The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the wonders of the world, has fascinated the world for ages. According to archaeological and historical evidence, these pyramids are royal tombs that were built during the Old Kingdom. But what’s really amazing is the detailed work that was done in the construction. The Great Pyramid of Giza is definitely one of the most amazing engineering marvels in the planet. This wonder from 4,500 years ago lines up to the cardinal directions to within 1 degree of arc. Until today, the Great Pyramid of Giza is still among the best construction plans.
Source: YouTube, Dassault Systèmes
Even though the pyramid has been studied and photographed so many times by different people, the inside of it still remains a problem yet to be solved. This is why French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin has collaborated with Dassault Systèmes,a 3D-experience company, to create a virtual model of the pyramid. The model will show the different phases of the pyramid’s construction according to Houdin’s theory.
Jean-Pierre Houdin. Source: Emhotep
Houdin’s Internal Ramp Theory
Houdin investigated and created an extensive documentation on how the Great Pyramid was built, and now his work got translated into computer modelling.
According to Houdin’s theory, the pyramid was created using a long external ramp. By making use of the natural ridge on the plateau, the ramp started higher up than the bottom of the pyramid. the external ramp, with a slope of 8.5 percent, could have been used for supplying. Most of the volume of the pyramid, around 85 percent might have been built using this external ramp.
However, it cannot be used beyond the bottom third of the pyramid’s height, since its proportions would be unfeasible. This led to the usage of internal ramps that spiralled upwards from the base of the pyramid. These internal ramps provided a means of transporting materials up to the top of the pyramid.
The internal ramp was a straight quarter ramp that has a slope of 7 percent. It was used to transport the facade’s limestone blocks from the Toura quarry. After the external ramp served its purpose, it was dismantled and the same limestone blocks could be used to complete the final 15% of the pyramid’s volume.
Therefore, the pyramid was built, entirely from the inside, starting from the sides and slowly reaching the top layer.
According to the myth, this pyramid took 20 years to be built. So you could actually imagine the labor thousands of people had to go through. This means that every day and night, for every 5 minutes, a block needs to be moved into place.
Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Pyramid of Cheops.
Source: Live Science
Houdin continued to develop the theory since it started, and he was also able to find evidence onsite that supported his ideas. Thanks to the support of Egyptian authorities, MiViM (Multipolar Infrared Vision Infrarouge Multipolaire) Research Chair at the Université Laval in Québec, Houdin was able to use infrared thermography to verify the suspected presence of an internal ramp by the end of 2010.
In 2010, Dassault Systèmes and the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, decided to create a model of the Giza plateau in 3D. By the end of the project, anyone will be able to navigate across the pyramid online in 3D. Here is a documentary by Dassault Systèmes based on this theory.
Source: YouTube, Dassault Systèmes
Earth Pyramid Project
Earth Pyramid Project, a UK-based organization, is raising funds to build a pyramidal structure. With the help of the governments’ and organizations’ funding from around the world, it will serve as an opportunity to test Houdin’s construction theory of the Great Pyramid.
The project is currently under planning phase and will expect to take 4 to 5 years to finish. The exterior will be made of stone from all over the world, including granites, marbles, sandstones, and more. They will also include modern materials like metal, glass and polymer. They plan to complete the construction for the International day of Peace, September 21, 2025.
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