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pole barn truss alteration advice

pole barn truss alteration advice

pole barn truss alteration advice

(OP)
ok, i am a roofer, and framer by trade and i have a rainy day project for a regular customer. He wants to raise a 10' x 16' section of the celing in his pole barn 2' to accomodate a vehicle lift. I am just wondering if I am on the right track in my mind how to go about this before spending the money on an engineer, as far as can i do something similar to my design without completley replacing the trusses.

for my "header chord", i would use lvl or 2x10/12, and 3/4 ply for gussetts, and lots and lots of 3"screws.   Approx pole bard dimensions are 36x50 to 60

I could use a point in the right direction where I could find an engineer for this, perhaps lumberyard? Have been striking out looking them up on-line in my area. Also, what is a ballpark cost for this type of consultation? any help is appreciated.



[IMG]http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g469/andyroof1979/Snapbucket/A76304CE-orig.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g469/andyroof1979/Snapbucket/BBD0619C-orig.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g469/andyroof1979/Snapbucket/655688B7-orig.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g469/andyroof1979/Snapbucket/0F21D403-orig.jpg[/IMG]

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

Well, I'd definitely look to a structural engineer experienced in pole barn design for this.  Start calling and asking questions using the listings for structural engineers in your area in the Yellow Pages, or google structural engineers on line.

I would think a single person conpany would be your best ber for an affordable price as it is a pretty simple solution.  As for the price, it's up to your budget and what is needed by the scope of work.  That's something you will have to work out with him.  

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

I would recommend three cases
    1) Raising the existing trusses at the exterior walls two feet.
    2) Replacing the existing trusses.
    3) Using truss frames.
You will need an engineer to provide all the designs and details that each case requires.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

#1 I do not recommend as it could impact the column and footing sizes.  You do not want to mess with that.  

Another alternative would be to add a central beam/column line and support the roof with existing half trusses one side, and stick framing on the side you want to modify.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

Without knowing loads, sizes, spans, etc, this is hard to figure.

I am a pole barn engineer and often these types of buildings are pretty well at maximum - like PEMB's.

Hire somebody who KNOWS what they are doing.  The worst they can say is that it can't be done - but at least you won't kill yourself trying!!

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

Instead of the modification that you are proposing, I would explore the idea of making the modification symmetrical.

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

I am a truss designer and a former post frame building designer. The span, loading and on center spacing will need to be addressed. As always, anytime you want to cut a truss is not a good thing. Can it be done? Most Likely yes, but as the previous posts a engineer will have to decide what needs to be done and he will need a lot information about the existing building and the trusses that are currently installed.
Big Dave

RE: pole barn truss alteration advice

(OP)
Well, thanks for all the friendly advice.  We have put a temporary hold on the project, due more to potential material cost, and a few more pressng repairs needng done. I think I'm going to try and talk him into repositioning the lift to run parallell to the trusses so that we only have to modify 3 trusses instead of 6. We'll probably go with it in the springtime.  I will be sure to come back and post pix when we get to the project.  

Thanks again for the friendly advice, I first posted this on a contractors forum I frequent and got a MUCH more abrasive response.

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