Have looked over the different forums and don't see reference so will ask:

Does the TFG have tables that give size per span for general timber frame member sizing, i.e. like white pine 8X8 spans X feet.

I am planning a 24X40 foot addition as a timber frame and wanting to know basic info on sizing. Like if bents are every 10 feet then 8x8 or 9x9 bents are generally used, etc.

Thanks,

Warren

"A little bit of knowledge can sometimes be a problem. For instance, if you think that with only a joist and rafter span table you can do your own structural design, you are mistaken." So says Jack Sobon in Appendix A of his book: Build a Classic Timber-Framed House. I couldn't agree more. However, since you didn't ask for that lecture, I'll stop there.

You'll find some help in the Timber Frame Joinery & Design Workbook, a Guild publication. See the articles by Levin (pp. 20ff) and Chappel (pp. 32ff). Conventional span tables are included in Benson & Gruber's Building the Timber Frame House, Scribners, 1980. There are also a host of software products that do member sizing. These include Woodworks (see http://www.woodworks-software.com/ ) and Construction Calc. (see http://www.constructioncalc.com/ )

Finally, allow me to offer a plug for a new workshop sponsored by the Guild: Engineering Design for Timber Frames (see http://www.tfguild.org/courses/courseedt.html )


[This message has been edited by Dick Schmidt (edited 06-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Dick Schmidt (edited 06-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Dick Schmidt (edited 06-26-2001).]