Search

In order to study the dynamic properties of the pagoda with solid structure when affected by an earthquake, take the Xuanzang Pagoda as an example which is one of the World Cultural Heritage Archit...

Ancient mechanical clocks and automatons are solid evidence regarding the evolution of technological development. At least four ingenious eighteenth-century clocks with pagoda automatons are preserved in the Palace Museum in Beijing. Two were made in China, the other two in Britain. Although the internal mechanical components were maintained and recorded in the late twentieth century, their mechanism structure is mostly not made available to the public owing to the historical value of these artefacts. This study introduces feasible mechanism structures for the four pagoda automatons based on published works, along with considerations of mechanical design. Five subsystems of the clocks are analyzed, and two mechanisms of the pagoda automaton are illustrated. In particular, feasible mechanisms of the four pagoda automatons for raising their stories are explained. The analysis procedure presented in this paper expands the feasibility of reconstruction work on ancient mechanisms with unknown structures.

Chinese traditional wooden structure toys have a long history, and the way of unlocking them is exquisite and ingenious, but they are gradually vanished from modern society, therefore it is necessary to redesign them intelligently. Based on embodied cognition theory, this paper analyzes the contact points of users when using products in specific use scenarios, and explores the design possibility of traditional wooden toys. This design case takes the pagoda shaped wooden board and mortise and tenon blocks of different materials and colors as the main body of the product, with sensors and Arduino circuit boards inside, which are connected to the mobile terminal of the tablet computer to provide help and record the user history of toys. The purpose of this research is to make the traditional wooden toys adapt to the modern society through redesign.

Technical historical heritage and/or industrial heritage are manifestations of heritage that acquire greater relevance every day, since their study and analysis provide a global vision of their impact on the development of the societies and, also, because they favor the understanding of the technological evolution of these societies. The fields of action are very broad, both from the point of view of engineering and its different disciplines as well as from architecture. This Special Issue shows the reader some of the tools currently available to value this heritage and promote its dissemination, such as geometric modeling, computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, and the study of industrial heritage from a global perspective.

This research presents a holistic approach to the protection of historical building group adjacent to metro line construction, in which health investigation, protection criterion determining, numerical simulation analyses, corresponding protection measures and field monitoring analyses are incorporated as main procedures. A case relating to the conservation of a seven-storey brick-wood pagoda, Longhua Pagoda, adjacent to the construction of Shanghai Metro Lines 11 and 12 in China, is presented. A reasonable protection criterion is determined rationally by means of numerical simulation based on the health investigation results combined with related standards, which can help to achieve a fine balance between system safety and cost constraints in protection measures determining. A full numerical model is developed to analyze the effect of dewatering, excavation, tunneling, and shield departure/reception, and corresponding measures are adopted to ensure the safety of the pagoda. Especially a brand new method, steel jacket method, is introduced in detail, which has a good performance on decreasing the amount of dewatering and maintaining a stable working face. Results demonstrate the application potential of the proposed approach, as well as its feasibility. The proposed approach can be used in the industry by practitioners to provide positive guidelines on the conservation of historical building group against metro line constructions. The reliable and detailed data in this case can also provide verification for subsequent research.

This paper presents a novel methodology to combine ambient vibration-based operation modal analysis with three-dimensional ground-based lidar data to study damage on the Nyatapola Temple, which is a Bhaktapur UNESCO World Heritage Site that was damaged during the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake. The post-earthquake ambient vibration data, collected via accelerometers placed on various levels of the temple, are used to estimate the vibrational properties via operational modal analysis. These properties are then compared to the pre-earthquake dynamic characteristics collected in 2002. The lidar data provide a geometric assessment of the current condition of the temple, capturing post-earthquake drift as a function of height as well as significant cracks present in the facade. The lidar data also inform the numerical models implemented for the post-earthquake condition assessment of the temple.

