Ridge Beam Connection
Ridge Beam Connection
(OP)
I'm planning to build a shed (12'x18') with a steel ridge beam supported at each end by wood columns. I've been searching for guidelines on how to properly connect the beam to the columns, but I cannot seem to find anything. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!






RE: Ridge Beam Connection
BA
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
Yes, the steel ridge beam will double as a trolley hoist. Nothing too crazy, I'm thinking ~500-1000lb capacity, which is dependent on beam availability and cost.
Here is what I had tentatively drawn up:
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
BA
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
I agree with BA, the detail looks good.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
can you just have a 3/16 plate welded across the flange, sticking down, and secured to the face of the wood column. Fastening can be glulam rivets or conventional bolts or lag screws.
Dik
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
Edit: I just saw you had a trolley on this. If you need the steel for the trolley I would use a 2-2x6 plate fastened to the top of the beam with 1/2" all thread rods or bolts through the flanges to support the rafters. at the column connections I would do what you are showing except with 2 bolts, keeping at least 4 x bolt diameter away from center of bolt to top of colunn.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
What will keep the column vertical and stable in all directions, eliminating the posibility of a moment load over the illustrated connection?
If used for automotive/engines repairs, consider protection from liquids (rain, oil, coolant, etc.), from accidental impact (vehicles, tool's carts, etc.) and from eventual bending/torquing loads (using the column as pivot point of vices, levers, etc.) for the low section of the wood column.
How is the load weight transferred to the ground?
"Engineering is achieving function while avoiding failure." - Henry Petroski
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
Putting a plate on the face would be an easy way to add a top flange stiffener, but the plate and fasteners would protrude on the gable face, meaning my exterior sheathing wouldn't sit flush.
Valid concern. This shed is a home for my tractor and garden/yard tools- not a workshop, so I don't plan on lifting and moving a great deal of weight. I just want a helping hand to lift things if needed (with an emphasis on lifting, not transporting). Your concern kind of ties into what XR250 was saying...
Agreed, but if there is any kind of axial force on the beam from trolley movement I would prefer not to have the beam floating on the columns.
In regards to the column design, there is much less nailing with a solid 6x6 versus a stud pack, and they are readily available in pressure-treated for added rot resistance.
Any reason you specify 2-ply nailer? I have included a single 2x6 nailer in my design, bolted at 24"OC.
Good info, thanks!
This is really what sparked my original post. I was thinking of using a pinned connection to prevent creating a moment on the column, while still providing some axial retention; however, I then stumbled across some posts discussing how difficult it is to actually create a moment connection with timber. This led me here, since I could not find any published material on wood column connections.
On one end, the column goes straight from the ridge beam to the sill plate, which is bolted to the thickened-edge slab. The slab has been well reinforced with 5/8" rebar. At the other end, the column runs into an LVL header that is supported by jack studs on each side.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
Either will work. They prefer 2x6's around here if buried in a wall as they do not twist when they dry.
I think this is getting over thunk. Just incorporate ridge into the structure like any other residential building and it ain't going anywhere. It is unlikely you are carrying more than an engine on that trolley anyway so maybe 500lbs - which will get lost in the noise. I have my shop setup similarly but my beam supports a floor instead of rafters.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
You can get away with a single nailer. I usually specify 2-2x because it provides continuity and you need the thickness for some simpson connectors.
If you are worried about axial thrust you should attach a continuous ridge board to the nailer at the ridge for the rafters to meet at. Then nail the plywood roof decking to the ridge board, that will give the beam a good attachment to the roof diaphragm which will carry any axial forces to sheathed walls at the exterior. On cranes you usually design for 10% of the maximum crane load for thrust, so you shouldn't have more than 100 lbs of thrust which is nothing.
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
RE: Ridge Beam Connection
I am so glad I fired you :>