Archaeology Survey Techniques Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of information in the public domain for archaeological findings?

Environmental Agency

British geological survey

County records offices

Local residents (correct)

What is the primary purpose of conducting a walk-over survey?

To visually assess the current physical conditions of the site (correct)

To check the legal boundaries of property deeds

To gather geological data from maps

To determine soil contamination levels

Which of the following factors does NOT need to be assessed during a walk-over survey?

Utility service locations (correct)

Confirmed hazard waste tipping

Previous vegetation

Potential hazards to health and safety

Which condition is likely to be identified as a hazard during a walk-over survey?

Presence of invasive species like Japanese Knotweed Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is typically gathered from coal authority reports?

Mining reports, past, present and proposed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a site investigation?

To determine the relevant engineering properties of soils and rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a desk study?

Structural design analysis Signup and view all the answers

How may groundwater movement affect site investigations?

It can create potential hazards and influence design decisions Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of inadequate site investigations?

Increased time and payment claims from contractors Signup and view all the answers

Which of these survey techniques is classified as a type of site investigation?

Desk study Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial when considering the historical aspects of a site in a desk study?

Site history, including brown-field and green-field status Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk that site investigators should assess regarding ecological factors?

Presence of protected wildlife Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to obtain undisturbed soil samples?

Coring tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of disturbed soil samples?

They are suitable for visual grading and establishing moisture content. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method for obtaining soil samples?

Trial pits Signup and view all the answers

How should disturbed soil samples be stored?

In labelled airtight jars Signup and view all the answers

What information is typically included in the test results of soil samples?

A drawing showing locations and a hatched legend Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil sampling faces difficulties in extraction?

Undisturbed soil samples from certain subsoil types Signup and view all the answers

What are undisturbed soil samples typically dispatched in?

Wooden boxes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following testing methods is suitable for disturbed soil samples?

Laboratory tests for moisture content Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of conducting a site survey?

To identify types, properties, and depths of subsoil strata Signup and view all the answers

In relation to ground investigations, what does establishing the level of the water table help with?

Designing economic foundations Signup and view all the answers

How should samples be extracted during the ground investigation?

At intersection points of a 10–20m2 grid pattern Signup and view all the answers

Which type of information is crucial for evaluating the results of a desk study and walk-over survey?

Photographs with documented dates Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in the list of sources consulted during an initial assessment?

Copies of the information obtained during the research Signup and view all the answers

What should the results of a site survey and ground investigation primarily be evaluated for?

Potential hazards and subsoil characteristics Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a site survey, what is the significance of capturing aerial photographs?

To document the current site condition in detail Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum depth that trial pits can be used for foundation investigation?

3,000 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for foundations exceeding 30,000 mm in depth?

Deep borings and in-situ examinations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the choice of soil investigation methods?

Cost of materials Signup and view all the answers

Trial pits can be accurately excavated in which type of ground conditions?

Dry ground Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of conducting trial pits?

To expose underground services Signup and view all the answers

What should the distance from the edge of the foundation be in relation to the depth of a trial pit?

Equal to the depth of the trial pit Signup and view all the answers

What type of samples can be obtained from trial pits?

Both disturbed and undisturbed samples Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT determine the number and depth of trial pits?

Local weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is one of the possible methods to obtain disturbed soil samples?

Mechanical auger Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a sieve analysis?

To determine the grading/size of soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following categories does NOT belong to the classification of soil particles?

Compacted soil Signup and view all the answers

What does a compression test measure in cohesive soil?

Compression strength Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements describes the water table?

It indicates the point where soil is fully saturated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue caused by groundwater during construction?

Water entering excavated voids Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum proposed depth for boreholes when investigating soil for foundations?

30m Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT designed to evaluate soil properties without disturbing the soil?

Borehole sampling Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Site and Soil Investigations

Site investigation is crucial for foundation design and construction.
Typical information sources and survey techniques are needed.
Understanding soil properties relevant to foundations and ground movements is essential.
The effects of groundwater movement and control methods should be appreciated.

Types of Site Investigation

Desk study involves collecting existing information, maps, service drawings, aerial photographs, and information from public bodies.
Site reconnaissance is a walk-over survey to visually inspect the site, including topography and location features.
Ground and soil investigations include site investigations, on-site tests, and laboratory work.
Performance appraisal involves feasibility studies, environmental audits, and risk assessments.

Objectives of Site Investigations

Determining site conditions within the region of influence of a proposed building.
Determining the engineering properties of soils and rocks that affect foundation design and construction.

Inadequate Site Investigation

Leads to additional payment and time claims from contractors.
Insufficient information can result in the presence of groundwater or insufficient information for the design of temporary works.

Potential Hazards & Associated Risks

High water table/low-lying land: Flooding, toxic material transport.
Mining: Ground movement, ground gases, shrinkage/heave.
Peat: Changes in volume due to moisture content, methane/carbon dioxide production.
Infill/made ground: Tipping, gas release, settlement.
Low bearing capacity ground: Settlement, tilt problems.
Former buildings/structures: Settlement, impact on new structures.
Adjacent buildings: Effect on existing structures, stability.
Drains: Contamination, flooding, waterlogging, interruption of land drainage systems.
Sulfates in ground/groundwater: Expansive reaction.
Contamination: Chemical attack on concrete, potential hazards from chemicals.
Solution features in chalk/limestone: Settlement, cavities, ground movement.
Unstable ground/landslip: Ground movement.
Seas/lakes/rivers: Erosion.

