The growing interest in the plank frame barn, as manifested by
inquiries which have emanated from many quarters, calls for specific
information which will enable every builder and farmer to avail himself
of the many advantages offered by this system of construction. The
system has been in use in Central Ohio for the past 20 years, and has
been rapidly growing in favor wherever people have had an opportunity
of investigating its merits. During these years the system, which was
at first somewhat crude and undeveloped, has been gradually improved,
until to-day, after many of the most severe tests, it is believed to
have reached very near perfection as regards economy of material and
labor, strength of frame, convenience of arrangement and durability of
structure. The advantages offered by this method of construction are:
1. A saving in timber of from 40 to 60 per cent.—a
not small item in many localities where timber for
building purposes has become a scarce article.
2. An opportunity to employ for the building of
barns timber that could scarcely receive consideration
if solid timber mortise and tenon frames were to be
built.
3. A saving in the cost of sawing, cutting and
hauling of about one-half of the timber.
4. A saving in cost of framing, ranging from 50 to
90 per cent., according to the plan of the building and
the efficiency of the builders.
5. In cases where farmers’ wives are expected to
board and lodge the builders, a saving in labor and
vexation of two or three weeks’ unnecessary time for
framing old style barns.
6. A riddance of practically all of the interior
timbers, which are usually an interference with the use
of the horse forks and hay slings, as well as a source
of constant vexation at threshing time and all other
times when the barn is in use.
7. The full benefit of the self supporting arch
roof, a construction of combined triangles, long braces
and perpendicular timbers.
8. Durability, arising from the fact that there are
no mortises in which moisture may accumulate and cause
the tenons to decay.
9. The strongest possible support for the track of
the hay fork or sling.
10. Ease of addition to the main building should
any ever be required.
Changes and variations in plans need cause no loss of timber, as is
certain to be the case where a bill of materials has already been
placed on the ground. If a piece of timber is too long the piece cut
off is used at some point, though perhaps not over 18 inches in length
and containing only 2 or more feet of stuff. Suppose we cut off 18
inches of an 8 × 8 we have lost 8 feet of lumber, which is worthless
for any purpose save for fire wood. If a given piece is too short it
is spliced in a moment’s time and no loss of strength is sustained. In
an old style framing if a piece was too short it required considerable
labor to remedy the matter, and a loss of both timber and strength was
sustained.
[Illustration: Fig. 1.—Interior Bent of Plain Gable Barn with Basement.]
Herewith are illustrated two bents of a barn, Fig. 1, showing a plain
gable barn with basement. Referring to it, 1 1 1 are posts of basement
bent, consisting of five 2 × 8 planks, two of which are 8 feet long
and three of which are 7 feet 2 inches. Upon these rest the joist
bearers, marked 2 2 2, which consist of three planks 2 × 10, extending
lengthwise of the barn. These basement bents are thoroughly braced by a
method which will be illustrated hereafter. The braces 3 3 3 are made
of two 2 × 4 inch stuff the required length, with a short piece of the
same material forming a clamp brace somewhat similar in shape to a
clothes pin. The sill of the superstructure, marked 4, consists of two
2 × 8 inch plank, with 6-inch space between them. The posts 5 5 are
made of two 2 × 8 inch plank, with intervening 2-inch space. The purlin
posts, 6 6, are made of two 2 × 8 inch plank, with intervening space;
7 7 are roof supports, consisting of a 2 × 8 inch plank. The collar
beams 8 are two 2 × 12 inch plank with intervening 2-inch space; 9 9
are sub-supports, made of a 2 × 6 inch plank; 10 10 are stays of two 2
× 4 inch plank, with intervening 2-inch space; 11 11 are the main ties
of one 2 × 8 inch piece; 12, 13 and 14 are braces and ties of 2 × 6
inch plank; 15 15 are purlin plates, made of two 2 × 8 inch plank, with
intervening 2-inch space into which couplings and braces enter.
[Illustration: Fig. 2.—Barn Bent, Showing Gambrel Roof Construction.]
At 16 16 the main plates, made of two 2 × 8 inch plank, are placed into
a V-trough and inverted over the top of the post. The rafters 17 17 may
be spliced on the purlin plates. The topmost intersections are bolted,
as shown by means of the dots. The upper ends of the purlin posts are
cut down 4 inches, on a line parallel with the roof supports, and again
at right angles with the first cut, forming a saddle, into which are
placed the purlin plates.
