Research and property analysis of the Ming dynasty silt cultural layer at Zhouqiao archaeological site

Abstract Since its excavation in 2018, Zhouqiao Archaeological Site in Kaifeng has been highly valued. Among the discoveries from the site, the Ming Dynasty silt cultural layer is particularly important as it evidences the great flood in 1642. The unique quality of silt is leading serious cracking and local collapse. It is necessary and urgent to implement research on the soil properties of the Ming Dynasty silt cultural layer. As a result, microcracks are considered as potential cracking points. The soil of the silted cultural layer is confirmed as low liquid limit silty clay, with low permeability and high content of calcium carbonate and organic matters. The combined influence of these factors makes the soil seriously cracking. The study also explored the source of calcium carbonate in the layer, building a base to understand how calcium carbonate form inside the silted cultural layers of Kaifeng’s other archaeological sites.