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Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1
Introduction
One of the most important pending tasks that should have been completed before last winter was covering the pit located in the southwestern corner of the palace’s main courtyard. This pit had formed as a result of the cumulative effects of rainwater over the past several years and gradually became a place where dirt and windblown vegetation accumulated.
Although cleaning the pit on a regular basis was not difficult and could have been carried out with relative ease, the main concern was its continued expansion due to rainwater erosion. Over time, this could have affected the courtyard pavement or the adjacent walls, C1-1 and H3-H1. Therefore, the most appropriate solution was to restore the pit to its previous condition by covering it and addressing the causes of its deterioration.
Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1
Preparation for the Work
The work took two days to complete, as it was not possible to finish it in a single day because of the extremely high temperatures. The heat also affected the camera’s performance, causing it to stop taking photographs during one stage of the work. As a result, I had to use my mobile phone to document the remaining stages of the project.
Initially, we attempted to reposition the large stone located inside the pit in order to level it and place a burlap bag of soil beneath it to ensure that it rested in a horizontal position. However, due to the stone’s considerable size and weight, it could not be moved. Consequently, I decided to leave it in its position and proceed with covering the pit without altering its location.
Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1
Covering the Pit
The work began with the removal of the weeds and accumulated debris from inside the pit. A layer of plastic sheeting (nylon) was then laid down, using the remaining piece of nylon that had previously covered Wall C1-1. This nylon had become torn and was no longer suitable for reuse in protecting the wall during the coming winter.
Next, burlap bags filled with soil were prepared using the leftover soil from the plastering work carried out the previous year. The filled bags were then transported to the work area and carefully arranged inside the pit in a way that reduced the amount of soil required for backfilling while providing a stable base.
Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1
Installation of the Drainage Pipe
After the burlap bags had been arranged, a drainage pipe was installed to channel the rainwater that collects in the courtyard. Once the pipe had been secured, a new layer of nylon was placed over it. This nylon was purchased specifically for this purpose to prevent rainwater from reaching the burlap bags, as prolonged exposure to moisture would eventually cause them to deteriorate. This protective layer helps keep the materials beneath it relatively dry, thereby extending their service life and maintaining their effectiveness.
Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1
Backfilling and Final Works
The pit was then backfilled with soil until the drainage pipe was completely covered. A small earthen berm was subsequently formed around the pipe inlet to prevent water from bypassing the opening and to direct runoff into the pipe.
Nevertheless, this berm will require additional reinforcement before the coming winter to ensure the drainage system functions efficiently.
This work will reduce the likelihood of future damage to the courtyard pavement or to Walls C1-1 and H3-H1 caused by rainwater. And have also restored the area to its previous condition, ensuring its stability and improving its level of protection during the coming seasons.
Back to top: Report on Covering the Pit Between Walls C1-1 and H3-H1