The world’s oldest wooden pagoda was built with no nails nearly 1000 years ago in Yingxian, China. During the past ten centuries the 67 m tall building has survived countless earthquakes, thunderstorms and wars. To understand its remarkable structural resilience and durability, a comprehensive analysis has been carried out. This paper describes the particular features of the building, including the extensive use of strong but flexible, multi-layered ‘dougong’ brackets, semi-rigid timber joints and the lack of a structural connection to the foundation. These characteristics are then analysed to determine how they function under extreme loading. A combination of energy-absorbing design, good drainage, sound foundations and woodworm-eating swallows appears to explain its extraordinary longevity.

The work analyses the historical roof of Derneburg Castle, in the municipality of Holle, Hildesheim’s district, Lower Saxony, Germany. The roof is assembled according to Laves Balken’s system (Laves beam’s system), developed by the architect Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves (1788–1864). The system has the peculiarity to consist of beams that are split along the half of the cross section, and maintained diverged by wooden wedges, distributed along the length of the beam. The system increases the height of the beam, and elevates the bending capacity of it (Weber, 1964). The work has been developed in the frame of an interdisciplinary project in the fields of architecture, engineering and photogrammetry. Main aim of the project is the developing of a structural model to understand the load-carrying capacity of Laves Balken’s system from the laser-scanning model. For this reason, extensive surveys and photo documentation were collected on three areas of the roof construction, characterized by three peculiar usage of Laves Balken’s system. The work presents the survey of the pagoda-roof that covers the tower of the castle, and problems that can be encountered during the survey of very complex timber constructions.

As a novel innovative technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used in archaeological studies owing to their cost-effective, simple photogrammetric tool that can produce high-resolution scaled models. This study focuses on the three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the pagoda at Wat Maha That, an archaeological site in the Ayutthaya province of Thailand, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of notable cultural and historical significance in 1991. This paper presents the application of UAV imagery to generate an accurate 3D model using two pagodas at Wat Maha That as case studies: Chedi and Prang. The methodology described in the paper provides an effective, economical manner of semi-automatic mapping and contributes to the high-quality modeling of cultural heritage sites. The unmanned aerial vehicle structure-from-motion (UAV-SfM) method was used to generate a 3D Wat Mahathat pagoda model. Its accuracy was compared with a model obtained using terrestrial laser scanning and check points. The findings indicated that the 3D UAV-SfM pagoda model was sufficiently accurate to support pagoda conservation management in Thailand.

In this paper, we analyze the dynamic and seismic performance of a high rise antique-style pagoda by using the response spectrum analysis and the time history analysis method, which are implemented in finite element software. The result of our system can provide a reference to the structural designer to ensure the structure of such architecture meets the seismic fortification requirements.

This paper examines the bronze Buddha mold that was excavated from the western pagoda of Hwaŏm temple 華嚴寺. The research centers on the mold&rsquo, s date of production, its function, and the reason it was enshrined in the Hwaŏmsa pagoda. The pagoda itself was constructed in the ninth century and is considered to be a Dharani pagoda because Wugoujingguang datuoluonijing (無垢淨光大陀羅尼經, The Great Dharani Sūtra) is enshrined within the structure. The act of placing the Buddhist scriptures in the pagoda was to benefit the structure&rsquo, s benefactors by absolving them of their sins and granting blessings in their afterlives for their meritorious deeds. Of all the dhāraṇī, Wugoujingguang datuoluonijing is the most detailed and particularly emphasizes the act of repetition. The clarity and simplicity of its instructions made it especially popular in eighth-to-ninth-century Korea. The Hwaŏmsa Buddha mold was one of the tools used in the ritual described by Wugoujingguang datuoluonijing. Considering the sūtra&rsquo, s insistence on repetition and replication, the mold was a very suitable implement. The use of inexpensive clay also allowed for the mass production of Buddha images that any individual could commission at little cost. Furthermore, this method of producing Buddha images made it easy for the temple to attract followers and thus raise funding for the construction of the pagoda. The clay Buddhas themselves were small, making it possible for one to keep the image on his person and carry it wherever he went. Ultimately, these actions were meant to bring the individuals closer to Buddha and his world.

