| A building has two main parts: the substructure, or part below the ground, and the superstructure, or part above the ground. The substructure is usually called the foundation; it includes the basement walls of the building. The superstructure is divided indifferent parts, such as the walls, beams, columns, trusses and arches. The superstructure and the substructure help to support the weight, or load of the building. The dead load of a building is to total weight of all its parts. |
