House-mov′ing.
The operation of removing small or moderate-sized frame structures from one locality to another is a task of comparatively easy accomplishment.
The house is supported on beams laid in the direction to be taken, beneath which rollers are placed and the power of tackle or of a capstan applied to a rope properly secured to or around the house.
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House-moving. |
The case of brick buildings, especially those of large dimensions, presents more difficulty.
A foundation is first prepared on the new site.
A trench is next cut around the outside of the house, and the earth is also removed from the interior, so as to expose the foundation.
Through this, openings are made, into which are inserted, at intervals of about three feet, at right angles to the direction that the house is to be moved, stout beams
a which project about three feet beyond the walls at each end. Under each of these projecting ends a screw-jack is placed, resting on a firm foundation, and, by the operation of these, the beams
a are brought up into close contact with the superstructure, the intermediate masonry being removed.
Above and resting upon the beams
a are placed beams
b, through openings made in the walls for the purpose, and below, transversely to them and in the direction the house is to be moved, two beams
c d are placed under each end wall; the lower of these has a tongue, and serves as a guide for the upper, which is grooved, and slides upon it. The two surfaces of contact are greased, and a powerful screw-jack, butting against the beams
c, is fixed horizontally to each of the beams
d, and operated until the structure is moved the distance which the limit of motion of the screwjacks allows.
They are then unfastened and the operation repeated.
By successive additions to the length of the lower beams
d, this may be continued until the house is moved any required distance.
House-lifting by screw-jacks is now an important business.
This process requires great care and attention, as it is obvious that an inequality in the movement of the numerous screw-jacks tends to crack the walls.
