In a standard erection sequence, what is the next major activity after installing girders and secondary elements?

• A. Install non-structural cladding
• B. Complete connections
• C. Start painting
• D. Erect additional columns

Answer: (B)

When girders and secondary elements are in place, the next major activity is completing the connections. This means bolting and welding the joints between girders, secondary members, and columns so the frame becomes a continuous, load-transfer system. Finishing the connections stabilizes the structure, fixes geometry, and allows you to safely proceed with further erection steps and finishes. Finishing trades like painting or installing non-structural cladding typically happen after the frame is secured and stabilized, and adding more columns would come as the building is extended floor by floor, but the immediate next step is to finalize the connections.