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	Starplate

Job #1 — What Size?

Strut Length Suggested Lumber Carriage Bolt Size

2-5 feet 2 x 2 5/16" x 2"

4-7 feet 2 x 3 5/16" x 3"

6-9 feet 2 x 4 5/16" x 4"

Chart 1 Framing Lumber Sizes

Estimating Size & Materials
Reter to chart 2 to see what rough measurements your frame can have. This chart can be a guide to help you figure your material costs. It is only approximate: don’t use it for exact dimensions,

To pick exact dimensions use the formulas in Appendix B.

Strength Considerations — Snow Load
Tests on 2x4 STARPLATE Frames roofed with plywood and supported on a solid base (Job #3, Option #2,03 or #4) indicate that the structures can withstand a total roof load of 10,000 lbs. (Weight of roof and snow combined.) At this point, the STARPLATE Connectors begin to bend. Divide 10,000 lbs. by your particular total roof area to get an approximate capacity in pounds per square foot. Stress at the connector plates vari~ in difterent buildings and depends greatly on Construction materials, I, .‘Vf5~. ing techniques, and age of building. While the manufacturer believes t(lese tests to be accurate, because of variable lumber grades and conditions rI particular installations, ills impossible to warrent this full-level of structural strength for each plate. Therefore, prudent designers commonly allow a safety margin to insure structural strength. Check with local codes for requirements and safety factors in your ares. For unusual load require- ments, contact East West Design Inc. with your questions.

height ft.	enclosed volume ft.³	floor diameter ft.	floor area ft.²	individual triagle area ft.²	wall area 10 triangles ft.²	roof area 5 triangles ft.²	height of each triangle ft.	total strut length ft.	individual strut length ft.
3	15	3	16ľ	1ľ	17Ľ	8ľ	1ľ	50	2	Dog House
4Ľ	51	4˝	15˝	4	39	19˝	2˝	75	3
5ľ	120	6	27˝	7	69	34ľ	3˝	100	4	Playhouse
7Ľ	235	7ľ	43	11	108	54	4Ľ	125	5	Small Shed
8˝	406	9	62	15˝	156	78	5	150	6	Medium Shed
10	645	10ľ	84	21˝	212	106	6	175	7	Large Shed
11˝	963	12	110	28	277	139	7	200	8
13	1371	14	140	35	350	175	7ľ	225	9	Small Cabin
H		D	B	A			h		S

Hole Spacing Is Important! The secret to a successful project is to make the hole spacing “E” equal for alt (25> struts, If “E” is not the same on each Strut, the triangular sides and roof sec- tions wilt not be the same and you’ll have trouble mak- ing things fit.

Hint About Bevelled Strut Ends — Bevelled strut ends add a more finished appearance to most projects in which the struts will show to the Outside. They function betterthan square ended struts on screenhouse/greenhouse applications because there is more support near the STARPLATE - see Fig. #1

Fig. 1 Bevelled Strut Ends

Figure 2 shows how several strut ends cart be combined for a deluxe frame.

LONGER AT OSTIOM 5 HORiZONTAL STRUTS. ~ ROOF STROTS -BEVELLED AT TOP BEvELLED #18010 ENDS IS WALL STRUTS SQUARE AT 1SF BEvELLED AT BOTTOM DBASE STRUTS ITNEATESI BEVELLED AT BOTA ENDS Fig. 2 Deluxe Frame L:. Flg.2 OR ~ IJI Fig. 1 Concrete Pad PLYWOOD OR PLOOP FL TO A YNCiIOR STAKE ~ SUPPORTS ~—~- ~ TviMFLus~ ~ ~ Option #4 — Concrete Slab Uses — Dry, most permanent. Adapts to rocky ground. Materials — 2 x 4 Form lumber & form stakes Concrete (5) Anchor bolts Shape of Slab — A square slab or oversize slab collects rain water. A 5-sided slab that fits under the base struts as shown will stay dry. Make the slab the same size as the wood platform described in Option #3, STARPLATE BENT UP

Ragnar Note:
More to come soon


	© Ragnar Torfason 2006 April 31

Strut Length	Suggested Lumber	Carriage Bolt Size
2-5 feet	2 x 2	5/16" x 2"
4-7 feet	2 x 3	5/16" x 3"
6-9 feet	2 x 4	5/16" x 4"
Chart 1 Framing Lumber Sizes