Review of Archaeological Preservation and Civil Engineering Professional Practice

Abstract

Archaeological sites continue to be discovered and explored around the world. The archaeological materials buried within these sites can be of great cultural significance, but the process of exploration and preservation is challenging in these fragile and complex environments, especially in high population areas with substantial development. Civil engineers are often engaged with archaeologists in one of two roles, either as first finders on construction sites or as active contributors in preservation efforts on existing archaeological sites. In both cases, the effect of the interactions between the two parties can be elevated through improved understanding of archaeological needs, with the goal of establishing more routine and productive collaborations. A review of the professional intersections between the civil engineering profession and the archaeological community is presented in this paper. In the last few decades, there have been increased legislative efforts to protect archaeological sites, and a historical review of the effects of legislation for site conservation in the United States and United Kingdom is presented. On the basis of a cross-disciplinary literature review, the dissemination of cooperative relationships between civil engineers and archaeologists appears to be increasing, which is also indicated by the growth of strategic conferences and workshops. Lastly, this paper discusses prominent contributions that civil engineers have made, and should continue to make, in three specific areas of archaeological practice: subsurface exploration, foundation reuse and mixed foundation design, and site reburial.