In this study, an attempt was made to examine the effect of site condi
tions on damage distribution in the Kobe City area, after the Hyogo-ke
n Nanbu earthquake of Jan. 17, 1995, using measured microtremors. A pr
eliminary measurement of microtremors was done between Feb. 18 and 21,
1995. Based on the findings of the preliminary measurement, a more de
tailed investigation was made between March 4 and 6, 1995. In both cas
es continuous-stationary measurements and mobile measurements were mad
e. The measured microtremors in the Kobe area showed site-dependent va
riation in time history, spectral amplitude, spectral ratio, and predo
minant period. Stiff soil sites showed lower values of amplitude both
in time history and spectral amplitude, while soft and deep soil forma
tions showed higher values. The predominant periods also varied in rel
ation to the soil formation in some of the cases. The damage distribut
ion of building structures, especially that of low-rise structures inc
luding wooden houses, showed good relation with the characteristics of
measured microtremors.