3D laser scanning technology is one of the current technologies for developing a sustainable and smart city. This technology is applied to obtain the three-dimensional information of building in digital format. To preserve the historic structure, the current structural information is required for structural assessment, monitoring, and conservation planning. The data obtained by the 3D laser scanner is normally used to generate the three-dimensional point cloud data of the building surface. The high-density point cloud data represented the dimension, shape, and size of the building in the current state can be acquired in more accurate and faster than another technique. This paper aims to present the application of 3D laser scanning technology for preservation and monitoring of heritage pagoda in Thailand. The pagoda of Wat Krachee located in Ayutthaya province of Thailand was selected as a case study. The results obtained in this study are a part of Wat Krachee conservation project, which is led by UNESCO Bangkok and the Fine Arts Department, Thailand. One of the challenges in Wat Krachee project is how to preserve the masonry pagoda with two intertwined trees growing inside and become a part of pagoda structure. The terrestrial 3D laser scanner was applied to develop the digital data documentation and 3D model of pagoda in the current state. The 3D survey work has been started since February 2018. The analysis of data obtained in February 2018, Mar 2018, July 2018, and July 2019 was carried out. The significant dimensions and deformation of pagoda are monitored. According to the results, it is found that the 3D laser scanning technology is very effective for assessment and monitoring. The 3D point cloud model obtained in this study can be used to develop the assume original model of the Wat Krachee pagoda, which is the inverted bell-shape with a square base.

This research project focuses on the VR simulation of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) in southern Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China, as an investigative subject for the use of virtual reality and digital simulation in engineering graphics. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a typical Chinese pagoda built in AD 652, during the Tang Dynasty (from AD 618 to 907); because the Tang Dynasty is regarded as the most prosperous and magnificent dynasty in Chinese history, the buildings constructed during this period have frequently been referenced in Chinese architecture since then. The VR simulation presented in this research is intended to show the uniqueness of the complexity of the structure of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as well as the beauty of structural and landscape design principles dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Firstly, using modern graphical technology, the authors completed a 3D model of the Dayanta, through which to create a 3D database by translation from 2D drawings and literature documentation. Secondly, the authors used Lumion as the advanced rendering tool to build the dynamic environment. To create the environment around the pagoda, the authors added natural scenery elements such as vegetation and terrain features from the natural libraries, and to make the elements more realistic for the scale of the model, the authors then made adjustments for the size of the elements. Lastly, the authors employed the Unity VR package to create an immersive experience inside the pagoda for viewing the structure.

This paper presents a practical new approach for determining the geometric shape of an ancient pagoda structure and its axial shape along its height. Because of ancient Chinese pagodas’ unique characteristics (multiple eaves, Dougong, and vague edges), it is difficult to select appropriate measurement points. Moreover, the plane size of most ancient Chinese pagodas decreases from the bottom to the top floor. Considering these characteristics, we employed an electronic total station to monitor more than three measurement points of each wall facade of each pagoda floor, fitted plane equations using 3-D coordinates of the monitored measurement points and the least square method, calculated the corner points coordinates of each floor or cross section selected, fitted a circumscribed circle of each floor using the corner point coordinates and spatial axial equations based on the central coordinates, and performed an inclination evaluation of the ancient Chinese pagoda. This approach is practical and can be widely used in other high-rise polygonal buildings that have different plane sizes for each floor.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the overall condition of the foundation for the three storied stone pagoda of Bulguksa temple in GyeongJu. As a research method, exploration of the electrical resistivity, refraction seismic, surface wave exploration, GPR exploration, Reputation loading test. The results of the investigation, the range of the foundation was formed in foundation stone outskirts of 1.5 ~ 2.0m. It was confirmed to be about 2.0m depth. The depth of the foundation becomes shallower from the base portion to the outside. And the bearing capacity of foundation was sufficient conditions to weight. It can sufficiently support the weight of pagoda. And, the result of this investigation becomes basis data for repair work.

