000343

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001
Aztec Ruins National Monument

BACKFILLING COMPLETION REPORT FOR FY2001
AZTEC RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Brian Culpepper
Archeologist
National Park Service
Aztec, New Mexico
and
Gary M. Brown
Archeologist
National Park Service
Aztec, New Mexico
September 30, 2002

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
The following report describes backfilling efforts at the West Ruin at Aztec Ruins
National Monument in fiscal year 2001. Backfilling, a form of preservation treatment, is part of
a multi-year project aimed at reducing the ruins stabilization workload and enhancing long-term
preservation of the West Ruin. Backfilling, in this case, is only partial. The tops of walls will be
left exposed for public presentation. Partial backfilling allows the site plan to remain visible
while still protecting a majority of the rooms.
Work during fiscal year 2001 focused on the northeastern corner. This portion of the
West Ruin consists mainly of two-story rooms connected by north/south doorways. The height
of the standing walls above floor levels created logistical problems and safety concerns. The
purchase of a new skid-steer loader (Bobcat) and tube and clamp type scaffold helped to remedy
many of the problems.
Backfilling was conducted from late November 2000 through September 19, 2001.
AZRU archaeologist Gary Brown and maintenance work leader James Brown served as project
co-leaders until the arrival of archaeologist Brian Culpepper in May. The crew consisted of
James Brown, masonry workers Raymond Torrivio and Carl Jim, two local laborers, one student
(STEP) laborer, and one laborer hired on an emergency basis at the end of the field season. Carl
Jim served as the work leader and Raymond Torrivio operated the Bobcat.
The FY01 backfill project completed the addition of fill to eight rooms and one kiva that
were begun in FY00 under the FY00 scope-of-work. Three rooms and one kiva that had not
received any level of fill, part of the FY00 scope-of-work, were also completed. Five rooms
targeted for backfilling in the FY01 scope-of-work were completed. An additional six received
all but the final two layers to allow for scaffold construction and backfilling in Kivas H and J in
FY02. They will be completed in 2002. Thus the FY01 backfilling project completed the
addition of fill to sixteen rooms and two kivas and added around 90% of the fill to six other
rooms.
Backfilling also entailed the installation of 4 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe drainage
system prior to the addition of any fill. Thus over 130 meters (417 feet) of pipe now drain the
surface run-off of twenty-eight rooms in the northeastern corner of the West Ruin through silt
trap drain boxes. Circular evaporative basins were placed on the surface of the kivas. Most of
the pipe runs through prehistoric doorways. However, the drainage system required three wall
perforations through the north wall and one through the east wall for water to exit the ruin.
An experimental sacrificial coping of unamended mortar was applied to the base of walls
with new fill levels in the East Wing. The approximately 380 meters (1247 feet) of coping is
expected to minimize the damage from wet/dry cycling and salt phase change because it changes
the evaporative front from the prehistoric masonry to the coping.
The total cost of the backfill project in FY01 was $191,991.13. Funding for labor and
materials came from the National Park Service's Special Emphasis Program Allocation System's
(SEPAS) Cultural Resource Preservation Program Base (CRPP) and Cyclic Maintenance for
Historic Properties (Cultural Cyclic), and also base (ONPS) funding sources. Within the base
funding sources category, the Vanishing Treasures Initiative (VT) provided $88,814.80 for labor.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................5
Project Purpose................................................................................................................................5
Project Area.....................................................................................................................................5
Compliance......................................................................................................................................7
Chapter Two
Administrative Summary.................................................................................................................8
Backfilling Strategies.......................................................................................................................9
Backfill Soils..................................................................................................................................12
Wood Preservation.........................................................................................................................13
Delivery System.............................................................................................................................13
Chapter Three
Backfilling the West Ruin..............................................................................................................16
Drainage System............................................................................................................................20
Wall Perforations...........................................................................................................................26
Sacrificial Coping..........................................................................................................................30
References......................................................................................................................................31
Appendix A: FY01 Backfilling Project Cost Details.....................................................................33
Appendix B: FY01 Project Updates..............................................................................................37

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LIST OF FIGURES
1.1. Overview map of West Ruin at Aztec Ruins National Monument........................................6

2.1. Sketch of the general backfill stratigraphy............................................................................9
2.2. Geoweb? cellular confinement material...............................................................................10
2.3. Sketch of the specialized backfill stratigraphy.....................................................................11
2.4. Loading end of the delivery system......................................................................................14
2.5. Blended fill delivered to Room 95........................................................................................15
3.1. Rooms/Kivas receiving fill in FY01.....................................................................................17
3.2. Room specific backfill strategies in FY01............................................................................18
3.3. Tube and clamp scaffold construction in Room 90..............................................................19
3.4. Drainage system as built in FY01.........................................................................................20
3.5. Installation of the evaporative basin in Kiva G....................................................................21
3.6. Leveling of a 90? elbow fitting in Room 92.........................................................................22
3.7. Y-fitting in Room 94.............................................................................................................23
3.8. T-fitting in Room 83.............................................................................................................24
3.9. Drainage modification in Room 84.......................................................................................25
3.10. Perforation in Room 54.........................................................................................................26
3.14. Coping along north wall of Room 51...................................................................................30
LIST OF TABLES
3.1. Rooms/Kivas completed or initiated in FY00 and FY01......................................................16

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The National Park Service (NPS) continued backfilling selected portions of West Ruin at
Aztec Ruins National Monument during fiscal year 2001. Work followed the general plan
developed by the Architectural Conservation Projects Division of the Intermountain Support
Office (Trott 1998). The FY01 backfill project succeeded in backfilling part of the area
identified in the FY01 scope-of-work (Simpson 2001), and completed work identified in the
FY00 scope-of-work (Simpson 2000) that began during the FY00 backfill project. Work
identified in the FY01 scope-of-work continued into fiscal year 2002. This report describes
work that was executed before the end of FY01 on September 30, 2001. Previous fiscal year
backfill projects are described elsewhere (Barthuli 2000; Brown 2001).
PROJECT PURPOSE
The purpose of backfilling is to preserve in-situ masonry and architectural features,
thereby decreasing the need for cyclic maintenance and stabilization repairs. Even the best
stabilization work affects the integrity of cultural resources, and even the most expedient
stabilization work is expensive. The rationale and basic strategy of preservation through
backfilling at West Ruin are discussed in the general backfilling plan. The plan characterizes the
East Wing and the adjacent portion of the North Wing (referred to collectively as Section L) as
an intensively excavated area with large amounts of exposed masonry, creating an unmanageable
maintenance situation (Trott 1998:29). Over the long run, preservation of the site should be
improved and the cost of maintenance reduced under the backfilling program. In the short run,
however, backfilling is a labor-intensive process. The various tasks and costs associated with the
project are documented in this report. Other preservation repairs at West Ruin were also
included in the FY01 work to enhance the long-term preservation of the site (see Culpepper
2002).
PROJECT AREA
By proclamation under the Antiquities Act of 1906, President Warren G. Harding
established Aztec Ruins National Monument on January 24, 1923 to preserve and protect the
ancestral Puebloan archeological sites that comprised a prehistoric community along the Animas
River near the modern town of Aztec, New Mexico. Aztec Ruins was built after the primary
fluorescence at Chaco Canyon, with most construction in the largest and earliest major
component (West Ruin) of the Aztec Ruins complex occurring in two major episodes dating
between A.D. 1110 and 1120, and subsequent occupation and building at West
Ruin and elsewhere in the complex continuing well into the 1200s (Windes and McKenna
2001).
Despite this relatively late period of Chacoan construction and occupation, most
archeologists consider Aztec Ruins to be a Chacoan outlier which played an essential role in
the complex regional system connected by roadways and other archeological evidence with
Chaco Canyon. The Aztec complex provides a clear instance of formal architecture and
landscape modifications using design principles and construction techniques that originated at
Chaco (Stein and McKenna 1988). Definitions of the Chacoan great house site type are
somewhat variable and difficult to apply uniformly, but West Ruin, East Ruin, and at least one of
the smaller pueblos (LA 5603) in the northern part of the monument are classifiable as great

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houses by almost any definition.
The principal project area is located in the northeastern corner of the ruin at the juncture
of the North Wing and East Wing (Figure 1.1). Metzger (1988) included most of the current
project area within the East Wing, although the original excavator placed most of this area in the
North Wing (Morris 1928). Whether the northeastern corner of the pueblo is lumped with the
East Wing or North Wing is arbitrary. See Brown (2001) and Metzger (1988) for further
discussion.
Figure 1.1. Overview map of West Ruin at Aztec Ruins National Monument.
Project area is outlined in red.
Numerous two-story rooms originally stood in the project area, including a second-story
kiva (Kiva F) and an adjacent three-story section. Most of the upper-story rooms in the East and
North Wings burned in a catastrophic fire at the time of abandonment or shortly afterwards.
Deterioration over the past 900 years has reduced most of this part of the roomblock to walls that
stand one to one-and-a-half stories. The only portions that evidently never reached more than
one story in height were Kiva G and Rooms 97 and 98. The latter two rooms comprise a rather
unusual arrangement at the extreme northeastern corner of the roomblock that may have been
largely dismantled during construction of the great house (Morris 1928:316-317).
Early in the excavations at Aztec, Morris identified archaic pottery and speculated that
Rooms 97 and 98 represented an earlier roomblock (Lister and Lister 1990:46), but his final
descriptions mention Chacoan pottery and other indications that these two rooms, if they did
predate the major roomblock construction, were not that much older than the great house. Their
spatial relationship with the overall roomblock layout indicates they were incorporated into the
great house when it was built.
The tall walls and deep rooms in the project area have eroded and the prehistoric fabric
has been repeatedly stabilized over a period of more than 80 years with various materials and

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techniques. Some of the walls and roofs of rooms had been exposed and vandalized even before
Morris began his work in 1916. Some of the tallest exposed walls at Aztec Ruins occur in this
part of West Ruin. A few stand as high as 6 m (20 ft) above current grade.
Most of the especially deep rooms collected and retained moisture from the natural
environment; differential fill levels weree acute due to filled interstitial space around kivas and
the elevation of unexcavated fill outside the exterior north and east walls of the roomblock (Trott
1990:29-31). The rooms enclosed by the tall walls were internally drained. The walls also
shielded the ground surface from the sun which made precipitation slow to evaporate in warmer
months and thaw in colder periods.
The lower stories are not visible from the point of view of public visitors; thus,
backfilling in the northeastern part of the roomblock provided an opportunity to enhance the
long-term survival of the site without adversely impacting visitors experience. Backfilling
simultaneously shielded lower stories from the elements and helped to preserve the upper stories
by adding support to the lower walls.
COMPLIANCE
The main ruin complex at Aztec Ruins National Monument (LA 45) is a designated
significant archeological site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Dippel
1972). The historic preservation work described in this report was performed to enhance the
long-term survival of this valuable and unique cultural resource. The work was done in
compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, particularly Section 106 and its
implementing regulations (36 CFR 800), as well as NPS policies and procedures for historic
preservation. The FY00 scope-of-work was written in accordance with 1995 NPS procedures
and protocols identified in NPS-28, Cultural Resource Management Guidelines, Release No. 5
(see Simpson 2000:26).
The New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviewed the Trott's 1998
general backfilling plan (Trott 1998). A Section 106 compliance review was initiated by filing
an Assessment of Action form with the SHPO before backfilling began. The SHPO offered
constructive feedback and concurred with the assessment of No Adverse Effect for this
undertaking (AZRU Project No. 98-03).

