Pole Barn questions

[dweitzel]

Here is what I did. The pics are in reverse order. The poles are in a 16 x 32 pattern with posts/trusses every 8'. The diagonal post braces were placed while setting the trusses to account for variations in post size / placement. /QUOTE]

Brad, what are the dimensions on your barn?

Did you have someone engineer your trusses?

How did you account for snow load/wind in your area? I imagine CO has substantial snow loads to worry about.

I REALLY want to build almost exactly what you have built, but with a span of about 20 - 25' between the sides.

What size dimensional lumber did you use for the trusses?

Thanks for sharing.

Dave

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Dave,
I'm glad you like it.
My barn is 16' x 32' to the center of the outside corner posts. The roof covers about 18' x 36'. I'm actually in NC. I am a mechanical engineer and I designed the trusses around the material I had on hand to provide a solid connection to the post, easy placement, and a good center height considering my relatively short posts. I overdesigned in lieu of rigorous optimization. Note that pole barn trusses are heavy due to the longer spacing compared to a stick built structure where trusses are 24" on center. The main truss elements are nominally 2x10 full dimensional hardwood. The gusset connections feature glue and plenty of nails. The 2x8 dimensional purlins are on joist hangers plus there is a 1x3 hardwood strip nailed & glued across the top of the purlins that ties across the trusses as well as tying in the end overhang extensions. Those strips support the metal roof and made it easier to screw down.

Those are the features of my trusses. I haven't seen others like them. The engineering of your trusses will be your responsibility. You can sketch what you want and bring it to a local engineer or even show pictures of mine and request a similar design.

Hope that helps,
Brad

 

[dweitzel]

Dave,
I'm glad you like it.
My barn is 16' x 32' to the center of the outside corner posts. The roof covers about 18' x 36'. I'm actually in NC. I am a mechanical engineer and I designed the trusses around the material I had on hand to provide a solid connection to the post, easy placement, and a good center height considering my relatively short posts. I overdesigned in lieu of rigorous optimization. Note that pole barn trusses are heavy due to the longer spacing compared to a stick built structure where trusses are 24" on center. The main truss elements are nominally 2x10 full dimensional hardwood. The gusset connections feature glue and plenty of nails. The 2x8 dimensional purlins are on joist hangers plus there is a 1x3 hardwood strip nailed & glued across the top of the purlins that ties across the trusses as well as tying in the end overhang extensions. Those strips support the metal roof and made it easier to screw down.

Those are the features of my trusses. I haven't seen others like them. The engineering of your trusses will be your responsibility. You can sketch what you want and bring it to a local engineer or even show pictures of mine and request a similar design.

Hope that helps,
Brad

Thanks Brad. That gives me a real good idea that I can do this with the proper support from an engineer, and perhaps some of the materials I have on hand. Looks like 25x40' may be obtainable with a little hard work on my part.

Thanks for the reply!

Dave

 

[marrt]

Thanks for the comments guys. I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to respond. My building will be 30'x36'. I've about decided to just hire someone to put up the super structure at least. I just don't have enough free time to tackle it right now.