Estimating the Volume of Large-Size Wood Parts in Historical Timber-Frame Buildings of China: Case Study of Imperial Palaces of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang

Abstract

Timber-frame buildings are an important architectural heritage of China, and they play a pivotal role in Chinese architectural history. However the restoration of wood components in ancient buildings has gained significant importance in recent years. Based on the modular theory of ancient Chinese architecture this research includes a case study on the Shenyang Imperial Palace, in order to determine a correlation between the volume of large-size wood parts and the building areas. Linear regression equations have been derived to estimate the volume of large-size wood parts efficiently, and the total volume of the large-size wood parts of the Shenyang Imperial Palace has been estimated as 2912.3 m3. It was found that the regression equations for the flush gable roof type buildings are accurate and can be applied not only to the case study in particular but also to other buildings as well. Finally, determining the volume will bridge the communication gap between the people concerned with restoration and the timber suppliers, which is an increasing concern in China with regard to preservation of ancient buildings and historical monuments.

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