poll shed

[kacole]

I'm looking to build a poll shed (40x60). I ran across some 4x4x1/8 tube steel at a pretty good deal and was wondering if it would be strong enough to hold the weight and stand the wind? I知 looking to make the post 14 tall, I can bury them in concrete or weld base plates and anchor them to the concrete, which ever would be best. I would not be worried about the tube steel if it was 3/16 or 1/4 but the 1/8 has me a little worried. Also I'm planning on using steel trusses. I'm looking to build them myself so if anybody has any drawing of how they should be made and what size angle iron I should use that would be great

 

[TractorGuy]

Who will you be polling in this shed? :confused2:

 

[GLyford]

poll, noun:
1. the process of voting in an election.
2. a person's head.
verb
1. record the opinion or vote of.
2. cut the horns off (especially a young cow).

so he could be using it to dehorn calves, after counting their heads...

As far as barn and truss plans, there are a bunch online at various state universities, like this:
Construction — Building Plans
Agricultural Building and Equipment Plan List

Here's one that has metal trusses that span 40':
http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtPubs/Plans/T4056.pdf
Note that it uses bar joists, not just angle iron.

Same for this one:
http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtPubs/Plans/T4183.pdf

Looks like they are suggesting the use of a commercial product. On the other hand, one uses them they every 10', the other every 12'. So depending on your local wind loading, you may only need 6 or 7 to span your 60' (including the 2 end walls).

They then use 2x6 purlins on edge to span between the metal trusses. It looks like both those plans are supporting on PT 6x6, so I have no idea if your metal posts would be suitable.

 

[NormanClark]

who will you be going to poll in it?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Most of the uprights I have seen in steel buildings of that size have been made from H beam. I don't know if the 4x4x1/8 would be strong enough. I suppose you could always double them up by placing one on top of the other and stitch welding them together to make a 4x8. That should be strong enough to hold the roof.
There are lots of ways to make a truss span to go across 40 feet. If I were you, I would plan on at least center part of the roof to have an attic for storage. If you get the pitch high enough then you should have at least a 15-20 foot center section that is head high which would be great for material storage. That is the way my 30x30 shop is built but it is all wood construction so the attic is built on the bottom run of the trusses.
Something to think about when you design your trusses.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Also l would design the uprights to have a 3/8-1/2" thick base plate with the anchor bolts embedded in the concrete slab when it is poured. Much cheaper than drilling and putting in RedHead anchors later.

I assume you will be pouring at a minimum a footer all the way around the perimeter to hold the steel post. Personally, I would pour a solid slab of concrete now because you will be wanting a concrete floor later for sure and it is much easier to pour when there is no roof or sides on it.

 

[EddieWalker]

I think your pipes are questionable in thickness. Spacing them closer together might help, but at 14 feet, I think you are going to have issues keeping them straight over time.

 

[Groo]

1/8" is how thick the frame is on my Wrangler.

you could always pour concrete in them if you are real worried.