Update on my pole barn project
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747driver
Veteran Member
You somehow have to get the frame braced before going any farther. That big of a building will move allot with no bracing even in a light wind. Builders will always brace the frame work as they put up the walls.and leave them up until they get the sheating or siding installed. As Loaderman 22 said...put the X braces on the inside of the frame that way they won't be in the way as you put the siding up. We all have a schedule we like to use in building, but sometimes what you plan to do tomorrow or the week-end can turn into a week or 2 later. Getting a building back to square due to racking is a pain in the arse !
Forgive the obvious newbie questions............is it okay to use 2X4s for the cross-bracing? If I calculate it correctly, I can cut 2X4X12s to 11'6" and 30 degree angles to fit. Then, do that at all 4 corners. Is that correct or do I need more? BTW, I don't remember if I posted any pics of the finished product.
Loaderman22
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2x4's are very strong used this way, I wouldn't even cut them, just hold the 12 footers diagonally and throw some 3" - 3-1/2" nails or similar construction screws in each end. Then bow the corresponding half of the "X" right over the other, doesn't have to be pretty, just on there good & tight. (Do NOT use drywall screws, they are not strong enough) Then you have 2x4x12's you can use later for whatever once your siding is all done.
This is the best image I could find quick on the ol' interwebs.
747driver
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Loaderman22 has your answer ! Happy bracing.....
two_bit_score
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You don't give a location but those trusses look like the kind used in poultry house in East Texas. The building looks like it could be the beginning of a poultry house.
Very nice! Hope to see the pictures of the finished product.
TBS
It's in Alabama and it definitely will not be a chicken house. The intention is to use this as an event center for wedding receptions.
BTW, not sure if I mentioned it but the State Fire Marshal called me this week and says they're now requiring architectural drawings for venues like this. They've never done it in the past but now they are. Caused me a couple of days of stress but I've located someone. There goes another unexpected $1,000.......
two_bit_score
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I’m sure it will be a beautiful wedding venue! The setting appears to be naturally beautiful. A lot of buildings share similar construction elements in basic design and construction.
TBS
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Looking at the design of your building, the fact that the poles are set in the ground, and that the trusses are tied into the posts, and that the roof is already on, I see no reason to start adding bracing to this structure. All those components of the structure tie it together to hold it in place.
From what I've read in the comments, the confusion seems to be in how a stud wall is built, instead of how a pole barn is built. Think more along the lines of how a gazebo is engineered.
Diagonal bracing will reduce the amount of movement that you will have in the structure. Does it need this? Not at this time, because there isn't anything to worry about. No sheetrock, now doors or windows, nothing is going anywhere. Why install something that isn't needed? Once you build your walls and get your siding on the exterior, that will create more sheer strength then diagonal bracing. To me, the bracing issue is a distraction that doesn't need to be addressed.
From what I've read in the comments, the confusion seems to be in how a stud wall is built, instead of how a pole barn is built. Think more along the lines of how a gazebo is engineered.
Diagonal bracing will reduce the amount of movement that you will have in the structure. Does it need this? Not at this time, because there isn't anything to worry about. No sheetrock, now doors or windows, nothing is going anywhere. Why install something that isn't needed? Once you build your walls and get your siding on the exterior, that will create more sheer strength then diagonal bracing. To me, the bracing issue is a distraction that doesn't need to be addressed.