ABSTRACT

The relocation of buildings and other structures is a specialized niche of the industry that
facilitates the preservation of historic structures, correction of construction errors, and
alteration of the urban fabric. Although various methods are utilized, the most prevalent one is
lifting the building with hydraulic leveling jacks and moving it with hydraulic push jacks along
roll beams or with sets of dollies. The accurate estimation of the structural loads and
determination of the proper lift points and main beam locations is critical. In addition, proper
shoring and bracing is important for laterally stabilizing the structure during relocation. The
success of relocating buildings relies on the collaboration between relocation companies and
structural engineers to ensure that the building can be moved efficiently and safely. Relocations
can occur for a number of reasons, including historic preservation, construction

purposes, and

fixing errors. Since relocations have been occurring for hundreds of years, there are a number of
standard practices that have developed, which have since been enhanced by the development of
modern technology and engineering practices. The knowledge and hands-on experience of
building relocation companies in conjunction with the technical expertise of structural engineers
is critical for a successful relocation.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

When the original setting for a structure is no longer a viable location, the last resort to
preserve a building or structure is to relocate it to a more suitable location. The need for structure
relocation can be the result of variety of pressures, including natural environment or urban
development encroaching on our historic buildings and structures. However, relocation is not
simply the movement of a building or structure. The physical strain on the building materials and
the possible damage the relocation can cause to a historic structure as a whole and with regard to
ornamental detailing, are the most significant factors when determining the reason and
practicality of relocating a building. Another consideration to take into account when a building
is relocated is the character of the new site both in context and proximity.
The act of relocating a building is so hotly debated that even the subject is objectionable
to some preservationists. The possibility of damaging one aspect of the structures significance
can cause the abandonment of the project and the result could be demolition, demolition by
neglect, or natural deterioration. If the structure is of great importance, and at least one aspect of
its significance will be lost if it remains, should it not be saved at the cost of a different aspect of
its significance, if the latter is determined to be a lower priority? Would we not today celebrate
and study the technological and social feat of a building that was relocated in the eighteenth
century as a remarkable accomplishment? By studying examples of relocation, preservationists,

as well as the public, can appreciate the practice as a valid act of preservation when it is the last
resort. Preservationists should examine the potential of relocation as the chance to save a
building in danger of becoming lost. In the case of an endangered species, it is always advisable
to protect the surviving population even if it means moving them to a different but comparable
habitat or environment in order for their numbers to grow. Historic buildings cannot be
reproduced; therefore, preservationists must exhaust all avenues to save them, even if it means
moving endangered buildings to comparable settings within safer environments.

CHAPTER 2

History
Moving a building is not a twentieth-century practice ushered in by the flat bed truck.
Throughout history, buildings have been moved for many reasons, including environmental,

personal, and financial, to name a few. In the United States, evidence of building relocation
dates to the early 1800s. According to Frances Trollopes Domestic Manners of the
Americans, written in 1832, One of the sights to stare at in America is that of a house
being moved from place to place . An example worth exploring in greater detail is that of
the Brighton Beach Hotel, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York that was moved due to coastal
erosion in 1888. These historic events provide background to the relocation
phenomenon..The relocation of the Brighton Beach Hotel is an interesting event both
technologically and socially. The Brighton Beach Hotel is located on Coney Island, in
Brooklyn, New York. Coney Island is considered one of first modern amusement parks. The
Brighton Beach Hotel was constructed in 1868. The hotel is a wooden frame structure,
measuring four hundred fifty feet by one hundred fifty feet and is three stories high. The
building also contains five towers that rise from the roof. It was larger than the other two
surrounding hotels and catered to the middle class. Due to coastal erosion, the hotel needed
to be relocated in the 1880s or it would soon have been under water. As a result, the water
had advanced underneath the hotel, which was supported by pilings. The Brooklyn and
Brighton Beach Rail Road Company owned the hotel. They enlisted the help of the house
moving company B.C. Miller & Son, of Brooklyn The goal of the owners was to move the
building intact because if the building were to be moved in pieces, it would cost more. The
owners knew this due to their previous experience relocating a smaller dependency building
that had been moved in three sections several times as the waters advanced. The contract to
move the entire hotel was signed on December 5, 1887 and the agreed upon amount for the
relocation was twelve thousand dollars. The method of relocation was to rest the a number of
freight cars, resting on parallel tracts and to draw it where wanted by locomotives. The
Brighton hotel building rested upon a series of short posts which, in their turn, were
supported by piling. The first operation was to lay a series of parallel tracks from underneath
the building. Longitudinal planks two inches in thickness were placed in the lines where the
rails were to run. Upon these the cross ties, or sleepers, were placed, and sand was eventually
rammed under the planks and sleepers alike. This gave the sleepers a double support, directly
from the earth and also from the stringer planks. The rails were of the ordinary type,
weighing fifty-six and sixty pounds to the yardTwenty four lines of track were laid, and
were carried under the building and out from it about three hundred feet land ward. To lay

track for moving the building its own depth, a mile and a half of rails were required. Ten
thousand ties were used. On April 8, 1888 the building was moved from the seashore five
hundred ninety five feet. It is estimated that the weight of the building was about six thousand
tons In order to move the building; one hundred and twelve platform cars were used. In order
to get the building onto the platform cars, it was jacked-up using thirteen hydraulic jacks of
various weight limits in twenty-foot sections. Once the hotel was lifted, the cars were rolled
under the hotel. The cars were connected using twelve by fourteen yellow pine timbers. Six
locomotives were used to tow the hotel inland. The locomotives were placed on two tracks
and six ropes leading from the falls were attached to the coupling at the rear of each set of
engines. The building was pulled in three stages, two on the first day and a final pull on April
9 1888. The building was only pulled as far as the tracks had been placed because the
foundation of the building had not yet been laid. On June 29, 1888 the hotel rested on its new
foundations. the hotel was only twenty years old at the time it is the relocation of a
building using technology rather than man- and animal power. While it is unclear exactly
why the owners wanted to move their structure instead of building a new one, it does show
how buildings were moved using early technology.

