Species identification and characteristic of ancient wood in the Wangyingzhuang traditional courtyard complex, Lishi, China

This study investigated wooden components from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wood species were identified, and their decay resistance and combustion performance were assessed. The results show that the primary species identified are Betula sp. (Betulaceae), Populus sp. (Salicaceae), Pinus sp. (Pinaceae), and Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae). The decay resistance of both architraves and purlins is classified as Level IV (non-durable). Under brown-rot fungal infestation, architraves showed a mass loss rate of 54%, while purlins exhibited a 45% mass loss under white-rot fungi. The degradation of natural antifungal components due to aging significantly reduced the wood's resistance to white-rot fungi. Combustion performance is markedly poorer at the ends of components compared to their middle sections. Ignition at the ends of architraves occurred 16 s faster, with the peak heat release and total heat release increasing by 9% and 15%, respectively. The ends of the purlins ignited 8 s sooner, and the average mass loss rate increased by 43%. The performance degradation at the component ends is primarily attributed to stress concentration, crack development, and moisture erosion. This research provides a scientific basis for the restoration of ancient architectural heritage from the Ming and Qing periods in western Shanxi.