Abstract
Chinese ancient architectures are valuable heritage of ancient culture of China. Many historical building have been preserved up to now. The researches on the structural mechanics of ancient architectures show the different aspects of structure and mechanics. Systematical studies on the structural mechanics of ancient architectures have been carried out at Xi’an Jiaotong University since 1982. It is related with the need of repair of some national preservation relics in Xi’an. These studies include: 1) Ancient wooden structures including three national preservation relics Arrow Tower at North City Gate, City Tower at East City Gate, and Baogao Temple in Ningbao, Zhejiang province. 2) Ancient tall masonry building, the Big Goose Pagoda and Small Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. 3) Mechanical characteristics of ancient soil under foundation and city wall; the influence of caves in and under the ancient City Wall on the stability of the wall. 4) The typical Chinese ancient building at the center of city: the Bell Tower and Drum tower. 5) The behavior of Dou-Gong and Joggle joint of Chinese ancient wooden structure. 6) The mechanical behavior of ancient soils under complex stress state. A new systematical strength theory, the unified strength theory, is used to analyze the stability of ancient city wall in Xi’an and foundation of tall pagoda built in Tang dynasty. These researches also concern differential settlements of Arrow Tower and resistance to earthquake of these historical architecture heritages. Some other studies are also introduced. This paper gives a summary of these researches. Preservation and research are nowadays an essential requirement for the famous monuments, buildings, towers and others. Our society is more and more conscious of this necessity, which involves increasing activities of restoration, and then sometimes also of repair, mechanical strengthening and seismic retrofitting. Many historical buildings have in fact problems of structural strength and stability; the need for further studies on structural mechanics and materials is definitely growing.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1993 (in Chinese)
Macchi G. Structural preservation of the architectural heritage. In: International Symposium on Structural Preservation of the Architectural Heritage, Rome, Italy (IABSE Reports-70). Rome: LABSE, 1993
Arun G, Seckin N. Studies in ancient structures. In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress (Vol. 1, 2). Istanbul: Yildiz Technical University Publication, 2001
Rabun J S. Structural Analysis of Historic Building. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2000
Chinese National Historical Relic Bureau. Summary of identification conference of Rescue and Restoration Project of Arrow Tower of North City Gate of Xi’an. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1993, 84–8 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Liu Xiaodong, Fang Dongping. An experimental study of static and dynamic characteristics on the Front Tower over the Ancient Xi’an City Wall. Journal of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1991, 25(3): 55–62 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Meng Xiaoming. Twin shear stress yield model and its application in soil engineering problems. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 1992, 14(3): 71–75 (in Chinese)
Dong Yiping, Zhu Runxiang, Yu Maohong, et al. Study on the north-inclination of the main hall of Ningbo Baoguo Temple. Sciences of Conservation and Archaeology, 2003, 15(4): 1–5 (in Chinese)
Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Science, Administration of Ying County wooden Pagoda. Stress Test and Security Evaluation of Ying County wooden Pagoda. Research Report of the Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Science. 2003 (in Chinese)
Zhou Jiahan, Zhang Deliang. Stability Analysis of Huqiu Pagoda under the Motion of High-speed Train. Research Report of the Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Science. 1997 (in Chinese)
Su Bin. Researches on Chinese City and Architecture in Japan. Beijing: China Waterpower Press, 1999 (in Chinese)
Liang Sicheng. The Complete Works of Liang Sicheng. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 1999 (in Chinese)
Liang Sicheng. Image Chinese Architecture History. (in Chinese, compiled by Fei Weimei, trans. Liang Congjie). Beijing: Baihua Literature and Art Publishing House, 2001, (Original work published by China Architecture & Building Press, 1991) (in Chinese)
