Criticism of Plank FrameBarn Construction.
FromJ. M. B.,Monroeton, Pa.—In the December issue ofCarpentry and Building, page 327, the correspondent “S. H.” of Minneapolis wants to know the weak points of his barn frame, a sketch of which was presented in connection with his communication. I thinkone weak point is what he calls the plate in the gable, which is made of two 2 × 8 inch pieces, equal to a 4 × 8 inch, with a span of at least 30 feet between purlin posts, which are only 2 × 6 inches. In my opinion, with the hay mow filled with hay, the gable will bulge or spring out, as the weight, 45 to 50 tons, will exert quite a pressure. As to the remedy I am not so clear. He might use a flat truss or a beam large enough to stand the pressure; one, say, 16 inches wide at the center and tapering to 8 inches at each end. I will say, in conclusion, that I have had no experience with plank frames.