Strong Ties used for center ring attachment

[Juliet]

I'm living in a yurt that has a hub made from 1/2 or 3/4 inch plywood circle with 16-2x3 inch rafters attached to it with Simpson strong ties. There is no

dome

. This is like the design used in the book Tipis and Yurts by Blue Evening Star.

The ties have been bent to fit the angle of the rafters. The only strength component I see in this attachment is the strength of the screws holding the strong tie to the plywood - the compression factor in this design seems weak to me.

I hear some creaking when the wind blows....my intuition is saying that perhaps this design is not as stable as others...Is there anyone with experience in this type of yurt? Thanks for your responses.

[Bob Rowlands]

I'm a carpenter and I haven't a clue what I'm looking at here. More photos that show a large view and a detailed close up would be helpful. Thanks.

[Jafo]

Are those hangers connected to the

center ring

? If so, I can't imagine that being the most secure way to do that.

[Juliet]

.....Ok, here's what you're looking at:

A plywood circle about 36 inches in diameter (at the top of the photo) with 16 H1 Strong Ties around the edge of the circle, each with a 2x3 rafter. This particular yurt has

insulation

between the rafters, and the

insulation

is covered with fabric. Maybe that's why it looks so odd.

[Juliet]

I agree, it seems to be an improper use of this type of hanger, which is meant to connect rafters to a ridge beam.

[Bob Rowlands]

That's pretty rustic. IMO you should consider redoing the ring and rafters. A good system that could easily be retrofitted to your yurt, is here:

Clan yama kaminari yurt

Click on make it, and scroll to the ring and rafter details. I have built that system in both my yurts. Very strong and solid even in extreme wind. If you have a carpenter friend he could help you with this. I have about $300 in the ring and rafters. My labor though.

If you want to see that Kaminari yurt ring and rafter system, in google images type in:

Bob Rowlands home made yurt

Mine is the rough looking green door yurt with rafters either side. There are several detailed photos of it in images. The green frame and rafters is my 16' yurt. Good luck

[Juliet]

Thanks so much for your advice and replies. I will figure something new out before the fall comes again.

[Bob Rowlands]

You're welcome.