Criticism of Plank FrameBarn Construction.
FromJohn L. Shawver,Bellefontaine, Ohio.—In response to the wish of “S. H.,” Minneapolis, Minn., I offer a few suggestions in connection with his proposed plank frame basement barn. It is well, indeed, that he should insist on knowing what he is doing, for many have made blunders because they attempted to build plank frames without having first investigated the proper method of construction. Too many guess at it. As pioneers in this work, we started, 25 years ago, on small structures, and month by month studied and contrived until a system was evolved that is adapted to barnstructures of any reasonable size. Each point has been carefully tested as we proceeded, and if not fully satisfactory was discarded for something better. We now have over 7000 structures in some 44 States and provinces, some of them quite large, and have received many gratifying testimonials as to their strength, durability and cheapness.
The floor plans submitted by “S. H.” are very good in design and arrangement, save that the hay chutes are made to appear directly over one of the main girders. Of course, this he would discover and rectify. Should it be difficult to obtain 8 × 8 stuff for posts and 8 × 10 for girders, the former may very easily be constructed of two 2 × 8’s and two 2 × 4’s, box pattern, thus saving something in materials and risk from dry rot. The girders might be made of two 4 × 10’s, or four 2 × 10’s, leaving an air space of 2 inches in the middle and saving the necessity of making mortises.
The drawings indicate the use of two 2 × 12’s and one 2 × 8 for cross sills, the 2 × 8 being flat. In my opinion, the 2 × 8 is needless. The plates are all flatwise, while they must sustain much weight. We prefer purlin plates set on edge at right angles with the combined pressure of both sets of rafters. The main plates we make of three 2 × 6 inch, or 2 × 8 inch, according to the size of the structure when on edge to sustain the weight and two to sustain the outward pressure of the roof and the contents of the building. In this case, the purlins should incline 45 degrees.
The drawings of the correspondent indicate that the nailers are cut to fit between the posts, in which case they must be mortised, gained or toe nailed. The first two require unnecessary work, while the latter is not strong enough. If the bents are constructed in three sections, theywill be tedious to raise in position. If completed before raising, they will be weak at the purlin plate. The drawings indicate also that staging would be required in setting the upper frame, and that quite a large amount of the work is done as the frame is being raised. In our experience we never use any staging, and we do most of the work from the ground before beginning to set for the frame. Most men can work more rapidly on the ground, with all materials handy, than they can aloft, where materials must be drawn up with ropes. I believe “S. H.” can save enough on labor alone to pay his expenses to go to some point and see one of our plank frame constructions. Besides, he will find wherein he can greatly improve upon his method of construction. Those who are within convenient reach to do so can visit the barn of Dr. W. I. Chamberlain, near Cleveland, Ohio, which is easily accessible by railroad, while the doctor, who is one of the editors of theOhio Farmer, takes great delight in showing his barn to visitors. This barn, which is 40 × 82 feet in size, required four carpenters two and a half days to frame and two hours and fifteen minutes to raise.
We do not usually give name and address of our patrons, because it leads to much inconvenience to them. Should any of the readers write to Dr. Chamberlain, I would suggest that they inclose a stamped envelope, properly addressed, for reply.