Calculating Weights of large stones

[CRUM]

Can anyone help with a formula to figure the weight of large stones by the dimensions? I hav many old granite foundation stones piled up out back. I want to incorporate them into the next wall I build. Knowing their approximate weight would be helpful in deciding how to move them.

[Topshop]

You need to know the cubic size of the piece by the specific gravity of the piece. Length x width x height x weight per cubic foot. An engineering handbook I have says that granite weights 168 pounds per cubic foot or .097 pounds per cubic inch. This may vary from stone to stone because we all know different granites have different densities. So,

L(inches) x w(inches) x h(inches) x .097 #/inches3 = weight in #.

Man, I hate it when the engineer in me comes out.

[CRUM]

Originally Posted by Topshop

You need to know the cubic size of the piece by the specific gravity of the piece. Length x width x height x weight per cubic foot. An engineering handbook I have says that granite weights 168 pounds per cubic foot or .097 pounds per cubic inch. This may vary from stone to stone because we all know different granites have different densities. So,

L(inches) x w(inches) x h(inches) x .097 #/inches3 = weight in #.

Man, I hate it when the engineer in me comes out.

Well, this tells me I will have to come up with some more rugged equipment for the stones out back. From memory it seems quite a few will end up around 1000lbs or so using your formula. If I fabricate equipment to handle 1200lbs. I will probably be able to handle all that are there.

You might hate it when the engineer in you comes out, but I appreciate the sacrifice. Thank you very much.

[Topshop]

Don't forget to build in a safety factor when designing machinery - I would hate to hear of anyone getting hurt.

A usual safety factor of 3 should be used and if anything is going to be over anyones head or body parts use at least 5 or more. No smooshed noggins here.

[CRUM]

Up until this point, the largest stone I have integrated into the walls around the property is around 400 lbs. I have moved them with a home made sledge, a two wheel dolly, and a big pry bar. I always have been of the mind that keeping them closer to the ground was easier than trying to hoist them up high. So I plan on sticking with this philosophy. I hope a larger sledge made with more rugged materials will do the trick. I have built a hoisting tri-pod before for other reasons. And I appreciate what you are saying. If I need to build a hoist, the timbers will be at least 12 inches thick. I have plenty of trees to pick from that need to be cut down as they have been damaged by the bad ice storm we had some years back.

I used to be a furnitire mover. My specialty was large machinery and large out door sculptures. I know how quickly a large object can get out of control. There is no such thing as too much support.