Li Yunhe. Chinese Architects. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 1985, (Original work published by Hongkong: Wide-angle Press, 1982) (in Chinese)
Liang Ssuch’eng. A Pictorical History of Chinese Architecture. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1984
Department of Architecture. Tsinghua University, Historic Chinese Architecture. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press, 1985
Luo Zhewen. The Collection of the Papers on Ancient Architectures of Luo Zhewen. Beijing: The Relic Press, 1998 (in Chinese)
Luo Zhewen. Scientificity of research on ancient architectures. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1993. 1–3 (in Chinese)
The Editorial Department of the Technology of Ancient Gardens. The letter to readers in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Magazine. Technology of Ancient Gardens, 1989, (1): 5–6 (in Chinese)
Qian Lingxi. The carrying capacity of Zhaozhou Stone Arch Bridge. China Civil Engineering Journal, 1987, 20(4): 39–46 (in Chinese)
Qian Lingxi. New insight into an ancient stone arch bridge: The Zhaozhou Stone Arch Bridge of 1400 years old. Int J Mech Sci, 1987, 29(12): 831–843
Yu Maohong, Chen Buqian, Fang Dongping. Advancing technology and ancient architecture. In: Proceedings of CIB, Washington: 1986
Yu Maohong, Cheng Buqian, Liu Zunzu. The Structural Characteristics and Seismic Performance Analysis of Bell Tower in Xi’an. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1986 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping, Liu Xiaoding. Settlement studies of an ancient wood structure. In: Presented at the International Conference on Case Histories in Structural Failure-CHSF 89. Singapore: 1989
Yu Maohong, Liu Xiaodong, Fang Dongping. Test on dynamic characteristics of an ancient architecture. In: Presented at the International Conference on Case Histories in Structural Failure-CHSF 89, Singapore: 1989
Fang Dongping, Liu Xiaodong, Yu Maohong. A full scale test and numerical analysis on dynamic characteristics of an ancient wooden structure. In: Proceedings of International Conference on Structural Engineering and Computation. Beijing: 1990. 4
Yu Maohong. Postscript of research of ancient city wall of Xi’an: Architecture structure and seismic performance. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an, Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1993, 221–227 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping, Liu Xiaodong. Analysis of Differential Settlement of the Foundation of Arrow Tower. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1986 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping, Liu Xiaodong. Calculation of the Structural Seismic Performance of Arrow Tower. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1986 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Liu Xiaodong, Fang Dongping. On-site Pulsating and Sinusoidal Excitation Test of Arrow Tower. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1986 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Liu Xiaodong, Fang Dongping. Dynamic Characteristic Test of Structural Model of Arrow Tower. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1987 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Liu Xiaodong, Fang Dongping. Static Characteristic Test of Structural Model of Arrow Tower. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1987 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Li Yaoming, Xie Shuang. Reinforced sand-limb pile foundation soil test of Arrow Tower. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1992, 81–83 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong. Summary of Rescue and Restoration Project of Arrow Tower of North City Gate of Xi’an. Science and Technology Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University. 1987 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Meng Xiaoming, Xie Shuang. Research on protection and exploitation of ancient city wall of Xi’an. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1992, 94–126 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Men Xiaoming. Research on the stability of ancient city wall in Xian. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1992. 168–174
Science Achievement Administration Office of Chinese National Science and Technology Committee. Research of rescue and restoration project of Arrow Tower of North City Gate of Xi’an. Complete Works of China Technology Achievement, 1992, 6(86): 328–329 (in Chinese)
