Abstract
In this pa per, based on the site inv estigation for the meizoseismal area in the downtown of Beichuan county caused by the great M8. 0 Wenchuan earthquake on May , 12 in 2008, the main cha racteristics of earthquake damages are classified and discussed, including damages of the building s and li feline engineering, as well as geo logical hazards caused by the earthquake. Then preliminary analysis of causes of the earthquake damage and summaries of experiences are carried out for future design and research of earthquake-resi stant structures.