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[–] • 1 pt

What Haywood said, and what is the span?

I assume your header is 2 - 2x12s with 1/2" plywood core screwed or nailed?

[–] • 0 pt

yes, and I said 12 ft so you have to know its abit less

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

I'd guess the 16" OC wall. The beam could be sufficient depending upon the load you anticipate will be on it.

The load bearing center beam in the basement of my cape consists of a 3 - 2"x12" beam on lolly columns ... 1 1/2 story cape. Walls are 2x4 16" OC and holds heavy snow loads just fine.

[–] • 1 pt

I was actually thinking about this as if a tree fell on your house, at least thats what started me. I think I would rather be under the 2x12 than a double 2x4.

[–] • 1 pt

A double 2x4 braced every 16" would be stronger.

[–] • 2 pts

Moment of inertia for 2-2x4s is 1/4th the MOI for 2-2x12's.

The clear span for the 2-2x4's is 1.33' which is 1/9th the length of the 2x12's.

As you can see, just looking at proportions of eachother it's obvious the 2x4s are stronger.

[–] • 0 pt

If so why does code everywhere allow headers?

[–] • 2 pts

Well, I assume you like doors and windows, there has to be some compromise, no?

I'm not saying the 2x12's are deficient...

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

12 ft. is a decent span. A 2x4 stud wall with a double top plate will likely hold more because the studs are in compression where the stress on the header would be along its "side". Just a guess, I am not a structural engineer.

[–] • 0 pt

That depends on where it is placed. could be side stress or top.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

If it's a header then it's on its side, sported at both ends while spanning the gap. Are you talking about a point load or uniform load?

[–] • 0 pt

either or, thus it depends how its placed. The specific one Im thinking about if a tree falls is simply holding up a few ceiling joists.

[–] • 0 pt

Defection is mostly determined by length to the 4th power so the longer you go unbraced the more deflection. A better question would be: what's stronger a, vertically oriented 2x12 12'L or a horizontally oriented 2x4 thats 16"L. This is assuming a uniformly distributed load.

[–] • 0 pt

Im beginning to wonder if anyone responding actually builds.

[–] • 1 pt

I'm looking at it from a purely theoretical perspective. Technically though it would be 2-2x12's and half inch sheet of plywood inbetween.

I've got a two story load bearing wall standing on 2 2x12's spanning 12' that I built. It's plenty strong.

[–] • 0 pt

I would say the wall is.

The question is how much is the load that needs to be carried?

[–] • 0 pt

No the question isnt what is the load, its which will carry more.