There is more to erecting a timber framed building than watching the walls rise from the ground in a dramatic sequence of timber sections being lifted up off the floor. Seeing it all happen and understanding what is happening and why will certainly make it easier for you if you are visiting a site where such work is taking place.
Preparing the Base and Sole Plate
The first item to be erected on site is the base of the building and the sole plate of the timber frame. If the masonry foundation is not level then the timber frame will not be square and errors will be highlighted at every joint above the base. It is therefore very important that the base is accurately levelled and the sole plate fixed firmly before any other timbers are erected.
Lifting the End Frames First
The panels or bents are erected in a specific order. First the end frames are put up, so that two braced walls are formed to work from. Then the frames from the ridge to the intermediate frames are put up. It would be very difficult to erect the frames out of sequence, and many would be left unsupported and difficult to check for plumb.
Using a Crane Safely
The majority of timber frame buildings are raised using a crane. Following rated load limits and lift plans, the crane driver will work in tandem with the site team to achieve the raising of the individual sections of the building. As with any lifting operation on a construction site, there are legal requirements which must be adhered to when safe lifting operations are in place.
Plumbing and Bracing Each Section
Each section is then held in place by temporary bracing whilst it is plumbed using a level and the crane released from the lift. It is surprising how quickly frames can go out of square if sections are not held plumb as they are erected.
Pegging or Bolting the Joints
Once the frame has been lifted and held by temporary bracing, the joints are then permanently fixed using hardwood pegs that have been driven through pre-bored holes, or bolts.
For Timber Frame Construction, visit /merlintimberframe.co.uk/.
Final Checks Before Standing Down
The crew check the diagonals, recheck key bays and check all temporary bracing. Only when satisfied that all is well are they satisfied the lift has been completed and returned to site safe.
A carefully planned sequence of construction on the day of the raise is key to an efficient erection of the timber frame, and the subsequent cladding, roofing and fit-out of the building.
