subgrade

American  

[suhb-greyd] / ˈsʌbˌgreɪd /

noun

1. the prepared earth surface on which a pavement or the ballast of a railroad track is placed or upon which the foundation of a structure is built.

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adjective

1. beneath the finished ground level of a project.

subgrade British  

/ ˈsʌbˌɡreɪd /

noun

1. the ground beneath a roadway or pavement

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Etymology

Origin of subgrade

First recorded in 1895–1900; sub- + grade

Example Sentences

“Reinforcing the ground below the tracks required removing any work already completed, excavating additional soil beneath 1400 feet of track, and installing new subgrade materials to provide the required stability,” according to WMATA.

From Washington Times • Oct. 1, 2022

Wherever the subgrade soil is found unsuitable it should be removed and replaced with good material rolled to a bearing, i.e., so as to be smooth and compact.

From The Future of Road-making in America by Hulbert, Archer Bulter

Some engineers advocate that in preparing the subgrade, the earth be thoroughly rolled; others prefer not to roll the subgrade.

From American Rural Highways by Agg, T. R. (Thomas Radford)

It is estimated the cost will be $109,000.00 to complete the subgrade, and it is expected this project will be commenced in 1919.

From Third Biennial Report of the Oregon State Highway Commission Covering the Period December 1st, 1916 to November 30th, 1918 by Benson, S.

If stored on the subgrade, a traction mixer is employed which is drawn along the road as the work progresses, the materials being placed directly in the mixer.

From American Rural Highways by Agg, T. R. (Thomas Radford)