Structure 15-S, masonry surface structure

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Features

Socket (Feature 1) Top of page
General description
Probable beam socket in masonry surface room.
Use history
The socket was built to hold a roofing beam; there is no beam in the socket, however, it probably held a primary beam, based on its size.
Associated features
None.
Excavation procedure
Not excavated, only recorded; part of standing architecture.
Portion excavated
Entire feature.
Horizontal location
Located at the top of Structure 15 south wall.
Vertical location
Base of the socket is 80 cm from modern ground surface. Measurements were not taken from the floor because it was not exposed; base of the socket rests at relatively the same elevation as the beam to the east.
Construction
Built as part of the south wall and roof. A space was left in the masonry for a socket. The socket does not extend through the wall. Instead, stones on the other side of the wall define the back of the socket. The stones defining the sides, base, and back of this socket are wall stones that are not formally treated. It is inferred that a beam was placed in the socket and roofing sediment was packed around the beam.
Remodeling/ modification
No
Thermal alteration
No
Sooting
No
Sealed
No
Preservation
Good.
Degree of preservation
Top of socket does not appear to be preserved; it was probably defined by roofing sediment that was displaced when the beam was removed or fell from the socket.
Shape in plan view
Actual:  rectangular.
Inferred: 
Shape in cross section
Actual:  rectangular.
Inferred: 
Shape comments
Dimensions
 
Actual
Complete?
Inferred
Comments
Length
19
Yes
Side-to-side.
Width
No
Height
24
No
Base of socket to base of upper story wall; socket may have not been this tall during occupation because roofing sediment probably rested between beam and upper story wall.
Depth
15
Yes
Front-to-back.
Stratigraphy
Stratum
Interpretation
Inclusions
Disturbance
Color
Texture