Gangverk

Gangverk is the structural framework or skeleton of a building, bridge, or other construction. It carries vertical loads from floors and roofs to the foundation and determines the overall rigidity and stability. The term is used in architecture and structural engineering in Norway, and it describes how the major load-bearing elements are arranged to form a coherent system.

Typical components of the gangverk are columns or load-bearing walls, beams, slabs, and bracing elements. The choice of materials—timber, steel, reinforced concrete, or composites—affects behavior, achievable spans, and construction methods. Structural systems may be frame-based (steel or concrete frames) or rely on load-bearing walls; engineered wood products expand timber-frame possibilities.

Design aims: resist gravity loads, wind, and, where applicable, seismic action; integrate with the building envelope and services; and provide enough stiffness and redundancy. Analyses use calculations and computer models, guided by building codes and standards such as Eurocodes and national regulations. Durability, fire safety, and constructability are also considered.

Construction and maintenance: the gangverk is defined in the design phase and realized during construction. Regular inspection helps detect damage or deterioration, and retrofitting or reinforcement may be required to preserve safety and performance over the building's life.

Overall, gangverk is a central concept in Norwegian building practice, reflecting the interplay between structural performance, architectural form, and practical construction.