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CHAPTER TWO
ADMINISTRATIVE SUMMARY
The focus of FY01 work was on the continuation of backfilling in Section L (Trott 1998).
Unlike FY00 backfilling treatment, which was performed mostly under a project agreement
between Aztec Ruins National Monument (AZRU) and the Intermountain Support Office
(IMSF), Santa Fe, FY01 backfilling was completed entirely by Aztec Ruins National Monument
permanent and seasonal staff except for the writing of the scope-of-work. The project was
designed to implement a specific phase of the general backfilling plan developed previously by
IMSF (Trott 1998). For the most part, it followed the specific design as described by FY00 and
FY01 scopes-of-work written by Architectural Conservation Projects Program exhibit specialist
Glenn Simpson (2000 and 2001).
Archeologist Gary Brown and Maintenance Work Leader James Brown served as project
co-leaders until May 2001. From May to September 2001, Archeologist Brian Culpepper
assumed oversight of the operation. Chief of Visitor Services and Resource Management,
Theresa Nichols provided additional administrative control. At some point during the fiscal
year, the backfill crew included James Brown, Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Wilson Trujillo,
Matthew Tso, Darwin Ellison, and Douglas Norberto.
James Brown, an Aztec Ruins N.M. employee since 1981, had been an integral member
of the backfilling operation. But because of the reorganization of the Facility Maintenance
Division and the arrival of Vanishing Treasures Archeologist Brian Culpepper, Mr. Brown's
duties shifted away from preservation/stabilization to strictly maintenance. Archeologist Gary
Brown was hired primarily to conduct architectural documentation. He had assumed a large
portion of the project oversight, including planning, procurement of materials, monitoring, and
budget control. Raymond Torrivio had been a seasonal employee at Aztec Ruins N.M. since the
early 1980's. In 1998, he became permanent employee, hired as a Masonry Worker under the
Vanishing Treasures Initiative. Carl Jim was brought on in December 2000 as an emergency
hire to temporarily replace another Vanishing Treasures Initiative Masonry Worker, Harry
Etcitty. Mr. Etcitty suffered a heart attack in November 2000. He had also been a seasonal
employee at Aztec Ruins for many years until he too was made permanent in 1998. Regrettably,
Mr. Etcitty passed away in January 2001. Carl Jim then accepted a temporary laborer position.
In May, he was promoted to Masonry Worker and became the backfill crew work leader, but he
still occupied a temporary position. Wilson Trujillo was hired as a seasonal laborer in March.
Matthew Tso was hired as a seasonal laborer in April. Darwin Ellison was hired through San
Juan Community College as a Student Training Employment Program (STEP) in May. Matthew
Tso was dismissed in July and Wilson Trujillo was dismissed in August. In August, Douglas
Norberto was brought on as an emergency hire laborer to offset the loss of Mr. Tso and Mr.
Trujillo.
The fiscal Year 2001 backfilling project was funded by Special Emphasis Program
Allocation System (SEPAS) funds and ONPS base funds. The total project cost of FY01
backfilling work was $191,991.13. Roughly three-fourths of the project cost was used to cover
salaries for NPS personnel. Labor expenses include funding for permanent staff paid through
ONPS base accounts ($116,349.25) and salaries for emergency hire, seasonal and temporary
positions paid through project accounts ($63,394.10). ONPS accounts utilized on the FY01
backfilling project included 7380-CZZ (Vanishing Treasures), 7380-IZZ (Visitor Services and
Resource Management), and 7380-MZZ (Facility Operations and Maintenance). SEPAS project

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accounts included 7380-0002-CCS ($105,000 for West Ruin Backfilling) and 7380-1201-CMS
($48,500 for Cultural Cyclic). The Vanishing Treasures Initiative provided 59.76 %
($90,268.40) of the total labor cost ($148,627.11). In addition to providing 21.72 %
($32,277.86) of the labor expenses, the two SEPAS accounts funded all additional services,
equipment, and supplies ($43,364.02). The total labor expenditure consisted of 7939.75 person
hours, most of them spent in the field. Project cost details are provided in Appendix A.
BACKFILLING STRATEGIES
The basic backfilling procedure for treating rooms and kivas in the FY01 project area
called for three stratigraphic units or layers to be placed within the structure along with
drainage and other infrastructure features that varied from room to room (Simpson 2001). The
basic sequence of the general backfill stratigraphy is depicted in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1. Sketch of the general backfill stratigraphy (from Simpson 2001:16, Figure 5).
From bottom to top, the sequence is as follows:
Layer 1. A geotextile horizon marker separates the first layer from the prior ground surface. A
moderately well-drained sandy loam soil (blended fill) is then placed on top of the geotextile.
This first layer is substantial, comprising most of the total backfill area. Lifts of 10 to 12 inches
of fill are placed in the room. Each lift is compacted with hand tampers before adding additional
fill. The pipes of the PVC drainage system and all of the Geoweb? cellular confinement system
are contained within Layer 1.
Layer 2. Another sheet of geotextile fabric is laid on top of Layer 1 and a fairly thin lift of fine-
grained sediments (clay) between 4 to 6 inches placed on this second geotextile horizon marker.
Layer 2 brings the elevation of the final grade almost to the final configuration.

9
Layer 3. The final grade is determined by another thin layer of fine-grained sediments (clay)
between 1 to 2 inches is laid over Enkamat nylon matting, an erosion control fabric. Generally,
just enough sediment is used to cover the Enkamat. Layer 3 was smoothed and raked into the
Enkamat without tamping. Other than the clay, only drain box silt-traps and cleanouts
connected to the PVC drainage system or evaporative basins were exposed on the surface.
The general backfill stratigraphy was implemented in most of the FY01 project area.
However, the backfilling general plan emphasized that differential fill levels, lack of drainage,
and moisture retention in the deep rooms of northeast corner (Section L) were major problems
requiring specialized treatment during implementation of the plan (Trott 1998). Differential fill
levels are recognized to have an adverse effect on the walls of rooms with lower fill levels.
Unimpeded moisture will pass from the room with a higher fill level through the wall and into the
room with the lower fill level causing chemical changes to the stone and mortar over time. Also, a
room with a higher level of fill than an adjacent room will naturally apply static load forces to the
wall between them. The result is force that can cause bulging, wall instability, accelerated mortar
loss, and veneer separation.
Angelyn Rivera's (1998) scope-of-work for the East Wing proposed that static loading
and pressure associated with differential fill levels could be alleviated by installing soil retention
structures within the backfilled environment of rooms whose final grade levels would be
significantly higher than those of adjacent rooms. Retention walls built by stacking layers of
Geoweb? cellular confinement material were selected as the means to accomplish this task.
Geoweb? consists of expandable, honeycombed, synthetic fabrics with cells that are filled with
granular sediment or angular rock chips. Its use in backfilling prehistoric architecture is
considered experimental (Rivera 1998; Simpson 2000, 2001). Successful implementation of this
technique during the FY99 backfill project in the southern half of the East Wing led to its
adoption in the FY00 and FY01 scopes-of-work (Simpson 2000, 2001) - areas of the West Ruin
that targeted the complicated and taller architecture in the northeastern corner of the East Wing.
Figure 2.2. Photo of Geoweb? cellular confinement material.
To mitigate the problem of moisture movement caused by differential fill levels when using
Geoweb? , " crushed gravel chips were used as the interface between the wall and the Geoweb? .
Simpson (2001:19) called for the prescription "to be composed of sub-angular particles no greater
in size than , that is, any matter that does not pass through a #40 sieve". Soils with large

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capillaries absorb water fast but the movement of water within the capillary spaces is slow. The
idea is that the sub-angular gravel chips will minimize capillary movement of water into the wall
from the fill because sub-angular gravel chips have a greater porosity than compacted soils.
Figure 2.3. Sketch of the specialized backfill stratigraphy (from Simpson 2001:19, Figure 6).
The basic sequence of the specialized backfill strategy is shown in Figure 2.3. From bottom to top,
the sequence is as follows
Layer 1. A geotextile horizon marker is laid down on the ground surface. The first layer of
Geoweb? is then laid down against the wall opposite the room that will have the lower fill level.
The layers of Geoweb? are filled with a mixture of " gravel chips and topsoil (roadbase). At the
same time each layer of Geoweb? is laid down, a layer of fill, the same moderately well-drained
sandy loam soil (blended fill) that is used in the general backfilling stratigraphy is placed
concurrent with the Geoweb? . The soil is then packed down with a hand tamper. Subsequent
Geoweb? layers are stacked in a stair-step fashion towards the center of the room. As mentioned
above, where Figure 2.3 calls for "course sand", " angular gravel chips are placed between the
wall and the Geoweb? . The pipes of the PVC drainage system are contained within Layer 1.
Layer 2. Another sheet of geotextile fabric is laid on top of Layer 1 and a fairly thin lift of fine-
grained sediments (clay) between 4 to 6 inches placed on this second geotextile horizon marker.

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Layer 2 brings the elevation of the final grade almost to the final configuration.
Layer 3. The final grade is determined by another thin layer of fine-grained sediments (clay)
between 1 to 2 inches is laid over Enkamat nylon matting, an erosion control fabric. Generally,
just enough sediment is used to cover the Enkamat. Layer 3 was smoothed and raked into the
Enkamat without tamping. Other than the clay, only drain box silt-traps and cleanouts
connected to the PVC drainage system or evaporative basins were exposed on the surface.
BACKFILL SOILS
The main medium for backfilling in FY01 was the same used in FY00, a sandy loam,
referred to as "blended fill". Extensive soil texture and chemistry analyses were conducted to
locate a source for adequate soil. The major problems with most local quarry sources are high
sulfate levels that produce soils detrimental to masonry preservation.
Only one local supplier was found that could produce a customized mix of topsoil and
sand within specifications (Trott 1998). Newco Aggregates, Inc. had washed concrete sand
within the allowable sulfate limit and fine sandy loam topsoil that is extremely low in sulfates
(33 milligrams per liter). The sandy loam consists of almost pure fine-grained sands, with
insufficient medium- and coarse-grained sands (only 5 percent), while the concrete sand is so
low in finer particles that it lacks cohesion. However, the two were mixed to create a suitable
medium. After experimentation, a mix of approximately 80 percent sand and 20 percent sandy
loam topsoil was finalized that is low in sulfates and plasticity yet contains moderate quantities
of both fine sands and medium to coarse sands to provide adequate drainage.
The blended fill is the result of mixing Newco concrete sand and sandy loam topsoil. It is
classifiable as well-sorted sandy loam. The blended fill consists of 11 percent coarse sand, 42
medium sand, 28 percent fine sand, and 19 percent silts and clays. The material is screened at
the quarry and contains no gravel or artifacts. It has minimal organic inclusions and is non-
plastic. The topsoil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 8.1. Testing of a sample of the blended fill
delivered in May 2001 revealed a pH of 7.84, and a sample delivered in July had a pH of 7.67.
Suitable clay fill was also difficult to locate primarily because of the high sulfate levels in
most local soils. Extensive testing of local clay soils in 1998 and 1999 failed to identify an
adequate source in the Aztec/Farmington area, so a supplier in Durango, Colorado (APS Top
Soil, Inc.) was selected in spite of the additional trucking costs. It comes from the upper terrace
on the west bank of the Animas River just south of the Durango city limits.
APS clay fill is cohesive silty clay with a fairly low plasticity index (PI) of 14, which is
not very susceptible to expansion or destructive frost action. The liquid limit (LL) is 39 and the
plastic limit (PL) is 25. The permeability of silty clay with such PI and LL values is low (USDI
1974:27-28). The APS silty clay is also low in sulfates (110 milligrams per liter) and only
slightly alkaline (pH 7.7). Although it is sieved before delivery, it still has a moderate amount of
gravel after delivery, around 4 %, which requires the removal of the rocks during loading of the
conveyors. After removal of gravel, the total silt and clay content is 58 percent; fine sand is 29
percent, medium sand is 10 percent, and coarse sand is 2 percent.

