Integrated Buildings & Structures

 View Only

  • 1.  Inca Structural Design for Seismic Loading

    Posted 19 days ago

    I'm back home from a fabulous trip to Peru and marveling at Inca ruins in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.  The sophistication of their structures is remarkable, as testified by their integrity after 600 years. Has anyone in this community studied Inca design practices to mitigate seismic loading, and what can you share? I've found insights from an internet search, but nothing as comprehensive as I would like.



    ------------------------------
    Mitch Winkler P.E.(inactive), M.ASCE
    Houston, TX
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Inca Structural Design for Seismic Loading

    Posted 15 days ago

    Hello Mitchell,

    Congrats on your visit to Cusco! The structures there are marvelous-glad you enjoyed it. Some structural walls rely on particular systems. I believe the ASCE book Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire includes studies on Tipon and may describe these wall systems. It may be worth taking a look at the study.

    Good luck,



    ------------------------------
    Julio Saire P.E., M.ASCE
    Tampa, FL
    ------------------------------



Related Content