Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/3/2010

Question
Hi Bruce,
I am in the process of building a 40 x 60 Gambrel bank barn. Because of the property I will need to store round bales singly on the second floor. The bottom of the barn is reinforced filled block with stalls for the horses. I have been advised of tongue and groove 2x12's on an LVL system and also a triple beam system. Which would work better for me? The round bales are about 850 lbs each and are about 5 feet in diameter and about 5 feet tall. Would love to double stack if possible.
Thanks, Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa, I say the LVLs are the way to go.  You can get them sized to meet your weight requirements.  Contact a local truss manufacturer or lumber yard and discuss your live load requirements.  You may still need a beam to split the span in half but the LVLs with a TandG 2x12 deck will be a fantastic hay loft.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com