RLH Wrote:
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> I still can’t help but wonder that with the
> extremely close tolerances of the plugs and the
> passage if it would be possible to use pry bars to
> inch the plugs down the passage! Also I would
> think this would leave tale-tell marks in the
> passage. This might be a case for that guy that
> did a lot of experimenting with large blocks his
> name was something like Wally Wallington or
> something like that? A full size experiment could
> be interesting.

Same here. With approx. 0.25 inch difference between block width and passage width I don't think pry bars would raise enough of the block off the floor to lessen the friction "footprint" and/or also allow forward force to be applied to the blocks.
Also as stated before if this passage was covered in a lubricant then workers gaining a foothold for leverage drops even lower then with the low ceiling alone.

One thing comes to mind but only as a "What I might try" thought not what they tried thought.
Make the passage dimensions high enough and place small diorite "rollers"(bored out and on metal rods) wedged along passage floor down until just short of area plug would cover. After the plug was lowered into place remove the lower 3-4 rollers(again just shy of final plug location) and do again. After job was done remove "rollers" for later use.
They worked with various types of stone and could drill/hollow out blocks with drills so it is a feasible idea. This system would allow workers down the passage(no lubricating substance) and also various fulcrum points for prying forward(vs. upwards) or placement of feet while guiding blocks with ropes.

The problem I am unsure of is the pressures withstood by the types of stone available.

Regards,
Lobo-hotei
lobo

Treat the earth well, It was not given to you by your parents, It was loaned to you by your children.
Native American Proverb