Deterioration of Microstructures and Properties in Ancient Architectural Wood from Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (1056 AD) during Natural Aging

Abstract

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (1056 AD), located in Shanxi province, China, is a unique architectural pure-wooden artifact standing for a millennium. Despite its longevity, the structures and properties of the ancient architectural woods used in its construction have been significantly degraded due to long-term natural aging, which has profoundly impacted the preservation of this valuable cultural heritage. To better understand this degradation, we studied the deterioration of a baluster (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.) from Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The study employed various analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nanoindentation technology, to evaluate the microstructures and properties of the ancient architectural woods. Results indicated that the destruction of wood cell walls was primarily transverse transwall destruction and interfacial debonding and that the degradation of chemical components was primarily in the hemicellulose (xylan) and amorphous region of cellulose. The reduced elastic modulus and hardness of tracheid cell walls in the ancient architectural woods were higher than in recent larch woods. This study would help deepen understanding of wood deterioration during long-term natural aging for the subsequent preservation and protection of wooden cultural heritages and longer use of ancient timber constructions.

Influence of natural aging on wood combustion heat release

“…In addition to wood, some ancient cultural buildings used combinations of wood and brick (Silveira et al 2012;Fierascu et al 2020;Li et al 2020). To repair and maintain these buildings is a complex and time consuming process, affected by many factors, such as light, water, material decay, and worms (termites), and sometimes just natural aging of the wood that was originally used (Froidevaux et al 2013;Long et al 2023). All of these factors contribute to the potential for ignition or combustion, impacting the relative fire risk in ancient buildings.…”

Innovative Treatment of Ancient Architectural Wood Using Polyvinyl Alcohol and Methyltrimethoxysilane for Improved Waterproofing, Dimensional Stability, and Self-Cleaning Properties

“…Historic wooden buildings are vital components of cultural tourism and serve as significant conduits for understanding ancient civilizations [1,2]. However, the wooden components of these historic buildings are vulnerable to damage from various environmental factors such as acid-base water erosion, ultraviolet degradation, and microbial or insect infestation, due to the inherent biological characteristics of wood [3,4].…”