[Illustration: Fig. 8.—Detail Showing Construction of Posts in End Bent of Fig. 3.]
[Illustration: Fig. 9—Sectional View of Plate.]
Three posts of the end bent, shown in Fig. 3, are constructed of two 2 × 8 plank, one 2 × 4 and one 3 × 6, all as indicated by the cross section in Fig. 8 of the engravings.
[Illustration: Fig. 10.—Side Elevation of Barn Having Two Driveways and Bay at Either End.]
It will be noticed that all of this work is easily and quickly done and that there is not only a saving in the timber, but also in the labor. As an example of the time required to erect a frame, I would state that I was recently called to another county to assist in building a basement barn, 40 × 80 feet in size, 8-foot basement and 16-foot superstructure, with plain gable roof. With three carpenters we commenced work on Wednesday morning, and on Saturday of the same week we raised the barn complete. In other words, it took four carpenters three days to frame a barn 40 × 80 × 24 feet.
In Fig. 10 is shown a side view of a barn with two driveways and bay at either end. A A are duplicated on inside of posts, with bridge blocks at dotted lines; B´ is main plate; C is purlin plate of two 2 × 8 plank set at right angles with roof and also braced at right angles; D is roof supports, forming the arch of the barn, and E the collar beams. Fig. 11 shows interior bent of a “ground” barn with decks above driveway. Should stables be desired in one or both ends joist bearers may extend entire width of barn.
There are doubtless many who would like some evidence of the strength, durability and popularity of this system of barn building, and I therefore submit a few facts in relation to these points.
_First Test of Strength._—A small model made of linden strips 3-16 inch thick and ½, ⅜ and ¼ in inch width, made on a scale of ½ to 12 and representing a barn 40 × 60, with 8-foot basement and 20-foot superstructure, was found strong enough to support four men of average weight.
_Second Test._—Several years ago a number of persons at a barn raising were discussing the frail appearance of the frame, and a test was made with chains and levers in an effort to crush the frame by drawing at opposite angles, but without the slightest effect.