Composition and Structure Analysis of Xi’an Drum Tower Foundation

Through surveying and mapping techniques, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the internal rammed soil and external brick masonry structure of the foundation of Xi’an Drum Tower. This investigation aimed to clarify various issues, including the thickness of the brick walls, the depth of the rammed soil, and the composition of the foundation soil. Furthermore, the element composition and main chemical composition of brick samples, ash samples, and rammed soil samples were determined using methods such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on comprehensive analysis, it was speculated that organic substances such as glutinous rice paste were added to the mortar between the bricks of the drum tower base. Soil tests revealed that the rammed soil within the foundation is collapsible loess with medium collapsibility in certain areas. It was concluded that the primary reason for uneven settlement of the foundation is the collapsibility deformation of the rammed soil upon encountering water. Analyzing the composition and structure of the Xi’an Drum Tower’s foundation not only provides robust data support for foundation protection but also serves as a reference for protecting other high-rise structures like the Bell and Drum Tower and the city wall.