Design Issues

Capacity

The average length of structural timbers which could be obtained from the English Oak was only about 20-24 feet which limited the height and width of the barn.

This could be solved by:

adding more bays;

making the barn wider by adding aisles;

making the barn higher;

Stability

The weight of the roof could force the walls outwards (spreading).

The force of the wind on the walls and roof could cause the timbers to lean out of the perpendicular (raking or racking).

This could be solved by:

buttressing the walls and adding tie beams to the trusses;

adding braces to the posts and rafters;

Arch Brace Trusses or Raised Crucks
increased
height and width

Brick walls were more stable and could be
made higher

This could be solved by: