The Effects of Vertical Load and Gaps on Lateral Resistance of Fork-Column Dougong in Traditional MultiStory Wooden Structures

This article investigates the mechanical performances of the Fork-Column Dougong (FCDG), also named as Cha-Zhu-Zao Dougong, which is a common type of connection between the upper and lower columns in a traditional multistory Chinese wooden building. Numerical results of a typical FCDG under different vertical loads illustrate that the vertical load can strengthen the lateral stiffness of FCDG to some extent. Because existing FCDGs have different lengths of column limbs in their construction, the effect of this variation on the lateral behavior of the FCDG is also studied with reference to the different contact states between different components of the FCDG. The FCDG without gaps between its components gives generally better lateral behavior according to the lateral force-displacement curve. Because the column is the main member of the structure to carry the structural load transferred through by contact between the column limbs and the supporting Fangs. The length of column limbs would directly affect the effective contact area at the bottom and roots of column limbs, and the variation of the contact area would change the bearing capacity and load path of the FCDG. Results from this study may serve as reference to the restoration and protection of traditional Chinese wooden structures.

The effects of vertical loads on the lateral resistance of the FCDG are clearly described.
Because existing FCDGs can have different lengths of column limbs in their construction, the lateral behaviors of the FCDGs with this variation are also studied.
The results show that proper load and configuration form are beneficial to the mechanical properties of the FCDG.
Results in this study are helpful for the selection of structural form and the design of load in structural design. Furthermore, this study may serve as reference to the restoration and protection of such connection in traditional Chinese wooden structures.

The effects of vertical loads on the lateral resistance of the FCDG are clearly described.
Because existing FCDGs can have different lengths of column limbs in their construction, the lateral behaviors of the FCDGs with this variation are also studied.
The results show that proper load and configuration form are beneficial to the mechanical properties of the FCDG.
Results in this study are helpful for the selection of structural form and the design of load in structural design. Furthermore, this study may serve as reference to the restoration and protection of such connection in traditional Chinese wooden structures.