The collapse of a historic structure is not just a loss of bricks and mortar; it’s a loss of history. The recent partial collapse of the Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui province, China, is a grim reminder of the intricacies of preserving our cultural heritage. Constructed in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in 1995, this marvel of engineering recently suffered a major blow, just one year after a complete reconstruction effort.
The collapse, taped on cinematic video, includes roof tiles disintegrating and collapsing on the floor, just missing out on tourists. The accident has also triggered serious questions about the quality of restoration work that was carried out in March 2024. Restoration work worth approximately 3.4 million yuan was conducted to rectify structural defects that were first reported in 2017, including regular tile falling and cornice damage. Despite these precautions, the integrity of the tower structure was compromised, and an investigation is currently underway into the materials and techniques used.
The collapse of the Drum Tower reflects the need for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) to maintain cultural heritage. The SHM applies smart-sensing materials and fiber optic sensors that provide real-time data regarding a structure’s condition, allowing interventions at an early stage. It is difficult to apply SHM to ancient monuments due to their special architecture and historical value.
Preservation Engineering is the art of striking a balance between maintaining a building’s appearance and maintaining its functionality structurally. As Kevin Duffy, P.E., at Rimkus has pointed out, “Just making a historic building functional is “not fine,” Duffy explains. “The client won’t find it fine, the government agencies (that protect historic structures and oversee preservation projects) won’t think it’s fine. So you’ve got to develop the approach that aesthetics do matter.” This quote underscores the need for engineers to think in a holistic manner, taking technical as well as aesthetic considerations into account.
The demolition of the Fengyang Drum Tower also suggests that there is a need to learn about archaic materials and structural systems. The conservation engineers should have knowledge about materials like wrought and cast iron, which are greatly different from modern steel. Knowledge about these types of materials is essential in formulating solutions for repairs with as little interference with historic structure of the building as possible.
The enquiry into the Drum Tower collapse is examining a range of factors, including the standards of construction of the materials at the time of the construction and erosion due to weather. There is also a probe into any design flaws. The management of the contractors and compliance with the building codes at the restoration process are also being examined. The incident has been put on hold for temporary trips to such historic monuments in the region, putting a greater question of cultural tourism.
Drum towers, once typical of great Chinese cities, were civic markers, marking the beat and calling townpeople to assemble. Fengyang Drum Tower, the biggest preserved drum tower in China, was not only a piece of Ming Dynasty architecture, but a clinching tourist attraction. Its destruction is a serious blow to local heritage protection initiatives and a precursor to the success of current practice.
