In order to study the dynamic properties of the pagoda with solid structure when affected by an earthquake, take the Xuanzang Pagoda as an example which is one of the World Cultural Heritage Architecture Sites. An 1/8-scale model was constructed for a shaking table test. The principle properties of the structural damage were observed. The natural vibration period of the structure and the acceleration and displacement responses excited by the seismic waves were measured. The structure mode was calculated with the Finite Element Method. The fundamental mechanical parameters were determined with reference to the test result. The dynamic responses of the structure were calculated, and the simulation results were compared with the test. The relationship between the structural acceleration, the displacement response, and the height was analyzed. The distribution of the principle tensile stresses and the equivalent plastic strain was compared with the cracks in the structure. The calculated results of the acceleration and displacement amplification coefficient versus the height agreed with the test results. The dynamic amplification coefficient at the floors depended on the earthquake intensity, load direction, and seismic wave formation. For the cracks of masonry that had a certain influence on the structure dynamic response, the result values determined with the Finite Element Method differed a little from the test results. The research conclusions can provide references for the Xuanzang Pagoda to defend against seismic disasters.

To study the dynamic characteristics and seismic damage of the Bayun Pagoda,the dynamic characteristics are determined via an in-situ dynamic test, and the flexibility curvature method is used to identify the damage. Moreover, the numerical calculation results of the dynamic characteristics are compared with the test results. The mechanical parameters of the materials are determined in the consistency of the dynamic characteristics, and a plastic damage model is also introduced. From the vertical compressive stress the initial damage is defined, and the seismic damage is analyzed by inputting El-Centro, Taft, and Lanzhou artificial wave. As results, the first-order natural frequencies are close to each other in the horizontal East-West and North-South directions, and the initial damage rates of the 6th, 8th, 10th floors are higher. The distributions of the principal tensile stress excited by different seismic are similarbut the distributions of seismic damage are slightly different; the area with serious seismic damage is in the middle and bottom floors, and the damage accumulation of the first floor is more obvious than those of the other floors. Moreover, the outer edge of each floor, the pagoda eaves, and the periphery of the archway are found to be easily damaged.