The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian
Home Latest Posts Forums Maps Help
Browse Sites News Blog Contributors The Books
Head To Head   The Modern Antiquarian   Stonehenge Forum Start a topic | Search
Stonehenge
Re: Do we need ropes?
143 messages
Select a forum:
We may need to have small guy ropes either side to prevent the pole from pivoting sideways, but that's a minor issue. Although the pole seems like it's acting as a big lever, it's actuallyh the rope that pulls the stone up. The pole merely acts like an A-frame keeping the rope in the correct place. It's the angle between the rope and the load that gives the mechanical advantage. All the load on the pole is compressive, so it doesn't need to be especially stout.

It's also possible to reset the angle of the pole as follows:

Suppose the pole is set initially quite low and we only manage to pull the stone from 70 to 80 degrees before the pole reaches the ground. If the back of the stone is then rammed with rubble to retain it, the end of the pole can be raise back up and the rope retensioned ready for a second go. This is not a big deal because we are only talking of a 2-3 ton load at the end of the pole.


Reply | with quote
Steve Gray
Posted by Steve Gray
17th September 2003ce
08:59

In reply to:

Re: Do we need ropes? (nigelswift)

2 replies:

Re: Eh? (Wotan)
Re: Do we need ropes? (GordonP)

Messages in this topic:

Terms & Conditions  |  Home  |  Julian Cope presents Head Heritage Top of page