Construction Attributes and Structural Efficacy of the Stone Bridges on the Sacred Pathways of the Ming and Qing Imperial Tombs

Stone bridges along the Sacred Way of Ming and Qing imperial tombs, UNESCO World Heritage sites, exhibit distinct evolutionary patterns with significant structural advancements. Qing Dynasty bridges, featuring pointed arches and refined pier designs, demonstrate markedly higher stiffness—less than one-third the deformation of Ming-era semicircular arches—highlighting technological progress. This study combines 3D laser scanning, finite element modeling (ANSYS), and comparative analysis to reveal how ceremonial rules and building methodologies influenced structural efficacy. It establishes a framework for heritage evaluation, risk assessment, and preservation of similar historic bridges.

Zhu, F., Zhang, T., & Qian, W. (2025). Construction Attributes and Structural Efficacy of the Stone Bridges on the Sacred Pathways of the Ming and Qing Imperial Tombs. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2025.2596787