The present study is aimed to reconsider the time of installation and the purpose of the square footstone located at the center of the wooden pagoda in Hwangnyongsa Temple, based on related precedent studies. Precedent studies are divided into two streams of assertions: one is that the square footstone was to support the major pillars at the time of building and the other is that it was installed to store Buddhist reliquaries inside the central foundation stone after the wood pagoda burnt down in the Invasion of Mongol. Summarizing the grounds with which the precedent studies support their assertions, they are the relation with Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok, the emerging time of the square footstone, repairing work at the level of reconstruction, additional enshrinement of general Buddhist reliquaries and so on. The present study reviewed the key grounds suggested in the previous studies regarding the square footstone. First, it was determined that the square footstone has nothing to do with Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok, after looking into the timings of appearance, condition and shape in literatures. Rather, it was assumed that Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok resembles a stone column. Next, the square footstone is assumed to be installed after the 4th year of King Kwangjong's rule because the wood pagoda was lost in fire in the 4th year of Kwangjong's rule and it had been left alone for 68 years until the repair work finished in the 13th year of King Hyunjong. It is assumed that repair works at the level of reconstruction had been twice in total, say, once during King Kyungmun and Hyunjong, respectively. Next, looking into the establishment of the general Buddhist reliquaries and the repair work during King Kyungmun, it was not common then to enshrine additional Buddhist reliquaries when repair work progressed and so there was not an additional enshrinement of Buddhist reliquaries after King Kyungmun. However, it is hard to decide that there was no repair work at the level of reconstruction at that time. Last, we can find a similar case to the square footstone of the wood pagoda in Hwangnyongsa Temple in the copper pagoda in Japanese Yaksasa Temple. In conclusion, it is assumed that the wooden pagoda in Hwangnyongsa Temple was lost to the fire in the 4th year of King Kwangjong's rule and thus the square footstone had been used as Jinho stone to protect Buddhist reliquaries and used as a propping stone for the major pillars after King Hyungjong.

This paper aimed to identify architectural historical meaning of the brick-constructed platform of the west hall in Hwangnyoungsa buddhist temple site based on studying published the excavation survey report and comparing with other platforms of Silla remains. Mass and height of the building has a hierarchical structure within a buddhist temple site, this is applicable in Hwangnyongsa. So in case of a rank equal to or lower buildings than the west hall, those of platforms were built of brick-constructed. As stone relics, jidaeseoks are very narrow, I think that wooden pagoda and main hall`s platform were built of brick in first construction period. West hall`s platform was built at the late 6th~the mid of 7th century, these brick-remains were considered as a quite earlier construction period relics. Because in west hall there is no jidaeseok under bricks, and all bricks relics have a rectangular shape.

This work introduces a modal testing and analysis results of the mock-up for a layered stone pagoda. The pagoda has been horizontally excited by an impact hammer. As to the measured acceleration time responses, the first five lower mode shapes and natural frequency are extracted by the TDD technique. It is observed that the time delay of a shear wave occurs through friction surfaces. Such phenomena cannot be described by using the traditional analytical models such as a continuum cantilever beam model or a discrete shear building model. However, the time delay typically affects only the phases of the pagoda system. The frequencies of the pagoda system are not affected by such time delay. It is found in the first time that the layered stone pagoda system has a set of closely placed modes in near of natural frequency. It is believed that such modes are due to the friction characteristics in friction surfaces. Based on the stick-slip friction model, it seems that the one of the closely placed mode can be a self-excited one.

Kiwarihou is a well-known traditional architectural design method for traditional Japanese wooden buildings. This article presents an investigation into the architectural design of a traditional Ja...

