I don't think moving the tie beams down the posts will increase the outward thust, but it will increase the tension on joint between the tie beam and the post because there is small lever arm between the bottom of the post and the point of force application. That was one of reasons for going with the timberlinx connector, which, according to the companies test data are 5x stronger in tension then a mortise and tennon joint its replacing. 5x sounds like a pretty good safety margin. The other factor going in my favor is the 12/12 roof pitch which directs a good bit of the dead roof load down the post as opposed to the side. Along the same lines, I considered narrowing the building and increasing the pitch beyond 12/12 to take further advantage of this.
For those of you who have built common rafter roofs, do have any suggestions for incorporating wind bracing in the roof without it looking kind of awkward?
Any opinions on the timberlinx connectors. I've also looked at the Simpson Strong Tie Archetectural series connectors but would pre to use a completely hidden connector.
Thanks,
-Dave
