Ground
The term ‘ground’ typically refers to the solid surface of the Earth or an area that is used for a specified purpose.
It can also be used to refer to the storey of a building that is on the ground, i.e. ‘ground level’ or ‘ground floor’.
In terms of the physical matter of the ground, it is made up of different layers. Topsoil is the first, upper layer of soil, typically measuring between 5 - 20 cm (2 - 8 inches) deep. It can also be measured as the depth from the surface level to the subsoil, i.e. the distance to the first densely-packed layer of soil. Subsoil is the layer (or stratum) of soil immediately underneath the surface topsoil. Beneath the subsoil is the substratum - a layer of residual bedrock, sediments or deposits.
The ‘water table’ is the below-ground level that marks the transition between ground that is saturated with water and ground that is not saturated. The upper, unsaturated level, is known as the 'capillary fringe' or 'zone of aeration'.
In terms of construction, ‘groundworks’ refers to work done to prepare sub-surfaces for the start of construction work. Aside from any demolition or site enabling works that may need to be carried out, groundworks are usually the first stage of a construction project.
Ground investigations are a means of determining the condition of the ground, ideally before beginning construction works. They focus specifically on intrusive geotechnical work such as trial pits and boreholes. An assessment of ground conditions typically includes geology, hydrology, hydrogeology and soil conditions of a site and surrounding, along with any contaminated land.
There are a number of ground improvement or ground modification techniques that can be used to stabilise or improve the condition of an area of ground before construction work takes place. This may be necessary to improve or modify the ground shear strength, stiffness, permeability, and so on.
Designing Buildings Wiki has a number of articles relating to the ground, including:
- Alluvium.
- Bearing capacity.
- Building foundations.
- Clay.
- Contaminated land.
- Ecological survey.
- Excavation.
- Geophysical survey.
- Ground anchor.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground energy options.
- Ground heave.
- Ground improvement techniques.
- Ground level.
- Ground-penetrating radar.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Ground storey.
- Groundworks.
- In situ testing of soils.
- Land surveying.
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Minerals surveyor.
- Road construction.
- Settlement.
- Sinkholes.
- Soil report.
- Soil survey.
- Subsidence.
- Subsoil.
- The importance of soil analysis.
- Topsoil.
- Types of soil.
- Underpinning.
- Underreaming.
- Vibro-compaction.
- Water table.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.