A superstructure protrudes above the baseline and is the visible part of a structure. Designing it involves considering pressure, force, safety, stability, and materials. It can be lined with protective materials and decorated. Engineers consider different materials and issues like radar opacity. Some structures have little superstructure, with most of the bulk located below.
A superstructure is an element of a structure that protrudes above the baseline. In the case of a building, this is generally the portion of the building located above ground, in contrast to the basement and the underground substructure. For boats, it is the area above the main deck. There are a number of engineering issues to consider during the design and construction of the superstructure.
Designing superstructures requires considering the pressure and force they will exert on the finished construction and balancing this to address safety and stability concerns. The size of the superstructure is an important factor in the design of the base, as the base of the structure must be able to support the entire fully laden weight. In building construction, there may be concerns about structural integrity in earthquakes and high winds, and a technique known as base insulation can be used to reduce deformation.
Superstructure is also the highly visible part of a structure. It needs to be lined with protective materials to keep the inside of the structure protected from the elements and can also be decorated to make it more visually interesting. Ornamental leathers can be used to coat the upholstery and can be painted with stripes, logos and other devices. Periodic inspections are conducted to make sure the structure is still sound, looking for issues such as rust development, holes, and other issues.
As the most visible part of something, superstructures can have a symbolic as well as a practical value. Aesthetic concerns can be important to designers and owners, as the superstructure is the public face of a bridge, vessel, building or similar construction project.
Engineers working on new projects may consider the use of a variety of materials, weighing the risks and benefits of different building materials against each other. Strong and lightweight materials are usually sought, as they will provide structural support without adding too much to the overall weight. Other issues may relate to topics such as radar opacity, ability to withstand extreme temperatures, and so on.
Sometimes, the bulk of a structure is under the base, rather than in the superstructure. Underground structures, for example, tend to have very little superstructure. Similarly, something like an aircraft carrier usually has a small superstructure for the control tower and observation deck, with most of the structure located below the main deck, including material storage, staff accommodation, fuel bunkers and so on.
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