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the structural performance of Dou-Gong brackets of Yingxian Wood Pagoda under vertical load. Two scaled models of typical Dou-Gong brackets of the pagoda were designed, manufactured and tested. Both models behaved similarly to that of a wood component under compression perpendicular to grain. Four failure modes of the components were identified, these included yield of component under compression perpendicular to grain, fracture of component under tension perpendicular to grain, fracture of component due to shear and breaking-off of component under bending. The structural performance of the model Dou-Gong brackets was revealed from test observations, and the initial stiffness and the load-carrying capacity of the prototype Dou-Gong brackets of the pagoda were derived based on the similitude theory. This study provides reference, from a structural point of view, for the preservation of cultural heritage structures such as Yingxian Wood Pagoda.

Most of ancient pagodas were damaged by earthquakes, and the dynamic behavior is a key factor to determine the seismic strengthening scheme of the pagodas. This research selected a typical masonry pagoda as the object, combined free vibration test with numerical simulation to discuss the influence of dimension change of ground base on dynamic behavior of the pagoda, as well as the construction method of the FEA model based on the soil-structure interaction. The dynamic behavior tested from a 1:15 reduced scale of physical model indicated: comparing with the condition of pagoda pedestal is fixed, the natural frequency of the superstructure is decreasing with the increase of thickness of ground base，which shows the “soft effect” of ground soil to structural stiffness. The influence degree of thickness and plan size of ground base to dynamic behavior of the physical model are simulated by program ANSYS, and the effective dimension range of ground base for the FE analysis of pagodas has been proposed.

Yingxian Wood Pagoda is the highest standing ancient wood structure in China,with four shorter but stiffer storeys hidden between the five apparent storeys. The beam-colunm joints are highly varied. In this study,a model of typical beam-column joints of the pagoda was simulated in Abaqus. The material used in models was similar to the ones of the pagoda.Non-destructive cyclic loading test of the models under different vertical load were conducted.The hysteretic curves underdifferent vertical load were drawn from the test.And the skeleton curves were obtained by linking all peak moment points of each hysteretic loop. The energy –dissipation performance and bending stiffness of models were derived and discussed.

With the urban development around the Muta Temple Relics Park and the site protection as a focal point, this paper presents an overview of the history and the current status of Muta Temple, a famous temple flourishing during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Through the analysis of the development and construction of the temple’s surrounding areas as well as the protection plan of the temple site in the urbanization process in recent years, the paper touches upon the two successive constructions on the Relics Park. Whether the planning and construction aim at building a relics park or a theme park, the historic context of the temple should always be the focus of the area’s urban planning and development. The paper manifests that in the rapid process of urbanization, architectural heritages on the one hand have gained widespread concern and recognition, while on the other hand, in the process of public transmission and repercussion of the historical and cultural heritages, the architectural heritages have in essence become a phenomenon of symbolic consumption, and the reality of protection is in discrepancy with the spirit upheld by the great site protection charter. This phenomenon actually reflects the choice of people in contemporary times between land development and recognition of heritage values, and also reflects a new trend in people’s great site protection values in the era of rapid urban development: the fragmentation of heritage. In the paper, a conclusion is reached that the architectural heritage is father and father away from us in its form of existence, at the meantime, some of us in recollecting and protecting the relics park have made more people of this age smell the flavor of the heritage fragments. People have increased their awareness and love for the historical sites. From this perspective, fragmented architectural heritage has further melted into people’s perception of life—becoming a faint and distant memory.

The stone pagoda of Mireuk temple site is currently restoring t hrough the repairing process. This stone pagoda has the various construction types in the inner and outer space. Therefore, the stress concentration and structural behavior need to be considered through the analysis of various construction patterns. To this end, this study presents the structural modelling and analysis considering the discrete element analysis techniqu e to solve the discontinuum behavior between the stone elements. Also, this study performs the structural performance evaluation through the various design variables for the safety of stone pagoda. Through the analysis results, we can find out the small stress concentration in the several members. But, because the stresses and displacements are relatively small, we can secure the safety of the whole structure.

