Hello Folks,
Due to unforeseen zoning issues (i.e. I didn't actually read the zoning ordinance completely) I've had to push back my building from last year to probably spring. So I've decided to put my barn up first, but I've got a questiong about plate splices. As seen below, I think I've got a correctly located splice, but this leaves me needing 4 32' timbers.


It seems like 32' timbers are going to be hard to source, so I've been contemplating 2 splices per plate, but I believe that every section of plate should be sitting on at least 2 posts. Is this correct? Would it be reasonable to forgo the plates entirely and run the beams between the posts? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Addtionally here's a rough(very) copy of the sketchup file if anyone is interested

Yes, that was done traditionally. I have just finished up sourcing 33' 7"x10" plates, I had to cut trees and saw them myself. The day after I cut them the logger called and said he had the timber I was looking for, after waiting for months. They will be good for the next project. I did a similar splice location.

We have trouble getting long timber here. Anything much longer than 20' just won't go into our sawyers sawmill. So we spline our top plate through the post.