Need an engineer

[Scoutman]

Just had a meeting with the county engineer. They want the logs graded and the moisture content certified before building. However, if an engineer will sign off on the LHBA method of building then the county will accept it. Anyone want to pass along the name of a LHBA-friendly engineer in Georgia?

[rreidnauer]

That moisture content sign-off is the tricky one, because the county doesn't understand the LHBA method of building with green logs. Moisture content means nothing using this method, but it's going to be hard to convince them there are other ways than the ones they already know. Might want to talk to the county some more, take a box of doughnuts and coffee with you perhaps. Work on explaining the process and hopefully he'll have an open mind and learn something.

[Scoutman]

It seems that this engineer will overlook everything, including moisture content, if a GA engineer signs off on it. I explained some of the LHBA methods (1/2" rebar, capable of building with green logs, etc) but he wanted to stick with "it's still gonna shrink". He says he's helped build a few log cabins in his day. Most likely the traditional way. I think I'm gonna need that engineer.

[rreidnauer]

He's dead right. The logs will shrink, no doubt of that. The difference is, they won't settle. The rafters will be the same height on the wall with green logs, as they will be when well seasoned. (well technically, the rafters will settle about half the of the shrinkage amount of the top log they rest on, if you want to get nit-picky)

Sorry I can't help you with an engineer down there. Question though. Does it need to be an engineer from your state?

[Scoutman]

Yeah, I understand all those details. Yeah (again), has to be a GA engineer. I MAY have a line on an engineer. Hope I'm a good salesman for the LHBA!! He's suppose to be a "good ole boy" from south Ga. I hate to let this piece of property go.

[Timberwolf]

Scoutman, there's a thread on the member side with a list on Eng with log home experience. Check it out when you get over. It's pretty long, could be someone in there.

[Scoutman]

Thanks Timberwolf. Also going to look at 13 acres in the next county. Maybe they'll be easier to work with. For some reason I doubt it though.

[Timberwolf]

Thanks Timberwolf. Also going to look at 13 acres in the next county. Maybe they'll be easier to work with. For some reason I doubt it though.

Generally speaking, the further you are from an urban center, the less trouble you should have... in theory...

[Scoutman]

in theory... I'm just about as far out in the county and away from small towns as I can get in this area already.

[rckclmbr428]

it really varies county to county, I have built in the moonshine capital of the us (franklin county, va) and had to jump through alot of useless hoops, another county I am working in is a little closer to civilization, and they are very relaxed. I think alot of it depends on the confidence of your inspector, alot of them are just out to cover their butts, and others have a brain and can tell when something is done right