Tragsystemen

Tragsystemen describe the arrangement of structural elements that carry and transfer loads in a building or other infrastructure. They define how gravity, wind and seismic forces are collected from the envelope and conveyed to the foundation. The chosen tragsystem influences architectural form, material selection, cost, constructability and long-term performance, including durability and redundancy.

Common types include skeletal frame systems, where beams and columns form a rigid skeleton; braced frames which use diagonals to resist lateral loads; and mixed frame-wall systems combining columns and transfer loads through shear walls. Traditional load-bearing concepts rely on massive walls, arches, vaults or domes to carry loads directly to foundations. More advanced systems encompass shell or grid-shell structures, space frames and truss systems, as well as composite solutions where steel and concrete work together. Materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, timber or composites define the behavior and suitability of each system.

History shows a progression from heavy load-bearing walls in masonry to increasingly slender frames that separate structure from cladding. Modern codes and performance-based design emphasize ductility, redundancy and energy efficiency, supported by computer analysis and optimization. Selection of a tragsystem depends on factors such as architectural intent, site constraints, load regime, construction method and lifecycle performance.