Mechanical performance of lintel-column joint of Chinese traditional style architecture with viscous damper

Using a fast dynamic loading method, six Chinese traditional style lintel-column joints were tested and studied, and seismic performance indicators of the joints were obtained. The results indicate that the seismic behavior of Chinese traditional style architecture with the lintel-column joint was superior to that of the contemporary beam-column connection, and the load-bearing capacity and dissipation energy capacity of specimens with viscous dampers were superior to those of specimens without viscous dampers. Compared with single lintel-column joints, dual-lintel-column joints exhibit higher bearing capacity stiffness and fuller hysteretic curves. The dual-lintel-column structure located in the outer eave column plays a role similar to that of the ring beam, which could enhance the overall performance of the structure. A series of damage models was used to evaluate the entire process damage for the six specimens. Furthermore, the results and proposals not only benefit the further development of Chinese traditional style structures but also have reference value for the design, construction, and research of Chinese traditional style structures.