Paper detail

How they (should have) built the pyramids

A novel method is proposed for moving large, pyramid construction size, stone blocks. The method is inspired by a well known introductory physics homework problem, and is implemented by tying 12 identical rods of appropriately chosen radius to the faces of the block. The rods form the corners and new faces that transform the square prism into a dodecagon which can then be moved more easily by rolling than by dragging. Experimental results are presented and compared to independent work by another group which utilized wooden attachments providing a cylindrical shape. It is found that a small scale stone block converted to dodecagons can be moved across level open ground with a dynamic coefficient of friction of the order 0.2. For full scale pyramid blocks, the wooden rods would need to be posts of order 30 cm in diameter, similar in size to those used as masts on ships in the Nile.