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Stone shifting 4

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Steve Gray S
Steve Gray Sep 7, 2003 09:44:23
Replying to GordonP

Sure, I agree, to the extent that it is possible to do it. However, I think there are some holes in your theory. Firstly, your maths is a little wishful. 11:1 mechanical advantage from the levers with five men pulling from the ground is 55 men. I don't see how the 6 men on top can multiply this up to 330. Also, the levers will only move the stone by about 1 foot. How do you then reposition the lever so that you can get another foot? We have to move the stone 11 feet at the top from 70 degrees.

G GordonP
GordonP Sep 7, 2003 10:07:14
Replying to Steve Gray

Hi Steve
6 levers, one man on each lever on the tower holding each lever in position, ropes leading from the end of each lever to ground level, that's 6 ropes, 5 men hauling on each rope, that's 30 men times 11, equals 330 men.

Place two logs on top of the tower at right angles to the face of the stone, fix another log across these two for a fulcrum. lever the stone up, say 6 inches, pack chalk behind the stone against the face of the hole. The stone will then stand supported by the back face of the hole as before. Slide the three logs forward 6 inches and repeat. Keep repeating the proccess until the stone is upright. Less power will be required with each lift as the stone moves towards 90 degrees.

The top of the tower serves as a working platform to lever the stone upright, we can even fit safety rails on three edges of the tower to satisfy modern requirements, the stone it'self forms a safety barrier on the remaining side.

As the working platform follows the stone and extends away from the tower we can fit support legs.