Sistering log floor joists in a barn
I am going to be laying a new floor (T&G 1-1/2″ yellow pine) on the second floor of a bank barn. It is supported by log floor joists that have been leveled by hand (circa 1820).
The logs are approximately 6-1/2″ thick vertically, up to 11″ horizontally including the bark, and are spaced 30-36″ apart. They are supported by a ridge beam in the center and have a span of 14′ on either side to the stone walls. The logs have some bow to some of them, but jacking them so far indicates I am likely able to get any large bowing fairly straight. The current floor is not bouncy, feels secure, but since I am removing the floor boards, I thought it wise to provide added support. My plan was to sister the joists with 3X7″ oak joists.
2 questions: Is the plan necessary and adequate? And, optimal way to attach the oak sisters to the rounded log sides?
Thanks for any advice.
Jim
Replies
I think I'd use a full-size 2X on each side and through bolt them together.
What time zone are you in?? 02:22pm? I've never heard of such a time. As far as I know 02:22 is two in the morning.
That is strange but of course I had nothing to do with what time shows. I suppose I could have posted it at 2:22 but I really don't remember.
I was worried that you might be in the twilight zone, where morning is afternoon. Or above the arctic circle where it's afternoon all day long in the summer and night all day long in the winter.
Eastern