This week readers “Ask the Guru” about the possibility of designing an asymmetrical truss configuration, how to frame the exterior wall to the upstairs floor, and what the snow load of “these pole barns” is.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can I design an asymmetrical truss configuration? We need a small stand on one side with an exterior wall and a retaining(basement)/exterior(2nd story) on the other side. Ideally its a 62′ span, center/peak 26′ from the shorter wall, 36′ from the pure exterior wall. I have a sketch attached as needed. JOSH in CLARKSVILLE
DEAR JOSH: Most certainly we can design and provide it for you. If it is even remotely structurally possible, we can do it – up to a 102 foot clearspan.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m building a 30×60 pole barn with a loft. The upstairs floor is 2x12x16’s. How do you frame the exterior wall to the upstairs floor? Right now I’ve drawn the posts at 8ft centers. Then framed in 2×6 walls between them to support the 2×12 floor. Is there a better cheaper way to to support the floor? Maybe not frame in the walls but run 2×12’s from post to post to support the 2×12 floor? GREG in CRESTWOOD
DEAR GREG: Our engineers would typically support your upstairs floor with beams attached to roof supporting columns. Depending upon imposed loads, these may be multiple plies of dimensional lumber, LVLs (Laminated Veneer Lumber) or even prefabricated wood truss beams. Any of these options may impact required diameter of column footings. Provided you have an appropriately thickened edge slab, you could frame between columns with stud walls to support your floor joists. Either of these options should be reviewed by the engineer who seals your building plans. You don’t want to end up creating a structural problem.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, what is the snow load on these pole barns? Thanks RON in SAUGERTIES
DEAR RON: We engineer each building for snow loads applicable to your particular jobsite. We have designed projects for snow loads in excess of 400 psf (pounds per square foot), so we can handle whatever your needs are.
