Characteristics of Ancient Traditional Bucket Arch Columns in China

Dougong is a unique building in China. At the joint of column and beam, the arch load-bearing structure added from the top of column is called arch, and the square wood block between arches is called bucket, which is collectively called bucket arch.

Bucket arch column architecture has three characteristics. First of all, the bucket arch plays a connecting role, transferring loads between beams and columns through the combination of tenons and mortises. The buildings with barrel arch structure have stronger seismic performance than other types of buildings. The second is to open the bucket arch to make the eaves of the building more profound and beautiful. Thirdly, the bucket arch is exquisite in structure and beautiful in shape, which can play a good decorative role while strengthening the building structure.