Mortise and Tenon Structure
Updated 2026-08-15
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Mortise and tenon is a traditional Chinese joinery technique in which a projecting tenon fits into a cut cavity, producing a rigid connection without nails or adhesive. The core proposition is that components can be integrated through complementary geometry, so the joint's strength comes from the shape of the parts rather than from any added binding material. The key qualification is that the fit depends on material properties and tolerance: joints loosen when tolerances are wrong, and wood's direction-dependent behavior must be respected.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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- Interface design: shape each component so it fits the other by form rather than by added connector. - Load path: check that the geometry transmits force through contact surfaces rather than through glue or fasteners. - Tolerance plan: specify the clearances and grain directions the joint needs to stay tight.
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A tenon that fills a mortise distributes force across the contacting faces, so stress spreads instead of concentrating at a fastener. Because no separate connector is needed, there is no dissimilar material to fail or corrode. The joint's stability therefore follows from the geometry of the interface, and it loosens only when the fit degrades.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A6%AB%E5%8D%AFverified
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