Patent ID: 6412241
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
A method of building a structure having a plurality of log walls, the method comprising:a) providing a plurality of logs wherein each log has a first end region and a second end region; b) positioning a first layer of logs in a spaced-apart configuration; c) positioning a second layer of logs above the first layer of logs in a crosswise stack wherein each end region of each second-layer log rests above a first-layer log; d) positioning a third layer of logs above the second layer of logs in a crosswise stack wherein each end region of each third-layer log rests above a second-layer log, each third-layer log lying above and extending alongside an adjacent first-layer log to define a pair of adjacent first-layer and third-layer logs, whereby a first gap is formed between each such pair of adjacent first-layer and third-layer logs; e) positioning a fourth layer of logs above the third layer of logs in a crosswise stack wherein each end region of each fourth-layer log rests above a third-layer log, each fourth-layer log lying above and extending alongside an adjacent second-layer log to define a pair of adjacent second-layer and fourth-layer logs, whereby a second gap is formed between each such pair of adjacent second-layer and fourth-layer logs; f) determining a maximum height of the first gaps in the structure; g) determining a groove cut that would leave a bottom surface of each third-layer log separated from a top surface of an adjacent first-layer log by a first vertical distance that is substantially the same at all points along the first gaps, said first vertical distance being at least as great as the maximum height determined in step f); h) determining a maximum height of the second gaps in the structure; i) determining a groove cut that would leave a bottom surface of each fourth-layer log separated from a top surface of an adjacent second-layer log by a second vertical distance that is substantially the same at all points along the second gaps, said second vertical distance being at least as great as the maximum height determined in step h); j) determining a final notch cut that will lower both end regions of each second-layer log by a first drop distance and into a final position when each second-layer final notch is fitted over the first-layer log on which it rests; and k) determining a final notch cut that will lower both end regions of each third-layer log by a second drop distance that is approximately equal to said first vertical distance less said first drop distance when each third-layer final notch is fitted over the second-layer log on which it rests.