System for constructing log structures

A through-bolt clamping apparatus for bracing at least one wall constructed of stacked horizontal logs, the through-bolt clamping apparatus comprising:

• a) a through-bolt extending along the height of the wall;
• b) a lower clamp arm coupled to the through-bolt and the bottom of the at least one wall;
• and
• c) an upper clamp arm coupled to the through bolt and the top of the at least one wall.

A profile for a log, a plurality of the logs being stacked to form a log wall, the log profile comprising:

• a) opposed, generally vertical, side surfaces;
• b) a top surface extending between the side surfaces, the top surface having an upwardly directed tongue adjacent each side surface,
• c) a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the bottom surface having upwardly directed grooves shaped to receive the tongues of an adjacent log;
• and
• d) a pair of spaced apart seal recesses provided in one of the upper surface and lower surface of the log for receiving a sealant;
• e) wherein the portion of the top surface of the log from either side surface of the log to the adjacent seal recess consists of one or more upwardly inclined surfaces.

An exterior side casing structure for an opening provided in a wall constructed of stacked horizontal walls, the opening having an opening support structure comprising subjamb members along either vertical side of the opening, the sub-jamb members accommodating relative vertical movement between the logs and the sub-jamb members, the side casing structure comprising:

• a) a vertical casing member extending along either vertical side of the opening, the casing member having a rear face adjacent the logs and the sub-jamb member along each side of the opening, and a width which spans the interface between the logs and the sub-jamb member;
• b) a channel provided in the rear face of the casing member, the channel extending vertically along the length of the casing member, and the channel having a width which spans the interface between the logs and the sub-jamb member;
• and
• c) a mounting base provided along the rear face of the casing member, the mounting base fixed to the sub-jamb member.

A post-to-log connection structure for connecting stacked horizontal logs of a log wall to a vertical post, the post-to-log connection structure comprising:

• a) a bracket coupled to the post, wherein the bracket is vertically slidable relative to the post;
• b) a connector positioned within the wall adjacent the post;
• c) a fastener access passageway extending through the wall between the bracket and the connector;
• and
• d) a fastener extending through the fastener access passageway, wherein the fastener is coupled to the bracket and to the connector, and is adjustable to draw the logs snugly against the post.