masthead masthead masthead masthead
solving geometric challenges in timber for more than 25 years...
cowley logo
topleftcolumn
home button
projects button
a-z
contact
leftbottom
topleftcorner top bit midcolumn  
Kerto LVL - Braced Frame
 
Workshop at Morton, Lincolnshire
 
portalframe
Braced portal frames in Kerto Laminated Veneer Lumber form the main structure for this general purpose workshop. Seven frames 10320 span x 4150 to eaves with rafters at 15° pitch are spaced at 3180 centres. The gable columns are also in Kerto LVL.
   
morton2 morton3
The height and angle of the portal brace can be adjusted to suit each project.
Purlins, sheeting rails and wind bracing are all in planed softwood of Strength Class 4.
   
Portal joints use heavy gauge Wolf nailplates. Proprietary nailed angles fix purlins and bracing.
morton4
   
Building Profiles
 
External brace
externalbrace
Roof Cladding
Wide Verges
Purlin size and spacing can be specified to suit most conventional claddings; fibre cement, profiled metal, rafters and tiles etc. Fixing is easy using hammer and nails.
The externally braced option povides generous covered storage areas.
 
Full height brace
fullheightbrace
Large Spans
 
Spans exceeding 40m will usually require full height 'V' braced columns for maximum economy.
 
 
Internal brace
internalbrace
Simple Footings
"Square" Eaves
The low dead weight saves foundation cost. Base shoes bolt direct to plain level concrete using standard masonry anchors.
Conventional external building shapes require braces to be internal. They can usually be well above head height to optimise usable space.
 
Walls
Brick and/or block walls work well. However, timber framed panels offer advantages in speed of erection and high insulation values.
 
Frame Spacing
Efficient sizing of frames and purlins is best around 3000 to 5000mm frame centres. Both are less cost effective over 6000mm ccs.
 
Services
Hoists as well as less demanding service loads can easily be accommodated in the structural design specification.
 

Cowley timberwork is a trading name of timber engineering connections ltd