Squaring a 24' x 32' building site

[rimshot]

Ok, so I got my pad all built by the excavator and am ready to start building. I went and reserved a bobcat with a PHD to dig my holes for this weekend. Last night I went to set up my batter boards and string line to get things square to dig holes ... I never was able to get it right. Diagonal measurement is 39' 7 3/4". I got my diagonals, then my sides would be way off ... frustration got the best of me and I am going to attempt again tonight.

Any advice or tricks on this?[/QUOTE (DEBO1683)

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We have established diagonal measure has to be the same in both directions for either a square or rectangle to actually have four 90* angles for the corner. We are forgetting something if we focus merely on two identical diagonal measurements because opposing wall length has to be precise as well. If two opposing walls are not identical in length see to it you move the pin for wall length in a manner that zeroes in on correcting diagonal measure.

In other words assume two walls end up 24' and the other third is exactly 32' with it's opposing wall at 32' 2" in length and the diagonals might vary by two inches. Adjust one pin or the other to shorten or lengthen the wall in the manner that it will also adjust the diagonal in the appropriate direction.

Keep in mind wrapping the building lines around a different side on an 8# nail can throw the measurement off by 3/8". Do this on either end and now you are off by 3/4". Keep your final figures accurate or you should really get some help.

Now there is more to this complicated process. Batter boards should be set at the same grade and level. You should be using a level and transit if available.

The best of luck to you and I hope this helped.

rimshot

(a former block layer and has laid out lots of foundations)

 

[rimshot]

The 24'x32' they calculate is with the 2x4s on the outside of the post. So my sides should all be three inches shorter.

In my neck of the woods a 2x4 is supposed to measure 1 1/2" by 3 1/2" . The difference in inside dimensions is 7".

Every slab I have seen is supposed to measure the same as the outside dimension of the framing. Sheathing and siding go on the outside and hang outside of the slab.

(CurlyDave)

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If he is building a pole barn, the layout of corner posts should be held back 3" for wll length (24'=23'-9") outside wall length becomes 24' after purlins are nailed o/s posts. Floors for pole buildings are best poured once the pole building is erected and the floor is poured inside posts and skirt board.

rimshot

 

[bdeboer]

(CurlyDave)

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If he is building a pole barn, the layout of corner posts should be held back 3" for wll length (24'=23'-9") outside wall length becomes 24' after purlins are nailed o/s posts. Floors for pole buildings are best poured once the pole building is erected and the floor is poured inside posts and skirt board.

rimshot

This is also done because the corrugated barn metal typically comes in 3' wide sections. Therefore you should not have to cut the metal vertically on a 24' wall other than doors, windows, and gable ends. If the roof has overhangs on the gable ends they are 18"'s to accomodate the sheeting. This is also why you see barns built in dimensions divisible by 3 like 24'x36'

 

[gotrocks]

Here is diagram. Both diags are the same 40 feet.

 

[debo1683]

So here is a little update on my story ... since I know you all have been worried about why I haven't posted any progress ...

When I started this topic, I had the bob cat rented and eventually got string lines set and where I wanted the holes dug. We got all the holes dug and ready to go and somewhere during that process I hurt my back. I needed to have surgery. Had the surgery on the 2nd of July ... supervised the pouring of the footers around the 15th and I am finally recovered enough to start working again on this building.

Last night i got all the poles upright and the string along the east side of the building parallel with the house, I will then square the rest of the building from that string, get lines laid and then square up the poles... I am just very excited to have some materials off the ground! Anyhow ... pictures are included, I don't have any good pictures of the entire site, but I do have a good picture of my Aussie helper!

1st pic: from the south looking north. This is the front corner looking to the back corner
2nd pic:this is from the east side.
3rd pic:looking directly across the front of the building east to west
4th pic: Me walking back to the truck through what will be the garage door
5th pic: Aussie helper Kiah. 1 year old Australian shepherd.

 

[jcaron2]

I'm glad to know you've recovered so quickly from the back surgery. Still, it must have been a massive inconvenience to say the least. It's nice to see the progress. It's looking good!

 

[debo1683]

Last night with some help from my Dad and a friend, we got the posts set for the building. We used the advice from this thread to get things quare and got them cemented in! Thank you guys! Hopefully they are right :laughing:

Picture of the messy site is attached ... We finished after dark and were all tired and couldn't see to clean up really well.

 

[KB9UDE]

Looking good. We are building a 64x40 at my folks house right now.

 

[wedge40]

Looking good. We are building a 64x40 at my folks house right now.

No photos?

Wedge

 

[Highbeam]

64x40!!!! That's not divisible by 3!