Hi,
The use of cross braces between main post and cross beam is somewhat of a rarity in traditional timber framed buildings with these braces more usually found higher up between the main post and tie beam (normal assembly). One of the reasons for this is I suspect to do with the very thing that Mr. Hourdequin P.E. raises in his initial post i.e. that significant bending can be induced in the lower part of the main post when bracing is employed at this level to help support a cross beam being subjected to heavy floor loading. The traditional cure for this is simply to omit lower level braces and increase the number of studs supporting the cross beam.
Regarding missing out pegs this phenomenon is not common but can and is found especially where a lot of connections are made at the same point or would significanly weaken or stress remaining timber after heavy morticing work has taken place. I have digi pics of the long wall of a 4 bay - 60 foot - aisled hall where it appears that only 8 pegs have been employed in that entire wall and yet the building has apparently stood with tight joints for 4 - 5 centuries.
Some things are difficult to understand or explain - I feel a Rumsfeldian moment coming on.
Regards
Ken Hume
