How Do You Spell SUBGRADE?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌbɡɹe͡ɪd] (IPA)

Subgrade is a technical term used in construction engineering for the lowest layer of a road. While the spelling of the word may seem straightforward, it can actually be confusing due to its pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for subgrade is /sʌbɡreɪd/. The word begins with the "s" sound, followed by the "uh" sound, then the "b" sound, the "g" sound, and the diphthong "ay" sound. The final sound is the "d" sound, making the spelling of subgrade more clear.

SUBGRADE Meaning and Definition

1. Subgrade refers to the natural or prepared ground that forms the foundation for the construction of roads, railways, or other engineered structures. It is the layer of soil or aggregate material that lies beneath the pavement or surface layer of a transportation infrastructure.

   In the context of road construction, the subgrade acts as a support system for the pavement layers above and is responsible for distributing the loads from traffic and external forces to the underlying soils or subsoils. It is crucial to have a stable and well-compacted subgrade to maintain the integrity and longevity of the road or structure.

   The subgrade plays a significant role in providing structural stability, distributing loads evenly, and preventing excessive settlement or deformation. It should have adequate strength, good drainage properties, and sufficient bearing capacity to withstand the intended loads. The quality of the subgrade material and its compaction are essential factors in ensuring the durability and performance of the overall infrastructure.

   The subgrade is often prepared by removing any unsuitable materials, such as organic or highly compressible soils, and replacing them with suitable fill materials or aggregates. Improvement techniques may also be employed to enhance the subgrade's strength and stability, such as soil stabilization and compaction.

   In summary, subgrade refers to the natural or modified ground layer that forms the base of a construction project, acting as support and load distribution system for the above structures.

Etymology of SUBGRADE

The word "subgrade" is derived from the combination of the prefix "sub-" and the noun "grade".

The prefix "sub-" comes from Latin and means "under" or "beneath". It is used in English to indicate something that is lower, lesser, or subordinate.

The noun "grade" originated from the French word "grade", which came from the Latin word "gradus". It originally referred to a step or a stage, but its meaning evolved to denote a level or rank, as well as the inclination or slope of a surface.

Therefore, when the prefix "sub-" is combined with "grade", the resulting word "subgrade" signifies the lower or underlying layer of a roadbed or railway track. It refers to the foundation or base on which the surface layer is constructed.

Plural form of SUBGRADE is SUBGRADES