I used two 1/2″ bolts to make the connection between
rafter (2×10) and collar (2×6) toghether with five 16d nails.
The calculated tension at the join is about 950 lb.
At one end of the collar the connection is at the seat cut
(rafter on 8 ft tall wall), at the other end is at about half
of the span of the other rafter.
(See attahced file)
I just realized that in some cases I drilled one of the hole about 1.5 inches
from the bottom edge of the rafter.
Does this violate the 2″ distance of holes from edge in joist/rafter ?
Is the rules less stringent for 1/2″ holes used for bolts ?
Will the inspector complain ?
What is the minimum distance the two bolts should be at ?
Thanks for any input !
Marco.
Replies
Bolts? You're joking, right?
What's the Joke. My structural engineer has always required bolts (the number of nails required(8-10 16d) tends to split the wood). The added nails are an issue.
Why did you need them?
Really? I've never had to bolt collar ties.
Never saw a bolted collar tie.
So if the question is how much sleep do I lose because I drilled a bolt hole within 2" of the end, or edge, of the timber, I would have to say not much. You are in engineering overkill mode now.
Thanks for your reply.
I have to confess that the bolts were an after thought,
after reading more about the inportance of the rafter ties and
calculating the tension.
Should I worry about the not careful location of the holes
for the bolts ?
(or would the inspector worry ?)
Thanks again.
The answer to "Will the Inspector worry?" you will know after the Inspector inspects. Maybe you won't.
I was looking at some old beams yesterday that had ring connectors stuck in them. Talk about overkill, but who knows what they were part of. About 24" square, with dozens of holes through them, some with the bolt shanks sticking out and rings in a lot of the holes.
Kinda like that house Frenchy is building probably. Where's he been lately? Joe H
Edited 9/18/2002 12:44:12 AM ET by JoeH
When I get back to the office on Friday I will look up the required edge distance and spacing (you check UBC or a wood design book). I'm not sure where the 2" dim. came from but if you are only off by a 1/2" I would not worry. The extra nails (depending on how many) may be more of a problem since they tend to split the wood and the bolt holes may be inline with the split. If you are really concerned add a collar tie to the other side of the rafter and use longer bolts. Overkill never killed anyone.
We bolt `em here! Overkill to some is standard practice to others.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
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From what I remember a 16d nail is worth about 70 lbs in shear, maybe 125 lbs if cinched, and a 1/2 in. bolt about 550 lbs. If you are concerned, re-drill in a better location and install a third bolt. Just remember to re-tighten the bolts right before covering them with the ceiling material. The tensioned friction between the components adds significantly to the strength of this joint and shrinkage caused by further drying will reduce this friction. BTW, each of my 2x8 to 2x10 connections contain six 1/2 in bolts. The extra $60 spent helps me to sleep better when it is snowing.