Mechanical Behavior of Dou-Gong Brackets in Chinese Traditional Timber Structures: An Experimental Study

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical behaviour of Dou-Gong brackets with different structural forms, including Jixinzao and Touxinzao. Scaled Dou-Gong models were designed and fabricated at a 1:3.4 geometrical ratio. Vertical load tests were conducted to determine the failure modes, load-displacement response, stiffness degradation, and deformation capacity of the Dou-Gong models. Under vertical load, the primary failure modes of the Dou-Gong models were observed at the Lu-Dou, Nidao-Gong, and Hua-Gong component. The specimens demonstrated excellent load-bearing capacity and high deformation resistance. The Jixinzao Dou-Gong model exhibited a 15.0% higher ultimate load-carrying capacity than the Touxinzao Dou-Gong due to the presence of transverse arches. The number of transverse arches in the Dou-Gong models positively correlated with the compression stiffness, while their presence had a negligible effect on stiffness degradation rates. The Touxinzao Dou-Gong model exhibited superior ductility, characterized by a ductility coefficient 8.57% higher than that of the Jixinzao Dou-Gong model. Although the regular layering of the Dou-Gong models was disrupted by Ang component, the models remained stable in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The bi-linear model can effectively simulate the deformation behaviour of the Dou-Gong model under vertical load.