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WOOD PRESERVATION
The scope-of-work generally identified the final grade level of each room as above the
first-story doorway and below the vents. Recommendations are to bury all wooden elements at
least 18 inches deep, or to leave them exposed at least 12 inches above the final grade level
(Simpson 2000:12). This recommendation was frequently difficult to achieve because of the
limited vertical distance between typical wooden element types. The vertical distance between
the buried doorway lintels and exposed vent lintels is usually less than 30 inches. Complex
contouring of the final grade was needed to mound dirt over the doorways and leave vent lintels
and vigas exposed 12 inches above grade, at the same time consistently sloping the backfill dirt
away from the walls to facilitate drainage toward the central drain box/silt trap.
Three-quarter inch plywood and vertical drain covered the buried door passages. The
interiors of the passages were filled with washed masonry sand. Amerdrain 500 vertical drain
material, a prefabricated formed polypropylene core covered with filter fabric, was then placed
over the plywood. The vertical drain is expected to facilitate the movement of moisture away
from the wooden elements.
Many first floor doorway passages had to be buried. Passages were blocked off on both
sides of the passage with CDX plywood cut to fit the selected architectural feature. Since two
rooms share a passage, but only one room was filled at a time, a piece of plywood and the
vertical drain were always fit over the backfilled room side first. Then, as backfilling progressed
in the adjacent room sharing the doorway, the plywood and vertical drain were positioned with a
gap at the top to allow for the washed masonry sand to fill the interior of the passage.
Vents were not treated in the same manner. All vents were either covered with blended
fill or left open. Where the ground surface is even or nearly even with the bottom of the vent, or
where it is suspected that animals might use the vent as a "tunnel" to get to one room and the
next, wire mesh screen will be installed.
Some first floor vigas were buried. In such case, they were not wrapped in geotextiles.
As prescribed by the scope-of-work (Simpson 2001), the vigas are at least twelve inches above
the final fill level. Often, the distance is greater.
DELIVERY SYSTEM
Plants growing in the rooms were pulled and all rocks or other items were removed
before backfilling began. A geotextile horizon marker (Typar 3401) was then stretched across
the existing ground surface to separate the older ground level from filling materials. U-shaped
metal pins fastened the corners of the geotextile to the ground surface. The first room to be
backfilled was then filled according to the particular backfill strategy, either general or
specialized.
Regardless of the strategy, backfilling was accomplished using a combination of
mechanical and manual techniques. The basic procedure involved loading the blended fill or
other fill material onto electric and/or motorized conveyors from a staging area alongside the
exterior walls. Sometimes this called for overlapping the conveyors to reach rooms farthest from
the exterior wall. Loading was done with a skid-steer front-end loader and the aid of a large
hopper to help feed dirt onto the conveyor. A worker raked dirt from the loader bucket into the
conveyor hopper at a rate conducive to smooth operation of the conveyor, at the same time
removing rocks or other objects not suited to backfilling.
Scaffolds supported the conveyors for the most part. A scaffold platform, large enough
for workers to operate safely was erected on the outside of the exterior wall. The earthen ramp,

13
formed from the blended fill, allowed the skid-steer loader to reach the conveyor hopper at the
proper height. The loading end (proximal) of the conveyor was supported by the scaffold
platform. Scaffolds constructed within rooms supported the conveyors as they stretched across
rooms. The delivery end (distal) of the conveyor normally rested on one of the interior
prehistoric walls. However, most of the weight was born by the scaffolds set up within a room
intermediate between the exterior wall and the room being filled. Each conveyor was secured to
the scaffold with adjustable chains. At points where conveyors rested upon masonry walls, a
cushion of Styrofoam and wood was placed under the conveyor to reduce vibration and damage
to wall tops and door thresholds. A walkway of OSHA-approved scaffold planks constructed
using alongside the conveyors allowed the crew to monitor safely conveyor operation, remove
rocks, and access rooms.
Figure 2.4. Loading end of the delivery system. Note the overlapping conveyors, hoppers, and the walkway.
The conveyors normally dumped fill dirt directly into the interior rooms (Figure 2.5).
Occasionally a sheet of plywood or a piece of fashioned aluminum siding was attached to the
conveyor endpoint and positioned within the room being filled. The slope directed the fill
material toward a particular target area and to keep dirt off the masonry or prehistoric wooden
elements. As dirt piled up, workers used shovels and rakes to distribute it evenly across the
room, taking care as they spread dirt outward toward walls and around other architectural

14
features. The fill dirt was compacted with hand tampers after 10 to 12 inches had accumulated,
and then another lift then was begun.
Figure 2.5. Blended fill delivered to Room 95.
Rooms nearest the plaza were usually filled first. For example, conveyors were placed on
scaffold constructed across Rooms 82, 83, 84, and 65 to fill Room 66. When Room 66 was
complete, the scaffold in Room 65 was dismantled and the conveyors adjusted accordingly to
begin backfilling Room 65, and so on. When the outermost room was ready to be filled, the
conveyors were removed and the fill dumped directly into the room with the skid-steer loader. A
crane, operated by a private contractor, was called in to remove and position conveyors until a
safe method of moving the conveyors with the skid-steer loader was devised.

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CHAPTER THREE
BACKFILLING AT AZTEC'S WEST RUIN

Backfilling in FY01 took place between November 27, 2000 and September 19, 2001.
The project completed work begun during the FY00 backfill season under the FY00 scope-of-
work. Project labor on the FY01 scope-of-work did not begin until June 8, 2001.
In his scope-of-work, Simpson (2000:7) identified 21 rooms and 2 kivas to receive partial
backfill treatment in fiscal year 2000. The FY00 backfill project completed eight of those rooms
and initiated varying degrees of backfilling in ten rooms and one kiva. The FY01 backfill
project completed backfilling eight rooms and the kiva in which work was initiated in FY00.
Rooms 97 and 98, partially backfilled in FY00, were not completed in FY01. The final grades
for rooms 97 and 98 will be determined when an exterior berm is completed in either FY04 or
FY05. The FY01 backfill project also initiated and completed filling three rooms and one kiva
identified in the FY00 scope-of-work. Since Kiva F only received one lift of fill equal to 6.75
meters3 in FY00, one could argue that it was initiated and completed in FY01.
A total of five rooms identified by Simpson (2001) in the FY01 scope-of-work were
completed. Six other rooms in the FY01 scope-of-work, Rooms 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95
received only Layer 1. It was decided to leave them without Layers 2 and 3 and just cover them
with geotextile over the winter. The reason for this was that it would require fewer scaffolds to
reach Kivas J and H in FY02, thereby reducing the height of scaffold and making it safer for the
crew by limiting the height of potential falls.
Room/Kiva Initiated in FY00 & Initiated & Completed in Initiated in FY01

Completed in FY01 FY01 Not completed
48 x
49 x
54 x
63 x
64 x
65 x
66 x
72 x
75 x
78 x
79 x
80 x
81 x
82 x
83 x
84 x
90 x
91 x
92 x
93 x
94 x
95 x
F x
G x
Table 3.1. Rooms/Kivas completed or initiated in FY00 and FY01.

16
Initiated in FY00
Completed in FY01
Completed in FY01
Initiated in FY01
Not completed
Figure 3.1. Rooms/Kivas receiving fill in FY01.
Rooms 48, 49, 66 and Kiva G had Geoweb? installed on their south walls. Kiva F had
Geoweb? installed on the eastern wall starting at the level of the banquette. Geoweb? was
installed on the east and north walls in Room 79. All other rooms received the generalized
backfill stratigraphy. The doorway of Room 66 was sealed to allow it to be backfilled (see
Culpepper 2002).

17
Specialized Backfill
Stratigraphy
General Backfill
Stratigraphy
Figure 3.2. Room specific backfill strategies in FY01.
The backfill project as a whole is behind schedule for several reasons. Most obviously, a
large segment of FY01 was taken up with completing FY00 work. Secondly, in the author's
opinion, the FY01 scope-of-work was overly ambitious in its goals. Compared to the northeast
corner, the southern part of the East Wing was easy to fill. All of the rooms backfilled in FY01
had walls standing between nine and eleven feet from the surface of the floor prior to the
addition of fill. The rooms were much shallower in the southern part of the East Wing. Delivery

18
of dirt in the southern portion of the East Wing mostly involved wheelbarrow work or simple
dumping with the skid-steer loader. The northeast corner required the use of scaffold and
conveyors almost exclusively to deliver the dirt. Additionally, Geoweb? installation is time
consuming. The specialized backfill stratigraphy requires roughly four times the amount of time
to fill a room that the general backfill stratigraphy takes. Thirdly, the operation was suspended
three times over the course of the fiscal year due to safety concerns. The suspension of activity
delayed backfilling work for approximately 12 weeks during the fiscal year.
Some miscellaneous notes worth mentioning include the purchase of a skid-steer loader
and new scaffolding. Until FY01, AZRU had been renting a skid-steer loader from a local
source for approximately $2000 per month. It was realized that purchasing a skid-steer loader
for around $17,000 would be more cost effective in the long run. Tube and clamp type
scaffolding was purchased to augment the existing frame type. The advantage of tube and clamp
scaffolding over the frame type is its versatility. Tube and clamp can adjust to various heights
whereas frame scaffolding height is fixed. Also, tube and clamp scaffolding can adjust to
accommodate slopes and angles that frame scaffold cannot.
Figure 3.3. Tube and clamp scaffolding construction in Room 90.

19
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Most rooms in the project area are drained through a comprehensive network of
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to remove surface moisture to locations away from the
roomblock. Subsurface PVC drainage systems with surface drain boxes and cleanouts, and
interconnected subsurface pipes, buried in the backfill sediments, were designed in the FY99
(Rivera 1998), FY00 (Simpson 2000), and FY01 (Simpson 2001) scopes-of-work.
F low
Flow
Drain Box
Cleanout
Evaporative Basin
PVC Cap
Wall Perforation
Figure 3.4. Drainage system as built in FY01.

20
Kivas F and G do not have subsurface PVC drainages linked to the larger system. The
necessity of perforating kiva walls for passage of PVC pipes made the approach impractical for
draining blocked-in kivas to extramural areas outside the roomblock and would require
potentially excessive damage to architectural elements. Instead, evaporative basins were
installed. The steel evaporative basins are circular in plan and dish-shaped in profile. They
measure four feet in diameter and ten inches deep in the center. Rebar legs were welded onto
the bottom and handles onto the sides to facilitate handling and to reduce shifting after
installation. The basins were painted with tan paint that matches the ambient color of the
backfilled landscape.
Figure 3.5. Installation of the evaporative basin in Kiva G. Note the Geoweb? along the south wall.
The FY01 backfill project completed the drainage system begun in FY00. Most of the
horizontal subsurface pipes and the vertical pipes for connection to drain boxes and cleanouts in
the twelve rooms in the northeastern corner were already in place at the beginning of fieldwork.
The system draining Rooms 48, 49, 54, and Kiva G, part of the FY00 scope-of-work, was not. It
was installed entirely in FY01. Therefore, it is necessary to talk about FY00 work in context
with FY01 work.
The FY00 and FY01 scopes-of-work (Simpson 2000, 2001) designed for surface water
within rooms to run into drain boxes/silt traps and down 4-inch Schedule-40 PVC pipes into the
system. The horizontal network runs from one room to the next, finally leading through two
perforations in the eastern exterior wall to discharge water east of the East Wing and three
perforations in the northern exterior wall to discharge water north to the french drain running

21
west to east. Drainpipes pass through prehistoric doorways wherever possible. Four interior
wall perforations were opened in FY00.
Comprehensive pipe specifications were calculated to pass surface runoff from an area
comparable to six rooms during heavy rainfall (2 inches per hour) (Simpson 2000:13).
Installation of the drainage system was initiated after rooms had been backfilled up to the height
of the first-story doorsills. PVC pipes were laid horizontally at this level. Following scope-of-
work specifications, the distal ends of the pipes were raised slightly more than -inch per
horizontal foot of pipe to create a suitable grade for drainage (Simpson 2000:13). A consistent
grade was maintained using either a string and line level or a laser level as the horizontal pipes
were connected in 20-foot sections or shorter segments. Blocks of wood and cinder blocks were
used to raise and support the pipes at an elevation that followed the prescribed grade and
removed when leveled at the proper elevation using fill dirt. Vertical sections were stabilized by
attaching them temporarily to fence posts or other stakes until backfilling had proceeded to the
point where the vertical pipes were also supported by fill dirt. Standard PVC primer and cement
were used to glue sections and fittings.
Figure 3.6. Leveling of a 90? elbow fitting in Room 92.
Vertical and horizontal changes in direction were normally affected using 30-degree and
45-degree elbows, T-fittings, or Y-fittings where two pipes were joined into one. For the most

