Note: This post was recovered from the Sh.org archive.
Username: ISeenItFirst
Date: 2018-11-08 12:46:58
Reaction Score: 7
Hmm, can anyone find some tech that would've been actually used for this building movements?
1868 boring machine, and some other equipment examples
I don't buy the boring machine. Not that it isn't possible, I just don't buy it. I think it is one of the crudest "this is how we did(nt do) it" contraptions.
As for the buildings, they generally cut them off the existing foundations and set them on a new one.
The process is a variation on underpinning. Most cities have a lot of guidelines on this kind of work. Search underpinning permit. I know DC has a separate paper on it available at the permit office website, which in DC falls under consumer and regulatory affairs (DCRA)
Anyhow, you basically install temp support, cut out foundation, install moving supports. Each one at a time, so you unload a few feet of foundation, at a time.
It is done for a lot of reasons besides moving a structure. Mostly related to repairing or replacing a foundation or a portion of it, installing missing footers or drainage, or digging out a basement.
I understand that theres all types of mechanisms to take advantage of leverage and such but isn't 1 horspower still a very limiting factor in moving an entire freaking building. Either with the amount of time it would take to move apparently there was time and horses to move businesses to the 'outskirts of the city'.
I had no idea buildings could be moved around like this so easily period, don't we just rebuild everything these days.
One horse is around 15 horsepower max actually. The rigging is really the limit. Was it Archimedes who said that bit about a lever long enough and a place to stand?
Here is the interesting info about movement and relocation of the buildings in Moscow in 1930's. It's in Russian but I'm sure there is something available in English. In the video there is footage of how it was done and some interviews and comments. What's interesting is that at the end of the video reporter says that "the secret of moving such buildings is almost forgotten now, being replaced by simple erase/demolish build new structure".
Wait... Just 1930's and now suddenly noone knows how to do it? And you wonder why people forgot how they built anything 1000 years ago.
The article is in Russian. There are many like this in Google.
Шагающие дома: что и как двигали в Москве
I thought it would be interesting for you.
I think it's less about forgetting the technique and more about the construction methods have changed and building are not as easily moved. Now it is cheaper to tear down and rebuild.
Most around here know, if you want a house or barn building raised up, dug out or moved, you don't call the advanced engineers, you call the Amish, if you can find their phone number. Much faster, much cheaper.
Having been to Chicago, I agree with the assessment. 
