Evaluating the Use of Retired Railway Sleepers in Archaeological Sites
The Conservator’s Strategic Role in Environmental Risk Management
In this research, I have expanded the traditional boundaries of conservation from artifact-based intervention to comprehensive archaeological site management. Published in collaboration with Prof. Dr. S. Nami Kartal, this study addresses a critical but often overlooked threat: the reuse of decommissioned railway sleepers in heritage landscapes.
The Forensic Challenge
While these timber sleepers are frequently used in archaeological sites for their rustic aesthetic and structural durability, they carry a hidden chemical legacy. Through forensic wood anatomy and chemical analysis, we identified that these materials—treated with creosote—are classified as ‘hazardous waste’ in many developed nations due to their carcinogenic properties (such as benzopyrene).
Key Contributions of the Study:
Preventive Strategy: Redefining the conservator’s role as an expert who identifies biological and environmental risks before they compromise the integrity of the site and public health.
Scientific Synergy: A high-level interdisciplinary collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry, utilizing technical diagnostics to influence heritage policy.
Environmental Ethics: Challenging the use of toxic industrial waste in ancient ruins, advocating for a shift towards sustainable and non-hazardous materials in site presentation.
Impact on Field Practice: Through the dissemination of this research, numerous Excavation Directors and site managers were informed about these hidden hazards, leading to a more conscious and safer selection of materials in archaeological site presentations.
This paper serves as a methodological manifesto, proving that Conservazione forense is not limited to the laboratory bench but is an essential tool for the ethical and safe management of the entire archaeological ecosystem.
As a conservator, my role is to identify risks before they become permanent damages. This paper is a testament to the forensic responsibility we hold over the entire archaeological ecosystem.
Citazione
giovane, il. & Kartal, S. N. (2015). “Evaluation of the Use of Retired Railway Sleepers in Archaeological Sites” (Hizmet Ömrünü Tamamlamış Demiryolu Traverslerinin Arkeolojik Alanlarda Kullanımının Değerlendirilmesi). Proceedings of the 30th International Symposium on Archaeometry, (June 2-6, 2014, Gaziantep), Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums Publications, pp. 237-248.
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