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Barn sill replacement

From: chuckdow@adelphia.net
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 24.50.46.23
Date: 06 Feb 2002
Time: 07:54 AM

Comments

Questions: 1.What size and type of sill will provide ample support for this wall? 2. At what interval will concrete posts provide ample support for the sill (if indeed I can get away with concrete post supports for the sill rather than a full footing)? 3. How deep in the ground should posts be set?

The scenario: One of the 40' 6"x6" sills of my 26'x40' 140 year-old barn is rotten and broken between the 4 concrete posts that "support" it. This sill was replaced, though not well, 16 years ago. The barn is balloon framed, with the 2x4 verticals (24" OC) running solid from the sill to the eaves 27 feet above. There are two heavy wood floors at about 8 and 19 feet, respectively, and there is a brick chimney that BEGINS on the top floor. The top floor is supported from above by three A-shaped timber structures through which threaded steel rods run and fasten to the center beam under the top floor. Thus, virtually all of the weight of the top floor and the chimney is borne by the outside walls. (There is only one post in the middle of the barn between floors 1 and 2. The post is an 8x8, directly under the chimney.) The barn has a steeply pitched asphalt shingled roof. I live in central Maine, where snow and ice can stress buildings.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

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