ABSTRACT
The Taiwanese traditional temple compounds are classified as Chinese style architecture, which started to develop in the 17th century when Chinese immigrants moved from south Mainland China to Taiwan (Fujishima et al 1999). These compounds include several buildings and each building consists of
two identical timber frames connected to perimeter masonry walls laid in the direction normal to them and supporting a system of purlins. These timber structures are commonly called Dieh-Dou. Figure 1 shows a schematic elevation of a Dieh-Dou frame. The main characteristic feature of Dieh-Dou buildings is the stack of small highly decorated timber elements forming the Dou-Gon which sits on the main beam.
