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Concrete Manufacturers Association & Certification Services The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) - The primary representative of the precast concrete industry in South Africa.

Established in 1972 and based in Gauteng, South Africa, the Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC (CMA), is a voluntary trade association which promotes precast concrete products. The CMA lobbies for best-practice technical standards in the manufacture and application of precast concrete and promotes its members and their products as trusted market leaders. The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) is the primary representative of the precast concrete industry. With over 50 years of experience, it aims to uphold standards in close cooperation with SABS. Precast concrete is a building material which slots very comfortably into the modern world of fast track and modular construction, in many instances leading the way with innovative technologies and applications. The CMA’s promotional activities target architects, engineers, developers, contractors and property owners. The pooled knowledge and expertise of its members fosters an environment which encourages the development of innovative, environmentally and community-friendly products. Down the years the CMA has published numerous manuals and brochures on the practical application of precast concrete and this material is available at a nominal charge. Subsidiary CMA Certification Services (CMACS) is a SANAS accredited product and systems certification body, issuing certification of compliance to the Sout African National Standard (SANS) specifications.

03/11/2026

AFE2026 Awards for Excellence | Entry Video #2 is Now Live!

The CMA Digital Awards for Excellence 2026 continues as we showcase another outstanding member project demonstrating the quality, innovation and expertise found within South Africa’s precast concrete industry.

🏆 Aesthetic Excellence Category 3: Retaining Wall Blocks
🏢 Entrant: Terraforce
🪨 Project: Club Med Tinley Manor

This entry highlights how precast concrete retaining wall solutions can contribute to both the functionality and the visual character of a project.

👇 Now it is your turn to help us celebrate the people and products shaping South Africa’s built environment.

âś… Watch the video
âś… Like this post
âś… Leave a comment for the Terraforce team
âś… Share the video with your colleagues, clients and industry networks
âś… Follow the CMA page to discover more AFE2026 entries

Every view, reaction, comment and share helps bring greater visibility to our members and their exceptional work.

🎬 Watch. Like. Comment. Share. Together, let’s make AFE2026 our biggest Awards for Excellence campaign yet!

Proudly presenting CMA Non-Producer Member: Quangong Machinery (QGM) Manufacturers of quality brick and block making mac...
02/11/2026

Proudly presenting CMA Non-Producer Member: Quangong Machinery (QGM) Manufacturers of quality brick and block making machines. Follow the link: Quangong Machinery to visit their official QGM page and discover more about their history and products!

Why Does Paving Fail?Following on from our previous discussion about colour variations in concrete pavers, we now turn t...
27/10/2026

Why Does Paving Fail?

Following on from our previous discussion about colour variations in concrete pavers, we now turn to a broader question: Why does paving fail?

When paving cracks, settles, shifts, or develops uneven areas, the pavers themselves are often blamed. However, paving is a complete system, and failures can result from problems with the design, supporting layers, drainage, installation, or use of the pavement.

One of the most common causes is inadequate preparation of the subgrade and base layers. If the ground beneath the paving is weak, poorly compacted, or unsuitable for the expected loading, movement and settlement may occur over time.

Poor drainage can also contribute to failure. Water entering the pavement structure may weaken the supporting layers, wash away bedding material, or cause sections of the pavement to settle. Effective surface falls and appropriate drainage should therefore be considered during the planning and installation stages.

The bedding sand should be suitable, evenly placed, and correctly compacted. A bedding layer that is too thick, uneven, or disturbed during installation can result in an irregular finished surface.

Edge restraints are equally important. Without secure restraints around the perimeter, pavers may spread under traffic, causing joints to widen and paving blocks to move out of position.

Paving must also be designed for its intended use. A domestic walkway, residential driveway, parking area, and industrial pavement are exposed to different loads and require appropriate paver thicknesses, laying patterns, base designs, and installation methods.

Other factors may include incorrect jointing sand, poor compaction, unsuitable materials, tree-root movement, leaking services, excessive loading, or a lack of maintenance.

A durable pavement depends on the correct product being combined with sound design, quality materials, proper installation, effective drainage, and appropriate use.

At the CMA and CMACS, we encourage all parties involved in paving projects to consider the complete pavement system. Understanding the underlying cause of a failure is essential before repairs are undertaken, as replacing the pavers alone may not resolve the problem.

Stay informed, build stronger industry connections, and grow your reach with Concrete Connect.Knowing how to identify qu...
15/10/2026

Stay informed, build stronger industry connections, and grow your reach with Concrete Connect.

Knowing how to identify quality cement supports better purchasing decisions and better concrete outcomes. Look for the correct cement classification, strength class, LoA number, applicable manufacturing standard and the CMACS Approved certification mark.

Want more valuable industry knowledge like this?

The latest issue of Concrete Connect is out now, bringing essential industry news, insights, and opportunities directly to the concrete and construction sector.

