> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.openbrim.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.openbrim.org/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg.md).

# Substructure Construction

This section defines the construction sequence for all substructure components.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Navigation:** Construction > Substructure Construction
{% endhint %}

## Overview

The OpenBrIM platform offers several features to support the bridge substructure construction process:

* Soil-structure interaction modeling using nonlinear springs
* Step-by-step construction of pile, pile cap, pier, and pier cap
* Time-dependent staged construction analysis using CEB FIB 1990 to compute creep and shrinkage effects

The construction of substructure involves several stages, including foundation excavation, reinforcement placement, formwork assembly, concrete pouring, and curing. The design process typically models the construction of pier caps, pier columns, foundations, and piles as a single stage to streamline the analysis and reduce the number of required stages. However, OpenBrIM allows users to model these details with various stages and time-dependent staged construction analysis when needed.

## Sections

| Section                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Description                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Pile Construction](/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg/pile-construction-ex1-stg.md)                           | Define pile construction and soil-structure interaction |
| [Foundation Construction](/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg/foundation-construction-complete-ex1-stg.md)      | Configure foundation construction stage                 |
| [Pier Column Construction](/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg/pier-column-construction-ex1-stg.md)             | Define pier column construction                         |
| [Pier Cap/Bent Construction](/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg/pier-capbent-construction-complete-ex1-stg.md) | Configure pier cap construction                         |
| [Bearing](/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg/bearing-ex1-stg.md)                                               | Define bearing construction                             |

{% hint style="success" %}
Complete substructure construction before defining superstructure construction.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.openbrim.org/examples/steel-bridge-examples/example-steel-tub-girder-bridge-ex1-stg/construction-ex1-stg/substructure-construction-ex1-stg.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