Methods
The decision to relocate a historic building is based on many factors. Whether the reason
for relocation is due to a change in the natural environment or in the built environment, there

are specific ethical rules to follow when relocating a historically significant house from or to
a historic district. The first step in the relocation of any house, but specifically historic
houses, is hiring the right structural mover. It is important when moving a historic house to
hire a structural mover that is familiar with the relocation of historic buildings of the type
involved, especially within the area where the building will be moved. The National Trust for
Historic Preservation encourages looking for contractors in the International Association of
Structural Movers (IASM). IASMs website helps individuals locate structural movers by
state. This is important because a local mover will help in knowing the permit requirements,
as well as being familiar with town officials and other local ties in order to facilitate the
move. A structural mover familiar with the area will also know what permits need to be
granted in order for the relocation to reach completion. The type of move means if the
relocation will be total disassembly, partial disassembly or if the structure will be moved as
one unit. The type of house means the type of construction material of which the structure is
comprised. The contract must outline contractor and owner responsibilities. It should also
address issues such as weather delays, damage, and even rental fees. The next step in
relocating a historic structure is to complete an interior and exterior conditions assessment of
the structure. According to Paravalos, usually the structural mover and possibly the town
building inspector will assess if the building is structurally sound for the relocation
process. The preservationist is responsible for assessing the structural integrity of the
structure as well as determining areas that may develop into extensive restoration difficulties.
The preservationist can also be responsible for conducting the documentation of the property
prior to its relocation. The next step in the relocation process is the permit stage. There are
multiple types of permits needed for the relocation of any building. A list of such
requirements can be obtained from the local building department, construction services
department, or building inspector. In regards to historic buildings, if the building is in a
historic district, being relocated into one, or listed on the National Register, a letter or
approval must be obtained from the historic preservation planner. The next stage is route
planning. This is highly influenced by the type of relocation. The choice of route, therefore,
will also play a role in the necessary permitting allowing for such a move. When moving a
historic structure, there are three types of moves: total disassembly, partial disassembly and
moving intact. The type of relocation method depends on the distance of the move and the

condition of the structure being moved. If the structure is being moved a great distance or if
the terrain it would have to cross was poor, total disassembly would likely be the most viable
method of relocation. Partial disassembly should also be avoided if possible. If the structure
were to be moved over a longer distance, this would be an advantageous method of travel so
long as the move did not cross a bridge. For most relocations, the preferred method be to
move the structure completely intact. For obvious cost reasons, moving the structure intact is
less expensive than paying for the time and labor of disassembly and reassembly. This type
of move offers the least amount of negative impact to the historic fabric inside the structure.
The next step in the relocation of the building is to prepare the building for its relocation.
There are two different aspects to the preparation phase. There is the removal and repair of
certain elements from the site or the structure and then there are stabilization measures to
protect the house during its relocation. Removal and repaired elements depend on the
condition of the house as well as the age. This may include the replacement of any structural
members that are deteriorated. The repairs may be temporary due to the relocation schedule.
It also includes the process of removing elements such as furnace, oil tanks and plantings. In
some cases, this may also include the removal of cisterns. Regarding plumbing and the four
previously mentioned objects, they can be replaced at the new site but should also be
removed during this stage. The final aspect of this stage is that all utilities must be
disconnected. At this point in the relocation, there should be no habitation of the structure. In
regards to the stabilization of the structure, these precautions are only utilized when the
structural move is the entire building or sectional. When a structure is being relocated,
plywood is nailed to the exterior window frames to protect the window galls, and masonry
chimneys are stabilized with bracing elements or removed..If a structure is partially
disassembled then nylon tarps and plywood should be used to protect exposed areas. The
next phase of the move is the lifting of the structure from its foundations. Lifting the
structure is achieved by a jacking machine lifting. Then the insertion of block timbers called
cribbing. The block timbers, usually consisting of very hard woods such as Oak or Hemlock
are, stacked in an interlinking network to hold the structure aloft in the air so that it can be
placed onto its moving apparatus - usually a large flat bed truck. This not-for-profit
corporation is a coalition of utility companies that will survey the work area and identify
the location of underground facilities at no expense to the home owner. By having Dig Safe

investigate the area permits and additional work (such as gas tank removal) can be
incorporated into the time line. The new site must be comparable to the original location. One
of the major pitfalls of relocating historic houses is that the building as well as the site
influences the historic significance. Once the new site has been chosen a there are a few steps
to move the house onto the site. The first is that a building permit must be obtained in order
to relocate the house; this is often part of the permit process for the move itself as well. In the
case of historic houses, all electrical, plumbing and wastewater systems must be brought
up to code if not already completed. According to Paravalos, technological
advancements in construction should be utilized when building a new foundation for the
structure. However, if the original foundation is both in accordance with modern building
codes and is a reusable material, then it would be best to utilize such material. If not, the new
material can be covered by using historically accurate material .The methods above are the
ideal methods that should be used when relocating a house. However, these are not
sanctioned methods by preservation policy makers.

CHAPTER 3
3.1 APPLICABILITY IN FLOOD HAZARD AREA
Removing a structure from the flood hazard area is the most reliable technique for
protecting a structure from future flood damage. Because the cost of relocating a building can be
high, this technique is most appropriate for high hazard areas where continued occupancy is
unsafe. Relocation should be considered if the site is susceptible to deep water, high velocities,
ice or debris flow, flash flooding, or undercutting by erosion. A building must be in sound
structural condition in order to be moved. Most types and sizes of structures can be relocated
either as a unit or in segments. One-story wood-frame houses are usually the easiest to move,
particularly if they are located over a crawl space or a basement. Houses constructed of brick,
concrete, or masonry are also moveable, but usually with more difficulty and increased costs.
Type of facility: In addition to high hazard locations, from which relocation is desirable, there are
also uses that are inappropriate for flood-prone areas and should be relocated to low risk sites.

These include critical facilities that should remain operational during a flood, operations that
store or use significant amounts of hazardous substances, and facilities that are difficult to
evacuate (such as medical or nursing facilities.

3.1 COSTS
Cost is a major concern associated with building relocation. In addition to the cost of moving
the structure are the expenses associated with purchase and preparation of the new site,
installation of utilities, construction of a new foundation, and restoration of the old site.
Arrangements must also be made for temporary housing and storage of belongings. If electrical,
plumbing, heating, or other systems do not meet current building code requirements, they will
need to be brought into compliance. If the structure has been substantially damaged by flooding,
part of the costs may be eligible for Increased Cost of Compliance flood insurance coverage.

