Inca Foundations, Site Preparation, and Drainage at Machu Picchu
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18, Issue 2
Abstract
The remarkable construction skills of the Inca are manifested in the superb site preparation, foundation design, and drainage of Machu Picchu. Decade-long field studies at the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Machu Picchu revealed that the Inca possessed the ability to prepare for structures that endure. This is evident in the vast amount of Inca construction that still exists for engineers to study and admire. Inca construction was sustainable because of their high standard of care, even in the absence of a written language, use of the wheel, or availability of iron or steel. This paper contains examples of good ancient site preparation, foundations, and drainage at Machu Picchu and details of a foundation failure and an ancient landslide. These examples serve to illustrate the site’s challenging conditions for construction and the remarkable skills of the Inca engineers in addressing these difficulties.
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Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18 • Issue 2 • May 2013
Pages: 131 - 142
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 19, 2012
Accepted: Aug 2, 2012
Published online: Aug 13, 2012
Published in print: May 1, 2013
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