Geoarchaeological Survey Methods for Enhanced Decision-Making in ODOT's Project Development Process (PDP)

Geophysical survey methods such as ground penetrating radar, magnetic gradient (magnetometer), and electrical resistivity are the three most commonly used types of geophysical survey equipment that archaeologists use to investigate areas less invasively and less labor-intensively. Geophysical surveys are often cheaper, faster, and less destructive than standard archaeological surveying techniques (i.e. surface collecting and shovel testing). The goal of this project is to become independent in conducting non-invasive geophysical surveys. This research project will include a comparison of three methods of geophysical survey equipment and associated software to determine what instrument or combination of instruments works best in different scenarios. ODOT currently hires consultants on a project-by-project basis to conduct geophysical surveys when needed. Over the past several years, ODOT and the Ohio History Connection (OHC) have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on contracts to conduct these surveys. Being able to conduct these surveys in-house will save money on projects, expedite project reviews, and better manage impacts to resources. Furthermore, by having the equipment and trained staff readily available, ODOT and OHC will be able to conduct these types of investigations more frequently and fully realize the benefits of this technology.

• Record URL:
  http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Lists/Final%20Reports%20All/AllItems.aspx?View={7D4D0273-6FC5-48A5-AD17-9CC3A7E83DA0}&FilterField1=State%5fx0020%5fJob%5fx0020%5f%5fx0023%5f&FilterValue1=136133

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $260678
• Contract Numbers:

  34887

  111457

  136133

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Research Program
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223
• Project Managers:

  Martindale, Jill

• Performing Organizations:

  Gray & Pape, Inc.

  1318 Main Street
  Cincinnati, OHIO  United States  45202
• Principal Investigators:

  Crowell , David

• Start Date: 20201201
• Expected Completion Date: 20230401
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Archaeological surveying; Decision making; Geological surveying; Geophysics; Ground penetrating radar; Magnetometers; Methodology; Project management; Resistivity method
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01758044
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Ohio Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 34887, 111457, 136133
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 19 2020 9:27AM