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The Field of Excavation
Believe it or not, excavation is most commonly associated with the techniques that are found in the scientific field of archaeology. When looking at the individual types of excavation, they are generally referred to as digs by those who partake in it. However, this can be an overly literal characterization of the excavation process. In terms of archaeology and the archaeological site, excavation processes are conducted at a site or a connected series of locations, and the digs may be carried out over years, especially since excavation is often a seasonal job. In the industry of excavation, there are several more techniques that may come into use, and each dig will have its own specific features, requiring different approaches. Archaeologists are often conflicted by limited resources and other practical issues that prevent them from excavating whenever and wherever they choose. This often causes many sites to be deliberately abandoned. The task of excavation is the act of removing any and all topsoil that has been uncovered by machinery. It is important to examine the material that has been dug up by using metal detectors to check for stray objects. However, once an excavation site has been abandoned for a long period of time, a small layer of modern material usually covers the dig area, and this surface material holds little interest to the archaeologist. Commonly, archaeological features are visible beneath the small layer of surface when investigating a site in rural areas. In urban areas, it is slightly harder to see archaeological features because thick layers of human deposits may cover them more, and this may only allow the uppermost portions to be visible to the naked eye. In either case, it will be necessary to draw a scaled site plan, and this will map out and reflect the edges of the excavation. In order to draw up this plan, you can use a tape measure, or, as it is done today, you can utilize an electronic total station. Once the plan is drawn up, a grid will be set up, which will divide the excavation area into sections. Besides archaeological excavation, excavation is a useful technique for digging out structures like houses and buildings, and for digging trenches. Also, if the task is to dig out a road or subdivision, excavation helps make the task develop smoothly and efficiently. Although the process of excavation can be utilized in a few different fields, it still involves the same principle of disturbing earth or soil by digging. Certain excavation sites will require heavy machinery like excavators or backhoe loaders, and even cranes. Generally, there is an excavation crew responsible for running and operating the equipment and machinery, digging up the soil and rocks, and making sure they are removed. The excavator is probably the most utilized machinery in the construction industry, as it is capable of moving a large amount of dirt in the least amount of time. As with any construction and excavating job, it is important to use common sense and keep yourself and crew safe at all times. If you are required to go down into a hole or trench, you should make sure you utilize a trench box. A trench box should be used even if the hole is not deep because there is always a possibility that the dig might cave in. It is important that you plan ahead and think about what could and may happen, and this will help keep the site safe, even when conditions do not have an element of danger.
Whether its digging up archaeological artifacts or constructing a house or road, the use of excavation methods have been implemented for years. When using excavation equipment and machinery, it is important to learn the machinery, learn the shoot grade, and learn how to effectively dig holes and trenches properly to prevent cave in.
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