Aridome

Aridome, known in English as wedge joints, are simple yet strong wooden connections used in Japanese architecture. With this method, diagonal slits are cut partway into the end grain of a beam. Trapezoidal wedges made of hardwood are then inserted into the angled slots, their longitudinal grain oriented perpendicularly. Corresponding V-cut grooves are also chiseled into the facing post to accept the wedged beam end. When fitted together, each wedge's cross-grain reinforces the junction of the beam and post's opposing wood fibers. Called aridome meaning "to insert wedges", the cross-laminated strengthening permits fixtures like shōji sliding doors and timbrel bridges to flexibly connect. The snug reinforcement of aridome joints allowed traditional wooden structures to maintain integrity through centuries of varied loading and movements generated by weather changes.