[Illustration: Fig. 3.—Outside View of End Bent of Superstructure and
Basement Bents.—Scale, 3-32 Inch to the Foot.]
[Illustration: Fig. 4.—Side View of Plank Frame Barn.—Scale, 3-32 Inch
to the Foot.]
In Fig. 2 is presented a view of an interior bent of a gambrel roof
basement barn, which is constructed on the same general principles as
shown in the previous figure. Hip roofs, gothic roofs, etc., are as
readily provided for as either gable or gambrel roofs, so any man’s
taste may be fully met in this respect.
[Illustration: Fig. 5.—Detail Showing Section of Frame.—Scale, ¼ Inch
to the Foot.]
[Illustration: Fig. 6.—Section of Purlin Plate.—Scale, ¼ Inch to the
Foot.]
An outside view of the end bent of the superstructure and an end view
of all the basement bents are shown in Fig. 3 of the illustrations. The
braces in the basement are permitted to extend up and between the sills
of the superstructure, thus binding both basement and superstructure
into one solid frame work. In the interior of the basement, where long
braces will not interfere with the arrangement or convenience, they are
to be preferred to short ones, but where short braces are necessary
they are inserted in such a manner as to give greater strength than
when mortised in as is usually done.
[Illustration: Fig. 7.—Detail at Peak of Barn.—Scale, ½ Inch to the
Foot.]
A side view of the frame, which is of such a character as to fully
explain itself, is presented in Fig. 4. The plate is made of two 2 ×
8 plank spiked together to form a trough and inverted over the tops
of the posts. The manner of constructing the bents of the basement is
indicated in Fig. 5. If the posts can stand on solid pillars of stone
no sills are necessary, and the fillers extend down to the lower ends
of the posts and up to the joist bearers. A side view of the purlin
plates, which are made of two 2 × 8 or 2 × 10 plank with a 2-inch
space between them, is shown in Fig. 6. The coupling or splicing block
extends either way from the roof support _a_ to the dotted lines _b b_.
At _c_ is represented a sectional view of the sub-support, to which
the stays _d d_ are secured, and also the lower end of the braces _e
e_. This arrangement gives sufficient strength to the purlin plates to
sustain a slate or any other roof desired. Fig. 7 shows the manner in
which the peak of the arch is constructed. The roof supports, which are
usually of 2 × 8, are indicated by A A. The sub-supports, usually of 2
× 6 plank, are indicated by B B, while the dotted lines represent the
collar beams, C, constructed of 2 × 12 inch plank, there being one on
either side and bound together by ½-inch carriage bolts 6½ inches in
length, their position being indicated by the small crosses.
[Illustration: Fig. 8.—Detail Showing Construction of Posts in End Bent
of Fig. 3.]
[Illustration: Fig. 9—Sectional View of Plate.]
Three posts of the end bent, shown in Fig. 3, are constructed of two
2 × 8 plank, one 2 × 4 and one 3 × 6, all as indicated by the cross
section in Fig. 8 of the engravings.
[Illustration: Fig. 10.—Side Elevation of Barn Having Two Driveways and
Bay at Either End.]
It will be noticed that all of this work is easily and quickly done
and that there is not only a saving in the timber, but also in the
labor. As an example of the time required to erect a frame, I would
state that I was recently called to another county to assist in
building a basement barn, 40 × 80 feet in size, 8-foot basement and
16-foot superstructure, with plain gable roof. With three carpenters we
commenced work on Wednesday morning, and on Saturday of the same week
we raised the barn complete. In other words, it took four carpenters
three days to frame a barn 40 × 80 × 24 feet.
In Fig. 10 is shown a side view of a barn with two driveways and bay
at either end. A A are duplicated on inside of posts, with bridge
blocks at dotted lines; B´ is main plate; C is purlin plate of two 2 ×
8 plank set at right angles with roof and also braced at right angles;
D is roof supports, forming the arch of the barn, and E the collar
beams. Fig. 11 shows interior bent of a “ground” barn with decks above
driveway. Should stables be desired in one or both ends joist bearers
may extend entire width of barn.
There are doubtless many who would like some evidence of the strength,
durability and popularity of this system of barn building, and I
therefore submit a few facts in relation to these points.
