Need some advice on my pole building! Help!!

[BryanM]

I am building a 32 x 40 foot pole building for some for 4h animals and storage. I am using 4x6 poles but dont remember which way is the proper way to put posts in the ground? I think it is the 4inch side facing in towards the center of the building. On all four sides, I think I was told that was the strongest positioning for pole barn when using 4x6 poles. But cant quite remember. Anyone please?

 

[KentT]

IMO, you're correct, since the strongest force will be the weight of the roof trying to spread the posts apart, so you want them with the 6" width facing the ends of the barn.

Your bracing, either lateral or diagonal (stronger), down the sides of the barn with strengthen it end-to-end. It's the side-to-side that needs the 6" strength...

I look forward to others' views on this topic.

 

[Farmerford]

I agree with Kent if you are using rafters (with no bottom chord).

But if you are using trusses with a bottom chord, the chord absorbs most (perhaps all) of the force spreading the ends. Then I think wind would be the next consideration. The wind load is strongest perpendicular to the side with the largest profile, and that is probably the longest side, depending on how it is closed in, gables, etc.

 

[dtd24]

Not sure that it would matter at all. I don't think you will get any more or any less strength by spinning the post. Good question, I have a meeting with an architect in a few minutes.......I will ask him.

 

[toolaholic]

On spreading the rafters ,that's the job of collar ties or 2nd floor floor joists !
4" in is correct , that's against wind load on long walls and roof.

 

[dooleysm]

Interesting question. I used 6x6 posts on my 32x40 building, but only because they were free. In all the pole barns I've seen with 4x6 posts, I always see the 4" side facing the interior of the barn, on all 4 sides, as others have said.

My inlaws are builders, I'll ask some of them next time I see them.

 

[Dargo]

Hmm, I've not seen any barns personally built with 4X6 posts. I've only seen 6X6 or larger.

 

[N80]

I'm planning a 36x20' pole barn (shed roof) in the near future. Still working out plans and details. I initially figured on using 6x6s but man they are expensive! So I'm considering 4x6s and had the same question as the OP. My guess is that the orientation doesn't make a lot of difference. I was thinking I'd have the 6" side facing front to back since it will give me more surface to attach the headers. I'm planning on diagonal bracing on sides and back, but not front or interior.

 

[schmism]

we do posts designs at the office hear for pole barns.

the deisgn limiting factor is the wind load the side of the barn sees.

with poles only 4-8' on center they take a SIGNIFICANT wind load (as seen in a bending moment)

A 6x6 or 8x8 is often maxed out in side wind load LONG before its axil load governs its design.

in other words.... 4" face toward the inside, 6" face faceing the next pole 4-6-8' away....

 

[N80]

in other words.... 4" face toward the inside, 6" face faceing the next pole 4-6-8' away....

I don't follow (because I'm a bit dense). But say the barn is a rectangle with the front/back being the long side. Do you face the 6" face of the 4x6 front to back or side to side?