Dougong: Difference between revisions
Reworded some elements of the lead section for greater clarity. Added some information to the function section, including dougong's classification as a type of mortise and tenon joint. I also re-structured and reworded the first several paragraphs of the section to present the information in a more ordered and digestible way. Finally, added a section on the earthquake resistances offered by dougong based on peer reviewed articles. |
m Some minor re-wording and editing of my previous additions. |
||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
[[Image:Yingzao Fashi 5 desmear.JPG|thumb|right|180px|Diagram of bracket and [[cantilever]] arms from the building manual ''[[Yingzao Fashi]]'' (published in 1103) of the [[Song dynasty]]]]''Dougong'' is part of the network of wooden supports essential to the timber-frame structure of traditional Chinese building. ''Dougong'' serve as a connection between the vertical columns and horizontal beams of a structure, capturing the weight of a larger surface area of each beam and transferring it vertically through the column<ref>{{cite web |date=March 25, 2001 |title=Ancient Charm Remains Intact |url=http://english.people.com.cn/english/200103/25/eng20010325_65920.html |access-date=2007-08-29 |publisher=Peoples Daily}}</ref>. It is characterized by layers of interlocking bracket sets, formed by placing a large wooden block (''dou'') on a column to provide a base for the bow-shaped brackets (''gong'') which in turn support either the horizontal structural beam or another ''gong'' above. The wooden joinery is one of the earliest examples of modern [[Mortise and tenon|mortise and tenon joints]] <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fang |first=D. P. |last2=Iwasaki |first2=S. |last3=Yu |first3=M. H. |last4=Shen |first4=Q. P. |last5=Miyamoto |first5=Y. |last6=Hikosaka |first6=H. |date=2001-11 |title=Ancient Chinese Timber Architecture. I: Experimental Study |url=https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%290733-9445%282001%29127%3A11%281348%29 |journal=Journal of Structural Engineering |language=en |volume=127 |issue=11 |pages=1348–1357 |doi=10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2001)127:11(1348) |issn=0733-9445}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Yang |first=Ruyuan |last2=Mapesela |first2=Seithati |last3=Li |first3=Haitao |last4=Lorenzo |first4=Rodolfo |date=2023-06-01 |title=Mechanical properties of Dougong bracket in Chinese traditional timber structure under vertical loads: A systematic review |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710223003042 |journal=Journal of Building Engineering |volume=68 |pages=106125 |doi=10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106125 |issn=2352-7102}}</ref>, using precisely cut notches and grooves to allow for a tight fit. |
[[Image:Yingzao Fashi 5 desmear.JPG|thumb|right|180px|Diagram of bracket and [[cantilever]] arms from the building manual ''[[Yingzao Fashi]]'' (published in 1103) of the [[Song dynasty]]]]''Dougong'' is part of the network of wooden supports essential to the timber-frame structure of traditional Chinese building. ''Dougong'' serve as a connection between the vertical columns and horizontal beams of a structure, capturing the weight of a larger surface area of each beam and transferring it vertically through the column<ref>{{cite web |date=March 25, 2001 |title=Ancient Charm Remains Intact |url=http://english.people.com.cn/english/200103/25/eng20010325_65920.html |access-date=2007-08-29 |publisher=Peoples Daily}}</ref>. It is characterized by layers of interlocking bracket sets, formed by placing a large wooden block (''dou'') on a column to provide a base for the bow-shaped brackets (''gong'') which in turn support either the horizontal structural beam or another ''gong'' above. The wooden joinery is one of the earliest examples of modern [[Mortise and tenon|mortise and tenon joints]] <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fang |first=D. P. |last2=Iwasaki |first2=S. |last3=Yu |first3=M. H. |last4=Shen |first4=Q. P. |last5=Miyamoto |first5=Y. |last6=Hikosaka |first6=H. |date=2001-11 |title=Ancient Chinese Timber Architecture. I: Experimental Study |url=https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%290733-9445%282001%29127%3A11%281348%29 |journal=Journal of Structural Engineering |language=en |volume=127 |issue=11 |pages=1348–1357 |doi=10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2001)127:11(1348) |issn=0733-9445}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Yang |first=Ruyuan |last2=Mapesela |first2=Seithati |last3=Li |first3=Haitao |last4=Lorenzo |first4=Rodolfo |date=2023-06-01 |title=Mechanical properties of Dougong bracket in Chinese traditional timber structure under vertical loads: A systematic review |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710223003042 |journal=Journal of Building Engineering |volume=68 |pages=106125 |doi=10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106125 |issn=2352-7102}}</ref>, using precisely cut notches and grooves to allow for a tight fit. |
