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Intelligent Systems Analyzing Sections of the Great Wall of China for Ming and Pre-Ming Dynasty Construction

Yang, Jin Rong
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1354688019

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Civil Engineering.
As society moves into the future, environmental concerns such as global warming increase due to human activity (U.S. EPA 2009:2). In construction, the use of cement in concrete contributes to this problem. Scientists and Engineers believe building green, yet durable, is the key to solving this problem. To achieve this goal, researchers must move backward in time to examine how our predecessors built their structures without modern technology, and then they can incorporate the techniques that were used to reduce waste. One of the most qualified structures to examine is the Great Wall of China. The technology they used was not only environmentally friendly, but the structure is also very durable. Some parts of the structure that were built over two thousand years ago still exist today. The research is focused on Ming and Pre Ming dynasty. The research centers on the similarities and differences between the two time periods in construction techniques. Since the Great Wall is very long in length, this research and the research methods mentioned below are limited to Beijing, Hebei and Gansu province. The author found out that the main construction method that was used was rammed earth. The rammed earth method is a technique of building walls by compressing the raw materials such as earth, gravel and lime into the shape of a wall. The construction materials that they used to construct the Great Wall were mainly fire kiln bricks and mud bricks. Fire kiln bricks are made through chemical change when the clay is fired up in the kilns until it is vitrified. Mud bricks, on the other hand, are made through a physical change by letting the bricks dry out in the sun. The main transportation of the material to construct the Great Wall was using a class 2 lever wheelbarrow, though the workers used animals as well. Since the Great Wall was built a long time ago, many historical records and documents were lost or destroyed. The methods listed above are not binary, meaning they are not completely true or false. The author would have to incorporate fuzzy logic to measure the statements, such as how “true” they are, using subjective values. The author also uses Artificial Intelligence and Multi-Media system in his research to assist the end user in the absence of a Great Wall expert. The research results are shown in the Multi-Media system. The research shows that the Great Wall from the Ming dynasty is far superior to the dynasties before it in terms of construction techniques. However; Pre-Ming Dynasty does incorporate more green construction techniques than the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, the author concludes that the structure is durable when it is from the Ming dynasty. The structure is greener when it is from the Pre-Ming dynasty. However, both Ming and Pre-Ming Dynasty’s construction methods are greener than modern practices. With these conclusions, the author recommends using both construction methods from the Ming and the Pre-Ming dynasties to build green yet durable structures for the future.
Fabian Tan (Advisor)
Frank Croft (Committee Member)
Shive Chaturvedi (Committee Member)
Civil Engineering
Great Wall Construction; Fuzzy Logic; Knowledge&8211; Based Expert System (KBES);

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Yang, J. R. (2012). Intelligent Systems Analyzing Sections of the Great Wall of China for Ming and Pre-Ming Dynasty Construction [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1354688019

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Yang, Jin. Intelligent Systems Analyzing Sections of the Great Wall of China for Ming and Pre-Ming Dynasty Construction. 2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1354688019.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Yang, Jin. "Intelligent Systems Analyzing Sections of the Great Wall of China for Ming and Pre-Ming Dynasty Construction." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1354688019

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.