Standing tall in Haiqing Temple on the Chinese mainland, the Asoka Pagoda has defied time and tremors. Over the past millennium, it has endured 18 major earthquakes, yet remains remarkably intact.
Seismic Savvy: Ancient Engineering at Work
Recent studies by historians and structural engineers highlight a mix of design and material innovations that give the pagoda its resilience:
- Layered rammed-earth foundation that absorbs and disperses ground motion
- Interlocking brickwork allowing slight movement without cracking
- Tapered silhouette reducing wind and seismic stress at higher levels
- Flexible wooden beams embedded between stone layers to cushion shocks
Lessons for Today's Architects and Engineers
As cities worldwide face growing natural risks, the Asoka Pagoda offers a blueprint for sustainable, earthquake-resistant design. Its principles – ground conditioning, flexible joints and weight distribution – are finding echoes in modern green buildings and emergency shelters.
A Journey Through Living History
For travelers and digital nomads, witnessing the pagoda is a chance to connect with over a thousand years of cultural heritage in one structure. Its graceful silhouette against the sky is more than aesthetic – it's a testament to human ingenuity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