22
part, Y-junctions were used to accommodate separate vertical pipes for cleanouts and drains. Y-
fittings are emphasized in the scope-of-work to decrease the likelihood of drainage obstructions
and to facilitate cleaning with a plumbing snake. However, multiple gradations using Y-fittings
require more linear feet of pipe than a simple T-fitting or a 90-degree elbow. 90-degree elbows
were used in Rooms 66, 92, 95 and for the cleanout in Room 84 where vertical pipes within
rooms are joined to the horizontal drainage runs. T-fittings were used in Rooms 65, 84, 83, and
82 - but they probably shouldn't have. It is quite possible that they will cause cleaning problems
in the future.
Figure 3.7. Y-fitting in Room 94.
Numerous cleanouts were installed to facilitate drain cleaning and maintenance in FY00.
For more information see Brown (2001). Only two cleanouts were installed in FY01, both in
Room 84. Access plugs (PVC caps) were installed on each cleanout. Additional cleanouts for
the pipes exiting the north wall to drain into the french drain will be installed near the north wall
in FY03.
Most rooms in the North Wing occur in suites with north-south doorways. A few
architectural openings in the East Wing connect rooms from west to east. There are two rows of
four north/south-connected rooms sharing one PVC drainage system; a second system collects
water from two rows of three north/south-connected rooms farther west and passes through a

23
wall perforation to join the first system within Room 72 and parallel it through Room 71 and
then Room 70, discharging through the east wall. The west end of the pipe was passed through
the west wall of Room 64 into Room 84 where it had been capped prior to FY01 work.
Perforations were needed to get pipe through the east/west walls, but doorways provided natural
openings from north to south.
Figure 3.8. T-fitting in Room 83.
Rooms 48, 49, 54 and Kiva G in the south of the FY00 project area comprise a third
smaller drainage where construction was initiated and completed in FY01. East/west doorways
were used for the PVC drainage route that join these rooms. A wall perforation was needed
through the exterior wall of Room 54. No backfilling or preparations for installing the drainage
system in this area were started before the end of the FY00. Also, vertical pipe sections within
Rooms 63 and 64 were not installed in FY00. They were completed in FY01. The final PVC
pipe cuts and attachment of drain boxes/silt traps and cleanouts begun in FY00 were also
completed in FY01 when the final backfill grade was established.
The horizontal and vertical pipes in Rooms 90 through 95, as prescribed in the FY scope-
of-work (Simpson 2001) were installed. Because Rooms 90 through 95 had yet to receive the
final grade (Layers 2 and 3) in FY01, the drain boxes were not installed. Final placement and
gluing of the drain boxes was done late in the process. PVC caps were placed on the vertical

24
pipe ends to prevent water storage in the pipes over winter. Wall perforations were opened in
Rooms 90 and 93 and the horizontal pipes threaded through the perforations. The pipes exiting
the north wall were not connected to the french drain as prescribed. They extended
approximately one meter north of the north wall and were capped. It is anticipated that the
system will be coupled to the french drain in FY03.
Figure 3.9. Drainage modification in Room 84. View of pipe running through Doorway 84/65.
Brown (2001) outlines drainage system modifications originally prescribed in the FY00
scope-of-work. Modification to the FY01 scope-of-work was also necessary. The scope
designed the drainage of Rooms 82 and 83 to carry water south to Room 84, and Rooms 66 and
65 to carry water north to Room 84. In Room 84, the system would then drain to Rooms 64, 63,
72, 71 and exit through the east exterior wall of Room 70. However, the horizontal PVC pipe
entered Room 84 too high to allow for drainage of Rooms 66, 65, 82, and 83. If completed as
planned, because the pipe came into Room 84 too high, the horizontal pipe running from Rooms
82 and 83 would slope down to those rooms from Room 84 instead of sloping towards Room 84
because the tops of the doorways through the rooms did not have sufficient clearance to allow for
the designed slope. The eventual result would be the collection of water in the drainage system
and on the surface of the Rooms 82 and 83 after heavy precipitation. Also, if completed as
planned, the drain boxes in Room 82, and probably Room 66, would not be flush with the new

25
fill surface - and it was not possible to adjust the fill level without possible creating additional
problems associated with differential fill levels elsewhere. To remedy the situation, the
horizontal pipe in Room 84 was rerouted to the surface and made into a cleanout. The horizontal
pipe was then made to slope north from Room 66 and exit the exterior wall of Room 82.
Unfortunately, the modification made the wall perforation between Rooms 84 and 64
unnecessary. Also, it now required an additional wall perforation in the north exterior wall of
Room 82.
WALL PERFORATIONS
Wall perforations were designed for the drainage system to allow the exit of water
through the system. The FY00 scope-of-work (Simpson 2000) has two perforations permitting
an exit for three pipes on the east exterior wall. At this time, a decision has not been made as to
the waters exact course once it drains away from the ruin on the east side. The FY01 scope-of-
work (Simpson 2001) has three perforations in the north exterior wall to allow the exit of water
to drain into the french drain. As explained above, a fourth exit was created in Room 82.
As mentioned above, the southern portion of the drainage outlined in the FY00 scope-of-
work (Simpson 2000) was completed in FY01. This includes the wall perforation. The FY01
scope-of-work (Simpson 2001) prescribed three perforations in the north exterior wall in Rooms
90, 93, and 99. Only perforations in Rooms 90 and 93 were completed in FY01. With the
addition of the perforation in Room 82, the total number of perforations in FY01 was four.
Figure 3.10. Perforation in Room 54. View of interior wall.

26
The backfill crew opened wall perforations. An AZRU Archeologist monitored all of the
work. Gary Brown monitored Room 54. Brian Culpepper monitored Rooms 82, 90, and 93.
Before, during, and after photos were taken. The work was accomplished with hand tools,
generally a chisel, hammer, trowels, and a large pry-bar. The archeologist collected samples of
stabilization and original mortars. Unlike FY00, no artifacts were encountered.
After perforating the walls and adjusting the drainage system to suit final specifications,
the perforations were sealed around the PVC pipes using stones removed from the wall and
mortar amended with Daraweld? soil adhesive. The mortar used was the same mixture of sand,
silt, and clay from local sources used in FY01 stabilization (see Culpepper 2002).
Although each of the wall areas affected by drainpipe perforations had been repointed
during past stabilization activities, intact original masonry fabric was encountered within each of
the walls. Every effort was made to limit the size of the wall perforations, but final adjustments
in the grade of the drainpipes and the difficulty removing masonry stone, especially within the
core of the walls, resulted in holes larger than expected.
Room 54
May 18, 2001. The crew consisted of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Wilson Trujillo, and

27
Matthew Tso. The top of the perforation was 1.75 meters from top of the wall measured directly
above the perforation. In previous stabilization, the interior wall veneer stones were reset in
bitumen amended mortar and repointed later with Portland cement. The exterior wall had been
repointed using Rhoplex amended mortar.
Room 82
June 8, 2001. The crew consisted of Carl Jim, Matthew Tso, Wilson Trujillo, and Darwin
Ellison. The top of the perforation was 1.7 meters from the bottom of the northwest viga and
measured form the center in the north wall. The interior wall veneer mortar joints were a mix of
Portland cement and bitumen. The core is mostly aboriginal, although a small amount of
bitumen mortar was present. The exterior wall veneer mortar joints were a mix of bitumen and
untinted Portland cement. The perforation was opened on June 8th and dug only to the exterior
veneer. On July 25th , the exterior wall veneer was removed and the pipe threaded through the
wall.
Room 90
September 4, 2001. The crew consisted of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Darwin Ellison, and
Douglas Norberto. The top of the perforation was 1.65 meters from top of the wall directly

28
above the perforation. The interior wall veneer mortar joints had been repaired using Rhoplex
amended mortar. The core was entirely aboriginal. Untinted Portland cement had been used to
repoint the exterior wall.
Room 93
September 17, 2001. The crew consisted of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Darwin Ellison, and
Douglas Norberto. The top of the perforation was 80 centimeters from the top of the wall
directly above the perforation. The interior wall veneer mortar joints had been repaired using
Rhoplex amended mortar. Some of the stones surrounding the perforation may have been
replaced or reset during previous stabilization. The core was entirely aboriginal. Both tinted and
untinted Portland cement had been used to repoint the exterior wall.
The classification of architectural style for each wall might best be described as McElmo
style masonry. Yet a classification of McElmo doesn't quite fit because a lot of the masonry is
not entirely composed of the classic tabular pieces and horizontal and vertical chinking as seen at
Chaco (Lekson 1984). Aztec's McElmo style has many more irregular shaped stones, and stones
exhibiting less pecking in general. Flaked and natural faces are much more common. Chinking
is generally not present. Properties of the stone may have had more to do with this result than

29
any intentional design by the original masons. Also, years of stabilization undoubtedly had
played a large part in the present appearance, especially in the absence of chinking. Most of the
veneer on each wall that was perforated had undergone a fair amount of repointing. Almost no
aboriginal mortar is left on either side. The stone arrangement of each wall was mostly intact
however. Yet it is obvious that some stones have been replaced in modern times, especially near
the tops of walls.
SACRIFICIAL COPING
An experimental application of an impermanent coping of mortar at the interface between
the final backfill grade and standing masonry walls was applied in FY01. The unamended
mortar coping is designed to minimize basal erosion where moisture within the backfilled walls
rises and forms an evaporative front. The evaporative front will be transferred from the masonry
wall to the sacrificial coping, which will be replaced periodically as it deteriorates.
The clay coping is nothing more than unamended mortar composed of sand, silt, and
clay. Several mortar batches were made and exposed to the sun for a period of three to five days.
Many of the experiment samples cracked and were deemed unsuitable. By adjusting the mixture
incrementally, a mortar blend equivalent to approximately 60% sand, 15% silt, and 25% clay
was concocted.
Each backfilled room in the East Wing, up to and including Rooms 82, 82, 84, 65, and
66, underwent the first treatment in June 2001. Approximately 380 meters (1247 feet) of coping
was applied. The positive and negative effects have yet to be evaluated.
Figure 3.14. Coping along the north wall of Room 51.

30
REFERENCES
Barthuli, Kaisa
2000 Aztec Ruins National Monument FY1999 Completion Report. Architectural
Conservation Projects Program, Intermountain Support Office, Santa Fe, NM
Brown, Gary M.
2001 Backfilling and Stabilization Completion Report for FY2000 Aztec Ruins National
Monument. MS on file, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, NM.
Culpepper, Brian
2002 Stabilization Completion Report for FY2001 Volume One Aztec Ruins National
Monument. MS on file, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, NM.
Dippel, Elizabeth A. (editor)

1972 The National Register of Historic Places 1972. U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C.
Lekson, Stephen H.
1984 Great Pueblo Architecture of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. Publications in
Archeology No. 18B. National Park Service, Albuquerque, NM
Lister, Robert H., and Florence C. Lister

1987 Aztec Ruins on the Animas: Excavated, Preserved, and Interpreted. University of
New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM
1990 Aztec Ruins National Monument: Administrative History of an Archeological
Preserve. Professional Papers No. 24. Southwest Cultural Resources Center, National
Park Service, Santa Fe, NM
Metzger, Todd R.
1988 Structure Numbering System at West Ruin, Aztec Ruins National Monument, New
Mexico. Southwest Cultural Resources Center, National Park Service, Santa Fe. MS
on file, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, NM
Morris, Earl H.
1928 Notes on Excavations in the Aztec Ruin. Anthropological Papers No. 26, Part 5, pp.
259-420. American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Rivera, Angelyn B.
1998 Scope of Work for Backfilling a Portion of West Ruin, Aztec National Monument.
Conservation Projects Program, Intermountain Support Office, National Park Service,
Santa Fe, NM
Simpson, Glenn D.
2000 FY00 Scope of Work for Backfilling a Portion of the West Ruin of Aztec Ruins
National Monument. Architectural Conservation Projects Program, Intermountain
Support Office, Santa Fe, NM

31
2001 FY01 Scope of Work for Backfilling a Portion of the West Ruin of Aztec Ruins
National Monument. Architectural Conservation Projects Program, Intermountain
Support Office, Santa Fe, NM
Stein, John R., and Peter J. McKenna

