Rafters in the new Barn

[tstaude]

Last summer I got started on a really great project, I dismantled a 33x40 post frame barn with my son and my dad.
Now I am starting to sketch the layout in a non-architectural software (UG). It doesn't look as pretty as it could in this software but it gets all the math in order.

The barn was set up with horse stalls and a U-shaped loft that were both non-structural. Essentially I am wanting to get as clear of a floor as possible. I would keep lofts on the sided and keep the center area fully open for a lift or two. The very center post is the one I am after.

The setup is 2x6 rafters up front where the dormers are and 2x8 rafters out back. the 2x8 rafters had a clear span all the way to the ridge, they are about 22' long.
The 40' ridge consisted of 2x12's supported by 3 center 6x6 posts.

If I were to eliminate those 3 center posts I know I would need rafter ties and this would really cut into my height in the loft area.

Has anyone here used a 'raised tie truss/rafter'?
Also open to creative suggestions, there are probably a dozen ways to get to a clear floor or at least close

 

[Firebrick43]

Rafter ties need to be in the bottom third of roof height or lower, ideally at the eve. If you want to raise above that you need to talk to a structural engineer.

Even then big barns without a ridge beam were apt to sagging of the roof even with rafter ties. I personally would never want to remove the ridge beam supports. I have added supports to a barn down the road due to too much span between post.

 

[tstaude]

I do have a local guy I am debating on contacting if I am going to modify anything.

I am debating on picking up a lam ridge beam that would run the full span.
This one was pieced together in 3 sections if I remember right.

I think I would have more freedom to move the posts if I go that route.

 

[Firebrick43]

I do have a local guy I am debating on contacting if I am going to modify anything.

I am debating on picking up a lam ridge beam that would run the full span.
This one was pieced together in 3 sections if I remember right.

I think I would have more freedom to move the posts if I go that route.

Yes, you might be able to use one less post with a larger beam, 40 foot would be to long not to have at least 2 end post and one in the center however, or maybe the end post in 10-12 feet from the wall depending on beam size

For example, a 40' ridge beam total length, 24' clear span, with a 40 lbs snow load would require a 5 1/2" thick by 18" deep by 40' long beam in southern yellow pine according to the tables. One big beam. At that size I would start looking at steel but that opens another can of worms attaching the rafters. Of course post size and footer size would all need to be increased as well