||
This process can be repeated many times, and rise many stories, each layer of ''dougong'' joinery providing a broader, and more stable surface area for the beam. Adding multiple sets of interlocking brackets reduces the amount of strain on the horizontal beams where they transfer their weight onto the column. Multiple ''dougong'' also |
This process can be repeated many times, and rise many stories, each layer of ''dougong'' joinery providing a broader, and more stable surface area for the beam. Adding multiple sets of interlocking brackets reduces the amount of strain on the horizontal beams where they transfer their weight onto the column. Multiple ''dougong'' also create elasticity and allows structures to withstand damage from earthquakes. |
||
During the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1297), ''dougong'' was used primarily as a weight-bearing structural element.<ref>{{cite web |title=斗拱 |url=http://web2.nmns.edu.tw/Web-Title/china/A-3-1-4_display.htm |access-date=2008-01-12 |publisher=National Museum of Natural Science (Taiwan) 國立自然科學博物館}}</ref> Walls, in much of traditional Chinese Architecture, functioned to delineate spaces within the structure rather than to support its weight. Since often the walls in these structures |
During the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1297), ''dougong'' was used primarily as a weight-bearing structural element.<ref>{{cite web |title=斗拱 |url=http://web2.nmns.edu.tw/Web-Title/china/A-3-1-4_display.htm |access-date=2008-01-12 |publisher=National Museum of Natural Science (Taiwan) 國立自然科學博物館}}</ref> Walls, in much of traditional Chinese Architecture, functioned to delineate spaces within the structure rather than to support its weight. Since often the walls in these structures were not load-bearing [[Curtain wall (architecture)|(curtain walls]]), made of [[latticework]], [[mud]], or other delicate material, the integrity of external load bearing features, such as the ''dougong'' network are critical to the structure's integrity. |
||
During the [[Ming dynasty]], innovation brought about the invention of new wooden components that aided ''dougong'' in supporting the roof. This allowed ''dougong'' to add a decorative element to buildings, exemplifying the traditional Chinese integration of artistry and function. Bracket sets became smaller and more numerous, and brackets could be hung under eaves, giving the appearance of graceful baskets of flowers while continuing to support the roof.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Guo |first=Daiheng |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1119637659 |title=Chinese master architect : Liang Sicheng |date=2019 |others=Yilian Gao, Lu Xia |isbn=978-1-84464-529-9 |location=UK |oclc=1119637659}}</ref> |
During the [[Ming dynasty]], innovation brought about the invention of new wooden components that aided ''dougong'' in supporting the roof. This allowed ''dougong'' to add a decorative element to buildings, exemplifying the traditional Chinese integration of artistry and function. Bracket sets became smaller and more numerous, and brackets could be hung under eaves, giving the appearance of graceful baskets of flowers while continuing to support the roof.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Guo |first=Daiheng |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1119637659 |title=Chinese master architect : Liang Sicheng |date=2019 |others=Yilian Gao, Lu Xia |isbn=978-1-84464-529-9 |location=UK |oclc=1119637659}}</ref> |
||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
== Earthquake Resistance == |
== Earthquake Resistance == |
||
Modern research has increasingly shown ''dougong's'' importance in resisting destructive capabilities of earthquakes. |
Modern research has increasingly shown ''dougong's'' importance in resisting the destructive capabilities of earthquakes. |
||
