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Roadbed for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'roʊd,bɛd

What does Roadbed really mean?

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Roadbed refers to the foundation or base on which a road is built. It is the part of the road that supports the weight of vehicles and provides a solid surface for them to travel on. Just like when we build a house, we start with a strong foundation to make sure the house is stable and can withstand the weight of everything inside, a road also needs a strong foundation to support the heavy vehicles that will drive on it.

Imagine if we didn't have a roadbed and just built a road on top of soft, loose sand or muddy ground. The road would quickly sink and become bumpy and difficult to drive on. It would be like trying to walk on a mattress instead of a solid floor! The roadbed helps us avoid this problem by providing a stable and durable surface for vehicles to travel on.

The roadbed is made up of different layers, just like a cake! At the very bottom, we have the subgrade, which is the natural soil or rock that the road is built on. On top of the subgrade, we have the subbase, which is a layer of gravel or crushed stone that helps distribute the weight of vehicles and provides additional stability. Next comes the base course, which is a layer of asphalt or concrete that gives the road its smooth surface and strength. Finally, on top of the base course, we have the wearing course, which is the layer of asphalt or concrete that we drive on.

So, when we talk about the roadbed, we are referring to the entire foundation and base of the road that includes the subgrade, subbase, base course, and wearing course. It's like the backbone of the road, providing support and strength so that we can travel safely and smoothly.

In addition to its primary meaning as the foundation of a road, "roadbed" can also be used to describe the part of a railroad track that supports the rails. It serves a similar purpose as the roadbed for vehicles, ensuring that the trains have a stable surface to run on and preventing the rails from sinking or shifting.

I hope this explanation helps you understand what "roadbed" means and how it is essential for building roads and railroads. Remember, just like a strong foundation is important for a building, a solid roadbed is crucial for a safe and comfortable travel experience!

Revised and Fact checked by Sophia Moore on 2023-10-29 17:48:27

Roadbed In a sentece

Learn how to use Roadbed inside a sentece

  • The roadbed is the surface of the road where cars and trucks drive.
  • When it rains, water collects in the roadbed and forms puddles.
  • The road crew is responsible for maintaining the roadbed and keeping it smooth.
  • The roadbed is made of layers of different materials like gravel and asphalt.
  • During construction, workers lay down a strong foundation to create a sturdy roadbed.

Roadbed Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

bed

Roadbed Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.

Roadbed Meronyms

Words that are part of the original word.