Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Grade code: 2.3.2.LI.7
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.3.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.2.LI.7
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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Every building we see and use in Ghana, from the new classroom block in our school to the tallest building in Accra like Villaggio Vista, or even our own family homes, is divided into two main parts: the part we see above the ground (superstructure) and the hidden part below the ground that holds everything up (substructure). Understanding the substructure, especially the foundation and ground floor, is crucial because a building is only as strong as its base. A weak foundation can lead to cracks, collapse, and disaster.
A. Defining Substructure and Superstructure
Think of a big mango tree. The roots that go deep into the ground, holding the tree firm and drawing nutrients, are like the substructure. The trunk, branches, and leaves that we see above the ground are like the superstructure.
In a building: Substructure: This is the part of the building constructed below the ground level. Its main job is to safely transfer all the loads from the building to the underlying soil. The substructure includes the foundation and the ground floor slab/basement floors. Superstructure: This is the part of the building that is visible above the ground level. It includes the walls, columns, beams, upper floors, windows, doors, and the roof.
The line that divides these two parts is usually the Damp Proof Course (DPC) level, which is laid on top of the foundation walls just above the ground.