Trial Trenching

Archaeological trial trenching, also called sampling, is distinct from the archaeological excavation. The aim of archaeological sampling is to determine whether archaeological remains are present, and if so, to specify the nature, density, and state of conservation of any archaeological remains present. This is achieved by excavating approximately 10% of the total surface area of the land affected by the development project.

Archaeological sampling is the most commonly prescribed type of preventive archaeology. This type of operation involves excavating trenches in a linear, continuous or alternating pattern, of fixed or variable length, down to the level of the archaeological remains, using a mechanical shovel of specified capacity and an excavation shovel of appropriate width.

The aim is to find the extent of any archaeological structures. However, the maximum depth of the trial trenches will not exceed the maximum depth of the proposed development project (a few deep trial trenches for geological observations may be carried out with the prior agreement of the developer). Where necessary, trial trenches should stop at the top of the geological formations..