Substructure

In the building industry, substructure refers to the structural elements that support the actual structure or component , the superstructure or superstructure . They are generally used to prepare flat and stable surfaces, and to absorb the loads ( loads from dead weight and payload ) and mechanical movements of the superstructure and to distribute them to the subsoil, for frost protection and similar purposes.

Specifically, for example, one describes the substructure:

• In the case of buildings, the foundation and the base layer in general , but also the frost box and other structural elements
• the artificially created parts of the route of a traffic route , with which, above all, the large unevenness of the terrain is compensated (ramps, dams, terrain cuts, bridges)
  • on railway lines, it serves as the basis for the superstructure with tracks and track bed
  • In the case of roads, it serves as the basis of the road superstructure and is carried out where the subsoil is not stable enough or the altitude must be adjusted; he receives a subgrade before the superstructure is applied
• in bridge construction, the construction below the superstructure (pillars, bridge bearings, foundation)
• a second artificially introduced in forestry inventory layer is intended to serve in forests, primarily the increase of the mass and stability of the forest
• the basis for ground coverings ( paving , natural stone and concrete slab laying , tiling ) made of gravel and sand ( aggregate ) or clinker
• the upholstery wood for wooden floors, fillings (mostly thermal fillings) for floating floors
• in automotive engineering, the chassis (also called the chassis) of the vehicle

Web links

• The construction of concrete pavements ( PDF )
• Construction of a road pavement ( PDF )