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
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.