The Relocation Process

SELECTINGTHE NEW SITE:
Selection of a new site for relocating a structure requires consideration of: natural hazards,
utility connections, accessibility for site preparation, and the moving route between the old and
new sites. Narrow roads, restrictive load capacities (of roads or bridges), low clearances (under
bridges or power lines), or other restrictions along the route to the new site can complicate are
location project. If an alternate route is not available, it may be necessary to move the structure
in sections.
PERMITTING:
All permits required for construction at the new site, for moving the building, and for
restoring the old site should be obtained before the relocation project begins.
LIFTING THE BUILDING:

If the building has a basement or crawlspace foundation, it is separated from the

foundation and lifted on steel I-beams that pass through the foundation walls directly below the
floor framing. The lifting is done with hydraulic jacks placed directly under the I-beams.
Buildings with slab on-grade foundations are lifted with the concrete floor slab attached, so the Ibeams are inserted below the slab.
PREPARING NEW SITE:
Preparation of the new site includes: erosion control, grading/clearing driveway
construction, construction of a new foundation, and installation of utilities (electrical, gas, water,
sewer, telephone, and cable).
MOVING THE BUILDING:
Trailer wheel sets are placed beneath the building and attached. The building is towed to
the new site, positioned over the partially completed foundation, and supported on cribbing while
the foundation is completed below it. The building is lowered onto the new foundation and
construction completed (utility connections, backfilling, landscaping, etc.)

RESTORING THE OLD SITE:

Restoration of the abandoned site usually involves removal of the foundation and utilities,
backfilling the basement, grading, and vegetative stabilization.

Advantages

Removing a building from a flood-prone location is the most reliable means of

preventing future flood damage to the structure and contents and reducing personal risk

to the occupants.
Allows for a substantially damaged or improved structure to be brought into compliance

with floodplain development standards.

Relocation techniques are well-known and qualified contractors are often readily

available.
If the structure is removed from the regulated floodplain, the cost of flood insurance is
reduced significantly and mandatory flood insurance requirements are eliminated.

DISADVANTAGES

Relocation is only possible if the building is structurally sound.

Cost may be prohibitive.
A new site must be located and purchased.
Disposition of the flood-prone lot must be addressed.

Additional costs may be incurred to bring the structure into compliance with current
building codes for plumbing, electrical, and energy system

CHAPTER 4
Technical Considerations
Technical considerations for a relocation project include structure type, condition, and
size.
Structure Type
Structures that are easiest to elevate, such as a single-story wood-frame structure over a
crawlspace or basement foundation with a simple rectangular shape, are also the easiest to
relocate. Concrete, masonry, or brick faced structures require special attention to ensure that
the structure is not damaged during the process. For a structure with wood-frame construction,
with a brick veneer, the brick could be removed and then reapplied once the relocation process
is complete.
Structure Condition
Structures best suited for relocation are those in good condition. All structural members
and their connections must be able to withstand the stresses imposed when the structure is lifted
and moved. A structure that is in poor condition, especially one that has been damaged by
repeated or severe flooding, may need so much structural repair and bracing that relocation
would not be practical.
Prior to beginning, a thorough analysis of both the existing site and structure and the new
site must be made. The examination of the structure should be done by a licensed structural
engineer, with particular attention given to the buildings floor support system (i.e., joists, plates,
and flooring) to ensure that it will remain intact. If these components are not in good structural
condition, the structure may not be a good candidate for relocation.

Structure size:
Large rambling structures, buildings constructed of extremely heavy materials, and
multi-story structures require special attention before they are relocated

Relative Costs
The relative cost ranking is based on the combination of the estimated costs for the
relocation project and a determination of cost-effectiveness.
Estimated Cost
Relocation is a relatively expensive mitigation measure. In order to determine the
estimated cost of a relocation project, contact one or more house movers. Provide basic data on
the structure, such as wall and foundation type and size, and information on the distance to the
new site. The movers should be able to provide a general cost estimate.
Examples of cost estimating items that may need to be considered include the following:

Analysis of existing site and structure

Site selection and analysis and design of the new location (i.e., adequacy of the new
location for the structure, utility connections, permits, etc.)

Analysis and preparation of the moving route, including items such as the width of the
road, obtaining approval and permits, and route preparation

Preparation of the structure prior to the move, such as disconnecting utilities, preparing
the structure for the lift, and separating the structure from its foundation

Moving the structure to the new location

Preparation of the new site

Construction of the foundation at the new location

Connection of the structure to the new foundation

Restoration of the old site

Additional Considerations
Annual Maintenance
The ownership of the original site may be transferred to the local community, which then
has the maintenance and security responsibilities associated with the vacated site. If several
relocation projects are undertaken within the same community, the result may create an
undesirable patchwork of empty lots for the community to maintain.
Moving a Structure Between the Old and New Sites
Analysis and preparation of the moving route is accomplished by the contractor. Permits
for a move and the new site will likely be required from the local government. If the move
entails more than one community, a moving permit from each community will be required. On
the day of the move, any obstructions need to be temporarily removed or positioned out of the
way: power lines are either disconnected or simply lifted above the moving structure; fire
hydrants close to the street may need to be disconnected and temporarily removed; and roads
checked for possible obstructions to the passage of the structure. Narrow roads, restrictive load
capacities on roads and bridges, and low clearances under bridges and power lines can make it
necessary to find an alternative route. When no practical alternatives are available, the moving
contractor may have to cut the structure into sections, move them separately, and reassemble the
structure at the new site.

Matters for Consideration

In assessing whether relocation is appropriate, consideration should be given to whether: the
structural condition at the site prevent Conservation in that location, e.g. a building on a cliff
undermined by the sea;

the building was designed to be relocated and has a history of relocation;

the current location contributes to the significance of the Heritage Place; and

the current location contributes to an understanding of a significant historical

activity at the Heritage Place.

Development Guidelines
In the very few instances where relocating or removal is appropriate , the following
actions are recommended
select a new location which will not diminish the significance of the building;
engage an appropriately qualified person before relocation, to record the Heritage Place
using photography, physical measurement and other means considered appropriate;
relocate without disassembly unless this is physically impossible;
engage an appropriately qualified person to document a procedure for the relocation
process that will not damage the building; and
engage an appropriately qualified person to supervise the relocation.

CHAPTER 5

STRUCTURAL MOVERS

MOVE ANY S IZE, W EIGHT, AND T YPE OF S TRUCTURE

This includes frame, stone, block, log, brick houses , and concrete and steel commercial
buildings, along with the possibility of even moving the concrete slab floor along with some
buildings.
The reasons for moving a structure can vary across the board from moving historic buildings
to save them from demolition, to moving a building sideways 2 feet because it was built too
close to the property line, to the problem of a house being built in an area that is repeatedly
flooding.
Any structure can be moved for any reason and there has never been a structure large enough
or heavy enough that it could not be moved. Rather, the feasibility of the project hinges on a
clear move route being possible to take it where you want it to go.