1988 An Archeological Reconnaissance of a Late Bonito Phase Occupation near Aztec
Ruins National Monument, New Mexico. Southwest Cultural Resources Center,
National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office, Santa Fe, NM
Trott, Jim
1998 Aztec Ruins National Monument Backfilling Plan for West Ruin. Architectural
Conservation Projects Program, National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office,
Santa Fe, NM
Windes, Thomas C., and Peter J. McKenna

2001 Going Against the Grain: Wood Production in Chacoan Society. American Antiquity
66(1):119-140.

32
APPENDIX A: FY01 BACKFILLING PROJECT COST DETAILS

33
Project Cost Details 10/01/00 to 9/30/01
FY2001 Backfill of West Ruin GPRA Code:Ia5
Account #: 7380-0002-CCS
Cost Category Item Total Amount Total Hours
Equipment
GSA Truck $1,236.75
Equipment $1,236.75
Labor
Carl Jim $5,031.00 482.50
Darwin Ellison $5,075.20 488.00
Douglas Norberto $2,142.40 206.00
Matthew Tso $5,853.62 539.25
Wilson Trujillo $8,411.00 807.50
Labor $26,513.22 2523.25
Mat/Serv
Angular gravel $186.00
Auger parts $196.00
Backfill misc $313.53
Backfill tools $141.23
Blended fill dirt $4,988.90
Bobcat $17,084.00
Bobcat parts $400.21
Bobcat rental $2,600.00
Bobcat service $1,612.91
Bobcat supplies $81.22
Bobcat training $375.00
Conveyor supplies $344.33
Crane service $290.81
Crew locker $407.61
Cushman motor $418.49
Diesel fuel $578.33

34
Drain boxes $552.62
Enkamat $2,536.90
Enkamat staples $98.00
Extension cords $127.67
Galvanized wire $71.00
Geoweb $2,470.11
Gravel road base $270.52
Ladders $227.38
Lumber $69.80
Masonry sand $244.53
Office supplies $59.96
Physical Exams $259.07
PVC $769.38
Rebar $32.23
Safety supplies $934.58
Safety Training $75.00
Sand shaker $68.95
Scaffolding $2,476.82
Scaffolding planks $417.42
Unleaded fuel $62.72
Vertical sheet drain $269.22
Mat/Serv $42,112.45
Miscel
Check Charges $14.82
Miscel $14.82
Account # Total: 7380-0002-CCS $69,877.24* 2523.25
*The remaining $35,122.76 of the $105,000 went towards salaries, materials, and travel associated
with architectural documentation project which is funded by the backfill account but treated as a
separate project and therefore not included in the total.
Account #: 7380-1201-CMS
Labor
Gary M. Brown $5,764.64 322.00
Labor $5,764.64 322.00
Account # Total: 7380-1201-CMS $5,764.64 322.00

35
Account #: 7380-CZZ
Labor
Brian Culpepper $19,303.20 720.00
Carl Jim $13,877.60 760.00
Gary M. Brown $14,776.00 800.00
Raymond Torrivio $40,858.00 1720.00
Labor $88,814.80 4000.00
Account # Total: 7380-CZZ $88,814.80 4000.00
Account #: 7380-IZZ
Cost Category Item Total Amount Total

Hours
Labor
Theresa Nichols $4,801.65 134.50
Labor $4,801.65 134.50

Account # Total: 7380-IZZ $4,801.65 134.50
Account #: 7380-MZZ
Labor
James D. Brown $22,732.80 960.00
Labor $22,732.80 960.00

Account # Total: 7380-MZZ $22,732.80 960.00
Project Totals $191,991.13 7939.75

36
APPENDIX B: FY01 BACKFILLING UPDATES

37
Backfilling Project Update
Dec. 4, 2000
Accomplished last week:

?? Backfilling restarted after safety issues resolved satisfactorily.
?? Resumed truck deliveries of sandy soil for backfilling.
?? Gary initiated moisture monitoring with use of digital meter capable of readings to depth
of 1.5 ft.
?? System devised to help dry out backfill rooms during winter season by reflective solar
heating of shaded areas.
?? Other modifications of backfilling strategy devised to deal with winter weather (e.g.,
basin topography to drain rain/snowmelt away from walls).
?? Limited backfilling in Kiva F.
?? Backfilling crew was shorthanded because of Harrys absence following his heart attack.
Crew consisted of James and Raymond who spent most of week on project.
?? Gary assisted with some backfilling work to assist understaffed field crew.
?? IRMS folks from Santa Fe (Kaisa Barthuli) and Albuquerque (Michael Young) worked
on computers Thursday and Friday. Two main IRMS computers (AZRU 22 and 25) in
library were updated, but other computers on which IRMS is to run will require hard-
drive maintenance to create space for the new version and installation of Windows or
Office, 1998 or 2000 versions, by AZRU personnel prior to next visit from IRMS
specialists.
?? Other needs they identified were delegation of technical tasks (e.g., CD drive problem on
Terrys computer and setting up tape backup on Garys) to AZRU specialists (Grady?).
Goals for current week:

?? Continuation of backfilling in Kiva F. Should be able to fill up to the bench level and get
started on GEOWEB installation, needed against east wall.
?? Emergency hire to assist backfilling during Harrys absence. Have a candidate (Carl Jim)
referred by Larry Baker who has lots of stabilization experience. Hope to get him or
somebody else started this week.
?? Gary and Terry are working on project programming on AFS and procedures for tracking
current project budgets and work on IRMS. Long-term planning and projections for
logistics and personnel needs.
?? Both in-house and IAS lab soil testing will be initiated. In-situ moisture monitoring
continues.
?? Mortar samples from last summers wall penetrations submitted for lab analysis.
?? Test excavation in plaza will be continued only if backfilling is halted because of weather
or other factors.

38
Dec. 11, 2000

?? Backfilling continued in Kiva F, about 2 ft of dirt filled in kiva and GEOWEB
installation initiated at level of interior bench. Weather was favorable throughout the
week and helped immensely to dry up moisture from previous snowfall.
?? Trouble with electric conveyor (overheating) was resolved by replacing motor with a
larger one and heavier cord.
?? Truck deliveries of pea gravel and road base for use with GEOWEB structures.
?? Emergency hire, Carl Jim, started Wednesday as WG-2 laborer to help backfilling crew.
Harry suffered a relapse and was hospitalized again, so Carl will be an integral crew
member until Harrys condition is better known. Primary crew personnel currently
consist of James, Raymond, and Carl.
?? Gary began sieve analysis of soil and mortar samples to provide data for backfilling and
stabilization. Process is time consuming and requires considerable concentration and
skill, so delegating work to a volunteer is probably not currently feasible.
?? Preliminary programming for 7380-CMS (Backfill 2001) dummy account was completed
by Terry and Gary.
?? Beth continued scanning and linking data categories in IRMS room folders.
?? Progress and tasks identified in last weeks goals are on track.

?? Backfill crew will continue backfilling in Kiva F. Should be able to complete most of the
Layer 1 sandy fill. GEOWEB installation will continue against the east wall of the kiva.
?? Gary will continue sieve analysis and try to figure out ways to speed up and possibly
streamline the process.
?? Gary will begin budget data entry on IRMS for current fiscal year.
?? Beth will continue scanning and data links on IRMS.

Dec. 18, 2000

?? Backfilling continued in Kiva F, including the installation of GEOWEB and Layer 1 sand
fill. Layer 2 clay was begun and evaporative basin was put in place. Weather was
favorable throughout the week.
?? Crew consisted of James, Raymond, and Carl Jim. Prospect of Harry returning to work
appears bleak.
?? Gary continued sieve analysis of soil and mortar samples to provide data for backfilling
and stabilization. Process continued to go slow, but several ways to streamline analysis
were identified.
?? Preliminary programming and IRMS data entry for 7380-CMS (Backfill 2001) dummy
account continued.

39
?? Beth continued scanning and linking data categories in IRMS room folders. Volunteers
Glen and Martha assisted scanning.
?? Martha helped prepare past years stabilization photos under Beths direction.

?? Complete backfilling in Kiva F.
?? Reposition electric conveyor to deposit fill into Room 63 (directly north of Kiva F) and
resume backfilling started last summer in that room. Drainage pipes have already been
installed.
?? Gary will continue sieve analysis and initiate certain chemical tests.
?? Gary will continue budget data entry on IRMS for current fiscal year.
?? Beth will begin her 5 week absence from work. Tasks started by Glen and Martha should
be able to continue with Gary fielding questions.

Dec. 26, 2000

?? Backfilling completed in Kiva F. Layer 2 clay was finished with Enkamat geofabric
around evaporative basin and the basin was painted to match surrounding environment.
?? Conveyor setup was moved manually from Kiva F to Room 63.
?? Crew consisted of James, Raymond, and Carl. Weather was favorable throughout the
week.
?? Used Bobcat was traded for rental skidloader with agreement from Aztec Rentals that
months rent on the Bobcat would be deducted if we decide to purchase it. Cost would be
$10,500.
?? Gary continued sieve analysis of mortar samples collected from prehistoric wall
perforations on last summers backfilling. In-house chemical tests for texture analysis
were run on samples, and Gary does not think results are reliable. Outside lab analyses
will probably be necessary. The sieve analysis procedure does appear to be yielding
good results.
?? Updated preliminary AFSII programming and IRMS data entry for 7380-CMS (Backfill
2001) dummy account continued.
?? Volunteers Glen and Martha continued scanning in Beths absence with some assistance
from Gary.
?? Martha helped prepare past years stabilization photos.

?? Begin backfilling in Room 63 which was partially filled last summer. Drainage pipes
have already been installed.
?? Gary will continue sieve analysis and other soil tests.
?? Tasks started by Glen and Martha will continue.

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Jan. 2, 2001

?? Snow over Christmas holiday prevented backfilling on Tuesday. Short week and crew is
shorthanded. Raymond on annual leave and James working at Chaco much of the week.
Carl worked two days.
?? Used Bobcat hard to start in the morning. Bad tire replaced by Western Tires on Tuesday
at Aztec Rental expense. Wouldnt start on Wednesday. Aztec Rental switched the used
one for another skidloader.
?? Tom Growney sent a representative to meet with James and Gary regarding purchase of
Bobcat under GSA contract. We have literature and price list and will discuss with Terry
and Char upon their return from annual leave.
?? Backfilling resumed in Room 63. This room had filled last summer up to the door sills
and the drainage pipes were installed.
?? Gary continued sieve analysis of mortar samples collected from prehistoric wall
perforations on last summers backfill project.
?? Volunteers Glen and Martha continued scanning and setting up stabilization photos.

?? Begin backfilling in Room 63 which was partially filled last summer. Drainage pipes
have already been installed.
?? Gary will continue sieve analysis and other soil tests.
?? Tasks started by Glen and Martha will continue.

Jan. 8, 2001

?? Backfilling completed in Room 63, including Layer 2 clay and Enkamat.
?? Layer 2 clay and Enkamat completed in Room 81. Layer 1 had been filled in this room
last summer, but grade and drainage box had to be modified before final layer.
?? Backfill crew consisted of James, Raymond, and Carl. Weather was cold and clear, and
backfilling conditions quite dry. Short work week because of New Years holiday on
Monday.
?? Gary finished sieve analysis of mortar samples collected from prehistoric wall
perforations and began compiling data for completion report.

?? Move conveyor position to dump into Room 72 which was partially filled last summer.
?? Install moisture monitoring system in Room 72 and finish backfilling it.
?? Order Bobcat from Tom Growney.
?? Continue with documentation, budgeting, and report tasks.