âś… Subscribe to stay informed
âś… Share Concrete Connect with your professional network
âś… Advertise to reach targeted industry decisionmakers

Connect with Concrete Connect today:

đź“© [email protected]
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Colour Variations in PaversFollowing on from our previous post on SANS 1058 and the quality aspects of paving blocks, we...
07/10/2026

Colour Variations in Pavers

Following on from our previous post on SANS 1058 and the quality aspects of paving blocks, we now turn our attention to colour variations in concrete pavers.

Concrete pavers are manufactured using natural raw materials such as cement and aggregates. Variations in these materials, together with differences in moisture, curing conditions, pigments, production timing, and weather exposure, can result in minor differences in colour.

These variations do not necessarily indicate a defect and will generally not affect the structural performance of the pavers.

Efflorescence may also temporarily affect the colour of concrete paving. It can appear as a white deposit on the surface and is caused by naturally occurring salts moving through the concrete. In many cases, it becomes less noticeable through normal weathering and use.

To achieve a balanced appearance, installers should mix pavers from several packs while laying. Installing one complete pack at a time can concentrate colour differences in specific areas and create visible patches.

Purchasers should also order sufficient pavers for the entire project from the same production period where possible. Pavers ordered later may come from a different batch and may not provide an exact colour match.

Representative samples are useful when selecting a product, but a small sample cannot always show the full colour range that may be present in a completed pavement.

At the CMA and CMACS, we promote informed product selection, realistic expectations, and correct installation practices for attractive, durable, and cost-effective concrete paving.

Quality Aspects of Pavers: SANS 1058Following on from our previous post on jointing sand, we now focus on the quality as...
30/09/2026

Quality Aspects of Pavers: SANS 1058

Following on from our previous post on jointing sand, we now focus on the quality aspects of concrete paving blocks and the role of SANS 1058 in supporting consistent performance.

SANS 1058 is the South African National Standard applicable to concrete paving blocks used in the construction of paved surfaces. It establishes requirements and test methods that help manufacturers, specifiers, contractors, and purchasers assess whether paving blocks are suitable for their intended application.

The quality of a concrete paver cannot be determined by appearance alone. While the units should have an acceptable visual finish and be free from defects that could affect their performance, several additional characteristics must be considered.

Dimensional consistency is important because excessive variations in the size or thickness of paving blocks can affect laying patterns, joint widths, surface alignment, and the overall quality of the completed pavement.

Strength is assessed through prescribed testing procedures. Adequate tensile splitting strength helps paving blocks resist the forces experienced during handling, installation, compaction, and service.

Abrasion resistance is another important quality consideration, particularly where paving is exposed to frequent pedestrian movement, vehicle traffic, or other forms of surface wear. Pavers with suitable abrasion resistance are better able to retain their surface profile throughout their intended service life.

Water absorption is also evaluated as part of the quality assessment. Excessive absorption may indicate a more porous paving unit and can influence its durability and long-term performance under certain environmental conditions.

SANS 1058 also addresses inspection, testing, marking, and quality verification. Regular production testing helps manufacturers monitor consistency and identify products that do not meet the specified requirements.

Compliance with SANS 1058 provides greater confidence that concrete paving blocks have been manufactured and tested according to recognised requirements. However, compliant pavers must still be correctly specified, transported, handled, installed, and maintained to achieve the intended pavement performance.

When selecting concrete pavers, purchasers and specifiers should consider the product’s intended application and obtain appropriate evidence of conformity from a reputable manufacturer. The lowest initial price does not always represent the best long-term value.

At the CMA and CMACS, we promote quality-assured concrete products, recognised standards, responsible manufacturing, and recommended construction practices for durable and cost-effective paving solutions.

21/09/2026

🚀 AFE2026 Awards for Excellence | Our First Entry Video is Now Live!

The countdown is over, and the journey to discovering South Africa's most outstanding precast concrete projects has officially begun!

Welcome to the first entry featured in the CMA Digital Awards for Excellence 2026 ( ), a competition designed not only to recognise excellence but also to provide unparalleled industry exposure for our members through a powerful year-long digital marketing campaign.

🏆 Aesthetic Excellence Category 1: Paving
🏢 Entrant: Kolbe Blocks
🪨 Project: Valley View Complex

Following the phenomenal success of , which generated more than 200,000 social media engagements and over 550 hours of video viewing time, is set to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever before. This unique digital awards platform places our members and their outstanding projects directly in front of industry professionals, clients, specifiers, engineers, architects, contractors, and the broader public.

🎥 Watch the video and see excellence in action.

👇 Help Us Celebrate Excellence! 👇

âś… Watch the video
âś… Like this post
âś… Leave a comment for the Kolbe Blocks team
âś… Share the video with your colleagues, clients, suppliers, and industry networks
âś… Follow the CMA page for future entries

Every like, comment, share, and view helps increase the visibility of this project and demonstrates the incredible innovation, quality, and expertise that exists within South Africa's concrete manufacturing industry.



🎬 Watch. Like. Comment. Share. Together, let's showcase excellence and make AFE2026 the biggest Awards for Excellence campaign yet!

