Moving buildings involves relocating structures from their original locations to new sites. This process, often undertaken for historical, economic, or safety reasons, requires precise planning, specialized equipment, and expert execution. This article explores the motivations for moving buildings, the techniques involved, and the types of structures that can be relocated.
Motivations to Move Buildings
The decision to move a building is often driven by practical or cultural considerations:
- Preservation of Historical Structures:
Relocating historical buildings protects them from demolition due to industrial development or urban expansion. It also enables the creation of historical villages, where significant structures are preserved collectively. - Economic Considerations:
In some cases, relocating a structure is more cost-effective than demolishing and rebuilding. This is particularly true for large or complex buildings. - Natural Catastrophes:
Relocation can protect buildings and residents in areas prone to flooding, earthquakes, or other disasters. For instance, the houses in Clermont were moved to mitigate the risk of flooding. - Improper Construction Planning:
Poorly planned building arrangements can necessitate relocation to improve functionality, spacing, or compliance with urban development plans.
Underpinning of Structures
Underpinning is a critical step in moving buildings, ensuring their stability during the process. Several underpinning methods can be employed:
- Continuous Strip Foundation: Reinforces the structure’s base for easier relocation.
- Piers or Bases: Provides additional support at specific points.
- Piles: Drives deep supports into the ground.
- Injection or Freezing Techniques: Stabilizes soils during the move.
- Pretest Methods: Ensures the safety and feasibility of the process before execution.
The Moving Building Process
Relocating a building is a complex process requiring precision and careful execution. Key steps include:
- Preparation:
The structure is surveyed, and detailed load calculations are conducted. Soil conditions at the new site and along the transportation route are analyzed. - Beams and Tracks:
A system of beams is placed under the building, transferring its weight to roller or wheel carriages. These carriages are positioned on rail tracks laid out in the desired direction. - Directional Changes:
If the building needs to change direction, carriages are jacked up and rotated onto new tracks. - Movement and Stabilization:
Hydraulic jacks or winches apply force to move the structure along the rails. Strain-measuring equipment ensures stability throughout the process.
Types of Moving Buildings
Different types of buildings can be relocated depending on their construction:
- Timber Buildings:
These lightweight structures are often the easiest to move. - Bearing Wall Buildings:
- Preparation: Holes are introduced in the walls, and needles are inserted to support brickwork.
- Load Distribution: Longitudinal beams and girders are used to evenly distribute the load.
- Movement Forces: Hydraulic jacks generate the initial force (1–2% of the building’s weight) and maintain continuous movement (approximately two-thirds of the initial force).
- Framed Buildings:
- Columns are needled and propped before placing roller carriages underneath.
- Struts and ties transfer loads in multistory buildings, reducing the number of jacks required.
- Air Cushion Method: Buildings with flat bases, such as storage tanks, can be moved using air cushions. However, precautions must be taken for irregularly shaped structures to prevent air loss.
Moving buildings is a remarkable feat of engineering, often undertaken to preserve history, save costs, or ensure safety. The process, which includes underpinning, careful planning, and precise execution, highlights the expertise required to relocate a structure successfully. Whether preserving historical landmarks or protecting against natural disasters, moving buildings offers a sustainable and innovative solution to modern challenges.