EQUIPMENT

When your house is being lifted or re-located, you want equipment that is in good condition
with fail-safes built in. You also want to make sure that your house is lifted with a Unified
Jacking System. This system makes sure that each of the jacks lift at the same rate, even when
there are different weights on each jack. This keeps the house perfectly level as it is being raised
and prevents anything more than cosmetic cracks from appearing in your plaster or drywall.
When performing an on-site move, a Power Dolly System is the safest and best way to
transport your structure. This system drives the same wheels that are supporting the building and
does so remotely with a proportional control system. This allows for speeds that range from
imperceptible to a slow walk. Further, it allows for gradual speed transitions so there are never
any jerking motions to destabilize the house. The Unified Hydraulic jacking System allows the
entire structure raising to be performed by one operator. These tools maintain a completely level
and uniform lift, which guarantees a minimum, if not a total absence, of stress cracks consistent
with a less precise raising operation.
This, coupled with remote controlled Power Dollies, ensures the smoothest building
relocation possible, and keeps us in the forefront of building and structural moving technology.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A STRUCTURAL MOVER

Does the company have insurance that includes general liability, workmans comp, and
cargo? What dollar amounts / limits do these policies cover?
A certificate of insurance should be requested and received with the bids. How long has
the business been operating?
Is the company a recent start up or a well-established mover?
Does the company you are considering have experience with the type of structure you
need moved?
Can the company show you examples of similar type work performed?
What is the size of the movers average project? Does your project it the companys
expertise?

 Does the company have the necessary equipment readily available to do your job or will
they be renting part of the equipment?
Can the company provide you with recent references?
Is the company a current member of any trade group such as the International Association
of Structural Movers?
Can the company provide you a detailed contract outlining both parties obligations
before work
begins?
Can the mover give you a written time horizon for when the work will actually begin and
be completed?
Does the mover need to be licensed in your area? If so, request a current copy of the
required license.
Would the mover be employing any sub-contractors on your job? If yes a certificate of
insurance should be requested and received prior to any work commencing.
Would the company you are considering be willing to schedule a site visit to see the
companys working Operations?

MOVING CONCRETE BUILDING:

Moving large concrete buildings is no easy task. It requires specialized heavy equipment, a
staff with specialized engineering skills, and building movers with the experience to avoid major
damage to your concrete building. Small cracks are often unavoidable during a building move.
But when great care coincides with years of concrete building moving experience, avoiding
significant damage is possible.
The dollies and jacks provide a completely uniform lift that minimizes, or in some cases
completely eliminates, stress fractures that are common when less precise methods are used.

BRICK HOME

Brick home is much heavier than a regular wood frame house. This extra weight means that
brick house moving must be done with extreme care. Structural movers with the experience and
an acute sense for each detail of the project are crucial to a successful house move that does not
incur damage to the structure. Avoiding cracking is the primary concern when re-locating or
raising a brick house.
SITE PREPARATION
There are some things you need to have ready before we arrive to begin lifting or moving
your house.
Under the House
Cleaning out your basement or crawlspace.
Having to work in a basement or crawlspace that has appliances, utilities, trash, or stored
items is time consuming for relocating crew, and its dangerous for both crew and clients.so
remove everything before work. If something is impossible or unreasonably hard to remove,
please inform the structural movers company
Plumbing and ducts.
Remove any pipes, plumbing, and ductwork that hang below the floor joists. The lifting steel
will usually be installed from side to side and from front to back. It can be up against the floor
joists, a foot below the joists, or anywhere in between.
Inside the House
You can leave the inside of your house as it is. Dont worry about extra weight, or about
anything sliding around in the house. When we lift your house, it will be a very slow, smooth
process. If you have any valuable items that might be a bit unsteady, it doesnt hurt to pack it up
or lay it down on the floor, but it would be highly unusual for anything to fall over or be
damaged. Even when moving a house, we move it slowly and keep it on a level plane so there is
no jolting or bumping to disturb the house.
Outside the House

Steps: Wood steps from porches, decks, or doors should be removed ahead of time. They will not
work anyway once your house is lifted.
Decks: Any wood decks or porches that are not to be lifted must be removed and demolished
ahead of time.
Accessories: Any outdoor showers, lean-tos, and utility platforms will need to be removed ahead
of time.
Shrubbery: All shrubbery, plants, and bushes that are right around the house need to be removed
ahead of time. If there are any plants that you would like to keep, transplant them to a back
corner of the property or to a friends property ahead of time. Any larger bushes that are valuable
to you should be clearly marked out with tall stakes and caution tape.
Landscaping. Landscaping such as pavers, sidewalks, flower beds, and rocks may need to be
moved .The skid loader is used to carry the lifting steel and equipment to where it is needed
around the house..
Fences. Fences around the house may need to be removed. If the fences come up against the
house, we would like them to be removed for clear access.

Marking-out Utilities. Before digging the utilities must be marked.This will only mark out
underground public utilities. You are responsible for marking out your own private utilities, i.e.,
your well, septic tank; leach field, underground gas or electric lines, etc. These items need to be
marked with paint and flags
Lifting Houses on Slab Floors
It is possible to lift an entire house, or a section of a house, that is built on a slab floor. The
most common and usually the cheapest way is to install the lifting beams approximately three or
four feet above the slab floor, attach a band board or angle iron to the wall studs just above the
lifting beams, and lift the walls up off of the slab floor. This allows you to build your new
foundation up, frame a new floor system across, and then have the walls set down onto it.

Lifting this way requires you to remove all furniture, appliances, lower cabinets, and
bathroom fixtures that are sitting on the slab. also have to remove some or all of your first-floor
window sashes from their frames, and remove some drywall and some siding, for lifting steel to
be installed .then have to replace the siding and the drywall, and set the window sashes back into
the frames, after lifting steel is removed.
If there is a beautifully finished kitchen or bathroom on the slab floor, or it can simply rather
lift this way,they can excavate under the concrete slab, support it, and lift the entire house with
the concrete slab intact. When lifting this way we do not need to touch a thing inside the house.
It will be a different story outside the house. In most cases they need to remove about four
feet of dirt under the slab to get the house supported. This would require a place to pile the dirt,
or you would need trucks to haul the dirt to a nearby location. Once the house is lifted to its
proper elevation, the new foundation would have to be more complex than normal. The added
weight of the concrete slab is considerable, so the foundation would have to be designed
accordingly.
Also, there will need to be steel beams running under the slab at 4- to 5-foot intervals for
permanent support . Then a new center beam or two will be placed under those. This all takes
more time, but in the end the first floor will look the same as it did before the lift. There may be a
hairline crack here or there, but usually we will not even see those.

