Why are ancient buildings so strong without nails?

When it comes to ancient architecture in China, there is a feature that no matter how tall the building is, it is very strong without nails, mainly because of the use of tenons and mortises. Mortise and tenon are common structural forms in ancient architecture and furniture. It's a bit like a child's building block, with concave and convex parts. When these parts are connected together, they are very stable, which fully embodies the ancient wisdom and admirable craftsmanship of China.

First, the classification of mortise and tenon can be seen that the obvious trace is the bright tenon, and vice versa. Generally speaking, the hidden tenon is much more difficult than the open tenon. Dovetail joint's position is very high, and its shape is like a swallow's tail. Generally, tenons have tenons and mortises, which are easier to splice. Various mortise and tenon structures contain Taoist thoughts of Yin and Yang. This technology can seamlessly connect wood blocks, which is very stable and will not be greatly affected even if it vibrates.

Second, tenons and mortises are gradually being replaced. In the past, the tenon-mortise structure was the most commonly used in mahogany furniture, but now manufacturers have reduced the frequency of using this structure, because the technology is more and more advanced, and there are more and more materials and tools that can be replaced. However, the mortise-and-tenon structure needs old craftsmen to complete, and most people will give up the mortise-and-tenon structure at the same time, energy and money.

The tenon-mortise structure has been used by many people since the Warring States Period. The Forbidden City, which we are familiar with, is still intact after many earthquakes. Even the antique palace model has successfully accepted the test of violent shaking and stood still, which is enough to prove the strength of tenon-mortise structure. Mortise and tenon are the wisdom left by our ancestors, the inheritance of Chinese craft and cultural spirit, and the crystallization of the wisdom of thousands of working people in Qian Qian and Qian Qian. If there is an opportunity, I hope we can pick up the mortise and tenon again and learn to understand it. I believe that the spirit of the times and the craftsman spirit behind it will bring us new thinking, and we can also find the meaning of life in the process of exploration.