Each element of the ''dougong'' system is fastened without the use of static |
Each element of the ''dougong'' system is fastened without the use of static fasteners such as bolts, pins, screws, or nails. Each bracket in the ''dougong'' system is held together by the friction fit of each joint and the compressive weight of the vertical load. Each column, in addition, is supported without the use of fasteners often by cornerstones<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Cao |first=Jixing |last2=Li |first2=Xiaoyu |last3=Liu |first3=Yingyang |last4=Qian |first4=Hui |last5=Yu |first5=Dan |date=2023-02-01 |title=Seismic performance investigation of the Dou-gong joints of traditional Chinese timber structures |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-022-01863-x |journal=European Journal of Wood and Wood Products |language=en |volume=81 |issue=1 |pages=173–186 |doi=10.1007/s00107-022-01863-x |issn=1436-736X}}</ref> or other stone mounting features. |
||
The capacity for seismic resistance in ''dougong'' joints and systems comes primarily from their ability to dissipate energy between column and beam through friction, compression deflection, rotary deformation,<ref name=":0" /> and extrusion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sainan |first=Pang |last2=Dolah |first2=Jasni |date=2022-12-31 |title=STRUCTURE AND DECORATION ART OF DOU-GONG BRACKET SETS AND ITS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION |url=https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/GA/article/view/4040 |journal=Jurnal Gendang Alam (GA) |language=en |volume=12 |issue=2 |doi=10.51200/ga.v12i2.4040 |issn=2600-8661}}</ref> In essence, the dynamic nature of ''dougong's construction'' dissipates seismic energy, offering a layer of protection for structures that employ it. |
The capacity for seismic resistance in ''dougong'' joints and systems comes primarily from their ability to dissipate energy between column and beam through friction, compression deflection, rotary deformation,<ref name=":0" /> and extrusion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sainan |first=Pang |last2=Dolah |first2=Jasni |date=2022-12-31 |title=STRUCTURE AND DECORATION ART OF DOU-GONG BRACKET SETS AND ITS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION |url=https://jurcon.ums.edu.my/ojums/index.php/GA/article/view/4040 |journal=Jurnal Gendang Alam (GA) |language=en |volume=12 |issue=2 |doi=10.51200/ga.v12i2.4040 |issn=2600-8661}}</ref> In essence, the dynamic nature of ''dougong's construction'' dissipates seismic energy as it travels through the joints, offering a layer of protection for structures that employ it. |
||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
Revision as of 03:37, 2 December 2023
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Chinese. (January 2022) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Dougong (Chinese: 斗拱; pinyin: dǒugǒng; lit. 'cap [and] block') is a structural element of interlocking wooden brackets, important in traditional Chinese architecture for both its structural capacities and cultural implications.
The use of dougong first appeared in buildings of the late centuries BC and evolved into a structural network joining pillars and columns to the frame of the roof. Dougong were widely used by the ancient Chinese during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) and developed into a complex set of interlocking parts by its peak in the Tang and Song periods. The pieces are fitted together by joinery alone without glue or fasteners, requiring precise carpentry.
After the Song dynasty, brackets and bracket sets used in palatial structures and important religious buildings became more ornamental than structural, no longer fitting the description of traditional dougong.
Function
Dougong is part of the network of wooden supports essential to the timber-frame structure of traditional Chinese building. Dougong serve as a connection between the vertical columns and horizontal beams of a structure, capturing the weight of a larger surface area of each beam and transferring it vertically through the column[1]. It is characterized by layers of interlocking bracket sets, formed by placing a large wooden block (dou) on a column to provide a base for the bow-shaped brackets (gong) which in turn support either the horizontal structural beam or another gong above. The wooden joinery is one of the earliest examples of modern mortise and tenon joints [2][3], using precisely cut notches and grooves to allow for a tight fit.
