The Ming Great Wall in Beijing suffers from hidden voids, detachments, and moisture infiltration from long-term weathering and human impacts. Invasive diagnostics risk irreversible damage to this UNESCO site. This study developed a non-destructive 400 MHz GPR framework integrating attribute analysis and 3D imaging, validated through scaled physical models and field surveys at the Panlongshan section. Instantaneous amplitude enabled 3D reconstruction with 19.41% mean volumetric error. Strong empirical correlations (Pearson |r| = 0.79-0.92) link defect moisture content positively to RMS amplitude and generalised S-transform response, and negatively to central-frequency bandwidth and high-frequency (>0.2 MHz) amplitude stability, achieving semi-quantitative moisture discrimination in 13 infill scenarios. While robust in controlled tests, these relationships require site-specific calibration due to material and environmental heterogeneity. The method provides accurate defect localisation and volume estimation for Ming masonry conservation; broader validation across diverse sections is recommended to confirm general applicability worldwide.

From the Western Zhou to the Han Dynasty, the Qigucheng Site was an important centre in eastern Shandong. This site contains a rich collection of long-lasting cast iron and ceramic industrial remains from the Han Dynasty. Although researchers have gained a comprehensive understanding of ancient Chinese ironmaking technology, such work has mainly focused on iron artifacts and slag, with few studies examining the ironmaking furnace itself, which includes facilities for smelting, melting, forging iron, and other high-temperature processes for heat treatment. Research exploring the origins and development of China’s unique cast iron smelting technology through the analysis of furnace wall materials has not been fully carried out. To address this gap, this study used petrographic analysis and chemical analyses to investigate the cast iron production-related ceramic materials in the Han dynasty through archaeological excavation and scientific analyses, and revealed the possible material and technological connections between metallurgical and ceramic industries at that time. The findings suggest that craftsmen at the time had mature technical choices for metallurgical ceramics. Further, despite variations in functional properties, metallurgical ceramics might share a common geological origin, as indicated by the consistent mineral composition of clay matrix and quartz silt across samples, indicating that different categories of technical ceramics may have shared technological practices.

The complex cultural exchanges of the Shang (P) dynasty (ca. 1600-1046 BCE) have long been a significant subject of archaeological research. This study analyzes bronze vessel patterns, material evidence with distinct Bronze Age characteristics, to investigate the similarities among regions and reveal intricate patterns of cultural interconnections. Using a sample dataset of bronze vessel pattern images from the Shang dynasty, we extracted feature vectors through deep learning algorithms, and constructed GIS-based regional relationship networks in the late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300-1046 BCE) by Jaccard similarity and overlap coefficient analyses. The results demonstrate that in the late Shang dynasty, bronze vessel patterns exhibited a distinct cultural centralization pattern, and the dominant influence of the Shang dynasty's ritual culture far exceeded the scope of archaeological boundaries to establish a unified cultural identity across extensive territories. Concurrently, peripheral cultural interactions contributed substantially to this cultural dynamism, forming multiple distinct exchange routes. Our proposed network analysis of feature vectors using Jaccard similarity and overlap coefficient offers a potential methodology for exploring ancient cultural phenomena.

The Liulihe Cement Plant in Beijing was established in 1939, originating from a small workshop founded by the Japanese as part of the North China Cement Co. Ltd. The plant was expanded after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and emerged a leader in cement production, successfully adopting the semi-dry process technology utilising Lepol kilns. This paper examines the two Lepol kiln production lines that survive at the plant. It identifies their chronology, discusses their technological status and delves into the significance of semi-dry technology in the context of China's cement industry. The paper also highlights the plant's significant role in the swift progress of the country's cement industry, an evolution that illustrates the characteristics of large state-owned enterprises during the period of China's planned economy, as well as the effects of market-oriented reforms implemented since the late 1970s and subsequent advancements in new technologies.

The compositional analysis of Ding white porcelain has revealed a transition in the porcelain-making recipe between the Song and Jin dynasties. However, there has been little understanding of how this transition happened in a finer time scale. This study examined the porcelain body of Jin Dynasty Ding wares from the Jianci site, focusing on strontium isotope ratios and trace elements. The findings reveal a significant shift in composition between the early and late Jin dynasties. The early Jin Dynasty potters used dolomite flux as in the Northern Song Dynasty, while the late Jin Dynasty porcelain was likely made from raw clay without added flux. This study presents the first strontium isotope analysis of Jin dynasty Ding wares with clear kiln origins, revealing significant changes in the ceramic body composition between the early and late Jin periods.

