Red Seal Ironworker (Generalist) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Ironworker Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The purpose of temporary supports during steel erection is to ensure stability until the permanent structure is complete. Temporary supports are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the construction process, especially when the structural elements are being assembled. They help to hold the steel framework in place, preventing any shifts or collapses that could occur if the structure were unsupported.

These supports allow workers to safely position and connect the various pieces of steel together while the permanent connections are being established. Once the permanent structural connections are secure and the overall stability of the structure is confirmed, the temporary supports can then be removed. This sequential approach is essential in construction, as it mitigates risks and assists in achieving the final structural integrity required for safety.

The other options lack a direct focus on the main safety and stability function during the construction phase. While cost-saving, aiding in lifting, and flexible design options are considerations in construction, they are not the primary reasons for the necessity of temporary supports during the erection of steel structures.