_First Test of Strength._—A small model made of linden strips 3-16
inch thick and ½, ⅜ and ¼ in inch width, made on a scale of ½ to 12
and representing a barn 40 × 60, with 8-foot basement and 20-foot
superstructure, was found strong enough to support four men of average
weight.
_Second Test._—Several years ago a number of persons at a barn raising
were discussing the frail appearance of the frame, and a test was made
with chains and levers in an effort to crush the frame by drawing at
opposite angles, but without the slightest effect.
[Illustration: Fig. 11.—Interior Bent of “Ground” Barn with Decks Above
Driveway.]
Another example is found in a barn which was put up with a minimum
quantity of spikes, because the owner did not wish to take time to go
to town for more. The barn has been standing 14 years, within which
time a number of destructive wind storms have passed over it without
damage, though much damage to fences, forests and buildings resulted in
the vicinity.
As evidence of the rapidity with which the framing may be done,
I will refer to a basement barn, 40 × 80, 24 feet to the square,
recently erected in Union County, Ohio. I began with three carpenters
on Wednesday morning, and on Saturday of the same week the barn was
raised complete. We were compelled to work under the disadvantages of
considerable mud on the newly graded foundation site, necessity of
carrying the timber some distance, and the short days in mid November.
None of the hands had any previous experience in this work, so had to
learn as they proceeded.
A large dairy barn was built the last week of October, 1896, just out
of New York City. It is 100 × 36, with 8-foot basement and 16-foot
superstructure. We had four house carpenters and two laborers. Began
work Monday morning, but were delayed by the non-arrival of the spikes
till nearly noon. The basement bents were each 100 feet in length,
and there were nine bents in the superstructure. Both basement and
superstructure were raised on Friday of same week in six hours with the
help of 30 men.
Still another example may be given to show the difference between the
plank frame and the mortise and tenon frame. With three helpers I
framed a barn, 40 × 72, with 20-foot posts, while two carpenters, one
of them a foreman, framed the sills for a corn crib, 5 × 40.
The system has been introduced into 32 States and some fair sized
barns have been built in this way. One in Kentucky, 56 × 100; one in
Colorado, 60 × 70; one in Wisconsin, 40 × 120, with wing 40 × 60; one
in Ontario, 56 × 96, and one in Virginia, 60 × 100. I have yet to learn
of any who, having built strictly to specifications, are dissatisfied
with the frame. On the contrary, we are frequently in receipt of
letters from those who have thus built stating that they are delighted
not only because they have saved both money and timber, but at the same
time have obtained a thoroughly strong frame without the usual interior
timbers, which are so much in the way in handling hay or grain.
I shall be glad to have the friendly criticism of practical builders
given in the columns of _Carpentry and Building_. Any suggestions which
may lead to further improvements in the system will be appreciated
very much, and due credit will be given to those who suggest them. It
will be seen that the system is especially adapted to large grain and
hay barns, to cover barnyards, which are becoming so popular in many
sections of the country, to tool sheds, tobacco barns, amphitheaters,
&c.
While there is not so large a saving in the timber of the basement as
in the superstructure, there is yet a fair saving of timber even here,
and at the same time there is great saving of labor. The timbers are
employed only where they can serve a useful purpose, and special effort
is made to so place the timbers as to secure the maximum amount of
strength with the smallest possible amount of timber.
* * * * *
The following communications were brought out as the result of Mr.
Shawver’s invitation to the readers of _Carpentry and Building_:
Bracing a Basement Barn Built on the Plank Frame System.
_From_ E. S. H., _Connecticut_.—I have been reading the articles of
Mr. Shawver on barn framing with a great deal of interest, and I am
desirous of obtaining full instructions in regard to bracing the
interior of a basement barn: also a complete bill of materials for
the frame of such a barn, 40 × 60 feet in area, basement 8 feet high
and superstructure 20 feet high. The roof is of the gable pattern,
one-third pitch. There is also a bay in each end and a double driveway.
_Answer._—In referring to the above inquiry, Mr. Shawver submits the
following information, accompanied by the illustrations presented
herewith: The sketches here given will explain in detail the manner of
inserting the braces and the way in which they are made. Of course,
when long braces will not interfere with the desired use of the space
they are preferred to short ones, but short ones properly inserted
will give the same rigidity to the plank frame that braces of similar
length will give to a mortise and tenon frame. The braces C C of Fig. 1
are inserted in the bents as the latter are constructed, but the brace
shown in Fig. 2 is not inserted until the barn is raised.
