Shear key joints in heavy timber construction

[csnord]

I was wondering if anyone out there has used bolted shear key connections between heavy timbers rather than the common timberframe practice of a scarf joint. I am building a barn (36 by 56) and I need to tie the roof plates and the main tie beams together over posts with a large (8 to 10 feet) mortise and tenon lintels. Shear key connections to me appear easier to construct, require no additional timber length and provide more surface area to transfer tension. Any advice?

 

[ishvaaag]

As long as you meet the mechanical requirements and those of sound cosntruction, you will have a successful detail. You will need to meet some code as well, and in any case use guide from any such code or technical reference.