41
Jan. 16, 2001

?? Backfilling completed in Room 72, which was started last summer. Layer 1 sand was
completed and Layer 2 clay, along with Enkamat, was placed in the room.
?? Moisture monitoring system was installed in Room 72. Contact pins were inserted in
vigas in north wall of room and wires were buried from contact pins through vent in SE
of room, running through corner of Room 71 and through vent into NW corner of Room
70. Wiring runs along west wall of Room 70 and through doorway on south into roofed
structure (Room 59) where the station selector panel is installed in a protected spot.
?? Initial readings were recorded by plugging the moisture monitor into the station selector.
Monitor gives some faulty readings (which are obviously erroneous negative values),
possibly due to a bad device. Good readings indicate that both vigas were very dry at the
time of burial.
?? Upper conveyor was removed. Crane service had scheduled a visit at end of week to
check out work needed to set up our next conveyor arrangement. However, they didnt
show up.
?? Backfill crew consisted of James, Raymond, and Carl.
?? Gary began selection and preparation of mortar samples collected from prehistoric wall
perforations for hydrometer tests to accurately determine sand, silt, and clay percentages.
Coordination with IAS lab in Phoenix regarding these and additional soil analyses, both
for preservation and data recovery.
?? Gary worked on IRMS budget report, AFSII programming, and compiling data on FY00
fieldwork and analysis for completion report.
?? Gary and James continued research on Bobcat purchase. Still need to decide whether or
not to get enclosed cab. G-series 773 model turbo has been selected as best choice for
backfilling and future needs.
?? Volunteers Glen and Martha continued IRMS and past stabilization photo report work.

?? Get conveyor set up for backfilling additional two-story rooms. James will call crane
service to get work scheduled and planned. Scaffolding will be moved to get ready for
crane.
?? Final grade for Layer 1 in Room 71 will be worked on and final Layer 2 clay layer will
be completed.
?? Continue moisture monitoring system in Room 72.
?? Order Bobcat from Tom Growney.

Jan. 22, 2001

?? Short week with holiday on Monday and two snow days when Carl didnt work.
Raymond was also off Tuesday because of vehicle trouble.

42
?? Backfilling completed in Room 71. This room was started last summer, but halted to
accommodate scaffolding for conveyor setup to dump into Kiva F. Last week excess
sand fill was removed and Layer 2 clay and Enkamat were placed into room.
?? James and Gary met with Gilbert Eaves of Crane Service, Inc. Arrangements were made
to move double-conveyor setup from east side to north side of backfill area. Crew moved
scaffolding into Room 80 where the two conveyors will overlap to transport backfill into
Room 64. Scaffold also set up on north side of exterior wall for placement of north end
of lower conveyor.
?? Gary did some final analyses of mortar samples and prepared 14 additional samples for
texture analysis at IAS Lab. Samples were mailed to the lab in Phoenix.
Gary helped sort out the various stabilization and other past work photos for curation and
final reports.
?? Gary got updated on all DI-1s, IRMS data entry, and checking programmed vs. actual
labor expenditures and Commitment Control Register. AFS programming also brought
up to date and some additional programming through fiscal year completed.
?? Bobcat DI-1 and sole-source justification for purchase through Tom Growney completed
and submitted to Teri Jaquez for processing.
?? Some data compilation for FY00 backfill completion report was accomplished.
?? Gary assisted Tom Windes over weekend on volunteer basis with tree-ring coring in
Room 7 on East Ruin.

?? Move conveyor position to dump into Room 64 with assistance of crane. Get conveyor
setup secured and work out safety procedures for backfilling in this deep, 2-1/2 story
room.
?? Work out final grade in Room 70 and complete backfilling it.
?? Start backfilling Room 64, if time and weather permit.
?? Continue moisture monitoring in Room 72.
?? Continue with documentation, budgeting, and report tasks. Beth returned to work on
Monday after 5 weeks and will need to be updated.
?? Coordinate with Kaisa and others in Santa Fe regarding project agreement and IRMS
database work.
?? Try to get going on completion reports.

Jan. 29, 2001

?? Lost considerable time on project during the week. James took two days annual leave,
Raymond off Monday, Carl off during snow days (Monday and Thursday).
?? Excess backfill was removed from Room 71 and final grade level worked out.
?? Gary got results of texture analyses of mortar samples from lab in Phoenix and began to
prepare results for report. Some additional data compilation for FY00 backfill
completion report was accomplished.

43
?? Gary looked over Kaisas FY99 completion report and began outlining report for FY00
backfill work.
?? Terry and Gary worked on budget programming and working out needs from Santa Fe
staff so that project agreement can be finalized.
?? Beth returned to work after 5 weeks and reported torn rotator cuff believed to be result of
lifting and carrying ladders. Injury report done by Terry and Beth, Gary worked on
amendment to Job Safety Analysis to more thoroughly address ladder safety. Also
worked on safety issues for backfill project to ensure that were ready for Galen Warrens
visit next week.
?? Beth worked on room documentation folders for IRMS database.
?? Volunteers Glen and Martha continued scanning and setting up stabilization photos under
Beths supervision.

?? Apply final clay layer in Room 70.
?? Start backfilling Room 64, which was started last summer.
?? Considerable time will be devoted to meetings and working with Galen on safety.
?? Coordinate with Kaisa and others in Santa Fe to finalize project agreement and IRMS
database work. Gary will need to schedule trip to Santa Fe.

Feb. 5, 2001

?? Last week for Carl Jim. Not too much accomplished on backfilling because of safety
meetings. Weather was cold but clear. Crew included James, Raymond, and Carl.
?? Final Layer 2 clay was put into Room 70 and final grade level worked out.
?? Snow from previous week was removed from Rooms 64 and 80, and conveyor setup was
adjusted. Ground is frozen; these rooms are still too moist to backfill as yet.
?? Bobcat was used to build loading ramp, but it will have to be built up further on Monday
(or conveyor lowered).
?? Gary worked on data compilation for FY00 backfill completion report.
?? Gary and Terry reviewed Santa Fe staffs project agreement and made some revisions so
that it can be finalized.
?? Gary and James toured backfill project area with Galen Warren and discussed safety
issues. Galen was satisfied with safety except for unattended ladders and other items.
?? Beth worked on room documentation folders for IRMS database. Scanning
documentation materials is almost complete.
?? Beth conferred with Kaisa and Emily regarding problems with previously scanned
materials done by Santa Fe staff. Considerable re-scanning will be needed to produce
readable documents in IRMS Room Archives. It probably will be best to have this work
done by AZRU.

44
?? Gary got started on mapping East Ruins Kiva S enclosure to provide model for how
blocked-in kivas/interstitial rooms, and related features should be handled in IRMS
research database.
?? Martha continued scanning and sorting stabilization photos from past years work.
?? PO for Bobcat purchase from Tom Growney finally got through!

?? Start backfilling Room 64, which was started last summer. Continue with documentation,
budgeting, and report tasks.
?? Continue work on FY00 backfill completion report, IRMS, backlogged stabilization
documentation, and budgets.
?? Gary will finish East Ruin Kiva S enclosure map and make additional plans for his and
Beths trip to Santa Fe to work with Kaisa on architectural documentation refinements
and research database. Trip will be week of Feb. 20.

Feb. 12, 2001

?? Not too much backfilling accomplished because of snow and small crew. Crew included
James and Raymond, with Raymond off Friday.
?? Conveyor setup was firmed up in Room 64 and some backfilling accomplished before
snowfalling Thursday. Room was not tarped and got vary wet.
?? Gary also completed mapping of roofed rooms and other architectural features in Kiva S
complex on East Ruin.
?? Beth worked on room documentation folders for IRMS database. Scanning
documentation materials was completed and she began OCR tracing of previous
excavation and stabilization text.
?? Martha completed scanning of stabilization photos from past years work and she and
Beth worked on organizing the scanned photo files for reports. They also sorted through
boxes of other photos from James past documentation which will not be used in reports.
These photos are now sorted by year and location so that they can be archived.

?? Continue backfilling Room 64.
?? Continue work on FY00 backfill completion report, IRMS, backlogged stabilization
documentation, and budgets.
?? Have Martha print out scanned stabilization photos for use in reports.
?? Prepare for Gary and Beths trip to Santa Fe during week of Feb. 20.

45
Feb. 20, 2001

?? Crew included James and Raymond. Some lost field time because of snow early in week.
?? Backfilling in Room 64 nearly completed.
?? Snow shoveled off protective roof in Room 132/133-2. Original roof is quite wet. Vent
was caulked and James decided protective roof might need replacing.
?? Coordination with folks for Santa Fe documentation meeting next week.
?? Cultural fill slumped thru Doorway 205/223. Gary started remedial excavation and
cleanup with assistance of Larry Chalmers,
?? Beth worked on photodocumentation archives and directories of documentation files
OCR tracing of previous excavation and stabilization text was completed.
?? IRMS was inventoried for scanning problems and calculations for corrective work.
Budget for rescanning presented to Jeff Brown
?? Martha worked on organization and printing scanned stabilization photos.

?? Raymond will work on backfilling with Harold and John from Chaco (James on annual
leave).
?? Complete backfilling in Room 64.
?? Begin backfilling in Room 80.
?? Raymond will work on list of odd jobs on Friday when Chaco crew is off.
?? Have Martha continue printing scanned stabilization photos for use in reports.
?? Gary and Beth will take trip to Santa Fe for work on IRMS database.

Feb. 26, 2001

?? Crew included Raymond with assistance from Chaco. James on annual leave. John
Atencio and Harold (last name?) worked with Raymond as field crew leader. Short week
(holiday on Monday).
?? James and Gary away from Aztec most of week, with Terry overseeing the backfilling
activities.
?? Room 64 completed. Second conveyor moved out of way in order to commence with
Room 80. John fell when ladder collapsed (not clipped correctly). He finished working
the day, but was unable to continue.
?? Raymond and Harold worked on backfilling in Room 80 on Wednesday and Thursday.
Backfilling got almost up to top of first-story doorways.
?? Raymond worked on odd jobs Friday.
?? Gary and Beth traveled to Santa Fe to work with documentation staff. Worked
intensively with Kaisa on field recording procedures and preliminary outline of computer
database for room documentation.

46
?? Tom Windes worked with us Thursday on incorporating wood documentation and dating
results into IRMS database.
?? Gary met with Pete McKenna in Albuquerque on Friday to discuss his architectural
documentation and mapping, mainly at East Ruin. He is going to provide us with lots of
photocopies of his in-progress (i.e., unfinished) work.

?? Investigate last weeks accident and evaluate ladder needs and procedure.
?? Attempt to dry out Room 80 which was not tarped to protect against weekend rain.
?? Beth and Gary will continue coordination with Santa Fe on IRMS.
?? Kaisa turned over lots of old files, photos. etc. to AZRU which will need to organized,
archived, etc. Martha can assist.
?? Additional past stabilization photos turned up which will need to get mounted for
scanning.
?? Gary will work on Doorway 205/223 which still has unstable fill, some which already
slumped.
?? Reassess backfilling schedule and course of action.
?? Gary and Terry will work on budget.

March 5, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James for whole week and Raymond for first part (he was off from
Tuesday afternoon on with vehicle problems).
?? Rain and snow Friday and Friday night of previous week, but backfilling room (Room
80) was not tarped. Some precipitation early in week and partially backfilled room got
very wet. James tarped in Wednesday and then uncovered it to dry over weekend.
?? New Bobcat was delivered on Wednesday.
?? Don Griffen from Tom Gowney provided Bobcat operation and safety orientation on
Thursday morning, attended by James and Gary but Raymond was not at work.
?? Gary talked with Lyndel Smith about setting up a custom course on Bobcat safety thru
San Juan College.
?? James, Gary, and Raymond inspected ladder involved in accident the previous week on
Monday and put together preliminary memo on that sitation. Gary has been trying to
schedule ladder JSA session but it gets delayed on account of Raymonds absence.
?? Gary spent Friday and Saturday monitoring demolition of hogan in Aztec North which is
being done by A.R.M. Environmental.
?? Beth and Martha continued to work on backlogged stabilization photos and other old
stuff to get ready for reports and archiving..

?? Finish backfilling Room 80.
?? Finish monitoring demolition at Aztec North.
?? Meet with Lyndel Smith on Monday to set up Bobcat safety course.

47
?? Conduct ladder JSA.
?? Finish work on Doorway 205/223 slump.
?? Update budget and IRMS data entry.
?? Work on scanning and organizing the old stabilization photos and records.
?? Review FY01 backfill scope of work.
?? Work on FY00 backfill report.

