Safety-state evaluation model based on structural entropy weight–matter element extension method for ancient timber architecture

Abstract

This article investigates various factors that may influence the safety state of ancient timber architecture, to improve the accuracy of safety-state evaluation results for ancient timber architecture. During the process, a safety-state evaluation system for ancient timber architecture is developed. This safety-state evaluation system includes five parts: foundation, plinth, timber frame, enclosing wall, and roof. Based on the system, a safety-assessment model for ancient timber architecture based on structural entropy weight–matter element extension model is also introduced. In this model, the structural entropy weight method is applied to calculating the weight of each index and takes the influence of subjective and objective weights into consideration comprehensively. This model has the following three detailed steps. First, correlation function and correlation degree of extension set are used to quantify the relationship between the evaluation indexes of the components, joints, and evaluation interval of each safety state. Second, the safety states of units are determined according to the distribution of safety state of the components. Third, the safety degree of the entire structure is determined via the minimum safety state of units. This study also uses the Niaoqiangsanchu in Forbidden City as a study case and found that the evaluation results are consistent with the results of the practical damage survey and the actual situation of the architecture. The model thus minimizes the uncertainty of qualitative and quantitative factors in the process of evaluating the safety degree of ancient timber architecture, to finally obtain the objective evaluation results.