Asked by Mike (Grangerman) from McConnellsburg, PA
The remnants of a stone foundation for a bank barn still stands on my property.
The foundation consists of only two walls. One gabel(bank)end wall(28′) and a front bank wall (42′) is all that comprised the original foundation. These walls are in repairable condition. The only other remnants that remain are corner and post support stones.
I would like to re-barn on this site and utilize the foundations walls if only for visual purposes. My questions is, who can design a basement pier and beam support structure that will support a 28′ x 42′ x 14’eave height post and beam barn with a 10/12 pitch roof.
I plan to use a three bay, 14′ spaced structure. The barn support must be able to support the barn, a full size farm tractor and a full load of green hay. I may be forced to build a pole barn type structure if the post and beam exceed my budget.
Also, I would like to have a minimun of 7′ head clearance in the basement. I plan to excavate and pour a concrete floor with a perimeter bulkhead to help stabilize the existing stone foundation walls.
Great question, although since it is highly specialized to your unique situation I can only answer it with this.
The best thing to do is to have a local barn restoration contractor take a look at your barn and give you a quote on what needs to be done. You should be able to find one through the Historic Barn & Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania
http://pahistoricbarns.org/