What is a duo Gong?
What is a duo Gong?
Dou Gong or “cap and block” is known to be a remarkable structural element of joining wooden brackets. The pieces are fixed together by only the joints made in the wood. It did not use nails or glue, it was held together because of the accuracy and excellence of the woodworking.
What was the Chinese dougong system?
Their solution was dougong. Translating as “cap (and) block,” dougong is a system of wooden brackets that can support the overhanging roofs commonly found in Chinese architecture. This support system meant that even buildings made from latticework and mud could bear the weight of a heavy temple roof.
Who invented dougong?
Wang Xi
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).
What is the reason why dougong is the best solution for building strong joints and without the use of nails?
As multiple dougong brackets are added, the joints are compressed weight is distributed evenly throughout the structure. This way, individual elements are not prone to splitting or cracking and the system of interlocking beams cannot be shaken apart, or shattered under stress.
What are Chinese roofs made of?
Encaustic Tiles Tiles were the most common material used for ancient Chinese roofs. They provided good protection against fire, stayed waterproof, and were good for drainage. Residential buildings weren’t allowed yellow glazed tiles, which were reserved for use on royal buildings.
How are Chinese temples built?
Most temples were built on a precise compass orientation and the buildings set on a raised platform of no less than one metre in height. Subsidiary buildings were arranged symmetrically around the main temple building which could have more than one storey, a rarity in Chinese architecture.
What is the most economical roof in Chinese architecture?
Straight inclined
Straight inclined: Roofs with a single incline. These are the most economical type of roofing and are most prevalent in commoner architectures. Multi-inclined: Roofs with 2 or more sections of incline. These roofs are used in higher class constructions, from the dwellings of wealthy commoners to palaces.
What’s the difference between a Dougong and a gong?
Dougong also acknowledged as bracket set, is a special aspect of the traditional Chinese wood building construction. “Dou” implies the funnel-shaped cushion board while “Gong” is the wooden part, which is normally arched and short.
What does Dou Gong stand for in Chinese Engineering?
Dou Gong or “cap and block” is known to be a remarkable structural element of joining wooden brackets.
How was the Dou Gong bracket system held together?
The pieces are fixed together by only the joints made in the wood. It did not use nails or glue, it was held together because of the accuracy and excellence of the woodworking. In the Forbidden City, all of the buildings used this technique.
Why was the dougong important to the Song dynasty?
After the Song Dynasty, brackets and bracket sets became more ornamental than structural when used in palatial structures and important religious buildings, no longer the traditional dougong . Dougong is part of the network of wooden supports essential to the timber frame structure of traditional Chinese building.