A Review on Utilizing Modern Technologies to Enhance the Seismic Resistance of Ancient Wooden Structures

Abstract

Ancient wooden structures, as crucial carriers of historical and cultural heritage, exhibit significantly reduced seismic resistance due to the degradation of material mechanical properties caused by long-term environmental erosion. Under strong earthquakes, they are highly susceptible to characteristic seismic damage such as bracket set dislocation, column frame tilting, and roof collapse. Systematically investigating their seismic mechanisms and innovating energy dissipation technologies and structural reinforcement methods compatible with heritage conservation principles are essential for enhancing their seismic resilience and sustainable preservation capability. This review summarizes the principles and limitations of the triple seismic mitigation mechanisms—"sliding isolation - joint energy dissipation - mass tuning"— formed through the synergistic effects of column-base slippage, rotation of semi-rigid mortise-tenon joints, energy dissipation within dougong brackets, and roof inertial forces in ancient wooden structures. It focuses on the primary technical approaches currently employed both domestically and internationally to enhance seismic performance: joint reinforcement techniques, which improve load-bearing capacity and stiffness using steel components, fiber-reinforced composites, screws, or wooden wedges; energy dissipation technologies, which introduce devices like friction dampers, shape memory alloy dampers, viscoelastic dampers, and isolation systems to dissipate seismic energy; and column base hooping techniques aimed at optimizing the column rocking mechanism. Research indicates that while modern reinforcement techniques effectively improve structural safety, they commonly increase structural stiffness, amplify seismic actions, adversely affect internal force redistribution, and compromise architectural historic authenticity. Future research should prioritize developing bio-sourced materials or traditional craft-compatible devices that ensure sufficient damping while adhering to the authenticity principle of heritage conservation.