Build Your Bridge to Success: Ace the 2026 Civil Engineering PE Exam!

In construction management, the substructure, including piers and footings, is typically constructed first because it serves as the foundational support for the entire structure. The substructure is crucial for transferring the loads of the building to the ground, ensuring stability and safety. This phase of construction involves excavation and the placement of concrete or other materials to create a solid base that will support the superstructure, which includes walls, roofs, and other elements of the building.

Building the foundation before any other components allows for the proper alignment and setting of the structure's vertical elements, which is essential for the structural integrity of the building. Once the substructure is completed, the construction of the superstructure can proceed smoothly, with proper integration of all architectural and mechanical elements. The order of construction is vital for maintaining the timeline and safety of the project.