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Hi,

Attached are some photos of the barn project as it progressed. I hope I included enough to outline the project.

The local Building permit office liked the format of the plans. All I had to do was provide a list of changes I proposed and they approved the building permit quickly.

I built this Barn for several reasons, workshop, storage and storm protection. In addition to the steel strapping, I've installed threaded steel rods in each wall (three in each wall) with the rods extending to the rafters on each end.

All Plywood and OSB sheeting is not only nailed according to the hurricane nailing scheduled but glued with Liquid nails as well. I've got 11 cases of liquid nails "Project" in this building! The brick ties are attached with 2.5" #10 machine screws and the J-bolts are 36" on center. Although I used standard hurricane clips on the floor joists I used 1.5"x1.5"x 24" angle iron (1/8" thick and painted with epoxy) rafter ties on each hip rafter.

I have not done a complete finite element analysis but rough hand calculations indicate this structure will survive a Cat 5 Hurricane with no problem!

The 10'x7' garage door is constructed to a 180 MPH wind load and is insulated 2" thick steel coated on both sides. I plan on pouring a pad behind the barn and installing a 15KW generator so that we'll have power.

I have a 90 Amp service run to the Barn with 17ea. 120 V outlets on the lower deck and 11 on the top deck. I have 1ea. 50 Amp 240V service and 3ea 20Amp 240V outlets on the lower deck. I will never have to run extension cords to my tools again!

I am saving to finish the inside. I haven't installed the installation or drywall yet but when I do finish with the inside (including cabinetry) I'll send more photos if you'd like. I don't want to bore you with to many pictures!

I have thoroughly enjoyed building from your plans! Other than a doghouse this is the biggest structure I've ever built and your plans made it easy....thank you!

Rick

Jacksonville, FL