Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(Orlandos, II, pp. 26-28; Martin, pp. 169-70). h ey could be slung lengthwise
between two sets of wheels so as themselves to constitute a chassis, but this was
limited by the necessity for restricting the axle loading to a reasonable burden
(v Orlandos, II, i g 13). On the other hand Vitruvius (X, 2, 11-12) refers to various
devices for constituting the long blocks themselves as axles for the pairs of wheels.
h is proceedure, however, required a broad carriage way which was a signii cant
expense (cf Orlandos, II, i gs 10-12).
With respect to the raising up into position of monolithic columns Egyptian
monoliths were doubtless hauled base foremost up an inclined earth ramp and
then slid down an abrupt incline into position more or less in the same manner as
an obelisk (v R. Engelbach,
h e Problem of the Obelisks, pass
; Arnold, pp. 67-70).
h e early granite piers in the Pyramid temple of the 4th dynasty were embedded
well down into the ground which alleviated the process of erection somewhat
(Arnold, p. 67, i g 3.9; Clarke & Engelbach, i g 164). h e early Greek monolith
columns were of the period (6th cent BC) when it is now reckoned that clean
lit ing by block and tackle was being introduced (J. Coulton, “Lit ing in Early
Greek Architecture,”
JHS
94, 1974, pp. 1-18). It is possible they could thus have
been lit ed into position, and only in extremity were hauled up ramps to be set
into position at er the Egyptian manner. Pliny's story (N.H. 36.14) of the use of
this system by Chersiphron to raise up the architraves of the Temple of Artemis
at Ephesos in the mid 6th cent BC as something wonderful betokens that some
other method was already standard practice. However the question of the date
when clean lit ing was introduced is not settled. Note that arguments based on the
presence of cuttings in blocks for attachments as necessary evidence for lit ing is
not valid as it is always possible to lit blocks by slings or by tying ropes around
them to provide attachments to the lit ing ropes. h us the absence of cuttings on
blocks before say 515 BC does not negate lit ing blocks before that date.
h ere is, of course, a hypothetical device clearly indicated for erecting mono-
lithic columns. h is is a heavy wooden cradle with two arms set at right angles and
strongly braced together. h e monolith is roped to the supine arm with its base
at the fulcrum. h e vertical arm is then hauled down into the horizontal to raise
the other arm with attached columns into the vertical. h is appears a practical
and convenient piece of machinery, but there is no record of its use in antiquity.
Formerly when it was required to re-erect monolithic columns during restoration
work—at out of the way places—with only the simplest traditional equipment, the
work was carried out by lit ing using tall metal tripods.
h e high level of socio-economic organisation entailed with the early Egyptian
practice of ready to erect monolithic columns brought from distant quarries is
obvious. On the other hand it was requisite that early Greek monolithic columns
could be won at nearby quarries.
Mono-
lithic
columns
228
96