In basement barns the joist bearer, A of Fig. 1, is made to extend
lengthwise of the building, and the bents of the superstructure being
placed crosswise we find the sill of a bent of a superstructure as
represented at F F. But in ground barns the joist bearers extend
crosswise of the barn, and the post B is permitted to extend up
through the joist bearer about 7 inches. Two posts are then spiked to
this projecting portion, one on either side, and thus again the brace
shown in Fig. 2 may be inserted if thought necessary. If, however, the
braces are properly inserted in the side walls of the frame the short
braces may safely be omitted in ground barns.
[Illustration: Fig. 1.—Showing Method of Bracing.]
[Illustration: Fig. 2.—One Form of Brace Employed.]
The following is a bill of materials for a plank frame basement
barn, 36 × 60 feet, basement 8 feet, with wall on one side, 16-foot
superstructure, with a 23-foot bay at each end and a 14-foot driveway
in the middle. Roof one-third pitch, plain gable, decks over driveway
if permissible. Interior posts of basement to stand on stone pillars.
BILL OF MATERIALS.
Basement: First Bent.
Ins. Ins. Ft.
2 sills 2 × 8 × 60
(or six 2 × 8 × 20)
12 posts 2 × 8 × 8
4 door posts 2 × 6 × 8
6 post fillers 2 × 8 × 8
4 nailers 2 × 6 × 12
1 nailer 2 × 6 × 14
3 joist bearers 2 × 10 × 60
(may use 14s and 24s.)
10 braces 2 × 6 × 10
Bents 2, 3 and 4 similar.
12 posts 2 × 8 × 8
18 post fillers 2 × 8 × 8
20 braces 2 × 4 × 6
3 joist bearers 2 × 10 × 60
Ends of Basement.
8 sills 2 × 8 × 9
(or four 2 × 8 × 18)
4 nailers 2 × 6 × 18
(or eight 2 × 8 × 9)
4 nailers 2 × 8 × 18
16 braces 2 × 6 × 10
56 braces 2 × 4 × 6
28 brace blocks 2 × 4 × 16
Superstructure: Two End Bents.
4 sills 2 × 8 × 36
(or eight 2 × 8 × 18)
12 nailers 2 × 6 × 18
4 beams 2 × 8 × 36
(or eight 2 × 8 × 18)
20 posts 2 × 8 × 16
10 post fillers 2 × 4 × 16
8 braces 2 × 6 × 18
8 purlin posts 2 × 8 × 8
8 braces 2 × 4 × 9
2 gable ties 2 × 6 × 18
6 stiffeners 3 × 6 × 16
Two Interior Bents.
4 sills 2 × 8 × 36
(or eight 2 × 8 × 18)
4 sills 2 × 8 × 2
8 posts 2 × 8 × 16
8 purlin posts 2 × 8 × 24
(or twelve 2 × 8 × 16)
4 roof supports 2 × 8 × 22
4 sub-supports 2 × 6 × 17
4 collar braces 2 × 12 × 5
8 stays 2 × 4 × 3
4 ties 2 × 8 × 8
4 ties 2 × 6 × 5
4 ties 2 × 6 × 4
4 braces 2 × 6 × 8
Two Floor Bents.
4 sills 2 × 8 × 36
(or eight 2 × 8 × 18)
4 sills 2 × 8 × 2
8 posts 2 × 8 × 16
8 purlin posts 2 × 8 × 24
4 roof supports 2 × 8 × 22
4 sub-supports 2 × 6 × 17
4 collar braces 2 × 12 × 5
8 stays 2 × 4 × 3
4 ties 2 × 8 × 8
4 ties 2 × 6 × 5
4 ties 2 × 6 × 4
4 braces 2 × 6 × 9
8 joist bearers 2 × 8 × 8
Side Timbers.
4 sills 2 × 8 × 23
2 sills 2 × 8 × 14
24 nailers 2 × 6 × 12
4 nailers 2 × 8 × 14
8 plates 2 × 8 × 23
4 plates 2 × 8 × 14
8 purlins 2 × 8 × 23
4 purlins 2 × 8 × 14
8 couplings 2 × 8 × 8
4 couplings 2 × 8 × 4
4 braces 2 × 4 × 12
16 braces 2 × 4 × 7
8 deck joist 2 × 8 × 14
Floors, siding, roofing, doors, etc., will be the same as in other
barns of same dimensions.