Author(s)

C. Cuadra, Y. Sato, J. Tokeshi, H. Kanno, J. Ogawa, M. B. Karkee & J. Rojas

Abstract

As an initial step to evaluating the seismic vulnerability of Inca constructions at the Machupicchu citadel, dynamic characterization of typical buildings units has been undertaken. This forms a part of the outcome from the field study program, which included microtremor measurement of free field and typical constructions, planned and undertaken by the authors. In this paper, the results of the microtremor measurements are discussed in relation to the analytical procedure to be adopted to estimate the dynamic characteristics of the Inca stone structures. The analytical results are compared with the measurements to calibrate the analytical model. Since microtremor measurements involve very small displacements, it is assumed that at this level the behavior of the stone structures is elastic and the corresponding parameters are applicable to small strain conditions. Using these results, an approach has been proposed to evaluate the seismic behavior and hence the seismic vulnerability of these structures. The procedure also permits identification of the probable mode of failure of the structures concerned. Keywords: Machupicchu citadel, microtremor measurements, stone structures. 1 Introduction Machupicchu citadel is the most well-known of Inca’s archeological sites. It was built before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and abandoned after the Inca Empire collapsed by the year 1540 A.D. During almost four centuries, this

Keywords

Machupicchu citadel, microtremor measurements, stone structures.