Author(s)

M. Fujisawa & T. Kakimi

Abstract

Preliminary investigation on the preservation of Machu Picchu ruins: Discussions from topographical and geological aspects M. ~ujisawa' & T. ~ a k i r n i ~ I Tsukuba College of Technology,Japan 2 Kaihatsu Design Consultant Co., Ltd., Japan Abstract Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most famous ruin of the Inca Empire. It is located northwest of Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and eastsoutheast of Lima, the current capital of the Republic of Peru. The ruins are located on a narrow ridge (N15W) between Mt. Machu Picchu (elev. 3060m) on the south and Mt. Huayna Picchu (elev. 2660m) on the north. The site has been investigated by a Japanese mission comprised of experts in archeology, city planning, structural engineering and seismic engineering, seismology, geology and soil engineering. The results of topographical and geological investigations of the site indicate: 1. Construction of the ruins took advantage of topographical conditions and large-scale reconstruction is not feasible.

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