Research Progress on Mechanical Properties of Chinese Ancient Mortise-Tenon Joints

Mortise-tenon joint is an important characteristic of Chinese ancient timber buildings. Survey on mortise-tenon joint of Chinese timber structures in the last twenty years is summarized and reviewed in five aspects as follows: (1) load transfer mechanism, (2) the relationship of M-θ, (3) the failure characteristics, (4) carrying capacity, and (5) seismic performance. Finally, research on the strengthening of mortise-tenon joints is presented in this paper.