Substructure
The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), Elemental Standard Form of Cost Analysis Principles, Instructions, Elements and Definitions 4th (NRM) Edition published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2012, describes the rules for preparing an elemental cost analysis in standard BCIS format.
It defines the term substructure as:
‘All work below underside of screed or, where no screed exists, to underside of lowest floor finishes including damp-proof membrane, together with relevant excavations and foundations (includes walls to basements designed as retaining walls).’
It suggests that the function of the substructure is to, ‘… transfer the load of the building to the ground and to isolate it horizontally from the ground.’
According to BCIS, the substructure includes:
- Foundations up to and including the damp proof course.
- Lowest floor assembly below the underside of the screed or the lowest floor finish.
- Basement excavation.
- Basement retaining walls up to and including the damp proof course.
This a fairly narrower definition which excludes items such as; finishes, basement walls not in contact with earthwork, retaining walls not providing external walls, and so on.
Some much broader definitions consider the substructure to include all works below ground level, although clearly, this is a fairly ambiguous description.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Basement.
- Basement excavation.
- Basement v cellar.
- Building Cost Information Service.
- BCIS elements.
- Concept structural design.
- Cost planning.
- Deflection.
- Diaphragm wall.
- Elemental cost plan.
- Excavation.
- Footings.
- Groundworks.
- Planning (Subterranean Development) Bill.
- Structure definition.
- Structural engineer.
- Structural principles.
- Substrate.
- Superstructure.
- Types of structure.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIOB reacts to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Heritage and conservation science workforce survey - Have your say.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020. Book review.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.