Hammer Beam Roof Truss

Not a true truss the construction is similar to corbeled masonry see corbel in that each set of beams steps upward and inward by resting on the ones below by means of curved braces and struts.

Hammer beam roof truss.

A truss system is a combination of beams braces and rafters that help support a roof s weight. There is a hierarchy of timber framing at work here with trusses supporting the ridge and purlin beams. A true hammer beam truss like the one shown here relies on exterior buttresses reminiscent of the flying buttresses of notre dame cathedral to hold it in place and keep the roof planes from spreading apart. The hammer beam timber truss elegantly distributes the roof load extending weight down through the first floor system by way of heavy posts.

This truss behaves much more like an actual truss with the ability to have a tension line along the hammer beam up into the web down the other side and or up into the king post. This truss is favored in heavy timber construction in situations where wide clear spans are required and where a different structural member would obstruct the view of gable end windows. Above these components is a rack of common rafters. For a truss of 32 feet span a 1 1 4 inch square bar will be ample and it may be twisted to give a more pleasing effect.

A timber frame truss roof with ridge beam purlins and common rafters is a stunning combination that creates visual interest and structural complexity. A hammer beam truss is a cathedral roof truss with an open center. These trusses can almost always be self contained not requiring any additional framing to be supported. In a hammerbeam roof a series of short wooden horizontal beams curved support beams and wooden.

The tie rods should extend through the hammer beams to their outer end. Hammer beam roof english medieval timber roof system used when a long span was needed.