ABSTRACT
Three full-scale Dou-Gong specimens at column tops are made according to the Qing Dynasty “code of engineering practice,” based on the prototype of one Dou and two Sheng Jiaomaye Dou-Gong of Jiayuguan tower. The three-dimensional load-displacement curve of Dou-Gong is obtained using three-dimensional static loading tests. Furthermore, the deformation characteristics, three-dimensional compression stiffness, and three-dimensional load transfer law of each layer of the Dou-Gong are analyzed. The test results indicate that the vertical failure characteristics of the Dou-Gong are the splitting of the Flat-Fang, and there is no obvious damage to the horizontal members until toppling. The three-dimensional load-displacement relationship curve of the Dou-Gong can be simplified to a two-fold line model, vertical stiffness of the Dou-Gong is significantly greater than the horizontal stiffness, and the horizontal stiffness in the beam direction is greater than the horizontal stiffness in the Fang direction. Using ABAQUS software, a comparative analysis of the difference in mechanical properties between the Dou-Gong at the column tops and the Dou-Gong between the columns is performed. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the structural performance safety assessment and preventive protection of the Jiayuguan tower and similar Chinese ancient wooden structures.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.