A Survey of Contractors Permitted to Excavate on Historic Sites in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Adam Shearman, Inc. Perrysburg, Ohio USA

2 Geological and Geophysical Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Geophysical surveys are an essential tool in analyzing risks associated with unknown subsurface conditions. In Egypt, excavating on historic sites can be challenging when encounters of archaeological material occurs. For the contractor, delays and work stoppage affect costs. For the archaeologist, encounters risk the chance of damage as well as possible time consuming mitigation. Ten contractors, representing the total population of an ongoing research investigation, that are registered to excavate on historic sites associated with construction projects, were given a survey questionnaire. 100% of the population responded providing reliable data so further determinations can be made. The questions focused on the impact archaeological encounters had on contractor’s production and schedule. The results show several problems linked with the two professions of construction and archaeology. This paper will detail the questionnaire results and suggest a modified well established planning tool, utilizing geophysical surveys, that pinpoints anomalies so procedures can be performed during the preconstruction phase (proactive) rather than during construction activity (reactive). The procedure corresponds with current planning practices and can reduce the occurrence of unexpected archaeological encounters causing the contractor delays along with reducing the possible damage to the archaeological material.

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Journal of Petroleum and Mining Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 2
December 2020
Pages 9-16

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