We interviewed archaeologists, geotechnical engineers and geotechnical site staff (such as drillers) to get their views on the recording of archaeological details during geotechnical test-pit and bore hole recording. All those interviewed were experienced members of their professions in current employment. We agreed that they should remain anonymous because it was our aim only to get an idea of the range of views amongst those professionally involved. Our questions aimed particularly, but not exclusively, to address issues concerning records of deposits in historic town centres.
We also had the help of a group of advisors from the geotechnical industry whose comments on our original project design and our results have had a significant influence on the outcome of the project. The advisors included Prof. Martin Culshaw (BGS), Tim Spink (Mott MacDonald), David Norbury (CL Associates) and Marcus Matthews (University of Surrey). Terra Nova Ltd is, however, entirely responsible for the outcome of this project - and, in particular, for any errors and omissions.
We will be consulting more widely during the forthcoming second stage of the project and future opinions we receive will be attributed to our correspondents.
We also compared
the geotechnical and archaeological records from sites in two contrasting town
centres –
Finally we looked at recent geotechnical literature to assess the degree to which archaeology was already being considered by engineers and to consider how current practice might help or hinder integration. We here refer particularly to “Geotechnical Site Investigation” by Simons, Menzies and Matthews (2002) which we think is a good summary of current practice and thinking.