Timber Pavilion

This week I'm looking at timber pavilions.  Well, it's actually one pavilion multiple times, 5 to be exact.  This frame is going to be located in New Jersey and is going to have a canvas roof over top.  This is the third structure I've done in the last couple of months with a canvas roof covering it.  Canvas roofs seem to be a unique challenge.  On these couple of projects there hasn't been a lot on information on the roof system and how it's attached.  There are a lot of assumptions made on how the canvas with behave in rain, high winds, and snow if it is accidentally left up.  So, to keep it short, I have a lot of load cases in my design software to analysis the different loading scenarios.

For more ideas on pavilions and other structures visit Vermont Timber Works.

Modified King Post Trusses

This week I'm working on the design of a modified king post trusses.  The trick to the modified king post truss is the design of the top chord.  Depending on where the tie is placed and the how much tension is being transferred it adds to the bending stresses of the top chord.  This typically increases the size of the top chord.

The image is from cadwork which is the drafting software I use.  Here are some other examples of modified king post trusses from Vermont Timber Works.

Timber Pool House

This is what's next for me to design today.  This is a douglas fir pool house. The beams on the right, which are a lighter color, are glulam because of the long span and the loading from the trusses.  For the main part of the building the trusses span 35 feet, spaced 12 feet on center and the roof pitch is 12:12.  I haven't looked into any of the building loads yet but if it is in snow country, I'll be checking drifting snow.

If your looking for other great timber frame ideas check out Vermont Timber Works.