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 and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..