Need to prop up sagging, rotting barn corner

[alphacat]

I have a old barn on my property that was half buried on one end, and in the air on the other. I've been digging it out of the muck, but have lots of rotted wood. The barn is not worth investing too much money into.

The side in the air is sagging, and I'm trying to re-level it. I jacked the corner up and got a cinder under part of it. However I'm not sure cinder blocks are a permanent solution, and I'm wondering what you guys recommend.

The picture attached is of the corner that used to be in the air. The middle of this side is still sagging so I'll need to work my way down and put supports in, but I want to make sure I'm using the right material. With a railroad tie or pressure treated 4x4 be a better solution?

This barn will be for animals and isn't worth replacing all the wood or otherwise investing heavily, however it is a 16x20 barn with an A frame loft. It was 2 ft deep in a hill on the far side.

This part needs to be dug out and lifted, it's to the center of the first pick.

 

[mattylad]

Try asking on a US site, this one is in the UK - I'm sure you will get better options over there

 

[alphacat]

Okay I didn't realize this was UK only, sorry.

 

[mattylad]

It's not UK only but it is more UK orientated and your welcome to stay, I just think your more likely to have someone on your own continent who can best advise from what little we can see/know.

 

[alphacat]

Fair enough. I live in a rainy area so probably similar weather! I'll hunt down a US centric forum.

 

[^woody^]

Building techniques are largely universal despite regional or national preferences.

A block, or several blocks would be fine. If there is room for blocks and a timber (4x2) to act as a plate to spread load that would be better. Or if more practical/economic treated timbers will be fine too. Treat or replace any rotten timber.

Bear in mind that timber including the cladding near the ground is susceptible to damp and rot - rising from the ground and rain splashes. So a masonry base for 6-9" may be prudedent, but otherwise protect the frame with polythene and have sacrificial cladding.

If relevant, if the frame has moved due to a foundation issue, that's a bigger problem. But, to avoid the time and effort in that, it may be better to just keep adjusting the frame every few years.