Integrating 8" wide, 2" thick steel plates with full penetration welds at the miter to join timbers at the peak of the bents were vital for snow load and wind durability, particularaly as the plans called for no bottom chords or collar ties atop 22' tall posts. In addition to shear plates, decorative plates will polish the look of the 12 bents. (See upper right corner of this photo for the project after raising!) Thanks to Fire Tower Engineered Timber for their expertise on this project.