Senkning

Senkning is a Norwegian noun that denotes the act or result of sinking, lowering, or subsidence. The term is used in several contexts, and its exact meaning depends on the field. In general language it can refer to a decline in level or value, while in technical areas it describes more specific processes such as ground movement or medical measurements.

In geotechnical and civil engineering contexts, senkning refers to the settlement of soil or rock under load. When a building or structure is built on soil, the foundation causes the soil to compact and consolidate, leading to vertical displacement known as primary and secondary settlement. Substantial or uneven senkning can result in cracks, tilting, or other structural issues. Mitigation focuses on proper foundation design, drainage, soil stabilization, and monitoring to limit excessive settlement and long-term distortion.

In medicine, senkning is commonly used to describe the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a blood test that indicates inflammation. The test measures how many millimeters erythrocytes settle in a test tube per hour (mm/h). Elevated senkning suggests inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, or some malignant conditions, though it is nonspecific and must be interpreted alongside other clinical information. Normal ranges vary with age, sex, and laboratory method.

Beyond these domains, senkning can be used more broadly to denote a decrease in level or value in various contexts, depending on the situation. It is a versatile term in Norwegian that highlights a downward movement or reduction.