• 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

Aug
5

Schwing SPTO 4000 is a Valuable Tool for Concrete Pumpers and Contractors

ST. PAUL, MN.—August 5, 2013. Schwing’s SPTO 4000 is a compact package that provides high volume performance for commercial work. This unit utilizes the truck’s engine to power the concrete pump, providing impressive output and distance capabilities. The SPTO 4000 pump kit handles concrete mixes with up to 2.5-inch aggregate for high utilization on commercial […]

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Aug
3

2013 Projects of the Year: Commercial/Multi-Family

Commercial/Multi-family Clifton Pointe MPW Construction Services Lakewood, Ohio The final project of the year recipient for 2013 is in the category for commercial or multi-family structure by Modern Pored Walls, Inc.  The 12,600 sq.ft. Clifton Pointe is a three building, seventeen-unit development sitting on a ½-acre site, 150 feet above a river.  The challenge of […]

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Aug
3

2013 Projects of the Year: Single Family Residence 2,000-5,000 sq.ft.

Single Family Residence 2,000-5,000 sq.ft. Private Residence Herbert Construction Marietta Georgia The mid-size foundation winner this year is a private residence in Marietta, Georgia by Herbert Construction Company.  While the idea of the mid-size residence is often pictured with regular geometry and relatively plain structural conditions, the building sites in and around Marietta add significantly […]

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Aug
3

2013 Projects of the Year: Single Family Residence < 2,000 sq.ft.

  Single Family Residence <2,000 sq.ft. Private Residence Doggett Concrete Charlotte, North Carolina Demonstrating that small projects are many times as challenging as the monster foundations is this private residence by Doggett Concrete, Inc. of Charlotte, NC.  Located in Charlotte, this 1,200 square foot basement was combined with a 2,500 crawl space and was part […]

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Aug
3

2013 Projects of the Year: Above Grade Concrete Home

Above Grade Concrete Home Private Residence on Lake Hiawasee Basement Contractors Lake Hiawasee, Edmond, Oklahoma   Receiving the top recognition for above grade concrete homes this year is a private residence on Lake Hiawasee in Edmond, Oklahoma by Basement Contractors, also of Edmond, Oklahoma.  The home is a 3,758 square foot, sophisticated architectural and construction […]

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Aug
3

2013 Projects of the Year Overall Grand Project: Private Single-Family Residence >5000 sq.ft.

Private Singe-Family Residence >5000 sq.ft. Private Residence Ekedal Concrete Laguna Beach, California The Overall Grand project for 2013 is a cliff-dwelling private residence foundation from Laguna Beach, California. Submitted by CFA member, Ekedal Concrete, Inc., this 11,000 square foot California “cliff-hanger” has a mat slab footing ranging from 4 feet to 4 feet 6 inches […]

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Magazine Issues

Oct
15

Hurricane Katrina: Can CFA Members Help?

The world was stunned by the devastation wrought on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by Hurricane Katrina. The images, as horrifying as they were, couldn’t convey how complete the destruction was. Hurricane Rita then extended the problems to the west, including Texas. The extent of the damage defies description and understanding. What we do understand is […]

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Aug
23

Inspectors and Home Builders Invited to CFA Regional Conference

Builders and inspectors in Western Pennsylvania are invited to the Concrete Foundations Association’s (CFA) Regional Conference on Friday, September 16, at the Embassy Suites Hotel Pittsburgh International Airport in Coraopolis, PA. The regional conference, hosted by the CFA local chapter Western Pennsylvania Concrete Foundations Association, is a daylong event that offers seminars on such topics […]

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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

CIFA USA, Inc. Appoints New Senior Vice President

CIFA SpA of Milan, Italy, a worldwide leader in concrete management equipment is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Matteo Rolla to Senior Vice President of CIFA USA, Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Matteo Rolla has been in this position since October 2004 and is relocating to the United States in September 2005. Mr. […]

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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

CFA Board of Directors Elected at 2005 Summer Meeting

The Concrete Foundations Association elected five new members to the Board of Directors, and re-elected three current directors, at the annual meeting held in conjunction with the Summer Meeting in San Francisco, July 6, 2005. New directors are Lance Jordan, Stephens & Smith Construction Company, Inc.; Kirby Justesen, Formco Foundations; and Jim Rowe, Fastrac Foundations. […]

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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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Aug
23

Technology: The Key To Successful Growth

I have the dubious task of authoring a substitute for the inspirational letters you have grown accustom to this past year from our current CFA President, Terry Lavy. I know you will look forward to his next letter in issue five, as he makes his way back from some health issues we are glad to […]

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Aug
23

Guide Publications Improving

Barring any unforeseen challenges or last minute glitches, the walls chapter of the ACI 332 Standard will be incorporated, by reference, into the 2006 version of the International Building Code. The final step will occur at the ICC meeting this fall in Detroit. This is a milestone for ACI and the residential concrete business. Prior to […]

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Aug
15

CFA Releases Lower Level Living Brochure

Turning a basement into lower level living holds tremendous potential for any home. It makes space below the house functional and liveable. It is cost effective, economical, safe, durable, and environmentally friendly. With lower level living space homeowners get more space for less, which can be used as a safe haven from nature or just […]

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Jun
12

Most Valuable Technology In Concrete

  Concrete Construction Magazine polled the top 100 concrete contractors: “What is the most valuable new technology?” (in concrete) Here are the results: 1. New admixtures; highperformance concrete 2. New flooring and shoring systems 3. Maturity Testing 4. Riding trowels—bigger, better, faster 5. New layout equipment; GPS systems 6. Computerized payroll and management systems’ 7. Membership […]

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Jun
12

CFA Introduces Safety Materials

Does your company have a current safety program? Even if it does, are you constantly looking for new, updated and fresh material to present – in English and Spanish? Look no longer! The CFA Board of Directors approved a partnership with Safety Services Company (SCC) at its March board meeting in Minneapolis, which will provide […]

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