Following on from our previous post, The Compaction of Paving, we now focus on jointing sand and its role in the perform...
09/09/2026

Following on from our previous post, The Compaction of Paving, we now focus on jointing sand and its role in the performance and durability of concrete paving.

Once the pavers have been laid and initially compacted, suitable jointing sand is spread across the surface and brushed into the joints between the paving units.

Jointing sand helps create interlock between adjacent pavers, allowing loads to be distributed across the paved surface. This improves pavement stability and helps limit the movement of individual paving units.

For effective joint filling, the sand should be clean, dry, free-flowing, and appropriately graded for the joint width. Sand that is excessively wet, contaminated, or unsuitable may not flow properly into the joints, resulting in incomplete filling.

After the sand has been brushed into the joints, additional passes with a suitable vibrating plate compactor help it settle deeper between the pavers. More sand should then be applied and the process repeated until the joints are adequately filled.

Jointing sand should not be confused with bedding sand. Bedding sand provides the layer on which the pavers are laid, while jointing sand fills the spaces between the paving units and supports interlock.

Poorly filled or empty joints can contribute to paver movement, edge damage, surface instability, and reduced pavement performance. Joints should therefore be inspected and replenished when sand is lost through traffic, weather, or cleaning.

When correctly selected, installed, and maintained, jointing sand contributes significantly to the stability, serviceability, and long-term durability of a concrete paving system.

At the CMA and CMACS, we promote quality-assured products, recognised standards, and recommended construction practices for durable and cost-effective concrete paving.

02/09/2026

The Ultimate Reference for Concrete Block Paving is Here!

Build Better. Design Smarter. Specify with Confidence.

The highly anticipated CMA Paving Manual has arrived, bringing together decades of technical expertise, industry collaboration, and practical experience into an authoritative publication.

Whether you are a designer, contractor, manufacturer, developer, municipal official, consultant, or student, this manual is your definitive guide to understanding the quality, design, installation, and performance of segmented flexible concrete block pavements.

In an industry where quality, compliance, durability, and pavement performance are critical, success depends far more than selecting the right paving block. Sound results require a clear understanding of standards, design principles, materials, drainage, installation techniques, and quality control processes. The CMA Paving Manual provides the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions at every stage of a project.

Inside the CMA Paving Manual

âś… Industry-approved standards and specifications
âś… Product quality requirements and selection guidance
âś… Pavement design and construction principles
âś… Installation best practices for long-term performance
âś… Drainage, materials, and quality control requirements
âś… Practical insights drawn from years of industry experience
âś… Guidance for achieving compliance while promoting best practice

This comprehensive publication is an indispensable resource for everyone involved in concrete block paving and offers the collective expertise of South Africa's paving industry at your fingertips.

Secure Your Copy Today!

Don't leave quality, compliance, and pavement performance to chance.
Invest in the industry's most comprehensive paving reference and equip yourself with the knowledge trusted by leading professionals across South Africa.

đź“– Retail/Public Price: R590.00
đź“– Student/Member Price: R470.00
đźšš Free delivery within Gauteng

Order Now!

Simply complete the order form and email it to [email protected].

📱 WhatsApp: +27 72 199 0826

Once your order is received, a tax invoice will be issued. Upon payment, your copy will be dispatched directly to you.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this essential industry resource. Order your copy today and become part of the future of quality paving.

The Compaction of PavingCompaction is one of the most important stages in the installation of concrete paving. Once the ...
24/08/2026

The Compaction of Paving

Compaction is one of the most important stages in the installation of concrete paving. Once the pavers have been laid and the required alignment, pattern, and edge restraints are in place, the paving must be compacted to achieve proper interlock and long-term performance.

Paving compaction seats the concrete pavers firmly into the bedding sand layer while helping to create a uniform surface. The process also assists in the development of interlock between adjacent paving units, which is essential for effective load distribution and pavement stability.

Compaction is typically carried out using a suitable vibrating plate compactor fitted with a protective mat or apron to prevent damage to the surface of the pavers. The equipment used should be appropriate for the type, thickness, and application of the paving units being installed.

Following the initial compaction, jointing sand should be spread over the paved surface and brushed into the joints. Additional passes of the compactor help vibrate the sand deeper into the joints, enhancing interlock between the paving units. This process may need to be repeated until the joints are adequately filled.

It is important that compaction is conducted systematically and uniformly across the paved area. Inadequate compaction, poorly filled joints, or the use of unsuitable equipment can lead to movement, settlement, uneven surfaces, and reduced pavement performance over time.

Care should also be taken to ensure that compaction is not undertaken during unsuitable weather conditions or when the bedding and jointing materials are excessively wet, as this may affect the quality of the installation.

When completed correctly, compaction contributes significantly to the structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, serviceability, and durability of the concrete paving system.

At the CMA and CMACS, we promote quality-assured products, recognised standards, and recommended construction practices for durable and cost-effective concrete paving.

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20th Street, Menlo Park
Pretoria
0081

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