Fushougou is a large-scale underground hydraulic and drainage project in the ancient city of Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China. It was first constructed during the Northern Song dynasty under the direction of Liu Yi, then Prefect of Tianzhou. More than just an urban flood-control and drainage system, Fushougou also served as a comprehensive wastewater treatment network, operating on a “combined drainage system” model that was highly advanced for its time [1].
During heavy rainy seasons, the system’s capacity for rapid water discharge ensured that Ganzhou rarely experienced flooding common in other cities. Areas along the Fushougou line showed no signs of stagnant water, proving the system’s remarkable efficiency. Notably, during the great floods of 1998 in China, the system protected Ganzhou’s inner city from destruction [1].
Ganzhou’s terrain is “high in the southwest – low in the northeast,” causing rainwater to converge in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Thus, a drainage system was needed to take advantage of natural slopes to protect the city [2].
Frequent rain and floods threatened residents’ lives and economic activities, especially in a major urban hub like Ganzhou. Building Fushougou aimed to prevent urban flooding and protect both the population and the city’s prosperity [2].
Unlike other ancient works designed solely for drainage, Fushougou was built on a “combined drainage system” model: managing rainwater, treating wastewater, and connecting with ponds and lakes for regulation and reuse. This was a comprehensive approach to water management, laying the foundation for sustainable development [2].
Fushougou was ingeniously designed to combine open ditches (minggou) and underground conduits (ankou). Rainwater first flowed into surface channels, then into subterranean tunnels. The system was also connected to dozens of city ponds such as Phoenix Pond and Sima Pond, forming an interlinked hydrological network. As a result, rainwater was not only discharged quickly but also temporarily stored, easing the burden on the city [3].
At junctions with external rivers, ancient builders installed special “water gates” based on the principle of one-way flow. When internal water levels rose, pressure opened the gates, releasing water outward. Conversely, when river levels rose, the gates shut tightly, preventing backflow into the city. This mechanism effectively safeguarded Ganzhou against river floods while ensuring efficient urban drainage [3].
The underground conduits were built with robust stone and brick arches, with cross-sections and slopes carefully calculated so that water flow was strong enough to carry away silt and prevent clogging. The conduit covers contained coin-shaped water inlets to capture runoff from streets. Entirely reliant on Ganzhou’s natural slope of “southwest high – northeast low,” the system operated smoothly without mechanical support. This demonstrates a vision of integrated and sustainable water management long before modern times [3].
[1] Wikipedia, "福寿沟," 25-Oct-2024. [Online]. Available: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hans/%E7%A6%8F%E5%AF%BF%E6%B2%9F. [Accessed: 25-Sep-2025].
[2] 人民日报海外版, "探秘福寿沟," 28-Aug-2019. [Online]. Available: https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/html/2019-08/28/content_1943667.htm. [Accessed: 25-Sep-2025].
[3] Baidu Baike, "福寿沟：古代赣州城的城市排水系统," [Online]. Available: https://wapbaike.baidu.com/tashuo/browse/content?id=c88e91fe461e231a8490db6a. [Accessed: 25-Sep-2025].
The News 20/09/2025
The construction industry is currently facing immense pressure to reduce carbon emissions, as concrete is not only one of the most widely used materials but also a major source of CO₂ due to its reliance on Portland cement. In response, Shimizu Corporation has conducted extensive research to develop sustainable material solutions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. One of the most remarkable outcomes is carbon-negative concrete, which partially replaces cement and aggregates with biochar. This biochar is produced from sawdust through a carbonization process and has the unique ability to retain a significant amount of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through natural decomposition or combustion. Thanks to this property, carbon-negative concrete not only maintains the necessary mechanical strength for construction but also directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovation is considered a promising step that opens new directions for the advancement of green construction in Japan and worldwide.
The News 13/09/2025
In the context of rapid urban development, the risk of fire in high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hospitals, and smart homes remains a serious threat. Traditional fire protection solutions are predominantly passive, focusing only on preventing flames from spreading and lacking sufficient early-warning capabilities. This limitation often results in delayed responses to fire incidents, leading to severe losses in both human life and property. Addressing this challenge, smart walls with integrated fire sensors have emerged as a breakthrough innovation, offering a proactive approach to building safety. Unlike conventional fire-resistant walls, these advanced walls not only provide thermal insulation and fire resistance but also integrate temperature, smoke, and pressure sensors combined with IoT technologies to continuously monitor environmental conditions. At the first signs of fire, the system can instantly detect anomalies, send alerts to a central control unit or mobile devices, and activate additional safety mechanisms such as water mist suppression or smoke extraction fans. By transforming passive barriers into “intelligent fire guardians,” this technology enhances building protection, increases the chances of timely evacuation, and minimizes potential damages. With its ability to turn ordinary walls into active safety components, smart fire-sensing walls represent a proactive solution that contributes significantly to the development of modern, sustainable, and resilient buildings.
The News 27/08/2025
In mass concrete construction, the heat of hydration has always been a “hidden variable” that troubles many engineers and contractors. When cement reacts with water, an enormous amount of heat is generated and trapped inside the massive concrete body. Without proper control, excessive temperatures and the temperature gradient between the core and the surface can cause dangerous thermal cracks, threatening both the durability and safety of the structure. This challenge is not just theoretical—it has been marked in history with a classic lesson: the Hoover Dam (USA), one of the greatest concrete megastructures of the 20th century. Containing millions of cubic meters of concrete, the dam would have taken hundreds of years to cool naturally. Engineers had to devise unprecedented solutions: segmenting the mass, actively cooling it through a network of circulating cold-water pipes, and applying a combination of innovative measures to bring the concrete temperature down to safe levels.
The News 22/08/2025
Have you ever wondered why modern buildings with large glass facades remain cool in the summer yet warm in the winter? The secret lies in Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass technology. In contemporary construction, glass is no longer just a material for natural lighting but also an essential solution for enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. Low-E glass is coated with an ultra-thin, nearly invisible layer of metal oxide that works “intelligently” to control heat radiation. It allows natural daylight to enter while blocking most infrared and ultraviolet rays that cause heat buildup and potential health risks. Thanks to these properties, this advanced glass not only creates a more comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces heating and cooling costs, while contributing to sustainability and environmental friendliness in modern architecture.
The News 15/08/2025
In the world of natural stone, quartz and quartzite are two names that are often confused—not only because their names sound similar, but also because their appearance shares many similarities. However, they are entirely different materials in terms of origin, structure, and performance characteristics. Quartz is typically an engineered stone, created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin and additives, while quartzite is a natural stone formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. This difference not only impacts the value of the material but also determines its durability, heat resistance, and suitability for various applications. Understanding how to distinguish between quartz and quartzite will help you choose the right stone for your needs, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your investment.
The News 07/08/2025
In areas with high slip risk—such as bathrooms, swimming pools, public lobbies, or sloped surfaces—selecting tiles with adequate slip resistance is essential. To accurately assess this property, there are currently four widely used testing methods, each aligned with different international standards and suited to specific applications. This article will help you understand each method, how to interpret the results, and how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
Members