RESOURCES

BOOKS AND GUIDES

CP-55PACK - Residential Concrete Foundation Technician Reference Package

This study material is the primary resource for the ACI Residential Concrete Foundation Technician program needed to properly prepare for taking the certification exam. An open book exam, this pack is also required during the exam in order to answer the questions provided. The binder pack includes the technical resource materials, provided by ACI, CFA, and ICC, covered on the program including, ACI 332.1R-18: Guide to Residential Concrete Construction, ACI 332-14: Residential Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, Casting Residential Foundation Walls in Cold Weather, CFA Technical Notes, and relevant chapters of the International Residential Code – 2015. The format is a three-ring binder with printed material and tabs for each document section the user can organize and notate for exam preparation.

CFA Member Rate $175
Public Rate $235
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ACI 332-20 Requirements for Residential Concrete

This code covers the design and construction of cast-in-place concrete for one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), and their accessory structures. Among the subjects covered are the design and construction requirements for plain and reinforced concrete footings; foundation walls; slabs-on-ground; and requirements for concrete, reinforcement, forms, and other related materials. The quality and testing of materials discussed in this document are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standards.

CFA Member Rate $80
Public Rate $99
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  • If you have any questions, please contact the CFA at (319) 895-6940.

RESEARCH REPORTS

Cold Weather Research Project – 2004 Report: Casting Residential Foundation Walls in Cold Weather

This study material is the primary resource for the ACI Residential Concrete Foundation Technician program needed to properly prepare for taking the certification exam. An open book exam, this pack is also required during the exam in order to answer the questions provided. The binder pack includes the technical resource materials, provided by ACI, CFA, and ICC, covered on the program including, ACI 332.1R-18: Guide to Residential Concrete Construction, ACI 332-14: Residential Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, Casting Residential Foundation Walls in Cold Weather, CFA Technical Notes, and relevant chapters of the International Residential Code – 2015. The format is a three-ring binder with printed material and tabs for each document section the user can organize and notate for exam preparation.

CFA Member Rate $59.95
Public Rate $29.95
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POSITION PAPERS AND TECHNICAL NOTES

CFA-TN-001: Using ACI 332 with the IRC

This CFA Technical Note explains the two major consensus standards that cover residential concrete construction, ACI 332 Requirements for Residential Concrete and the International Residential Code (IRC), and the potential benefits of using them separately or together. A standard, while written in mandatory code language, does not become a code until it is adopted by a government jurisdiction responsible for enacting and adopting codes. Most city and county governments adopt one or more standard documents developed by the ICC (International Codes Council), ACI, NEC and other standards developing organizations. As these are the two most relevant codes in the United States, being informed how they are alike and different is important to the decision for how they are to be used.

CFA-TN-002: Backfilling Foundation Walls

This CFA Technical Note discusses recommendations and code requirements regarding backfilling of newly-poured concrete basements, One of the most ignored aspects of foundation construction and yet a requirement for both major consensus standards covering residential concrete construction, the International Residential Code and American Concrete Institute (ACI) 332 Standard, this document aides in the interpretation and provides workable solutions. In both standards, foundation walls must be supported at the top and bottom before backfill is placed or temporarily braced. The prescriptive tables presented in each standard are based on this premise rather than performance as a cantilevered retaining wall.

CFA-TN-003: Casting Residential Foundation Walls in Cold Weather

This edition of the CFA Technical Notes series explains the practical implementation of the CFA Cold Weather Research completed in 2004. This research was undertaken with the goal of providing evidence for the performance of “real world” mixes that contractors regularly use and establishing the validation process by which variations in mix design can be evaluated and applied to foundation wall construction during cold to frozen conditions.

CFA-TN-004: Cracking in Concrete Walls

Cracks in concrete walls and slabs are a common occurrence. They appear in floors, driveways, walks, structural beams, and walls. Cracking can not be prevented but it can be significantly reduced or controlled when the causes are taken into account and preventative steps are taken. Most cracks should not be a cause for alarm. This edition of CFA’s Technical Notes answers common questions about cracking in concrete walls including; What Causes Them? How Can They Be Reduced? When Should You Be Concerned?

CFA-TN-006: Guide to the Interpretation of Structural Design Options for Residential Concrete Structures

This CFA Technical Note is intended to serve as a guide to assist in the interpretation of applicable design requirements for the design of the traditional one and two family dwelling units. Current the structural design provisions for resident concrete construction are presented in ACI 332. However, the ACI 332 provisions largely refer back to ACI 318 provisions. There are numerous difficulties with this approach. One is that this leaves the designer in the position of interpreting which ACI 318 provisions are applicable and which ones are not. Another is that ACI 318 provisions are intended for use in traditional reinforced concrete construction in buildings and structures and therefore have many more materials and structural considerations. It is widely held that because of these complications that this hinders the design of concrete in one and two family dwellings. It also widely believed that the lack of an appropriate design provisions hinders the use of concrete in non-traditional applications such as above grade walls and floor slabs.

CFA-TN-010: Waterproofing, Backfill, and Maintenance

In residential construction the foundation walls are designed for specific pressure, which depends on the properties of the soil and its water content. Changes in the water content due to weather conditions, changes to the building systems or rising water table can result in significant increases in the pressure and thus the loading on the wall. Proper drainage can ensure that the design pressure is consistent with the actual pressure on the walls. This CFA Technical Note explains the goal or design theory behind proper drainage system design, materials, maintenance and common failure mechanisms.

CFA-TN-011: Soils & Excavation Safety

This CFA Technical Note sets an understanding of the key factors for OSHA regulations related to residential foundation construction around excavations. Foundations walls are designed based on a constant soil condition that assumes the site is maintained to ensure their long term performance. The properties of the soil, its water content and the conditions that can affect those factors must be identified to successfully design the footings and walls. Once the foundation is designed, excavation is the first step of actual on site work. It sets the stage for the construction of the walls and must be done according to common regulations to ensure the safety of the workers and the integrity of the structure.

CFA-TN-012: Concrete Basics for the Residential Contractor

This edition of the CFA Technical Notes series explains the procedures and methods by which we manufacture, mix, handle, place and cure concrete. Understanding the difference in performance for how hard the concrete gets, how it weathers and performs, and how many or how wide the inevitable cracks become based on the decisions made during construction is the goal. The user will ultimately have a better understanding of this resilient and versatile material and enabled to achieve greater quality control while delivering a better product to the customer.

DEVELOPMENT KITS

CFA Employee Handbook Development Kit

One of the most important parts of any business is establishing the boundaries between management and employees that protect both in times of discipline. The policy manual is the tool used to provide prospective employees with the picture of expectations by the employer, as well as maintaining an ongoing and effectively positive relationship. CFA members can order this kit containing a state-qualifying draft kit of applicable standards with a table of contents to divide for exempt and non-exempt employees.

CFA Fall Protection Plan Development Kit

Navigating the difficult space between OSHA Fall Protection regulation and the standard systems employed for forming concrete foundations in an excavation can be a difficult challenge. Considering that historically the residential foundation industry was exempt from fall protection regulations, this ended in 2010 and since the contractors have been left with limited education and confusing guidance. This kit begins with a draft fall protection plan that leads the developing company through the regulation in a template format. Guidance notes inform on each decision area to comply fully with 1926.501(b)(13). Additional supporting documents, videos, samples of implemented plans and research provide further support for this process.