Excavating for Cribbing Piles

The cribbing piles (the structures assemble to support your house) are usually situated fairly
close to the walls, which is fine if we are not doing any digging near them. But it can cause a
problem, when digging for new footers, cribs are set at ground level and you dig three feet down
for new footers close to them, we undermine the very support of the house. This is extremely
dangerous and should never be done.
The correct way: is when we lift the house that we are digging for new footers. We will then
excavate a crib pit for each cribbing pile, or, if possible, we will locate the crib pile away from
our excavation so that it will be safe. This will allow us to do our excavation without

undermining our cribbing piles and endangering our house and the crew that is working under
the house
Replacing or Adding Permanent Steel
When they support house for lifting, they support up to the bearing points wherever they
are. Usually these are the sill plates and the center beams. Many times, we wont even touch the
floor joists with the lifting beams. Since we are supporting the weight of the house at these
places, you are not usually able to remove and replace them easily.
Often the architect will call for the old center beam to be replaced with a new wooden or
steel center beam. You will be able to do this, but usually not while we have it supported up in
the air.
When the house is set down, and just as it touches the new foundation, you or your general
contractor can stand temporary supports up to the floor joists on either side of the center beam to
take over the weight of the floor joists and the walls above. Then, after we have finished
lowering our steel and removing it, you can remove the existing center beam and install the new
beam and the new permanent posts supporting it. This is the normal process and takes place on
60% to 70% of the houses we lift.
If you plan to add new laminated or steel beams around the perimeter of the house, please
make sure we are aware of this when we bid your project, or as soon afterward as possible,
because it requires us to rig our steel differently. You cannot install these beams before we lower
the house, because as we lower, our steel would hit your new beam, preventing the house from
lowering the final foot or two.
Instead, we will install our lifting steel lower than normal and support up to the joists just
inside the sill plate. This will allow you to install your permanent beam between the lifting steel
and the sill plate. Then, when we lower the house, you can leave a pocket in the top of the new
foundation. As our lifting steel lowers into the pocket, the new permanent beam will settle into
its pocket, and then the sill plate will set right down onto it as it should.Your general contractor
will need to be on-site coordinating with us on lowering the house and making sure everything
goes into its proper place.
RIGGING, HAULING, AND SPECIALTY RIGGING

Safety is the priority for rigging and heavy transport projects. The use of radio remote control
technology allows the machinery operator an unparalleled view of all operations, resulting in a
safer working environment.
The hydraulically-powered dollies are designed to maneuver easily over rough terrain,
making them the instrument of choice for heavy machinery relocation on a job site.
The machinery moving methods are especially well suited to sites where vertical clearance is
an issue. The hydraulic moving dollies incorporate a 16 hydraulic lifting cylinder, which allows
the load to be transported with a minimum of vertical clearance.
Machinery Moving. Power generation equipment transformers foundry equipments are
used in placing millions of pounds on rubber tires for a safe relocation
Bridge Jacking and Shoring. The unified jacking system that each jack can be controlled
either individually or in unison from a single control panel. Bridges can be supported temporarily
for repair work or lifted back to level to allow failing foundations to be repaired or replaced.
Steel and Concrete Storage Tank Moving. Steel and concrete storage tanks are not
permanent structures. Rather than incurring the expense of demolition and new construction.

UNDER-EXCAVATION
Excavation can be done when a foundation needs to be removed and the basement requires
more depth.
SUPPORTING/SHORING
Supporting a house at its existing elevation, instead of lifting or relocating it, can be a good
option in some situations. Movers can support structure very carefully so that there will be no
stress put on any additions or sections not being supported.
For structures that have a center beam that needs to be shored up, or extra support is needed
under a small section of structure, they have the materials and knowledge to lift, support, and
shore up the affected area

MOVING A STRUCTURE
Structural moving begins with a combination of supporting and lifting before the structure
goes anywhere. Equipped with the latest in radio remote-controlled hydraulic dollies, the Power
and Coaster Dollies bring the levels of stress on building to a historic low. The Dollies are
designed and built in-house and then used for all relocation projects.
The Move Route: Four Items To Check First
1. Tree trimming is fairly self explanatory; any trees or limbs that would be within the
projected move route must be cut down or cut back ahead of time.

2.Traffic control

can be as little at stopping traffic while cross the road . Many times a Local or State Police
escort will be required when going down the road.
3. Overhead utility lines can be very expensive and time consuming to move.. Overhead lines
can be as low as above the road, although in most rural areas they are usually more around 15
to 18 above the road. Even a single story house will usually be up into the lowest of these wires
by the time we get it onto the steel and wheels that we use for moving. Most cases require calls
to the electric, cable and telephone companies. They will likely have to come out, drive the route
themselves and then they may give you a firm price or they might give you a per hour charge for
each of their crews that they will send out. This can be a deciding factor in some moves so it
would be wise to check into these prices before making the decision to move ahead with your
project.
4. Excavation applies to getting out of the old property, into the new property . The house
movers, we have the equipment to easily travel most fields, meadows and rolling pastures.They
can put down large steel plates to build a road if the ground is too soft and we can even build
bridges with steel beams to cross over ditches, streams and creeks. Depending on the terrain,
excavation may be required to bring the building through to where it is going.Another part of
excavating the move route is digging a ramp from ground level down to the footers of the new
foundation if it is required for your project.

CHAPTER 6

CASE STUDY

RELOCATION OF CAPE HATTERAS BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Retreating from the ocean is not a sign of weakness, but of reason. Cullen
Chambers, restoration expert and site manager at Tybee Island Light Station,
Georgia- from Cape Hatteras Americas Lighthouse by Thomas Yocum, Bruce Roberts,
and Cheryl Shelton-Roberts

Location of Cape Hatteras

The Hatteras Lighthouse is located on a barrier island off the coast of North
Carolina about one hundred seventy miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Specifically, it is one of the many barrier islands that form the Outer Banks of North
Carolina. The Outer Banks consist of almost two hundred islands Hatteras Island is located in the
middle of the North Carolina coast at the easternmost part of its coastline It separates the
Atlantic Ocean from the Pamlico Sound. The island includes the towns of Hatteras, Frisco, and
Buxton. The lighthouse is perched on the cape of the barrier island. Cape Hatteras Island was the
first to be designated a national seashore recreational area by the federal government and is
now part of the National Park Service. The important nautical location of the lighthouse begins
to illuminate its historical significance and why the relocation of the structure generated such a
heated debate. The construction of this Lighthouse was completed in the fall of 1803. From the
onset, the lighthouse had many problems, one being inadequate oil vaults to fuel the light.
Moreover, the lighthouses keepers were engaged in a nearly constant battle to keep sand
around the towers foundation, a problem so serious it required that a new lighthouse be
constructed.

