SUN Manli, ZHANG Jingke, MAO Weijia, et al. A study on the systematic conservation of earthen sites[J]. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition), 2026, 56(2): 215-228.
DOI:
SUN Manli, ZHANG Jingke, MAO Weijia, et al. A study on the systematic conservation of earthen sites[J]. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition), 2026, 56(2): 215-228. DOI: 10.16152/j.cnki.xdxbzr.2026-02-001.
A study on the systematic conservation of earthen sites
Systematic conservation of earthen sites encompasses two fundamental dimensions: the scientific comprehension of the site system and the systematic implementation of conservation measures. Through an indepth analysis of the historical development and current challenges in the conservation of earthen heritage sites in China
this study builds on the synthesis of historical
theoretical
and practical experiences. By applying system theory
a value-centric framework is established to define the earthen site system through its conceptual components
structure
functions
state parameters
and phase states
while clarifying system boundaries and environmental interactions. The scientific essence of conservation is identified as preventing or mitigating the transition of earthen site systems from their current non-uniform ordered state to a uniform disordered state. Here
the system's state reflects the preservation status of heritage values and informational integrity
with deterioration acting as the state variable. The assessment of an earthen heritage system's state essentially evaluates the actual or potential impacts of deterioration on the long-term preservation of the system's heritage values. The conservation measures subsystem integrates management
preventive measures
intervention techniques
and utilization strategies. Utilizing synergetics
this study reveals the coordination mechanism among these measures and proposes effectiveness as the order parameter governing the subsystem. Quantitative characterization of the subsystem's state is achieved through conservation effectiveness metrics. The synergistic interaction of these four categories of measures constitutes a holistic systematic conservation approach.
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Stability analysis and protective measures for the sacrificial pits at Sanxingdui Site
The influence of rainfall infiltration on the formation of loose layer on the surface of earthen sites in arid area
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Related Author
ZHANG Yue
WU Mengyu
ZHAO Zeyuan
LU Zhiheng
GUO Yaxu
DONG Wenqiang
DU Yumin
HU Rui
Related Institution
School of Mechanics and Transportation Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University
Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University
School of Public Policy and Administration, Northwestern Polytechnical University
Key Laboratory of Silicate Cultural Relics Conservation, Ministry of Education/School of Cultural Heritage and Information Management, Shanghai University
Key Laboratory of Archaeological Exploration and Cultural Heritage Conservation Technology, Ministry of Education/Institute of Culture and Heritage, Northwestern Polytechnical University