Despite the survival of sophisticated technique of underglaze copper red porcelain in contemporary China, the historical recipe for this paint from the Yuan to Qing dynasty (14-18th century) remains unknown. In this study, analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), electron probe microanalysis with wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EPMA-WDS), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were used to examine twenty-seven underglaze copper red and partial copper red glaze samples. The detection of Cu-S and Cu-As phases in microscale particles in the red colour areas reveals that cupric oxide and realgar were the primary raw materials. The use of realgar and other pertinent evidence indicate that the development of underglaze copper red in the Yuan dynasty was influenced by Islamic ceramic. This research provides insights into the technological origins and historical recipe of the underglaze copper red porcelain and highlights potential technological links between Chinese and West Asian ceramics during the Yuan dynasty.

The Sacred Way stone bridges of Ming and Qing imperial tombs, UNESCO World Heritage sites, exemplify ancient Chinese ritual architecture and engineering. This study investigates the design principles, structural behavior, and evolutionary patterns of these bridges through an interdisciplinary approach combining literature review, 3D laser scanning, comparative analysis, and finite element modeling with ANSYS. We analyzed exemplary stone bridges at the Ming Tombs, the Eastern Qing Tombs, and the Western Qing Tombs. Results indicate separate evolutionary phases that illustrate historical shifts in ritual development: the Ming Dynasty transitioned from multi-bridge configurations to systematic arrangements, whilst the Qing Dynasty standardized bridge types based on tomb hierarchy. Elucidate systematic variations of individual components in Ming-Qing stone bridges. The shift from Ming semicircular arches to Qing pointed arches shows technological progress. Finite element analysis demonstrates that Qing five-arch bridges have significantly higher stiffness than Ming bridges, with deformation less than one-third. The improved structural performance is due to the implementation of pointed arches and refined pier design. This initial quantitative correlation of ceremonial rules, building methodologies, and structural efficacy establishes essential foundations for heritage evaluation, risk assessment, and scientific preservation of analogous historic bridges at World Heritage sites.

As an exemplary representative of dome-shaped kilns, the ancient Ding kiln produced worldrenowned ceramics and held a pivotal position in the history of ancient pottery. Starting from archaeological excavations, this study references existing re-firing experiments and replica kilns to establish a physical model of the Ding kiln and a coupled mathematical model integrating the thermal processes of the furnace with ceramic firing. Using FLUENT software, numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the flow field within the kiln, revealing the sensitivity of key parameters-such as kiln structure and firing techniques-to its operational state. Parameter reconstruction and virtual restoration were performed, leading to the conclusion that the optimal parameters for Kiln 1 at the Beizhen Ding Kiln Site in Quyang County are as follows: Kiln wall height: 2.01-2.11 m, Arch central angle: 105 degrees-115 degrees, Fire barrier height: 0.15-0.25 m, Excess air coefficients during four critical firing phases: 1.34-1.41, 1.42-1.50, 0.89-0.94, and 0.92-0.98. The study summarizes a feasible technical framework for virtual reconstruction of ancient porcelain kiln structures, laying the data foundation for the development of an interactive firing visualization system for Ding kiln.

The long ring pommel Dao (a kind of single-edged blade), a significant indigenous Chinese weaponry innovation of the Western Han Dynasty, is researched this study. Employing a comparative research methodology, we conduct a scientific analysis of samples excavated from the tombs of marquisates across various regions of China, spanning from the northern to the southern extremities. This analysis encompasses metallographic examination, inclusion composition analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), complemented by the application of a metallurgical kinetic model to reconstruct key smelting operations. The semifinished materials of the long ring pommel Dao are sourced from two primary origins: bloomery carburized steel and cast iron-puddling joint decarburization steel (cast iron-Chaogang steel). Both pathways exhibit a predominance of FeOx·SiO2y oxide inclusions. Our investigation particularly emphasizes the Fe2SiO4 inclusions, which have a melting point of 1178℃. By leveraging the length/width ratio of Fe2SiO4 inclusions, we can ascertain whether the smelting process involved an all-liquid phase. Notably, the length/width ratio of Fe2SiO4 inclusions in the cast iron-puddling joint process exceeded 5. Additionally, our findings reveal that during the cast iron-puddling joint decarburization process, when the forging temperature falls below 880℃, the mesh-like Fe2SiO4 inclusions undergo fragmentation. This phenomenon provides crucial insights into the forging system of the Han Dynasty, facilitating a more detailed reconstruction of its metallurgical practices.

The Jin Dynasty (12th–13th century CE) lead-silver smelting crucibles unearthed from the Yanchuan site of Ding white porcelain Kiln are analyzed to provide geochemical reference data of clay used for Ding porcelain production. The result of major and trace elements demonstrates that these crucibles were made of Zimujie clay found around the Ding Kiln site. Their 87Sr/86Sr ratios strongly correlate with Rb/Sr, similar to samples from other white porcelain sites in north China but different from the Northern Song Ding Kiln porcelain. The comparative study reveals that a flux was used in the production of porcelain body during the Northern Song period. This recipe, however, changed significantly during the Jin period, indicating a major shift in the history of the Ding Kiln porcelain production.

