I'm not suggesting that Shawn need a PE degree or background nor need to provide detailed plans - but I just don't understand how we can discuss joinery without knowing basic loads, timber sizes, bent configuration, species (he did give us that), details on failure, understanding the foundation conditions, etc. etc. etc.
Basic information about the size and shape of the building, bent or wall configuration, piece sizes, etc. followed by a few photographs would greatly help these types of posts. Follow that up with the suggestions and further questions and the forum would be that much more professional and useful to novices and experienced timber framers alike. A doctor wouldn't (shouldn't) diagnose you over the web with just a paragraph of information. Timber framers and builders and engineers shouldn't either.
All I am asking for is more information - and to drop the armchair quarterbacking until there is real, tangible data that would lead to possible solutions.
And while I would agree that one does not need to know every detail of the building - in my experience many of these things in old structures are linked... sagging plates or dropping foundation on one side can contribute to a spreading roof just as much as poorly design connections or undersized members. Shear at the top of a post could be related to piece size, lack of a ridge or purlins, removal of too much material for a mortise, removal or interior posts by a previous owner, etc. etc. etc.
Yes, lets welcome any and all comers... and lets send them on their way with sound advice based on data - images, numbers, configurations... etc.
Last edited by bmike; 06/09/09 02:53 PM.