Chinese National Science and Technology Committee. Research of rescue and restoration project of Arrow Tower of North City Gate of Xi’an. Communique of Science and Technology Research Achievement, 1992, 8(136): 62 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping, Miyamotoe Y, Iwasaki S, et al. Dynamic characteristics of a Chinese architectural heritage. In: Presented at the International Symposium on Structural Preservation of the Architectural Heritage. Rome: 1993
Fang Dongping, Miyamoto Y, Iwasaki S, et al. Dynamic and seismic property of Chinese ancient wooden structures. In: Yu Maohong, Fang Dongping. Research of Ancient City Wall of Xi’an: Architecture Structure and Seismic Performance. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1992. 194–218 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping. Experiment and numerical analyses of dynamic characteristics of a Chinese ancient structure. In: Proceedings of 46th Japanese Society of Civil Engineer. Tokyo: 1991 (in Japanese)
Fang Dongping, Miyamoto Y, Iwasaki S, et al. 3-D nonlinear analysis of a base settled ancient wooden structure by using joggle modeling. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Inspection, Appraisal, Repairs & Maintenance of Buildings & Structures. Indonesia: 1992, 77–84
Fang Dongping, Miyamoto Y, Iwasaki S, et al. Studies on dynamic and aseismic characteristics of an ancient Chinese timber structure. Journal of Structural Engineering, JSCE, 1992, 38A(3): 951–961
Fang Dongping, Miyamoto Y, Iwasaki S, et al. Survey and 3 dimensional nonlinear analysis of a Chinese ancient wooden structure with base settlement. Journal of Structural Engineering, JSCE, 1993, 39A(3): 1101–1112
Fang Dongping, Miyamoto Y, Iwasaki S, et al. Three-dimensional nonlinear analysis of a wood structure with base subsidence. In: Proceedings of 5th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering., California: ASCE, 1993
Cheng Buqian. Structural characteristics and seismic performance analysis of bell tower. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, d1986 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping. Static, dynamic and seismic property research of wooden structure. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1988 (in Chinese)
Liu Xiaodong. Static, experimental research of dynamic and seismic characteristics of Arrow Tower of North Gate of Xi’an. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: No. 211 Institution of Ministry of Aerospace, 1989 (in Chinese)
Meng Xiaoming. A new elastic-plastic model and its application in strength analysis of ancient city wall of Xi’an. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1990 (in Chinese)
Li Lijuan. Seismic performance and reliability of the Big Goose Pagoda. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1990 (in Chinese)
Gu Jiang. Elastic-plastic analysis of the foundation of the Big Goose Pagoda. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1993 (in Chinese)
Gao Dafeng. Investigation of earthquake and wind resistance and the limiting bearing capacity of the foundation of the Small Goose Pagoda. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1995 (in Chinese)
Wang Yuan. Structural mechanical analysis of City Tower of East Gate of Xi’an. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1996 (in Chinese)
Zhang Ao. Elastic-plastic finite element time interval analysis of multilayer brick concrete shock insulation structure. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1997 (in Chinese)
Zhang Yuqing. Dynamic characteristic and earthquake response analysis of City Tower of East Gate of Xi’an. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1997 (in Chinese)
Zhao Junhai. Structural characteristic research of Chinese ancient wooden structure. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 1998 (in Chinese)
Yin Zhengnan. Numerical simulation and engineering application of a new hat model. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 2000 (in Chinese)
Ding Lei. Research of dynamic characteristic and seismic performance of Drum Tower of Xi’an. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, 2003 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Zhao Junhai, Wang Yuan. Research on City Tower and City Wall of East Gate of Xi’an. Research Report of Xi’an Jiaotong University and Xi’an Metropolitan Historical Relic Bureau. 1998 (in Chinese)
Zhao Junhai, Yu Maohong, Sun Jiaju, et al. The testing of dynamic behavior of a wooden structure “Dougong”. In: Proceedings of 3rd International Symposium on Test and Measurement. 1999, 784–787
