Reconstruction of the Shimao citadel gate: Planning and construction of Huangchengtai gate during the 2nd millennium BCE, China

This research aims to identify the typological planning of the Shimao citadel gate; to determine the construction methods and techniques used in its construction; and to reconstruct the citadel gate. A 3D photogrammetry was used for documentation and a parametric design tool for site analysis and data integration. The documentation of the archaeological remains is incorporated as a reference layer in the digital modelling. The reconstruction of the gate was based on structural logic and archaeological evidence. It was found that basic units were used in planning and construction; that there were two phases of building; and that there was a change in layout at some point in time. How and why the layout changed is put forward.