limits personal and professional success, as well as discourages positive change. On […]

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Two men stand in front of a Concrete Foundations Association banner at a convention.
Apr
8

World of Concrete 2025—An Electric Atmosphere

By Trenton Baty, Membership & Marketing Director  The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) started the year on a high note with a successful presence at World of Concrete (WOC), our first major event under AOE’s new management. Our booth was a focal point of activity, providing an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing members while also welcoming […]

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Magazine Issues

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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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? […]

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Mar
12

For Sale: Brick-Pattern Aluminum Forms

A contractor member of the Association has the following set of forms offered for sale. Aluminum Forms, brick pattern with texture, having a 6/12 hole pattern are offered for sale.  Grade B condition for these forms.  List of form sizes includes: 109 – 36″x 8′-0″ 45 – 36″ x 6′-0″ 56 – 36″ x 4′-0″ […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Jan
15

The Challenge of Time

The calendar is telling me it is December, and I’m still trying to convince myself it can be true. How is it that 2023 is nearly over, and by the time you are reading this, 2024 has likely arrived? I hear this in nearly every conversation where I get the chance to catch up with […]

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