1 All of the steel scaffolding, horizontal metal struts, steel shoring posts and nylon web straps were installed at each stone course to provide stabilization when the stone removal process began. Our major concern in this step is to prevent a cascade of falling stones once we remove the mortar joints that are keeping the stones together. Using a masonry saw, all mortar was removed from the top, sides and bottom of the top stone. 3 Inserted shim plates into the joint area where the mortar was removed.
Lubrication is provided by spraying non-stick vegetable oil.
The stone is pushed out of place with a hydraulic jack while the stone is secured with safety straps connected to the crane and to the wall of the colonnade. Once the stone is moved out of position, the crane can then lift the stone with two sets of straps.