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What is the difference between substructure and superstructure?

substructure | superstructure |

As nouns the difference between substructure and superstructure

is that substructure is the supporting part of a structure (either physical or organizational; the foundation) while superstructure is any structure built above the top full deck. (FM 55-501).

substructure

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The supporting part of a structure (either physical or organizational; the foundation).
  • The earth or gravel that railway sleepers are embedded in.

    • Synonyms

    * (l)

    See also

    * superstructure

    superstructure

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (nautical) Any structure built above the top full deck. (FM 55-501).
  • Any material structure or edifice built on something else; that which is raised on a foundation or basis
  • all that part of a building above the basement. Also used figuratively.
  • (British) (railroad ) The sleepers, and fastenings, in distinction from the roadbed.