Deep Impact: What Happens When Archaeological Sites are Built on?

Abstract

Increasingly, developers and archaeologists search for ways to build on archaeological sites, while at the same time preserving the remains underneath. However, deciding which effects of construction on archaeological sites are acceptable and which are not is hampered by the lack of knowledge on the impacts of construction on archaeological sites. This paper provides an update on some of the effects of building on archaeological sites. Recent research had shown that displacement piles cause less disturbance in soft soils than previously thought. Moreover, replacement piles may be less benign that assumed up till now. Effects of loading on archaeological sites are described, and gaps in the knowledge on these effects are indicated. More research is needed in this field, especially on predicting soil disturbance and damage to weak materials. Impermeable surfaces and constructions on top of sites may affect the visibility of soil features due to decreased rainwater infiltration. Finally, a series of non-physical effects are mentioned that will have to be taken into account when deciding on allowing building on archaeological sites.

Keywords:

• construction
• piling
• loading
• compression
• deformation
• burial environment

I would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their thorough and helpful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Notes

1 Pers. comm., D. Ngan-Tillard, Delft University of Technology, Department of Applied Earth Science.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D J Huisman

Hans (D. J.) Huisman has an MSc in soil science and a PhD in geochemistry from Wageningen University. Since 2003, he has worked for the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands as senior researcher in soil science and degradation. He has undertaken a series of research projects on degradation of archaeological remains and the monitoring of archaeological sites, and has edited and co-authored a book on degradation of archaeological remains.

Correspondence to: D. J. Huisman, Cultural Heritage Agency, PO Box 3800 BP, Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Email: [email protected]