Most of us would think of archaeology as the discovery and preservation of artefacts and locations to help us understand our past. In the popular mind, such activity would be driven by purely academic research, attempting to piece together the puzzle of how our ancestors lived and why societies developed in the way they did. However, archaeological activity is much more widespread than pure academia, and the evidence of the past that lies underground is protected by law.
With archaeological activity having such commercial and legislative drivers, then it is no surprise to find numerous archaeological organisations dedicated to delivering professional services to construction and other sectors with regard to advice, project support and fieldwork. Every major project employs archaeologists to help understand and protect the sites they work on.
So, popular television programmes would suggest that archaeology happens when academics pinpoint a site for research and teams of eager students dig trenches and uncover bits of pottery that help them build a picture of our earlier cultures and lifestyles.
While this is sometimes true, it is a small part of what is really going on. Major infrastructure projects such as High Speed Two (HS2) and the A14 improvement scheme require the excavation of large parts of the landscape, and as part of these projects, archaeologists are tasked with identifying, recording, and preserving areas that might otherwise be lost forever. This starts with desk research, then site scans, and moves in the construction phase to field investigation as part of the enabling works prior to main civils construction programmes.
It doesn’t just apply to major civil projects though, understanding how a development might affect buried archaeological remains is a requirement of the planning system in the UK.
In each case, specialised support and advice is needed to ensure the protection of our heritage.
But where do marquees and temporary structures fit into this picture?
The UK weather is unpredictable at best, so measures to protect a valuable site and even the people working on the project, may be necessary and there are several options available.
At a very basic level, an archaeological dig might require basic cover to protect archaeological remains once they have been uncovered. Fews clear-span marquee structures are aluminium framed, very robust and offer considerable protection from the weather. Clear PVC can be fitted all round to maximise natural lighting or white PVC for privacy.
If site security is a concern, hard sides can be fitted to Fews marquees as well as secure personnel doors. All structures are wind and snow loaded to BS EN 13782. Condensation can be an issue in some scenarios, but the fitting of a double skin thermo roof can eliminate this problem.
When the dig is large, Fews can provide clear span structures of up to 30 metres wide and almost unlimited length in 5 metre bays. Internal heights of up to 16 metres can be achieved to clear any trees or tall structures.
Where archaeological remains are sensitive to heat, Fews can provide temperature-controlled structures with thermostat controls to ensure maximum protection.
In some circumstances where a discovery generates wider public interest a temporary visitor attraction marquee structure could be constructed around the dig site, either while the dig is in progress or once it is completed. Fews’ partner, Irmarfer, are developing bespoke marquee structures for exactly this purpose with two clients commissioning temporary visitor centres. Fews can provide a full “turnkey” service to ensure that the best possible experience is created.
The examples below show a “walk through” type design with viewing platforms and a “drive through” design aimed at finding the best method to display each of the sites.
For more information contact Fews on 01527 821789 or email info@fews.co.uk
Chessgrove Park
Ditchford Bank Road
Hanbury, Bromsgrove
Worcestershire B60 4HS
Telephone.
+44 (0) 1527 821 789
Email.
info@fews.co.uk
