Experimental Study of Mechanical Performance of Dougong in Mahavira Hall of Huishan Temple

Abstract:

Mahavira Hall of Huishan Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty. It is a traditional timber beam-lifting structure whose architectural form and structural technology are of great significance for study. Based on the component characteristics of the Dougong in the Mahavira Hall, six full-scale specimens were designed, two of which were tested in vertical monotonic loading while the other four were tested at cyclic loading. Failure modes and mechanical performance were studied based on the experiment and the test results. The results showed that the Dougong has a good vertical bearing capacity. However, the intersection joints of Ludou, Touang, and Nidaogong are the weak parts. In horizontal cyclic tests, failure modes were found to be the loose of the connections between components. Stiffness degradation was observed while deformation capacity, energy dissipation, and ductility were very decent.