Construction
Stetson encountered his first problem with construction while building the foundation for
the lighthouse. This caused Stetson to alter his original building plans and construct a grid
grillage of yellow pine timbers on the compacted sand for the lighthouses base. First, cofferdam
and steam pumps had to be installed in order to keep the construction of the base dry. The
foundation of the Lighthouse consisted of a grid made out of three courses of four-by-six-inch
yellow pine placed crosswise on top of one another. The beams measured twelve inches in
length. This system, later termed a floating foundation, was a wonderful solution to a difficult
problem, because if the granite foundation had been laid directly onto the sand, it would have
continued to sink. Once the foundation was complete, the cofferdam was removed, thus
submerging the pine planks, and later back-filled around the foundation walls.

The next layer of the lighthouse is that of the octagonal base beginning six-feet below the
surface and twenty four feet above. This section twenty-four feet high and forty-and-one-half feet
in diameter. The base of the lighthouse was constructed of brick and granite. Vermont rose
granite was used for the encircling steps and as quoins, whereas double-walled brick masonry
was used as the surface material between the granite coins. The remainder of the lighthouses
tower was constructed of brick masonry and stands one hundred ninety-six feet tall. The
superstructure, which houses the light, is iron and is 12 feet tall. Based on structural engineering
knowledge of the time, the lighthouse was constructed to withstand hurricane force winds of 150
miles per hour

Threats to Lighthouse
One of the main problems with the current lighthouse has been the same problem
plaguing the first: sand erosion. Although the second lighthouse was better engineered than the
first, with a stronger foundation, sand was still disappearing from the east side of the barrier
island and thus bringing the lighthouse face to face with the encroaching ocean. The threat of
coastal erosion is not a recent phenomenon; barrier islands are ever changing in this regard.

Coastal Erosion
The barrier island of Hatteras is moving due to sand erosion in a southwest direction.
Sand is washing way from the north and west of the island and being redeposited on the
southwest side. Each year seventy to ninety percent of the United Statescoastlines are lost to
hurricanes, winter storms, and rising sea levels. North Carolina in particular loses as much as
four feet of beach each year. Barrier islands are even more prone to erosion some studies estimate
that the Cape Hatteras seashore has eroded an average of ten feet per year, a figure calculated
specifically using the lighthouse and the sea as markers. In 1870, when the second lighthouse
was built, it was 1,500 feet from the sea, but by the spring of 1998, it was only 120 feet from the
sea. In an effort to hold back the sea, the United States government interferes with the nature and
flow of coastlines and builds jetties (or sand groins) and sea walls to stop this erosion. Coastal
geologists and environmentalists do not usually approve of this policy because it deprives the

downstream side of its usual sand supply and thus, [the beach between the lighthouse and the
sea] shrinks it ever more. In the end, the government implemented this form of protection
because it was cheaper to build a bigger beach then to pay for storm damage regardless of the
fact that sand is never permanent solution to the problem. However, since the mid-1980s states
such as Maine, Texas, Oregon and the Carolinas have banned the construction of jetties and
similar measures due to overall damage the system causes. The harm to other areas includes
enhancing the erosion or sediment movement on nearby beaches. The redeposited sand
influences the surrounding area because it alters the natural rhythm of sand redistribution.
eventually become surrounded. As the ocean rises, additional height would need to be added to
the sea wall. The life expectancy of a sea wall is poor due to maintenance demands as well as its
tendency to fail during extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes.

Hurricanes
The debate about what should be done about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was not taken
lightly. The probability of the lighthouses destruction increased every year as the barrier islands
shoreline descended upon the lighthouse and the storm surges from hurricanes came closer and
closer. Preservationists, local community groups, congressional representatives, and engineers
spent over twenty years negotiating the matter. .The hurricane effectively cut off Hatteras from
the rest of the world, wiping out Highway 12 and destroying the ferry crossing. Due to the
indications that the storm surges were very high, it is not unlikely that had the Cape Hatteras
Lighthouse not been relocated, it would likely have been extremely damaged due to the
hurricane, if not destroyed.
Controversy Surrounding Historic Structure Relocation

There are many reasons why the relocation of an historic structure is controversial.
Sometimes the relocation could be too stressful for the building; much like someone needing a
lifesaving operation may already be too old or weak to withstand the procedure. In other cases,
some believe that relocation should not be undertaken because it forever changes the structure
and because part of its historical significance would be lost. From a preservation standpoint,
regardless of the circumstances, the relocation of a structure is a method of last resort. In the case
of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, all other safeguarding options were investigated. The
preservation of the Hatteras light was a particularly difficult process due to its two types of
significance.. However, the seas encroaching destruction and the lighthouses significant
importance ignited fierce debates about what should be done to protect the tower. The ultimate
solution to the problem is in fact a temporary one.. Local Communitys Opinions on Lighthouse
Preservation Regardless of the knowledge that the condition the lighthouse was in prior it its
relocation made it extremely susceptible to destruction by a hurricane some local people still did
not want to relocate it. Although many debated the relocation of the lighthouse, all of those
concerned had a reason for their stance on the matter, including local community. Some local
community members believed that the all-at-once approach of relocation for the lighthouse was
somewhat far-fetched for a barrier island that is constantly changing. One of these groups,
officially named the Save Cape Hatteras Committee strongly opposed the relocation of the
lighthouse. It is likely that the local community did not want to relocate the lighthouse based on
two reasons. The first is the then-current form of protection of the lighthouse. If the government
continued to practice beach building to save the lighthouse then their homes and business would
also benefit from the extra space between their buildings and the encroaching sea. The second is
that the locals might have thought that the far-fetched idea of relocating the lighthouse would in
fact lead to its destruction. . Based on these two possible outcomes, it is apparent why the local
community would not support the relocation of the lighthouse.

The Relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Light house
Phase 1: Foundation Separation
When efforts to stop the relocation process were exhausted, the money was appropriated,
and all the firms for each step of the relocation process selected by the National Park Service, the
great feat of moving the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse began. The first step in preparation for the
move was to clear the pathway along which the lighthouse would travel in order to reach its new
location. The path was graded, laid with gravel, compacted and tested. Also included in the
first stage of moving was bracing the lighthouse plinths, bracing doorways, and performing
other structural reinforcement. The next step was to drain the site of water so that the sub
foundation of yellow pine logs could be excavated. Next, the granite foundation needed to be
removed for the shoring system, which was the platform on which the lighthouse would rest
for its journey. The original granite blocks, two foot sections and weighing about eight hundred
pounds apiece, were broken down by and relocated using wire saws and hydraulic chain saws
to cut the granite foundation. Because the yellow pine timbers would float to the top of their
fresh water pool a steel mat was inserted on top of the pine mat to ensure continued stability.

To apply pressure to the steel mat, the hydraulic lifting system pushed down to lift the lighthouse
instead of pushing up against it. In order to lift the lighthouse from its foundation engineers
used over 130 SPX Power Team hydraulic locking-collar cylinders. The jacking system
consisted of anine-ton forged master cylinder and was the largest hydraulic jacking system
ever built in the U.S. The system was comprised of one hundred jacks, each of which had the
ability to lift one hundred tons. Each jack was attached to a central manifold and equipped with
its own pressure gauge in order for it to be monitored and adjusted accordingly should any
problems arise. The decision of using hydraulics to lift the lighthouse was due to their ability to
produce a smooth and slow lifting action.
Phase 2: Hydraulic Jacking System
In order for the jacking system to work appropriately, it was necessary to raise each point
of the structureat exactly the same rate. Although each jack could be lifting a different
amount of weight, sensorsat [one hundred] different points in the lighthouses structure
determined how much each jack should lift in order for the lighthouse to remain level. Once the
lighthouse was lifted to the desired six feet, the locking-collars locked the jacks into place. This
allowed for the system to hold the load without maintaining hydraulic pressure. Eventually the
lighthouse, disconnected from its granite base, rested on one hundred and thirty-five shoring
posts. A grid of steel beams measuring sixty-one by seventy-two feet formed the structure on
which the lighthouse was lifted. This grid went between the yellow pine sub foundation and the
granite foundation. The lighthouse was lifted at about ten inches each thrust in order for it to rest
on the rolling system. Once the lighthouse had been positioned on the oak cribbing [probably a
mistake and means the pine cribbing], all of the jacks in one of the main beams were retracted,
and a roll beam, which incorporated Hilman rollers (roller dollies), was installed beneath that
main beam. The sequence was repeated until all of the main beams were resting on roll beams.
The jacks were then rigged into three zones of common pressure.

Phase 3: Transportation of Lighthouse Down Corridor

Once the lighthouse was ready to roll, on June 17, 1999, it traveled at the speed of about
one foot per minute propelled by five push-jacks located between the roll beams. Interestingly,
this was twice the rate originally proposed in the relocation plan. The lighthouse arrived at its
new location on July 9, 1999.The total distance the lighthouse traveled was 2,900 feet.

Relocation of Double Keepers and Principal Keepers Dwellings

Both dwellings were relocated by Expert House Movers in early 1999. The dwellings
were both moved intact, and they were prepared for the move with additional chimney, door, and
window supports. They were severed from their foundations and raised up on cribbing in order
for hydraulic jacks to lift the building onto a system of steel beams, which supported each
building while it was being towed by a tractor. Unfortunately, the settling of the cribbing and
jacking system cause a minor crack under one of the windows, which ran down to the
foundation. The Lighthouse and dwellings were positioned exactly as they had been prior to the
move

CHAPTER 7

Concrete Building in Israel

The construction of the residence for the Japanese ambassador to Israel began in March
2000 . Despite being a residence, reinforced concrete was selected as the structural system.
During construction, a surveyor realized the building location on the site did not match the

project drawings and building permits. The residence was built 190 cm (approx. 6 2) east of
its proper spot, protruding into site setback. Because the reinforced concrete structure was nearly
finished, it was determined that moving the building would be the best solution to preserve the
completed work and provide the intended design to the client. Other options were considered,
such as cutting off the protruding segment or lifting the building with cranes. However, the client
required that the building match the original plans and the building weight exceeded the capacity
of available cranes that could also fit in the surrounding area. The Ghiora Mehler Company
consulted with various relocation experts in North America and Europe, and eventually selected
a Dutch engineering company, Mammoet. After conducting in-depth soil tests and evaluating the
structural limits, the team decided to utilize six hydraulic push jacks to shift the building and
developed a jack placement plan. As part of the relocation planning and design, the impact of
forces on the building structure in addition to the surrounding area had to be considered. As a
result, a concrete retaining wall with 90 cm (approx. 3) diameter vertical piers was constructed
on the east side of the site to avoid damaging utilities along the site that could be stressed by the
reaction forces of the push jacks. In addition, a leveling mat was cast along the west side of the
structure to provide a sliding surface during the move. The relocation was conducted in five
stages of roughly 50 cm and 20 minutes each. However, as the building was pushed, a wedge of
soil was created due to the leveling mat causing the front side of the building to lift up 2.5
cm.The leveling mat was subsequently removed and the building returned to its proper elevation
following the next push. Following the completion of the pushes, a survey confirmed the
building was in the correct location and that no structural damage was present.

Hongxing Mansion
The 13-story high-rise building in China was translocated 26 m (approx. 85-4) to
accommodate urban planning and widening of streets (Gou 2013). The relocation was
particularly challenging due to the urban setting and the 3.5 height to width ratio. Evaluation of
the options revealed that moving the structure would only cost a quarter to a third of the cost to
demolish and rebuild. The design team elected to use anchor-jacked piles to support the rail
beams. Unlike the other case studies, the rail beams were cast-in-place reinforced concrete used
with steel rollers. The rail system was broken up into regions for the original foundation, the

transition area, and the new foundation. The Hongxing Mansion relocation utilized a
combination of push and pull processes, in the form of jacks and tendons, to increase the
efficiency and stability of the system. A synchronic control system was used to monitor the status
of the building during the move with displacement gauges and pressure sensors and make
adjustments to the hydraulic jacks, oil pumps, and servo-valves. New connections had to then be
constructed to attach the superstructure to the new foundations, while maintaining the gravity
loading and seismic capabilities of the original structure.

