What distance can I span with a trippled up 2×10 girder without supporting it with a post? Maximum span needed is about 12 feet, and my chart says I need trippled up 2x12s. Is this correct?
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what's it holding up? Not going to be able to get too much good info without folks knowing the load going onto it.
Ha! The second floor. Ninety year old house. Original 2x4 ceiling joists that held plaster. Spliced about ten feet down, just like they always used to do. Some knuckle head "carpenter" framed a floor with 2x4s and plywood perpendicular to the old spliced joists for an apartment in the attic. I'm going to pick up both joists with two pocket beams per room-- at the splice and equal distance at the other wall just for good looks. I'm thinking trippled up 2x12 (biggest room might be 12'), but I don't want to eat up to much space.
That's not even close to enough info. You need the span of joists tying into the beam - Like it's the center beam of a 24' wide house, or something like that. Does it carry both first AND 2nd floor loads? What about roof loads?.Honestly - I never specify a beam unless I see the situation for myself or have a lot of confidence in the person giving me info. If you're looking to keep the beam profile low you might look into steel beams or LVLs.
I don't think you are understanding how to read your chart if it is able to give you spans for a beam without knowing the length of joists bearing on it.