Red overglaze decoration is one of the earliest and most important colorful overglaze decorations in China, which had a remarkable influence on the successful firing and development of polychrome overglaze porcelains. The uncontrollability of red overglaze decoration led to a certain proportion of defective porcelain products in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). To investigate and identify the coloring effect of iron oxide crystals in red overglaze decoration, three groups of samples with different color appearance were non-destructively analyzed and observed by OM, spectrophotometer, XRF, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SEM. The results show that the hue of red overglaze decoration was caused by the different crystal forms of iron oxide. Hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) displays red color, while maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4) yield orange-red and dark red colors. With the similar raw materials and manufacturing processes, the presence of maghemite and magnetite are related to subtle differences in processing raw materials and firing them.

The study of modern Chinese engineering history is of great significance,and its basic theoretical issues need further exploration.Engineering history belongs to the broad category of technological history and is subordinate to the secondary discipline of technological history in the discipline of science and technology history.The modern Chinese engineering history begins with the Anqing Inner Armament Establishment in 1861 and has gone through four historical periods:the embryonic stage,the initial stage,the beginning stage,and the development stage.The research content covers engineering projects,engineering achievements,engineering materials,engineering organizations,engineering personnel,and education.Studying from different perspectives of global history,civilization history,and revolutionary history can reveal multiple aspects of the development of engineering history.At the same time,the research objects of modern engineering history involve multiple levels,including specific projects of engineering practice,achievements obtained,preserved literature materials,and actual operational engineering organizations.In addition,the research perspective of modern engineering history can be expanded to global history,civilization history,and revolutionary history,revealing the interaction between engineering history development and social,cultural,political,and other factors.Through in-depth research,modern Chinese engineering history can provide historical references for modern engineering construction.

This study employs advanced ultrasonic tomography and Grasshopper software to investigate the internal anomalies within stone materials. We aim to enhance the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods with potential applications extending to modern architecture and stone engineering. Cavity damage and internal defects threaten the structural stability of stone cultural relics. Traditional non-destructive testing methods, while practical, have limitations in assessing these relics comprehensively. This paper proposes an enhanced ultrasonic testing method based on mathematical analysis to accurately detect cavity damage in stone cultural relics. We also investigate imaging techniques for internal defects, combining ultrasonic testing with Grasshopper software for efficient and accurate defect characterization. Additionally, we introduce an acoustic tapping method for detecting internal defects in ancient building stones. Verified through field tests and data analysis, this method is non-invasive, accurate, and fast. The process of detecting stone defects using this technology, along with data analysis methods, experimental results, and application effects, are detailed. This research contributes to the improved preservation and restoration of ancient buildings and extends to other fields, such as modern architecture and stone engineering, highlighting its significance in cultural heritage conservation.

Chemical analysis is fundamental for archaeometric study of ancient Chinese bronzes. A large corpus of compositional data on ancient bronzes has been acquired through various modern analytical instruments. However, the accuracy and reproducibility of the data have not been systematically evaluated. This renders much difficulty for the comparative study of chemical results from different laboratories. Our research evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of the analytical data of several laboratories in China based on 10 bronze reference materials. We found that the results were fine for Cu, Sn, Fe, and Ni but relatively poor for Pb, Sb, Bi, Ag, Zn, Co, As, Mn, Al, and Cd. We also examined data distribution from multiple laboratories and analytical methods. Statistical analysis suggests that the results can be used to estimate data variation among different laboratories and that legacy data can be used in a more quantitative way.

从技术-文化互动的视角看,清代广东铁业发展呈现的是一幅既有本土技术、文化之间的关联变化,又有本土与外来技术、文化之间碰撞影响的复杂场景.清代广东铁业变迁历史说明,技术服从于孕育它的社会文化框架,文化影响技术发展的进程,技术-文化互动形成了清代广东土法铁业独特的发展历程,也影响了广东土法铁业与现代西法铁业之间的碰撞过程.在这一过程中,双方面临的不仅仅是技术差异,还包括孕育它们的社会文化之间的差异,这种差异是技术发展内在逻辑的差异,它深刻影响了技术变迁的路径.对这一过程的理解,能为审视现代产业变迁之路提供启示.

本工作对五本国际期刊中10768篇样本数据的产出与分布情况进行了统计分析,并通过VosViewer软件开展了研究机构、作者群、关键词的知识图谱分析,展现了国际科技考古与文物科技保护领域科学知识的主题范围、结构关系.在此基础上,提出了中国文化遗产保护学科知识体系的构建思路.