465 NY Avenue - Washington, DC

To facilitate the construction of the new 13-story Homewood Suites hotel, a three story
building built in 1902 was shifted on the lot at 465 NY Avenue in Washington DC (Courtney
2014). The historic townhouse, constructed with stone and brick and designed by L. F. Stutz, was
approved for relocation as part of a redevelopment plan submitted to the Historic Preservation
Review Board (Calcott 2012). To prepare the building for the move, bracing was added in the
form of infilling openings, wood shear walls, and external cabling, in addition to existing internal
diagonal bracing that had been installed previously. The building was cut at the basement to
install the steel support frame. Due to the townhouse being tight against the newer Yale Laundry
Condominiums, analysis had to be conducted to evaluate the impact of the building movement
on Yale Laundry's concrete foundation walls. In addition, the site layout impacted the design and
placement of the steel undercarriage, as Expert House Movers could not access the east side of
the building prior to lifting and moving the building. This relocation was conducted using two
methods. First, push jacks were utilized to move the building along the roll beams off of its
original foundation, at which point dollies were placed under the roll beams to relocate the
building across the .The move across the site involved both laterally moving and rotating the
building .465 NY Ave. Building Relocation. Photo Credit: Holbert Apple Associates Next, the
dollies were removed and the building was shifted using the push jacks to its final location: a set
of piles resting only inches from an adjacent historic building The piles then supported the
building as excavation for a new two-level sub-grade parking garage was conducted (Hotel

2012).The historic structure was planned to be refurbished into apartments following relocation.

ALEXANDER H AMILTON M EMORIAL MOVED FOR R ESTORATION

Alexander Hamilton, the nations first treasury secretary, had this 2-story country home (or
The Grange) built for himself in 1802. The Grange fell victim to a continual problem in
Manhattan: lack of real estate space. Additionally, the Grange had become wedged between a 6story apartment building and St. Lukes Church, both of which obscured the historic artifact. It
was clear that the Grange was not in an optimal location for future generations to enjoy and
needed to be moved.
A protruding stone loggia on the church partially blocked in the Grange, which meant the
house needed to be lifted 35 feet to clear the portico. Once the house was high enough to clear

the obstacle, it was rolled over the portico and then lowered to street level. To properly support
the house, 7,000 pieces of cribbing and nearly 2 miles of chain were used to stabilize and prepare
the house for its block-long journey to its final destination in St. Nicholas Park.
HECKTON CHURCH MOVED T O H IGHER G ROUND
Heckton United Methodist Church is a small chapel located just north of Harrisburg along
the Susquehanna River. At the time of the move the church was 123 years old. It closed its doors
in 2001 and was donated to the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. It had sustained continuous flood
damage, the worst coming in 1972 after the nearby Susquehanna River dumped 68 inches of
water and 6 inches of mud inside the church. The failing foundation and regular flooding had
taken its toll on the old chapel, leaving it weak and fragile but very much loved.
Although the churchs membership had dwindled to only two just before it closed, many
local couples chose to have their weddings in the quaint surroundings the chapel provided. The
church was re-located to higher ground 1/4 mile down the road farther from the river banks to its
new location at the south end of Fort Hunter Park
.

CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION
The process of relocating a house consists of a system of steps. When all of those steps
are completed, then the relocation was a logical and practical success; however, when relocating
a house in order to preserve it for future generations, there are ethical steps that should be
addressed as well. Some of these ethical steps are part of the general moving process; others are
aspects that preservationist and individuals interested in moving structures for preservation must
investigate before, during and even after the course of action. The first ethical issue revolves
around choosing a new site. The site should have the same landscape as the original site. In the
instance of the Hatteras Lighthouse, the lighthouse remained on the barrier island, therefore it
retained its since of place. It would-be unethical to relocate a structure to an area that could not
sustain the structure (due to development, poor natural conditions, etc.)
All historic structures should be respected; this is the only ethical way to relocate houses.
If an appropriate site is not available then the house might need to be deconstructed and placed in
storage until a time comes when the house can be relocated properly. However, the best option is
to relocate the structure to a new site intact to save as much of the historic fabric as possible. In
the case of the Hatteras Lighthouse, the relocation is technically temporary due to the evolving
nature of a barrier island, but it is the best and natural location of the lighthouse and therefore the
best option for its new site. In order to relocate a historic house ethically, a second ethical
concern is that precautions should be taken with regards to the structure itself. First, extensive
research and documentation should be performed on the structure. If there is a problem during
the move and historic fabric is damaged, proper documentation is crucial to repair the structure
and fabric. In order to perform extensive research proper authorities (the State Historic
Preservation Office) and educated preservationists should be hired to perform such tasks. In the
same phase of hiring a preservation consultant, a structural mover should also be hired. These
two individuals should consult with one another on their views and determine the proper course
of action. . In addition, the relocation should be planned with the utmost care. Schedules,

131permits, route and methods should be planned well in advance to insure the safest
transportation of the structure. In the case of a structure being fully or partially relocated, the
houses preparation should also be well planned. This is another instance where the
preservationist and the structural mover must work together to establish the best way to secure
the house for relocation. Also, the relocation should be documented well.. . The safest relocation
method that will retain the most historic fabrics the most ethical course of action when relocating
a structure.
The ethics of preservation by relocation are easily applied to each situation.. It is
important to remember that the outcome should maintain the integrity of the historic fabric of the
structure as well as respect the surrounding environment both on the original site as well as on
the proposed site. The proper application of ethics to the decision and process of a relocation is
the difference between relocating an old building with good intentions and performing a
structural move that constitutes good historic preservation.
In all matters of relocation, there is a possibility that the structure could be damaged.
Therefore whenever possible, it is best to move the structure whole.Inorder to reduce the degree
of destruction of the structure or to minimize and compromise of its historic significance by
damaging it during dismantling in the hierarchy of method to relocating a building moving intact
is the best way. When a building is moved intact, it retains its original construction. When it is
fully or partially disassembled, it loses some of its historic fabric because pieces could be lost
and new building technology must be put into the building.Inorder for the building to be put back
together. The biggest reason why relocation may not be a good method of preservation is that the
relocation of a building can cause damage to architectural elements that are in perfect condition
prior to the move.However because of the technological advance of the hydraulic jacking
system, intact movement of the whole light House became a viable option for its relocation.
Keeping the structure intact is the ultimate goal of any preservation effort.