Tragfähig

Tragfähig is a German adjective describing something that is capable of bearing loads without excessive deformation or failure. In engineering and construction it is used to denote the load-bearing capacity of a component, structure or surface, such as a floor, a foundation, a beam or a bridge deck. The term is commonly applied to both structural elements and geotechnical contexts, for example when assessing the bearing capacity of soil (Bodentragfähigkeit) or the ability of a surface to support occupants and equipment.

Related terms include Tragfähigkeit (the bearing capacity itself) and Traglast (load-bearing capacity or design load). The opposite notion is often expressed as nicht tragfähig. While tragfähig emphasizes the capacity to carry loads, other terms like belastbar are used in broader contexts to describe overall load resistance or durability.

Determination and usage: A Tragfähigkeitsnachweis, or proof of bearing capacity, is typically required in design and construction to ensure safety. This involves static and sometimes dynamic analyses, adherence to technical standards, and safety factors specified by codes such as Eurocodes or national DIN standards. For soils, the assessment may rely on geotechnical tests and empirical correlations to establish an allowable bearing capacity.

Factors influencing tragfähigkeit include material properties, geometry, presence of defects, moisture, temperature, age, load duration, and dynamic effects from traffic or wind. In practice, engineers specify and verify tragfähigkeit to ensure that structures and surfaces can support intended loads throughout their service life.