12 Example Applications of Post Frame
Post-frame design works for many common project challenges.
David R. Bohnhoff, P.E., a Professor of Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses these features of post-frame construction, and structural applications best-suited for the construction method. We invite you to read his essay.
The list below does not represent the only post frame structural applications. It simply details specific instances where post frame will most likely present the best option.
Below we've provided twelve specific case-examples where post frame provides a distinct advantage. Explore the examples. Also visit the Case Studies or Post Frame Project Gallery for more ideas:
Buildings With Numerous and/or Relatively Large Wall Openings
Replace the doors in a mini-warehouse with large glass panels, and you can understand why post frame is also ideal for retail stores with large glass facades
Buildings Without Basements
Embedded post and precast pier foundations can be easily removed and reused – a feature which adds to their status as a very environmentally-friendly foundation system.
Buildings With Tall Exterior Walls
Post frame enables the construction of buildings with relative large floor-to-ceiling heights at prices much less than they could be fabricated with a comparable wood stud wall.
Bulk Storage Facilities
Higher wall forces are easily accommodated in post-frame building design by altering post size and/or spacing.
Buildings With Open Walls
Unless a unique structural support system has been employed, expect the roof above an open wall to be supported by posts with an on-center spacing of 8 or more feet.
Buildings Requiring Interior Posts
When a building has interior columns, it is advantageous to use a post-frame building system for two reasons.
Buildings With Large Clearspan Wood Trusses
Component connections are critical to the structural integrity of a framing system. In buildings with large, clearspan wood trusses, the most critical connections are those between the truss and its supports.
Buildings That Accomodate Non-Structural "INFILL" Panels/Materials
Post frame is the ideal structural support system for straw bale walls (figure 14), cordwood or stackwood walls (figure 15), light-clay coated organic fiber walls (figure 16) and even earthen walls.
Stilt Buildings
Stilt buildings are one of the least expensive options when building in floodplains, over very poor soils or water, on very steep terrain, and in regions of high snow fall.
Towers and Buildings With Towers
Towers are a natural fit for wood posts. When posts are properly connected and anchored, very strong and relatively inexpensive three-dimensional tower frames may be built.
Buildings With Post-Supported Roof Overhangs and Porches
There are benefits to using a post-frame building system any time a building features a relatively long post-supported porch, roof overhang or arcade.
Buildings With Braket-Supported Overhangs
Roof overhangs and eyebrow overhangs are commonly added to buildings to improve building aesthetics and durability.