With monument-toppling season upon us, it's time for the popular scientific and engineering press to dust off their beloved "What's the scientifically best way to tear down a statue" pieces and republish them for our quick reference.
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"How to Topple a Statue Using Science," by @jamesstout for @popmech covers all the classics:
popularmechanics.com/science/a32870…
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popularmechanics.com/science/a32870…
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Leverage: Get 70 buddies (for a notional 7000lb horse statue), 4x4 recovery straps (tied for leverage, look for heads, etc), split in two teams and rock back and forth.
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Heat: You can reduce the team-sizes by weakening the materials - 40mins with a butane torch or 15-20 with propane torch.
Chem heat: Thermite around the ankles is more efficient than torches but is potentially harder to source
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Chem heat: Thermite around the ankles is more efficient than torches but is potentially harder to source
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"Editor's Note: As national and worldwide attention to the removal of statues has grown, we have continued our reporting on the related science and safety issues, and have amended this article to reflect our findings."
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