hanchiku 版築

Also read banchiku. A method of making the core of a podium *danjōzumi 壇上積 or an earthen wall or fence *tsuiji 築地 that was introduced from China during the Asuka period. A layer of gravel *jari 砂利 is packed down and them covered with clay mixed with lime sekkai 石灰, reaching a height of up to 10 or 15 cm. This material is pounded until it is hard packed. Then, a layer of sand is applied. This process is repeated to the desired height. In the case of a wall, a trench is usually dug first, while a podium may or may not be pre-dug.