  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.
