Pole Barn Notching 6x6 posts.

[hbragg]

I am building a pole barn using 6x 6 treated posts. I am going to use double 2x10 18' spaning nine foot on center on the 6x6 posts. The ceiling joist will go between these 2x10s using joist hangers. The joist are also 2x 10 dss grade and span 18 feet. There will be aproximately 3 feet of pole left. If I notch the 6x6 for my double 2x10s to set on 1 1/2 inch, will this have much effect on the remaining 3 feet of 6x6 posts that I am wanting to use to run a double girt for my rafter framing. I know that any notching weakens the posts. However there will be 4" of wood left. I am trying to use the top part of the post to get my rafters up so I can utilize the area for some storage. (monitor style building)

 

[mellamoesrico]

I wouldn't do this since it only leaves 2.5 inches (5.5 - 2 x 1.5) of post left to support the knee wall above, and the rafters or trusses push outward on the walls.

 

[hbragg]

Sorry about the confusion, but I was only planning on nothing 1 1/2 inch. one of the 2x10s will be flush with the rest of the wall girts leaving 4" of wood on the post. Posts are 5 1/2 "
Also notching will be done from the outside.of the post. I will also be using two carriage bolts and and pole spikes at each joint. My other option is to just leave the double 2xs flush with the post and use blocks to help distribute the weight.

 

[olytdi]

I'm having difficulty visualizing what you've written. If I understand correctly, you're talking about notching your poles so that you can sit your two-by's on them? Can you not through-bolt these instead?

 

[PKAero]

Just a guess, but sounds to me like you are building a Donald J. Berg designed pole building. I am in the process of building his "Ashville Barn" design(24X28" with full loft). I had to get a NC engineer to stamp my plans for permits and the PE informed me that the vertical loads in a pole design are not a major concern, the problems with these designs are the lateral or shear loads. Notching the poles does increase the vertical stability of your building however it does create a severe lateral weakness.

 

[1320stang]

I'm trying to understand as well.

Do you have a drawing?

 

[danho]

This seems to be a more common practice now, and something I will be doing on my build as well.

http://www.pole-barn.info/truss-connection-details.html

 

[hbragg]

Yes, that was my original plan. Will bolts be enough to support an attic system without notching. I would rather not cut the pole as I understand this weakens the pole

 

[mtwaterguy]

If I read this correctly, you are going to use a double truss system, with a truss on each side of your 6x6. If so, I wouldn't notch the 6x. If the truss is manufactured to your specs then attaching in the normal way should be fine. I wouldn't use bolts to attach the truss. I usually use a wood plate and attach with nails.

 

[dhardin53]

Your roof load/snow load will need to be notched and bolted, bolts alone are ok but the bolt and notch will increas your load potential and wind twist potential.

Your concern of weakening the stricture if notching is done at the very top is not needed. Now if you was to go notching the pole at the base or within the side wall. Then you will be weakening the integrity of the solid pole.

 

[olytdi]

If I read this correctly, you are going to use a double truss system, with a truss on each side of your 6x6. If so, I wouldn't notch the 6x. If the truss is manufactured to your specs then attaching in the normal way should be fine. I wouldn't use bolts to attach the truss. I usually use a wood plate and attach with nails.

Mine's done this way AND through-bolted. Overkill perhaps but....

 

[NUTTSGT]

This seems to be a more common practice now, and something I will be doing on my build as well.

http://www.pole-barn.info/truss-connection-details.html

Looking at the link, it seems like that would work. Although I don't have the figures/numbers from the drawings or plans. I suppose it would also depend on the size of the building you are putting up.

 

[holdover]

some areas require the notch on one side for load bearing, as well as through bolt with washers, think about the strength of the truss, joist etc resting on the notch as compared to a bolt holding it in place. here where I live no notch no pass on inspection.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I just notched mine 3/4 inch and bolted them. Seems to do the job OK.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I use 1/2 inch carriage bolts. I rarely notch, unless I need a flush fit. Since there are usually 2x4 purlins on the outside of a pole barn, I rarely need to have a flush fit. Building inspectors are totally programmed to accept 1/2 inch bolts.