Abstract:In order to study the mechanical properties of the Mantou mortise-tenon joints in the post-and-lintel constructions of the ancient traditional timber buildings in the South Yangtze River Regions

the failure modes

hysteretic curves

skeleton curves

and rotation rigidities of the Mantou mortise-tenon joints under low cyclic loading were studied experimentally.Furthermore

with the consideration of the nonlinear contact influence of the mortise-tenon joint and the nonlinear stress-strain behavior of the timber material

the mechanical properties of the Mantou mortise-tenon joints were analyzed by ANSYS software.The results showed that the hysteretic curves of the Mantou mortise-tenon joints appear to be Z shape and have obvious pinch effects. During the process of the test

these mortise-tenon joints orderly pass through the elastic stage

yield stage and failure stage.The theoretical results agree well with the experimental results.The relationship among the in-plane rotational rigidity K1

out-of-plane rotational rigidity K2 and tortional rigidity K3of the Mantou mortise-tenon joint is achieved and the ratio of them is about 12∶1∶2.The results could provide the theoretical base for computing analysis and repair design of the traditional timber buildings in the South Yangtze River Regions.