• 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

Dec
3

Is Your Safety Manual OSHA Compliant? | A Summary of the Required Topics

By Julia Kunlo, CSP, Vice President CFA Consulting Member A written safety manual is often seen as the backbone of a workplace safety program. Documented processes are powerful tools, helping to outline expectations, train employees, bid work, and even avoid legal trouble. What many people do not know, however, is that the Occupational Safety and […]

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Jul
13

YOU’VE RECEIVED AN OSHA CITATION – NOW WHAT?

The 4-Step Process Every Company Should Know  By Julia Kunlo, MSOSH, CSP The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) usually conducts around 32,000 inspections a year. For companies who are involved in an inspection and receive fines/citations, most are surprised by the hazards discovered and unsure of next steps to take. While avenues exist to […]

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Mar
30

WHAT LEADING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE DOING IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19

This article made possible by ConExpo-Con/AGG 2020 as part of industry participation by your Concrete Foundations Association. For more information on business practices by contractor members of the Concrete Foundations Association, reach out to CFA Executive Director, James Baty MILWAUKEE — As COVID-19 (coronavirus) brings countless businesses to a grinding halt, the construction industry remains resilient […]

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Feb
11

2019 PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

A Good Ground Game Is a Sound Game Plan The recognitions for Projects of the Year were made during the Concrete Foundation Convention 2019 in Denver, Colorado this summer. Seen there was another crop of great projects constructed from some familiar CFA members who contribute annually to this competition, as well as some new and […]

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Feb
11

BIG BITES ARE NOT ALWAYS BIG PLATES

The 2019 Overall Grand Project of the Year | Lafond TALPEY CONSTRUCTION, WESTBROOK, CONNECTICUT CFA Contractor Member The top-scoring project submitted for the 2019 Projects of the Year is an example of the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” With their second project of the year award, Talpey Construction constructed […]

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Feb
11

THE BIGGER SIDE OF CAST-IN-PLACE

Multi-Family Foundation Structure | Poplar Creek Apartments VAN WYKS INC., WALDO, WISCONSIN CFA Contractor Member A returning participant in the annual CFA Projects of the Year program, Van Wyks Inc., demonstrated the diversity of talent and proficiency found in CFA contractor members all across the country, including the sophistication of technology to create their story. […]

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Magazine Issues

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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Jan
15

Introducing the New CFA Board: Bromley, Jordan and Zamora join during CFACON23

An organization’s Board of Directors is a valuable part of building professional leadership and legacy. The aspect of giving back to the industry through this leadership is balanced with the technical and professional advantages gained from serving so closely with others. This holds true for the Concrete Foundations Association, where the Board is currently comprised […]

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Jan
15

Safeguarding Your Business Against Invoice Fraud and Other BEC Attacks

By Jeff Robinson, President and CEO, Tier 3 Technology Solutions A recent study backed by Apple (https://apple.co/3RKbAAz ) found that there have been more data breaches in the first nine months of 2023 than in any previous year. As cyberattacks continue to skyrocket against organizations of all sizes (small businesses in particular), it is vital […]

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Jan
15

Off-Season Employee Retention, Will You Entertain Creative New Ideas?

Let’s face it. Recruiting can be a pain back there… And I am a recruiter!  “Sometimes, I see things differently” is my tagline, and it is how I handle problems, especially those problems surrounding Talent Attraction. Hey! I am lefthanded! My life as a lefty forced me to look at problems differently. Have you attempted […]

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Jan
15

Caught-In-Action

Challenging the industry to always improve, this photo was captured by a CFA member proud of their excavator.  The team at Custom Concrete is incredibly proud of Jeff Schooley. “This is not unusual for him when soil allows, this is the type of excellence he strives for and what’s more, it doesn’t take him much […]

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Oct
27

In memory of Kaye L. (Beavers) Irving

October 14, 1947 ~ October 2, 2023 (age 75)   Kaye Louise Beavers Irving, 75, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 02, 2023 with her husband, children, and many grandchildren nearby. Kaye was born in Liberty Center, Ohio, October 14, 1947, to Samuel Burdette and Thelma Arlene (Young) Beavers.  On […]

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Oct
27

Euclid Chemical Opens New Admixture Plant in Calgary

Euclid Chemical, a leading manufacturer of concrete and masonry construction products, has announced the opening of a new admixture plant in Calgary, Alberta. This facility will enable the company to better serve its customers in the region by providing high-quality admixture solutions that meet their needs. Positioned in a prime location with access to nearby […]

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Oct
27

SCC Adds Program to Assist Industry

Career/technical programs at Southeast Community College strive to meet the needs of industry, and one of the latest additions is Concrete Construction Technician. Students who successfully complete the program, located on the Milford Campus, will have a thorough knowledge and skillset related to project site preparation and safety; concrete forming, placing and finishing operations for […]

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Oct
27

Western Forms Receives Award Recognition

Want to know more, contact Skye Kelley at skelley@cfaconcretepros.org.

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Oct
27

Calcium Chloride: Friend or Foe?

Many of the technical issues reported on in the residential concrete foundation industry are the result of questions or situations brought to the technical staff of the Concrete Foundations Association.  The original content of this article is one such example, updated with additional information as you prepare for the 2023-24 winter season. Situation:  During a […]

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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 […]

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Oct
27

Let’s Take a Look at Recruiting From a Different Perspective

There is an advantage to driving on the other side of the road in South Africa. Likewise, there is an advantage to driving at night with a cellphone GPS that takes you through sketchy neighborhoods on the way to your hotel. The advantage is that you see things from a different perspective. This new perspective […]

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