March 12, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James and Raymond (James was at Chaco).
?? Some precipitation, but also some warm and dry weather to help dry out Room 80 which
had not been tarped over weekend when heavy rain and snow occurred
?? No backfilling was accomplished.
?? Gary met with Lyndel Smith about setting up custom course on Bobcat safety thru San
Juan College. They can do one-day course for $600.
?? Gary presented training session and JSA on ladder safety attended by Terry and AZRU
backfilling, maintenance, and documentation staff.
?? Gary finished monitoring on demolition of hogan in Aztec North and compiled report
documenting removal of structure on edge of site LA 60022. No significant damage to
cultural resources but substantial disturbance to surface of site and area did occur.
?? Beth and Martha continued to work on backlogged stabilization photos and other old
stuff to get ready for reports and archiving. Terrys files were included in ongoing
compilation of backlogged stabilization data.
?? Matilda and Gayle ranked applicants for backfilling project, but references still need to be
interviewed and Gary and James need to confer.

?? Hire laborers for backfilling project.
?? Finalize FY01 backfill scope of work.

March 19, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James and Raymond (James was at Chaco Tuesday and Thursday,
Raymond was off sick Tuesday thru Thursday).
?? Carl Jim accepted backfill position to start next pay period. SF-52 filed.

48
?? No backfilling was accomplished. Backfill dirt was mixed with the Bobcat to facilitate
drying.
?? James and Raymond assisted wood documentation crew by helping with scaffolding in
Rooms 112 and 113.
?? Bobcat electrical problemsno horn or backup signal. Raymond found faulty fuse
which fixed horn, but backup problem could not be located. Service call from Tom
Growney scheduled for Monday.
?? Tom Windes and his assistant Hannah Fretwell, along with volunteers and help from
Gary and Beth, conducted wood documentation and tree-ring sampling in North Wing.
Roughly 300 samples collected. Area scheduled for FY01 backfilling has now been
completely sampled.
?? Martha worked on scanning stabilization records for 1990s projects.
?? Gary monitored postholes for sign and mailbox at admin. Some artifacts were found but
archeological deposits do not appear to be substantial.

?? Backfilling in Room 80.
?? Hire two more laborers for backfilling project.
?? Finalize FY01 backfill scope of work.

March 26, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James and Raymond (James was at Chaco Tuesday and Friday).
James also worked on maintenance tasks and acting Supervisor in Chars absence.
?? Wilson Trujillo and Matthew Tso accepted backfill positions. Wilson will start next pay
period, but Matthew was too late to start before PP9. SF-52s filed for both of them.
?? No backfilling was accomplished. Backfill dirt was mixed with the Bobcat to facilitate
drying.
?? Raymond retrieved scaffolding used by wood documentation crew the previous week.
?? Raymond repaired broken protective door in East Room.
?? Raymond stabilized Doorway 110-122/2 after Gary did pre-stab documentation.
?? Beth and Martha worked on backlogged stabilization records, photos, and other data for
1990s projects which are being compiled in fiscal year folders and scanned. Directories
for the electronic files were set up on P-drive.
?? Gary went thru Backfill expenditures so they can be moved from dummy account to
permanent account (7380-0002-CCS).
?? Gary monitored postholes for another sign and wrote report on monitoring of the signs
and mailbox at admin.

49
?? Gary participated in safety board meeting Thursday afternoon, which included review of
three incidents related to backfill/documentation project--Beths torn rotator cuff, John
Atencios ladder accident, and James ear injury while tamping.
?? Beth and Gary attended Four Corners archeological meeting at Crow Canyon in Cortez
on Friday. Gary presented an overview and slides on the backfill and pre-backfilling
documentation project. In addition to other interesting presentations, there were several
Mesa Verde talks, including architectural documentation.

?? Orientation for Wilson Trujillo and Carl Jim who are starting work Monday.
?? Finish backfilling in Room 80.
?? Beth will continue work on backlogged stabilization reports.
?? Beth and Gary will attend class on MS Access, the software on which IRMS and the
documentation database are built.

April 2, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James, Raymond, Wilson, and Carl. Weather was good.
?? James and Gary gave backfill orientation on Monday for new people and review for the
rest.
?? Sandy fill in Room 80 was finished. Conveyor was moved to Room 79 to backfill with
sand (room had filled to lower door sills last summer).
?? Waiting on clay from Durango for final layer. Snow has melted and they hope to start
quarry next week. Will be a week or two before they have clay to deliver.
?? Beth and Martha worked on backlogged stabilization records.
?? Gary did stabilization documentation for Doorway 110-122-2 which Raymond had
stabilized the previous Friday.
?? Gary updated backfill budget and programming.
?? Beth and Gary completed 8-hour computer course on MS Access database software at
San Juan College which was very productive.
?? Gary and Beth screened additional slump through Doorway 205/223 just off Interpretive
Trail. Fill is classified as postoccupational roof and wall fall and it does contain lots of
sample potential and some artifacts (a worked slate pendent was collected).

?? Finish backfilling sand in Room 79. If clay is delivered, Rooms 79 and 80 can be
finished. If not, start constructive of drainage system in Rooms 48, 49, 54.
?? Kaisa will be here all week to work on IRMS database development and room
documentation field checking. Beth and Gary will confer on this work and assist.
?? Beth will continue work on backlogged stabilization reports.

50
?? Gary will work on FY00 backfill report as much as possible.

April 10, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James, Raymond, Wilson, and Carl. Weather was good except for rain
Thursday night.
?? Clay deliveries from APS in Durango were resumed. Final clay layer was put into
Rooms 79 and 80, so they now are complete.
?? Conveyor was set up in Room 75 which was partially filled last summer.
?? Backfilling not possible Friday due to rain Thursday night. Nothing was tarped so Room
75 and backdirt piles are wet.
?? Friday was too wet to backfill. Backfill crew was moved to previously backfilled area in
lower East Wing which needs 1-2 inches of clay to cover the red dirt presently covering
this area. Bobcat was used to level area for dumping clay into Room 37, but a buried
PVC drainage pipe was hit. Most of day was spent repairing the pipe.
?? Kaisa was at Aztec from Monday thru Thursday. Field recording forms were revised
with input from Gary and Beth.
?? Kaisa and Beth field checked Rooms 48, 49, 54, and 75, and Kiva G, updating room
folders consistent with revised forms.
?? Gary did stabilization documentation for Room 99 which Raymond had stabilized.
Established procedure for inputting stabilization data in IRMS database and updating
room condition assessments in IRMS.
?? Gary updated backfill budget and checked latest CCR.
?? Arrangements made for Bobcat safety course scheduled for Monday, April 9.
Coordination with Kaisa for return trip in two weeks and for two-week session with Art
Ireland from April 30-May 11.

?? Bobcat safety training on Monday. Orientation for Matthew Tso.
?? Use crane to move conveyor setup to southern end of FY00 backfill area. Figure out
routine for transporting fill dirt from exterior of Room 54 to Kiva G.
?? Gary will map Kiva G, the portion of field checking that Kaisa was unable to complete
during her visit.
?? Gary will work on FY00 backfill report.
?? Beth will resume work on backlogged stabilization reports.

April 16, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James, Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew Tso. Matthew started on
Monday and was given brief orientation.

51
?? Bobcat safety training session was Monday. James missed training due to Family Leave.
Gary was sick on Monday and also missed. Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew passed
individual behind the wheel session and will receive certification.
?? Backfilling was completed in Room 75. GEOWEB was laid along north and east walls.
Clay layer was finished.
?? Scaffolding was set up outside exterior wall of Room 54 and to the west in preparation
for conveyors to deliver dirt into Kiva G. Crane will be required to move conveyors from
north to east side.
?? Beth worked on annual summaries of stabilization work for backlogged years. Martha
assisted with some scanning.
?? Gary updated backfill budget and checked latest CCR. Will need to check some things
after Matilda returns.
?? Gary made some progress on FY00 backfill report.
?? Scheduled Crane Service to assist conveyor moving on Tuesday morning.
?? Received ranking on Masonry Worker position. Gary looked over applications, but
James did not have a chance to review them.

?? Apply finish coat of brown clay to FY99 backfill area which currently has conspicuous
red clay.
?? Use crane to move conveyor setup to southern end of FY00 backfill area. Figure out
routine for transporting fill dirt from exterior of Room 54 to Kiva G.
?? Backfill Kiva G.
?? Gary will map Kiva G, the portion of field checking that Kaisa was unable to complete
during her last visit.
?? Kaisa will be on site for second week of field checking. Beth will assist and Gary to
lesser extent.
?? Make Masonry Worker selection and file SF-52.

April 24, 2001

?? Crew consisted of James, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew. Raymond was on annual leave all
week. Weather was good.
?? Crane was used to move conveyors from north side of West Ruin to east side. All three
conveyors are needed to reach from exterior wall of Room 54 across intervening rooms to
Kiva G.
?? Backfilling begun in Kiva G.
?? Brown clay was spread across entire FY99 backfill area in East Wing (except for three
second-story rooms which are not visible from outside the rooms). Area is now ready for
planting native grass seed.
?? Gary mapped Kiva G prior to backfilling.

52
?? Kaisa and Beth with some assistance from Gary worked on field checking architectural
documentation in Room 66-82 suite and started Kiva H.
?? Gary did some work on FY00 backfill report.
?? Selected Carl for Masonry Worker position and submitted SF-52. Tried to fill Carls
vacating Laborer position, but first choice (Wayne Lopez) declined.

?? Continue backfilling in Kiva G.
?? Gary and Beth will attend second module of Access computer class.
?? Beth will continue field checking and also backlogged stabilization reports.
?? Fill laborer position which Carl will vacate at end of this pay period.

April 30, 2001

?? Crew consisted of Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew. James was on annual leave all
week and Raymond was on leave Friday. Gary was on annual leave Monday. Weather
was good.
?? Considerable progress was made on backfilling in Kiva G. Five GEOWEB courses were
laid against south wall after filling to lintel in southern recess.
?? Hydraulic leak was identified in Bobcat. Tom Growney technician stopped by on
Thursday and OKed continued use with vigilant monitoring. He wont be able to repair
it until next week.
?? Had two loads of clay dumped, so both sand and clay are now adequately stockpiled.
Good supply of pea gravel, road base, and coarse sand also on hand.
?? Gary worked on budget and FY00 backfill report.
?? Gary and Beth attended Module II of Microsoft Access database course.
?? Arranged Native American class attendance for backfill crew at MEVE next week.
?? Attempted to fill Laborer position which Carl will vacate when he starts Masonry Worker
position in PP-11. Some previous applicants have taken other jobs and there are not
many options left.
?? Beth made lot of progress on backlogged stabilization reports. Martha did some
additional scanning.

?? Finish backfilling in Kiva G.
?? Backfill crew will be training at MEVE on Wednesday.
?? Bobcat repair and maintenance scheduled for Monday.
?? Gary will work on budget and FY00 backfill report.
?? Beth will work on field checking and backlogged stabilization reports.
?? Art Ireland will be here until May 11 working on photodocumentation.
?? Fill laborer position which Carl will vacate at end of this pay period.

53
May 7, 2001

?? Backfill crew consisted of James, Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew. They attended
Native American training class at Mesa Verde on Wednesday and Aztec Ruin seasonal
training on Thursday.
?? Rain on Thursday.
?? Kiva G was finished. Final clay layer and evaporative basin was installed.
?? Rooms to east of the kiva were prepared for backfilling.
?? Hydraulic leak in Bobcat was fixed.
?? Gary and Beth attended seasonal training session on Friday when Pete McKenna toured
East Ruin and Aztec North.
?? Art Ireland spent first week on photodocumentation.
?? Beth worked mainly with Art on photomodeling and some photodoc, as well as some
progress on backlogged stabilization reports.

?? Install drainage run thru Rooms 48, 49, and 54.
?? Backfill Room 49.
?? Beth will work on field checking and backlogged stabilization report during first part of
week.
?? Beth is scheduled for shoulder surgery on Wednesday and will be out for remainder of
week.
?? Art Ireland will perform another week of photodocumentation.
?? Still need to fill laborer position which Carl vacates on Monday when he begins Masonry
Worker position.

