substructures
Underlying support frameworks
Substructures are the underlying frameworks or foundational components that support a larger structure.
In construction and engineering, a substructure is the part of a building or bridge that lies beneath the main structure, transferring loads to the ground—footings, foundations, and basement walls are all substructures.
The term extends to any system with nested components: The research examined the substructures within the protein molecule.
In mathematics and logic, a substructure is a subset that retains the essential properties of the parent structure.
Upright structural shafts
- beamsRays or supports
- archesWeight-bearing curved spans
- vaultsSecure storage rooms
- trussesTriangulated load-bearing frames
girders · joists · lintels · buttresses · piers · cantilevers · pilasters · porticos
Secure ground position
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
- substratumFoundational layer beneath
pilings · baseplate · plinth · abutment · anchorage · pile · piling · earthwork
Ranked authority structure
- networkInterconnected system
- matrixOrdered numerical arrangement
- layersStacked levels or coatings
- interconnectionMutual joining of parts
nested · modular · web · mosaic · intricacy · branching · compartments · subsystems
Separate portions of something
- departmentsSubdivisions of an organization
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
- unitsStandard measures of quantity
- branchesLimbs of trees
tiers · levels · committees · cells · chapters · subsidiaries · bureaus · sections
Amino acid polymers
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- helicesSpiral-shaped curves
- bondsTies that unite
- latticeOpenwork of crossed strips
crystalline · atomic · polymers · enzymes · membranes · organelles · ribosomes · cytoskeleton
columns
Upright structural shafts
trusses · girders · joists · lintels · buttresses · piers · cantilevers · pilasters · porticos · mullions
footing
Secure ground position
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- groundworkFoundational preparation for something
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
substratum · pilings · baseplate · plinth · abutment · anchorage · pile · piling · earthwork · slab
hierarchy
Ranked authority structure
interconnection · nested · modular · web · mosaic · intricacy · branching · compartments · subsystems · components
divisions
Separate portions of something
- departmentsSubdivisions of an organization
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
- unitsStandard measures of quantity
branches · tiers · levels · committees · cells · chapters · subsidiaries · bureaus · sections · teams
proteins
Amino acid polymers
lattice · crystalline · atomic · polymers · enzymes · membranes · organelles · ribosomes · cytoskeleton · amino acids
substructuresexteriors
Outer parts of structures
facades · outer layers · surface features · cladding · skin