This process can be repeated many times, and rise many stories, each layer of dougong joinery providing a broader, and more stable surface area for the beam. Adding multiple sets of interlocking brackets reduces the amount of strain on the horizontal beams where they transfer their weight onto the column. Multiple dougong also create elasticity and allows structures to withstand damage from earthquakes.
During the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1297), dougong was used primarily as a weight-bearing structural element.[4] Walls, in much of traditional Chinese Architecture, functioned to delineate spaces within the structure rather than to support its weight. Since often the walls in these structures were not load-bearing (curtain walls), made of latticework, mud, or other delicate material, the integrity of external load bearing features, such as the dougong network are critical to the structure's integrity.
During the Ming dynasty, innovation brought about the invention of new wooden components that aided dougong in supporting the roof. This allowed dougong to add a decorative element to buildings, exemplifying the traditional Chinese integration of artistry and function. Bracket sets became smaller and more numerous, and brackets could be hung under eaves, giving the appearance of graceful baskets of flowers while continuing to support the roof.[5]
The Bao'en Temple in Sichuan is a good example of the Ming style. It has forty-eight types and 2,200 sets of dougong to support and ornament it. It is a well-preserved fifteenth century monastery complex located in northwestern Sichuan province, China. It was built by Wang Xi, a local chieftain, between 1440 and 1446 during Emperor Yingzong's reign (1427–64) in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).[6]
Earthquake Resistance
Modern research has increasingly shown dougong's importance in resisting the destructive capabilities of earthquakes.
Each element of the dougong system is fastened without the use of static fasteners such as bolts, pins, screws, or nails. Each bracket in the dougong system is held together by the friction fit of each joint and the compressive weight of the vertical load. Each column, in addition, is supported without the use of fasteners often by cornerstones[7] or other stone mounting features.
The capacity for seismic resistance in dougong joints and systems comes primarily from their ability to dissipate energy between column and beam through friction, compression deflection, rotary deformation,[7] and extrusion.[8] In essence, the dynamic nature of dougong's construction dissipates seismic energy as it travels through the joints, offering a layer of protection for structures that employ it.
See also
References
- ^ "Ancient Charm Remains Intact". Peoples Daily. March 25, 2001. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
- ^ Fang, D. P.; Iwasaki, S.; Yu, M. H.; Shen, Q. P.; Miyamoto, Y.; Hikosaka, H. (2001-11). "Ancient Chinese Timber Architecture. I: Experimental Study". Journal of Structural Engineering. 127 (11): 1348–1357. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2001)127:11(1348). ISSN 0733-9445.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Yang, Ruyuan; Mapesela, Seithati; Li, Haitao; Lorenzo, Rodolfo (2023-06-01). "Mechanical properties of Dougong bracket in Chinese traditional timber structure under vertical loads: A systematic review". Journal of Building Engineering. 68: 106125. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106125. ISSN 2352-7102.
- ^ "斗拱". National Museum of Natural Science (Taiwan) 國立自然科學博物館. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
- ^ Guo, Daiheng (2019). Chinese master architect : Liang Sicheng. Yilian Gao, Lu Xia. UK. ISBN 978-1-84464-529-9. OCLC 1119637659.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "Dougong Brackets (斗拱 Dougong)". China Info. Archived from the original on 2008-07-24. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
- ^ a b Cao, Jixing; Li, Xiaoyu; Liu, Yingyang; Qian, Hui; Yu, Dan (2023-02-01). "Seismic performance investigation of the Dou-gong joints of traditional Chinese timber structures". European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. 81 (1): 173–186. doi:10.1007/s00107-022-01863-x. ISSN 1436-736X.
- ^ Sainan, Pang; Dolah, Jasni (2022-12-31). "STRUCTURE AND DECORATION ART OF DOU-GONG BRACKET SETS AND ITS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION". Jurnal Gendang Alam (GA). 12 (2). doi:10.51200/ga.v12i2.4040. ISSN 2600-8661.
Additional sources
- Liang Ssu Ch'eng Chinese Architecture, A Pictorial History ISBN 0-486-43999-2
External links
