A Superstructure is the part of a building or a structure that projects above the base level of the building. It is generally the portion of the building located above ground, in contrast with the basement and substructure underground. There are a number of engineering concerns to put into consideration during the design and building of the superstructure.
Designing superstructures requires keen consideration of the pressure and force they will exert on the finished construction and balancing this to address concerns about safety and stability. The size of the superstructure is an important factor in base or substructure design as the base of the structure should be able to support the entire laden weight. In building construction, there may be concerns about structural integrity in earthquakes and high winds prone areas. A technique known as base isolation may be used to reduce strain.
The superstructure is also the highly visible part of a structure. It needs to be clad in protective materials to keep the interior of the structure protected from adverse elements of weather. It may also be decorated to make it more visually interesting. Periodic inspections are conducted to make sure the structure is still sound, checking for issues like the development of rust, holes, faulting and other issues.
As the most visible part of something, superstructures can have symbolic, as well as practical, value. Aesthetic concerns may be of importance to designers and owners, as the superstructure is the public face of a bridge, building, or similar construction project.
When working on new building designs, structural designers and engineers may consider the use of different kinds of materials by weighing the risks and benefits of different construction materials against each other. Strong, light materials are usually sought out, as they provide structural support without adding too much to the overall weight.
Fundi Mjanja
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