Zhao Junhai, Yu Maohong, Yang Songyan. An experimental study for the dynamic characteristics of “Dougong” one of the wooden structure parts in ancient architecture of China. Journal of Experimental Mechanics, 1999, 14(1):106–112 (in Chinese)
Zhao Junhai, Yu Maohong, Yang Songyan, et al. Dynamic analysis for the ancient superstructure of the East City Gate of Xi’an by FEM. Journal of Civil Engineering, 2000, 33(1):41–45 (in Chinese)
Zhao Junhai, Yu Maohong, Yang Songyan, et al. Elastoplastic analysis for the wall of the East Gate in Xi’an City by finite element method. Journal of Northwesten Institute of Architectrual Engineering, 1998, 15(3): 1–7 (in Chinese)
Zhao Junhai, Yu Maohong, Yang Songyan. The dynamic analysis for the city wall of East Gate in Xi’an by the finite element method. Journal of Northwesten Institute of Architectrual Engineering, 1999, 16(4): 1–5 (in Chinese)
Zhao J H, Zheng Yang, Yang Songyan. An analysis of the elasto-plasticity of city wall in Xi’an under the unified strength theory. In: Yu M H, Fan S C, eds.Strength Theory: Application, Developments & Prospects for the 21th Century, 1998, 9–11
Yu Maohong, Zhao Junhai, Liu Baomin. Dynamic analysis of city tower. In: Li Tianshun, Hu Fumin, Xiang De, et al eds.Report of Restoration of City Tower of Changle Gate of Xi’an. Beijing: The Relic Press, 2001, 134–146 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Meng Xiaoming, Xie Shuang. Protection and exploitation of ancient city wall of Xi’an. In: Li Tianshun, Hu Fumin, Xiang De, et al eds. Report of Restoration of City Tower of Changle Gate of Xi’an. Beijing: The Relic Press, 2001, 92–114 (in Chinese)
Ding Lei, Wang Zhiqian, Yu Maohong. Dynamic characteristics and earthquake responses of Xi’an Drum-Tower. Journal of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 2003, 37(9): 986–988 (in Chinese)
Zhu Runxiang, Dong Yiping, Ren Chaxian, et al. Dynamic analysis of ancient wood structures with mortises and tenon connection. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2003, 20 (additional): 435–438 (in Chinese)
Yan Jiayi, Jin Wensen. Structural activity of Chinese traditional wooden tenon and mortise system. Journal of China Civil and Water (Taiwan), 1995, 7(2): 151–161 (in Chinese)
Gao Dafeng, Zhao Hongtie, Xue Jianyang, et al. Experimental study on structural behavior of Dougong under the vertical action in Chinese ancient timber structure. World Information on Earthquake Engineering, 2003, 19(3):56–61 (in Chinese)
Gao Dafeng, Zhao Hongtie, Xue Jianyang, et al. Experimental study on seismic behavior and strengthened effects of Chinese ancient timber structure. World Information on Earthquake Engineering, 2003, 19(2): 1–10 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong. New System of Strength Theory. Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University Press, 1992 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong. Unified strength theory for geomaterials. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 1994, (2), 1–10 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Zeng Wenbing, Lu Ning. New theory of engineering structural analysis and its application. Engineering Mechanics, 1994, 11(1): 9–20 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong. Twin Shear Theory and its Application. Beijing: The Science Press, 1998 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong. Unified Strength Theory and its Applications. Berlin: Springer, 2004
Zhao Junhai. Research on Structural Characteristic of Chinese Ancient Architecture. Wuhan: Wuhan Industrial University Press, 1999 (in Chinese)
Li Tianshun, Hu Fumin, Xiang De. Report of the Restoration Project of City Tower of Changle Gate of Xi’an. Beijing: The Relic Press, 2001 (in Chinese)
Che Ailan, Iwatate T, Yu Maohong, et al. Aseismatic characteristic of surface ground and structures in Xi’an area. In: Proceedings of 37th Symp. of Foundation Engineering of Japan, 2003 (in Japanese)
Che Ailan, Iwatate T, Yu Maohong, et al. Dynamic characteristics of ancient architectures in Xi’an. In: Proceedings of 58th Conference of Japanese Society of Civil Engineer, 2003 (in Japanese)
Xing Yichuan, Liu Zudian, Zheng Yingren. A failure criterion of loess. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 1992, (1): 12–19 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Gong Xiaonan, Zeng Guoxi. Several new conceptions in general theories of geotechnical engineering and foundation engineering. In: Proceeding of the 6th National Soil Engineering & Foundation Engineering Conference. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 1991 (in Chinese)