For most cultural landscapes, experience design is particular important. However, there is less research on experience design for cultural attractions. Whats more, some mobile Apps for cultural tourism are lack of good user experience. This paper proposes utilizing a combination of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Kano model and scenario-based design as a useful tool to design a mobile application for Leifeng pagoda tourism. The study makes clear the design directions. Results show that: (1) In regard to the culture of Leifeng pagoda, we should focus on introducing the pagoda history and sites; Information query of surrounding traffic, catering, accommodation is essential to tourists; the basic information guide is the most important need.(2) In the 18 design requirements, controls design, navigation design, information architecture are closely related to the software usability, so they have the highest priority; We should also pay attention to text content design, especially pagoda culture, and accuracy of GPS position.

Longxi Tower is the first time shift of pagoda relics in China. All the following factors increase the difficulty of the shift: long years’ construction, serious aging of its structure, poor integrity, small base area and great height. In the process, we used steel initiative urging support system and reinforced concrete protective tube for Longxi Tower’s reinforcement protection, so as to form a stable entirety. Compared to no protection measures, overturn-preventing calculations and further reinforce protection measures improved the safety factor 6.0 times, thus greatly improving the overturn-preventing ability of Longxi Tower.

Due to the frequent northwest wind, many times of earthquakes and floods, as well as the loose soil and higher underground water level, the famous pagoda has been in the tilt for many years. Rectification measures include foundation stabilization, landing, grouting, drawing out soil, water-injecting, so on. Be sure to make model test before operation.

Traditional timber structures in Southeast Asia and their craft techniques are of great historical and cultural value. This paper presents the monitoring results of a seven-story traditional timber pagoda in Shanghai during construction. The applied traditional craft techniques were recorded and briefed for better understanding of the structural behavior of the pagoda. Dynamic properties of the pagoda at various construction stages were measured via ambient vibration tests, and the influence of installation of various structural components on the frequencies of the pagoda in principal axes was identified. A three-dimensional numerical model was developed and verified based on the monitoring results, and was used to quantify the safety of the pagoda for which direct measuring is infeasible. It was found that the natural frequencies of the pagoda increased then decreased to the end of the construction due to the counteraction of the increase in both stiffness and mass. For example, the installation of the peripheral elements (columns, beams, dou-gong connections and roof components) of the ground to fifth stories increased the natural frequencies of the pagoda by up to 40%, while those of 6th story decreased the frequencies by 37.3%. The timber frames assembled after the main structure increased the frequencies of the pagoda by no more than 7% due to the loose contact between the frame elements and the infill panels. It was also found that the internal forces induced to the mortise-tenon joints, dou-gong connections and timber frames were less than 6% of their loading resistances, implying a rather safe state of the pagoda. The generated knowledge can help deepen the understanding of Chinese traditional timber pagodas and be used as reference for renovation and retrofitting of existing Southeast Asian traditional timber structures.

The Uiseong Tapriri Five-Storied Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 77) is typical stone cultural heritage in Unified Silla Dynasty, Korea. The pagoda has been occurred black, brown discoloration and microcrack, exfoliation, granularity decomposition with white discoloration because of continuous weathering. As the results of analysis for the contaminants, chemical weatherings are generated that black contaminant by manganese oxide, brown contaminant by iron oxide, white contaminants by gypsum and taranakite. And physical weatherings, such as microcrack, exfoliation, are occurred by salt(gypsum) crystallization. Therefore, these need to remove the contaminants according to the conservation treatment manual, and regular monitoring using P-XRF to preserve long-term the Five-Storied Stone Pagoda at Tapri-ri, Uiseong.

in this paper, four single-layer masonry wall models in1/8 scale were made by a kind of special bricks on the basis of an ancient masonry pagoda structure. The models are divided into two groups by whether there is a masonry floor in a model or not. Pseudo-static test is introduced to study the seismic performance of four models with a special load control process which is suited to masonry structure. According to the test results, the horizontal bearing capacity and ductility of each masonry walls reinforced with steel straps under horizontal low cyclic loading has been sorted out. Four nonlinear restoring force models are inferred from the experimental results and phenomena under various operating conditions. And the shear capacity calculation formula of reinforced masonry wall models is fit out. The theory and experimental study show that seismic performance of the masonry pagodas strengthened with steel straps has been improved significantly.