Desk Study

Ordnance survey maps (historical+modern), grid reference.
Rights of way.
Geological maps (subsoil types, radon risk).
Site history (greenfield/brownfield).
Previous planning applications/approvals.
Current planning applications.
Development restrictions/conservation orders.
Utilities (location of services).
Wayleaves.
Aerial photographs.
Ecology factors (protected wildlife).
Proximity of landfills (methane risk).
Flood risk and history.
Underground mining/subsidence history.
Restrictions from deeds of land.
Archaeological findings.

Sources of Information

Public Domain

British Geological Survey (maps, information).
Ordnance Survey.
Environmental Agency.
Coastal erosion/landfill sites/water extraction details.
Local Authority (building control, environmental health, legal searches, previous investigations).
County records, libraries, museums, local history.
Utility companies.
Coal Authority (mining reports).
Soil survey maps.

Private Domain

Local residents.
Site vendor.
Nearby sites.
Projects of similar sites (in-house information).

Information Identified

Location, accessibility, and space.
Subsoil nature.
Extent of difficult ground conditions.
Filled/contaminated ground.
Mining shafts/tunnels.
Ponds, watercourses, groundwater level, and risk of flooding.
Utility services.
Previous vegetation.
Landslip.
Natural aggressive chemicals, harmful gases, and landfill gases.
Foundations of adjacent buildings.

Walk-Over Survey

Checking site boundaries against deeds.
Identifying potential hazards (e.g., hazardous waste tipping).
Assessing condition of existing structures.
Assessing ground slope/contours.
Identifying invasive vegetation (e.g., Japanese Knotweed).
Confirming Tree Preservation Orders.
Assessing adjacent structures/property.

Information to be Collected

Location & accessibility.
Potential hazards.
Site size/shape/level.
Tree position/species/size/condition.
Existing building/utility locations.
Signs of groundwater/flooding.

Topography

Changes in slope.
Valley bottoms/depressions.
Overburden on slopes.
Excavations.
Signs of landslip/tilting.
Signs of subsidence.
Imported soil details, especially if odorous or hot in nature.

Soils and rocks

Basic ground type.
Evidence of compressible soil (peat, silt etc).
Cracking/stickiness.
Change in soil conditions (clay to chalk or soil to rock).

Surface water and vegetation

Presence/level of the water table
Evidence of flooding (reeds, water-loving plants).
Springs, ponds, rivers.

Structural information

Damage to structures (cracking).
Evidence of movement (tilting, distortion).
Structures/services below ground level.

Local information

Local knowledge of site activities (mining, tipping), history/past usages.
Place names/street names that may give clues.

Initial Assessment Results

Desk study and walk-over survey results must be recorded and evaluated.
Site plans (dates, previous/current uses, proposed layout).
Site geology (maps, previous investigations, laboratory reports/test results).
Photographs (including aerial).
List of sources consulted and copies of information obtained.

Site Survey & Ground Investigation

Digital measured survey (including ground levels).
Location of ground investigations.

Purpose of Site Survey and Ground Investigation

Identifying subsoil types, properties and depths.
Determining water table levels.
Obtaining subsoil samples for identification, classification and ascertaining properties.
Assessing subsoil strata depths.
Enabling design and construction of foundations.
Identifying geological fault lines and water table levels.

Soil Sampling

Sample extraction at intersections of a grid pattern (10-20m²).
Representative samples in areas outside those directly impacted by the project.

Soil Investigation Methods

Trial pits, Boreholes. -Appropriate for low rise buildings. -Appropriate foundations up to 3m, 30m, and > 30m respectively.

Soil Analysis

Sieve Analysis: Laboratory test determining soil particle size via sieving.
Soil particle size and distribution.

Site Soil Testing Techniques

Tests for bearing capacity, density, shear strength.
Methods avoid disturbing the soil under test.
Referenced in BS 1377.

Compression Test

Measures compression strength of cohesive soil (e.g., clay).
Soil samples are loaded until shear or bulging occurs.

Combined Stress Exerted on Subsoil

Foundations exert stress overlapping and increasing force in close proximity.
Angle of maximum shear is 45 degrees.

Borehole Depths

Depth of borehole depends on type of foundation -Pad/raft, Strip, and Friction Pile foundations require different borehole depths.

Water Table

Precipitation seeps downwards to form the water table.
Water table level is determined using instruments such as piezometers.

Problems from Ground Water

Groundwater can flow into excavations, leading to the need for timbering.
High water table leads to flooding and/or high humidity in buildings post-construction.

Recommendations

Obtain sufficient site information & ground information for design & construction.
Balance investigation costs against risks in both design and construction.
Seek professional advice (e.g., geotechnical engineer or environmental specialist).

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Description

Test your knowledge on archaeological walk-over surveys and the sources of information available in the public domain. This quiz covers key concepts and practices used in the field of archaeology. Assess your understanding of factors considered during surveys and the types of reports utilized.