May 14, 2001

?? Backfill crew consisted of Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew. Matthew was off one
day and James assisted intermittently. New archeologist Brian Culpepper worked with
the backfill crew on Thursday afternoon.
?? Rooms 48, 49, and 54 were filled to first-story door sills and PVC drainage system was
partially installed. Several additional lifts were filled into Room 49, along with Geoweb
along south wall.
?? One of the 20-ft conveyors broke down and required removal to the maintenance shop for
repairs.
?? Archeological monitoring was done by Gary for Farmers Ditch culvert and headgate
repairs done with backhoe on Friday.

54
?? Art Ireland spent second week on photodocumentation. He completed most of the rooms
between the FY00 documentation area and the Interpretive Trail. He is finished for now,
but may be available again in late July or late August.
?? Beth worked on backlogged stabilization reports first part of week before her surgery
Wednesday and recuperation for remainder of week.

?? Continue backfilling in Rooms 48, 49, and 54.
?? Still need to fill vacant laborer position.

May 21, 2001
Backfill crew consisted of Raymond, Wilson, Carl, and Matthew. Weather was good all
week.
Backfilling in Rooms 48 and 49 was completed, with Geoweb along south wall in both
rooms and east in Room 48. Doorway 48/54 was blocked with vertical drain to increase fill
level above door lentils and avoid steep slope into Room 54 (see SOW).
Drainage was extended thru east wall in Room 54. Gary monitored wall perforation and
excavation beyond exterior wall where some original ground surface was scraped to lay pipe.
Extra effort was made to raise pipe and avoid original ground disturbance.
Worked on logistics and JSA for backfilling project. Covered orientation for the project with
Gary, along with various personnel and technical aspects. First area in FY01 SOW was
toured and discussed in detail. Spent half day looking at Aztec north sites with Gary.
Gary worked on budget and FY00 backfill report. Dummy account should be zeroed out
once few remaining charges clear and all backfilling expenses to date put into 7380-0002-
CCS and photo logs for FY00 backfill report.
Beth was off all week recovering from surgery on her shoulder.
Three applications for vacant backfill position were received from San Juan College.

June 8, 2001
Backfill crew consisted of Carl, Raymond, Wilson, Matthew, and the newest member - Darwin
Ellison. Darwin began work on June 4.
Scaffold was setup in Rooms 82, 83 and 84. On May 25, I shut down backfill operation due to
safety concerns of inadequate, damaged, and incomplete scaffold. Had crew remove scaffold

55
then dispose of damaged and incomplete SAFEWAY scaffold. Only the WACO RED frame
scaffold will be used until scaffold from Chaco can be borrowed and new tube and clamp can be
purchased.
In the meantime (5/28 - 6/6), the crew applied sacrificial coping (unamended mortar) to the base
of walls in all backfilled rooms. Also, crew began sealing Doorway 66/67. Stone used was
scavenged from the floors of various rooms. Completion is expected the week of 6/11.
Preparations for resuming backfilling began this week. WACO RED Scaffold (some borrowed
from Chaco) will be erected during the week of 6/11 thru the 6/15 and conveyers will be set in
place.
I changed the FY 2001 scope of work for the drainage of rooms 65,66,82,83,84. Instead of tying
into the drainpipe extending from the east wall of Room 84, the rooms will drain north into the
French drain. This required perforating a hole in Room 82. I documented and monitored the
perforation and took mortar samples. The drainpipe in Room 84 will now change direction and
reach the surface for use as a clean-out and be capped. A ninety degree fitting will facilitate the
change in direction.
The drainpipe in Room 84 enters the room too high. Thus construction of the drain system as
outlined in the FY01 SOW might not work effectively in the long run requiring too frequent
maintenance or simply fail due to unnecessarily complicated series of connections. The
modification simplifies the system and hopefully will require less maintenance in the future and
be easier to clean.
A crane is expected Friday (6/15) @ 9:00 am to move the larger gas and electric conveyers into
place.
3' x 4' x 3" Polystyrene was purchased to limit the impact of conveyer vibration when resting on
door sills. 8 - 16' and 2 - 12' (2x12) scaffolding planks were purchased. They meet OSHA
standards. Also purchased were kneepads and a new tamper.

July 30, 2001
Crew consisted of Raymond, Carl, Matthew (in part), Wilson, and Darwin.
Chose not to use crane to move conveyor anymore. Figured out a way to do it safely with the
Bobcat.
Doorway 66/67 was sealed on 6/12.
Crew setup scaffold (some borrowed from Chaco) the week of 6/11.
Finished backfilling Rooms 65, 66, 82, 83, 84 last week (7/27). Work began June 18.

56
Required borrowing three 10 electric conveyors and some scaffolding from Chaco to reach
Rooms 65 and 66. Geoweb was placed in Room 66.
In the last month, the 21 conveyor (yellow) broke 3 times. 1st burned out bearings = replaced
bearings and sprocket. 2nd shaft bent = replaced 1/2' shaft w/ 5/8 (new bearings, shaft,
sprocket). 3rd belt worn = replaced with heavy duty belt. The 25 conveyor (red) broke twice
(sprocket worn and structural bar required welding)
Perforated hole in Room 82 which was a modification of the scope-of-work. On July 25,
excavated one meter past north wall exterior 30 cm wide to a depth of 30 cm. No artifacts
encountered. Excess dirt from backfill operations has raised the ground surface approximately
10 cm. above previous ground surface along northeast side of north wall. Did not contact
aboriginal ground surface. Dirt below present ground surface appears to 20th C, possibly as a
result of previous stabilization staging outside North Wall or from later work.
Began digital photo documentation of backfill operations. Took 55 still photos and two 15
second .mpg videos with the park's Sony Mavica.
Terminated Matthew Tso on July 17 for insubordination. Today, 7/30, his replacement, Douglas
Norberto, reported for work. Douglas, nephew of Raymond and son-in-law to the late Harry
Etcitty, is a 30-day emergency hire. Will probably extend him 60 days to September 30.
Began setting up scaffolding today to backfill Rooms 90, 91, and 92. Anticipate resuming
backfilling operations on Friday starting with Room 92.

August 10, 2001
Crew consisted of Raymond, Carl, Darwin, and Douglas.
On July 30, began setting up scaffolding in Rooms 90, 91, and 92. On August 3, Carl Raymond
and Brian removed scaffolding because it wasnt a safe set-up (too high) for the crew. Ordered
tube and clamp type scaffold. If new scaffolding arrives this, crew will start backfilling next
week beginning with room 92.
In the meantime, the crew re-organized preservation shed (8/6) and will began stabilization
work.
Anticipate crew completing stabilization in rooms 94 and 95, and Kivas J and H soon. Until new
scaffold arrives, assorted other stabilization work will include resetting lattillas removed for
sampling by Tom Windes and cleaning drainages clogged with sediment in throughout the west
wing of the West Ruin.
Offered Douglas Norbertos services for noxious weed eradication. He will work with Marcia
Tuesday thru Friday of this week, provided that Darwin and Wilson are present each day.

57
September 6, 2001
Crew consisted of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Wilson Trujillo, Darwin Ellison, and Douglas
Norberto.
Terminated Wilson Trujillos employment for theft of government property on August 22

(official on August 23) for stealing an instrument panel from a Chevy van in the vehicle
(Chaco's) boneyard in the maintenance area. No plans to hire someone in Wilsons position. If
Wilson hadnt screwed-up, I was planning to run the backfill operation until November 2, 2001
(end of pp23). So the new date for the end of the backfill season will be September 21, 2001.
That will be Douglas Norbertos last day.
Carl Jim, Darwin Ellison, and myself will go to Canyon de Chelly on September 23 to backfill
rooms 42 and 47, (two small kivas) at Antelope House. I anticipate that the work will take five
days. Raymond will stay behind and began backfill operations cleanup.
Scaffolding did not arrive until August 23 (2 weeks late). In the meantime, crew completed
prebackfilling stabilization in West Ruin rooms 94, 95, 96, 110, 114, Kivas J and H. Darwin did
an outstanding job in the documentation process. Plans to reset lattillas removed for sampling by
Tom Windes changed in the Winter.
Crew cleaned the drainages all over the West Ruin on August 9 and 10 (I was at Pecos
conference in Flagstaff). Over the weekend, the Aztec area received heavy rainfall (as did
Flagstaff). On Monday August 13, I noticed that the silt boxes put in place during the FY99
backfilling silted up over the weekend from the heavy rains.
All of the rooms in the East Wing up to Rooms 92-90 have been seeded.
Resumed backfilling operation with scaffolding set-up using the new tube and clamp on August
24. Crew consisting of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Darwin Ellison, and Douglas Norberto.
Began backfilling room 92 on August 27. Completed backfilling rooms 92, 91, and 90 on
September 4, except for geotex, enkamat, final clay layer, and drain boxes. Plan to build
scaffold across Rooms 92, 91, and 90 next year to reach Kiva H and interstitial spaces. Chose
not to complete final course because spilled fill dirt from conveyors would fall on top of clay
layer next year and also possibly clog drain boxes.
Perforated hole in north wall of room 90 on September 4. Began set-up of scaffolding to backfill
rooms 93, 94, and 95 on September 5. Completed scaffolding set-up for those rooms on
September 6 and will resume backfilling on September 10.

September 21, 2001
Crew consisted of Raymond Torrivio, Carl Jim, Darwin Ellison, and Douglas Norberto.

58
Events of September 11th has everyone in the country and the NPS wigging out. Doesn't seem to
have affected crew much but they like to watch the news at lunch now.
Resumed backfilling Rooms 93, 94, and 95 on 9/10. Completed backfilling Rooms 93, 94, and
95 on 9/19 except for geotex, enkamat, final clay layer, and drain boxes. Plan to build scaffold
across Rooms 93, 94, and 95 next year to reach Kiva J and interstitial spaces J-I and J-2 around
kivas. Chose not to complete final layer until next year because spill fill dirt from conveyors
would fall on top of clay layer and possibly clog drain boxes. Plan is to complete final layer in
Rooms 91 thru 95 AFTER Kivas H and J and Rooms 68, H-1, H-2, J-1, and J-2 are completed.
On 9/19 removed scaffold and broke operation down for the winter.
Perforated hole for PVC drainage in Room 93 on 9/17.
Will travel to Canyon de Chelly on 9/23 to backfill Rooms 42 and 47 at Antelope House. Carl
and Darwin will meet me there on 9/23. Raymond will stay behind and begin maintenance and
cleanup of backfill equipment.

59

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Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Aztec Ruins National Monument

September 30, 2002

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Appendix A: FY01 Backfilling Project Cost Details.....................................................................33

Appendix B: FY01 Project Updates..............................................................................................37

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

1.1. Overview map of West Ruin at Aztec Ruins National Monument........................................6

3.1. Rooms/Kivas completed or initiated in FY00 and FY01......................................................16

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

From bottom to top, the sequence is as follows:

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 2.2. Photo of Geoweb? cellular confinement material.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 2.5. Blended fill delivered to Room 95.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

BACKFILLING AT AZTEC'S WEST RUIN

Room/Kiva Initiated in FY00 & Initiated & Completed in Initiated in FY01

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.1. Rooms/Kivas receiving fill in FY01.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.2. Room specific backfill strategies in FY01.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.3. Tube and clamp scaffolding construction in Room 90.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.4. Drainage system as built in FY01.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.6. Leveling of a 90? elbow fitting in Room 92.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.7. Y-fitting in Room 94.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.8. T-fitting in Room 83.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.10. Perforation in Room 54. View of interior wall.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.11. Perforation in Room 82. View of interior wall.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.12. Perforation in Room 90. View of interior wall.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.13. Perforation in Room 93. View of interior wall.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Figure 3.14. Coping along the north wall of Room 51.

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Dippel, Elizabeth A. (editor)

Lister, Robert H., and Florence C. Lister

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Stein, John R., and Peter J. McKenna

Windes, Thomas C., and Peter J. McKenna

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

FY2001 Backfill of West Ruin GPRA Code:Ia5

Labor $26,513.22 2523.25

Backfilling Completion Report for FY2001

Account # Total: 7380-0002-CCS $69,877.24* 2523.25