Charlie

THE A FRAME by Charley Bemis The A-Frame was a tool used by ancient Egyptians for measuring flat surfaces and making sure they were parallel. The A-Frame was placed on the measured surface and if the weighted string hung vertically over the predetermined line then the surface was level. This tool was vital in ensuring the bases of the pyramids were well constructed and able to support massive amounts of weight evenly. Similarly A tool in the shape of an F called an F-Frame was used to determine vertical lines. If the string touched both faces of the F without bending, the measured surface was vertical.

Step 1: Precise Measurements and Planning



Step 2: Cutting the Stick



Step 3: Making sure the pieces fit snugly



Step 4: Make the string with weights on one end Step 5: Admire my handiwork

[|See The A-Frame at Work]

Ancient Egyptians and A-Frames  The A-Frame was a tool used by ancient Egyptians for measuring flat surfaces and making sure they were parallel. The A-Frame was placed on the measured surface and if the weighted string hung vertically over the predetermined line then the surface was level. This tool was vital in ensuring the bases of the pyramids were well constructed and able to support massive amounts of weight evenly. The most famous pyramids in Giza began construction around 3000 B.C.E. and were incredibly important to ancient Egyptian culture, as they were tombs for pharaohs and other important figures. The A-Frame was most likely used on almost every stone in the pyramids to ensure stability. If the blocks weren’t parallel, stacking them could cause the structure to be unstable and collapse.