Butt and Pass load stacking question

[JimC]

I'm giving serious thought to building a modest log cabin using the butt and pass method. In my review of videos of others building in this method, I noticed there is very limited load stacking with long gaps between the logs. I'm going to require an engineers stamp for the plans and I'm quite certain they'll question the load stacking as I plan to draw details of the butt and pass which will show gaps between the logs. How do you prevent the sagging of logs with roof loads coming down?

[loghousenut]

Take the class.

Seriously this method eliminates your concerns about gaps and roof weight.

Gaps! If you could see Mudflaps place you'd realize that gaps must not be an issue. His gaps are so big that they could play volleyball using his walls as a net. Not only did it pass inspection, but once it was chinked, it became the coolest looking house in northern Alabama.

It's a system that works and your LHBA house will be legal, strong, beautiful, energy efficient, and you can do it with your own hands. Use the biggest, ugliest logs you can find and it will come out fine. Logs with a lot of taper (that are super tough to use in a notched house) are a cinch the way we do it.

As for the roof, much of it is not supported by the walls and that gives you something to brag about (we'll tell you about big ridgepoles later).

Anyway, take the class and you'll gain access to the private side of the forum. We'll hold your hand through the process and become friends as you build the coolest house in the neighborhood.

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[jgrajiola]

LHN forgot to mention that when you become a member and take the class there are times that a “Bundle Plans” that goes up for sale on the website. There a few decent sizes to chose from, a shed and a garage. You pick your plan and take it to your draftsman to make your desired changes then get an engineer to approve and stamp.


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[mudflap]

we tried to avoid volleyball because it made the elephants nervous.

but yeah, I built mine with logs that bent in 3 directions, full of knots, the worst taper you've seen, and I'm in love with it. I went from "should we even bother with these logs?" to a one of a kind home.


christmas eve, 2021, installing my chimney pipe.

[allen84]

LHN forgot to mention that when you become a member and take the class there are times that a “Bundle Plans” that goes up for sale on the website. There a few docent size to chose from, a shed and a garage. You pick your plan and take it to your draftsman to make your desired changes then get an engineer to approve and stamp.


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That's only one benefit. The members side of the forum offers a wealth of information. My membership/trip to Vegas cost me $2-2.5K. It was worth every penny,
Now it's all available online for about $500.

Edit: I only took $40 cash for gambling and only slept 2 or 3 hours each night. HAHA!

AND I didn't lose my $40 or $2500

[JimC]

Thanks for the replies. Here's the thing. Years ago I started out as a residential designer/architectural draftsman, then I got sucked into the truss design business and have been doing that for 30+ years. So, I know about load stacking and I know that when you step out of the realm of stick framing, you need an engineer to approve your design to make sure it's structurally sound. I'm assured by the replies here that taking the class will explain the load stacking and gaps in logs. That's not good enough. The engineer I'm talking to has an arse for a front desk person and they won't answer a simple question "are you familiar with butt and pass log home building?". They want to see the plans first, but I can't draw the plans until I know how to draw the section and details for butt and pass. If I draw a typical cross section for butt and pass, it will show the cross section of logs quite literally floating one on top of the other with a gap, but with rebar pins and chinking. This would contrast drawing a scribed log home where the cross section would show each log supported by the log below. Do you see the dilemma? I'd like to draw the plans first before paying for the course and have the engineer tell me yes, they can work with me on butt and pass.

[Shark]

Sounds like you need a different engineer....

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[loghousenut]

I think you have the wrong engineer also. 99% of people who build this way use or slightly modify the LHBA plans. They work.

Drawn by an archetect and engineered. Possibly this is the strongest type of log structure you can build. The plans will have to be stamped by an engineer in your State but that's never a problem. It is nice to deal with an engineer that knows this system and does not think that the Kit House manufacturers are doing it right.

Serious. Take the class. If you aren't happy with it they'll give your money back. But you'll be happy.

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[loghousenut]

PS... Nothing wrong with drawing your own plans, but you'll draw them differently after you take the class. Everyone here has been through it all and I'm sure most of them would agree.

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[rckclmbr428]

I echo the above, you need to find a different engineer. Where will you be building? I know many engineers across the US that are familiar with the style of building

[donjuedo]

JimC, to help finish the thought above, rckclmbr428 is Ronnie, a professional builder who travels to many states to build these homes. So when he says "he knows many engineers...", that carries more weight with me (than if *I* said it). He's cleared many an obstacle I'll never know about.

[JimC]

I echo the above, you need to find a different engineer. Where will you be building? I know many engineers across the US that are familiar with the style of building

Do you know any engineers in Nova Scotia, Canada?

[JimC]

JimC, to help finish the thought above, rckclmbr428 is Ronnie, a professional builder who travels to many states to build these homes. So when he says "he knows many engineers...", that carries more weight with me (than if *I* said it). He's cleared many an obstacle I'll never know about.

Just watched a few more videos and saw the rebar concept. Looks good. I'll be buying the course in time, but need to ensure I can find an engineer in Nova Scotia that will stamp drawings for this method of log building.

[loghousenut]

Take the class. The engineer thing won't be an issue. We want to get you on the member's side of the forum. You'll love it.

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[allen84]

What he said... All the secrets, tips, tricks, engineer info and more is on the members side. There's even a video of Loghousenut singing and playing guitar in his bathtub.

[loghousenut]

I wish I could still fit in that bathtub.

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[mudflap]

Just want to point out that I've seen that Barnwood Builders show and they are always installing bracing for their log homes - they even mentioned on one episode "it'll be stronger when we get the roof on...." And I'm like, so what is it now? weak?

mine held elephants no problem while I was stacking logs - none of them ever escaped, even without bracing:



We would love to have you as a member.