Abstract
This paper presents an approach to the evaluation of seismic damage of historical wooden properties based on the survey of the earth wall.
In this study, a main pavilion of Hotoji temple in Kyoto, that was build toward the end of 16th century. This large wooden building has suffered an intense earthquake under construction.
Through newly proposed surface pealing technique of earth wall, We have found some clear evidence of several repairs of damages after strong earthquakes. Pattern of the cracks and the repair materials suggests the intensity and main direction of quakes as well as the era of the restoration.
Original earth walls left in this main pavilion has made clear that this wooden building has experienced at least four devastating earthquakes.
