The sub-structure is the part of the building that is below ground level, whereas the super-structure is the section of the building that is above ground. In other words, the sub-structure is the body of the building, while the super-structure is what people see when they look at a building. The sub-structure includes support systems such as beams, columns, and walls. The super-structure includes things like roofs and floors.
In architecture, the term structure refers to the combination of the sub-structure and the super-structure. A house will have a main structure which is made up of parts that are both sub-structures and super-structures. For example, the main structure of a house may include a base, pillars, floor joists, roof trusses, and ceilings. Each of these elements serves a purpose in connecting the various rooms together and providing stability to the entire structure.
There is also a third element involved in a structure's design: the skin. The skin is the outermost layer of a structure, and it provides protection from the environment while adding visual appeal to the building. Skins can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or any other material that can withstand weather conditions outside of the structure.
The substructure is the component of the building that lies below ground, whereas the superstructure is everything above ground. The goal of a building's substructure is to transfer the loads of the superstructure to the earth beneath. The three main components of a structure's substructure are the foundation, floor slabs, and basement.
A ground slab is any flat surface constructed of concrete that extends below grade level. The term "ground slab" can be used interchangeably with "grade beam". A ground slab provides a stable base for all types of construction projects, including buildings, parking structures, and outdoor kitchens.
In addition to providing a stable base, ground slabs also act as an electrical conduit and a water barrier. They provide space for wiring and plumbing under your house or building, which can be convenient if you plan to add these services later. If moisture reaches the bottom of your ground slab, it will seep through the slab into the soil below. This prevents water from causing problems for those working on higher floors or in other areas where it may not be able to reach, such as inside walls or ceilings.
Ground slabs are commonly found in new construction and major remodels but can also be used as part of maintenance repair work.
The goal of a building's substructure is to transfer the loads of the superstructure to the earth underneath it. The type of foundation required for a particular structure depends on how much weight it must support and what kind of load it faces. Loads are divided into two categories: static and dynamic. Static loads include weights such as people and buildings next to the structure, while dynamic loads include forces like wind and earthquakes that act on the structure.
The three main types of foundations are footings, beams, and walls. Footings are usually blocks of concrete; they provide support for heavy structures such as buildings and bridges. They can also be used to attach objects to the ground, such as pipes for water drainage. Footing depth depends on soil conditions but generally ranges from 1-2 feet. Beams are flat pieces of wood or steel that connect parts of the structure together. They may be free-standing or attached to other structures or the ground. Beam thickness depends on the load it has to carry but typically ranges from 12 inches to 2 feet. Walls are structures that surround an area such as a courtyard or parking lot. They can be made out of anything that will hold up under its own weight, such as dirt or stone.
The substructure is the section of a building or other structure that is below ground level, as opposed to the superstructure, which is above ground level. In the margin, typical substructure phases or elements, such as foundations, are given. This is a sneak peek of subscription content. Log in to see if you have access. Cite the chapter. Cited on page.
A substructure is used to provide support for a building or other structure. It can be divided into three main categories based on function: supporting, protective, and dissipative. Supporting substructures directly contribute to the strength of a building's foundation but do not contact the soil. Examples include footings, piers, and walls. Protective substructures protect the surrounding environment from contamination by preventing soil contact with harmful substances. Examples include buffer strips and bioswales. Dissipative substructures help control the flow of water away from buildings into areas where it can be absorbed as vapor through the soil. Examples include dry wells and swales.
Substructures are usually constructed of reinforced concrete, steel, or wood. The type of material used depends on the loading expected from each area of the building site. For example, if there is a risk of explosives being placed near a building site, then the substructure would better be made out of materials that will not contaminate any potential explosive devices.
Generally speaking, the lower down you build a structure, the stronger its base must be.