Yu Maohong, Lu Ning, Yang Songyan, et al. Research on column foundation structure and bearing capacity. In: Proceeding of the 7th National Soil Engineering & Foundation Engineering Conference. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 1994. 309–312 (in Chinese)
Li Dehu, He Jiang. The experimental study on dynamic properties of Chinese ancient masonry pagodas. Earthquake Resistant Engineering, 1990, 3(44): 34–36 (in Chinese)
Li Jiansheng. Seismic analysis of ancient pagodas of Quanzhou. Earthquake Resistant Engineering, 1990, 3(44):37–42 (in Chinese)
Chen Ping, Yao Qianfeng, Zhao Dong. A study on the aseismic behavior of Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda. Journal of Building Structures, 1990, 20(1): 46–49 (in Chinese)
Wen Lihua. Research on seismic performance of ancient pagodas. Earthquake Resistant Engineering, 1996, (1): 21–23 (in Chinese)
Xue Jianyang, Yu Maohong. Analysis of seismic mechanism of Chinese ancient wooden architectures. In: The Collection of China Postdoctoral Conference. 2000, 1–4 (in Chinese)
Li Tieying, Wei Jianwei, Zhang Shanyuan, et al. Double parameter seismic damage criterion on wooden structure and seismic response appraisement on Yingxian wooden tower. Journal of Building Structures, 2004, 2: 91–98 (in Chinese)
Li Tieying, Wei Jianwei, Zhang Shanyuan, et al. Experiment and analysis of vibration characteristics of Ying County Wooden Pagoda. Engineering Mechanics, 2005, 21(1): 141–146 (in Chinese)
Zhang Duo, Lu Fangyun. Dynamic structural characteristics of an ancient timber tower. Engineering Mechanics, 2004, 21(1): 80–86. (in Chinese)
Sun Jun. Longyou Grottos: from the angle of engineering science. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2001, 53: 3–7 (in Chinese)
Wang Sijing. Longyou Grottos: A superb craftsmanship. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2001, 53: 8–9 (in Chinese)
Li Lihui, Yang Zhifa, Zhang Luqing, et al. A discussion on the inclined roof design of Longyou Caverns for engineering science. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2005, 24(2): 336–343 (in Chinese)
Yang Zhifa, Wang Sijing, Xu Bing. Analysis of the engineering geological conditions of Longyou Stone Caves and primary study on the protection strategies. Journal of Engineering Geology, 2000, 8(3): 292–295 (in Chinese)
Sun Jun, Ling Jianming, Jia Gang, et al. Longyou Grottos in west Zhejiang province: From the angle of engineering science. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2001, 20(1): 131–133 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping, Yu Maohong. Research on structure and protection of ancient timber architectures. Engineering Mechanics, 2000, 17 (Suppl.): 1–17 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping, Yu Maohong. Experimental studies on structural characteristics of ancient timber architectures. Engineering Mechanics, 2000, 17(2): 75–83 (in Chinese)
Fang Dongping, Yu Maohong. Calculating studies on structural characteristics of ancient timber architectures. Engineering Mechanics, 2000, 18(1): 137–144 (in Chinese)
Yu M H, Liu F Y. Researches on the stability of ancient city wall in Xi’an. In: Studies in Ancient Structures: Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress. [s.l.]: Yildiz Technical University Publication, 2001. 365–370
Yu M H, Zheng S, Xue J, et al. Experiment and analysis on the aseismatic behavior of Xi’an bell tower. In: Studies in Ancient Structures: Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress. [s.l.]: Yildiz Technical University Publication, 2001. 457–464
Fang D P, Iwasaki M, Yu M H. Ancient Chinese timer architecture (A): Experimental study. J of Structural Engineering, ASCE, 2001, 127(11): 1348–1357
Fang D P, Iwasaki M, Yu M H. Ancient Chinese timer architecture (B): Dynamic characteristics. J of Structural Engineering, ASCE, 2001, 127(11): 1358–1364
Yu Maohong. Studies on the historical, art and scientific characteristics of ancient structures. Engineering Mechanics, 2003, 20 (Suppl.): 435–438 (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
__________
Translated from Advances in Mechanics, 2006, 36(1): 43–64 [译自: 力学进展]
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yu, M., Oda, Y., Fang, D. et al. Advances in structural mechanics of Chinese ancient architectures. Front. Archit. Civ. Eng. China 2, 1–25 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-008-0002-1
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-008-0002-1