The Earthquake-Resistant Properties of Chinese Traditional Architecture

Abstract

This article explains why Chinese traditional architecture has effective earthquake-resistant properties. First the many factors that affect the response of buildings to earthquakes are presented. The article goes on to describe the features of Chinese traditional architecture that contribute to reduction of earthquake actions: the shape, configuration, and integrality of the traditional structure, particularly the excellent damping effect of the ductile tenon-mortise joint and the bracket set. Yingxian Pagoda and the Guanying Pavilion, two timber structures built around 1,000 years ago, have resisted many strong earthquakes, and an explanation is given for their excellent performance. The ability of masonry pagodas to withstand earthquakes is discussed with respect to non-occurrence of resonance, and the integrality and configuration. In the conclusion, the author answers the question of whether the good aseismic behavior of Chinese traditional building resulted from measures deliberately taken by the ancient builders.