Sub-structure generally refers to those components of the building that are constructed below ground, although there are circumstances when sub-structure can also include components above ground such as supporting columns on steeply sloping ground. Barry’s Introduction to Construction of Buildings (Emmit and Gorse 2005:37) defines the foundation of a building as “that part of walls, piers and columns in direct contact with, and transmitting loads to, the ground.” For purposes of this chapter sub-structure includes only those components constructed below ground.
Reference:
Van Wyk, L. 2010. Sub-structure. Green Building Handbook South Africa: the essential guide, Alive2green, Volume. 2, pp 172-184
Van Wyk, L. V. (2010). Sub-Structure., Workflow;6023 Alive2green Publishers. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/4966
Van Wyk, Llewellyn V. "Sub-structure" In WORKFLOW;6023, n.p.: Alive2green Publishers. 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/4966.