In Korea, only a few wooden pagodas are extant because some wooden pagodas were lost due to artificial environment like war. Fortunately, only Eight Depictions Hall(Palsangjeon) in Beobjusa temple and main hall of Ssang-Bong Sa the main temple are extant. Though main hall of Ssang-Bong Sa the main temple shows old style in construction and outstanding creativity, survey and investigation for the hall have been poor. Accordingly, this study investigated pillar part, bracket structure part, and roof part composing pagoda body section which actively reflects structure and design skill compared to floor or upper part. And for better understanding, in the part that is similar to pagoda body section of main hall or needs examples, wooden pagoda in China or Japan was referred. Through this investigation, it was known that unique skill applied to main hall of Ssang-Bong Sa the main temple is based on plane in one room one room - Ssang-Bong Sa the main temple has common form of wooden pagoda in appearance.

China is a civilized archaic nation, as a part of Chinese culture, ancient pagoda holds an important status in the developing history of nation architecture. With the rapid developing of the nation, we have the ability to identify and strengthen the ancient pagoda. This article has introduce the survey and progress of rectification projects about the ancient pagoda at first, carried on the narration about each kind of rectification plans, proposed the rectification idea of grout injection-horizontal digging method and concrete measures of the plan.

The dynamic behavior is an important index to evaluate the seismic property and structure damage of historic pagoda. On the base of the research of protection technology on Jinaozhou pagoda, the key points and schemes for applied ambient random excitation technology to determine the dynamic behavior of ancient masonry pagodas is introduced. Test results obtained are ideal, and obtain some datas that are beneficial to Jinaozhou pagoda preservation through comparison of test results during four years. It is believed that the present research can provide a valuable reference for the eternal protection, reasonable development and utility & Long-term health monitoring of similar ancient pagodas.

Yingxian Wood Pagoda, built in 1056, is located in the town of Yingxian County, Shanxi Province, China. It is the oldest and highest standing ancient wood structure in China. The pagoda is octagon-shaped in plan, with a total height of 67.31m and a base diameter of 30.27m. It appears as a five-storeyed structure, but actually consists of nine storeys, with four shorter but stiffer storeys hidden between the five apparent storeys. Yingxian Wood Pagoda was built without any metal connectors like nail, screw, or bolt. Instead, Tenon-Mortise connections and Dou-Gong brackets were used to connect all posts and beams. Tenon-Mortise connections and Dou-Gong brackets have been playing a vital role for the pagoda to resist severe winds, earthquakes and some human-induced disasters for nearly a thousand years. To evaluate the safety of the pagoda, it is, therefore, useful to investigate the structural performance of the beam-column joints, most important for Yingxian Wood Pagoda to resist lateral load. In this study, two models of typical beam-column joints of the pagoda, MBCJ-I and MBCJ-II, were manufactured following a ratio of 3.4 to the prototype of the joints. Non-destructive cyclic loading test of the models under different vertical load and destructive cyclic test of the models under vertical load of 20kN were conducted. The hysteretic stiffness of MBCJ-I was lager than MBCJ-II, and increased linearly with vertical load N. The relationship between and N was obtained by regression of the test results using the least square method. The stiffness of model joint under vertical load was 70.6kN/mm. The failure modes, energy-dissipation performance, moment resistance and bending stiffness of both model joints were derived and discussed.

The different damaged characteristics of ancient masonry pagodas in earthquake should be reinforced by corresponding seismic strengthening methods with modern construction materials. Focusing on the long-term preservation of pagoda, investigates the strengthening technology and protective measures relative to durability of reinforcement materials and masonry structure. Combining with the analysis of typical pagoda strengthening projects after the Wen-chuan Earthquake, probes into the improving construction procedure and material formula for the durability of masonry pagodas based on the protective principle of cultural relics.