EFCO Engineering Interview Prep
1. Concrete & Formwork Fundamentals
Q: How do you estimate concrete lateral pressure over time?
A: Fresh concrete exerts fluid pressure that depends on density, placement rate, temperature, and mix
properties. ACI 347 gives formulas; for normal conditions: p = Cw * R * T. Pressure peaks early and
drops as the concrete starts setting.
Q: What’s the difference between early-stage and late-stage form pressure?
A: Early stage: acts like liquid, full hydrostatic pressure. Late stage: hydration increases stiffness,
reducing pressure as concrete gains strength.
2. Structural / Load Analysis
Q: How would you size a girder or beam for a given span and load?
A: Calculate the total load (dead + live + lateral). Use formulas like M = wL^2/8 for simply supported
beams. Compare max bending moment to section capacity (Mn ≥ Mu). Apply safety factors per
ACI/OSHA. Select the smallest section that satisfies bending, shear, and deflection criteria.
3. Material Selection & Fabrication
Q: Why pick aluminum vs steel in certain systems?
A: Aluminum: lightweight, easier handling, reduces labor. Steel: higher strength, durability, better for
high-load/high-reuse applications. Choice depends on project scale, load demands, and cycle
frequency.
4. Safety & Construction Methods
Q: What safety factors would you include?
A: Formwork systems typically use a minimum factor of safety of 2.0 for strength. OSHA also requires
fall protection, bracing against wind, and inspection before pours.
Q: How would you plan for formwork removal?
A: Removal timing depends on concrete strength gain, not just elapsed time. Use cylinder tests or
maturity meters; ensure strength > 70% design compressive strength before stripping major supports.
5. Optimization & Cost Control
Q: How would you choose between more expensive panels vs more labor cost?
A: Compare life-cycle cost: material cost vs labor savings. If higher-cost panels reduce setup/removal
time or improve cycle speed, they often save overall project cost. The decision should minimize
'in-place concrete cost,' EFCO’s benchmark.
6. Field Support & Troubleshooting
Q: If a panel doesn’t align, how would you adjust?
A: Check survey layout first. Then adjust shims, wedges, or alignment bars. Never force panels into
place—re-level supports and verify plumb/straightness before continuing.
7. Software Tools / Drafting / Modeling
Q: What tools have you used?
A: I’ve worked with AutoCAD for 2D layouts and Revit for coordination. For analysis, I’ve used
SAP2000/STAAD (or equivalent). I can quickly adapt to EFCO’s proprietary design software for form
layouts.
8. Company & Project Knowledge
Q: Which projects has EFCO worked on locally?
A: EFCO has been involved in bridges, high-rises, and water treatment plants in Florida. Their strength
is large, repeatable form systems with engineering support.
Q: What challenges in this region might impact formwork?
A: High humidity and heat accelerate set time → affects lateral pressure and stripping times. Hurricane
winds → require additional bracing. Labor shortages → increase need for efficient form systems.
9. Behavioral / Values Alignment
Q: Tell me about a time you innovated to solve a problem.
A: In my internship, I optimized a CAD design by reusing parametric components, cutting drafting time
by 40%. This kind of efficiency improvement aligns with EFCO’s innovation focus.
Q: How do you handle tight deadlines in construction?
A: I break down tasks, prioritize critical path items, and communicate with the team daily. I’d rather
surface risks early than let a delay surprise the client. At EFCO, that ensures projects stay on schedule.