Building 6X12 Beams

[Rusman]

I about ready to get started on my VC in South Carolina.....gonna dig holes for Thanksgiving Day (I'm trying to convince my kids that it will be a great bonding experience! So here is my question...

I am building my 6X12 Beams using 2 X 12 PT with bolts and glue.....
...what is the proper spacing for the bolts? I know (I think) that I need to be 2 inches in from the top/bottom, and that they should alternate up, down.....but how far apart?

I was guessing around 20-24 inches...
thanks in advance for your help,
Rus
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[John Raabe]

I would suggest around 18" with washers on both sides. When you use nails they are 6" o/c but bolts will have many times the shear strength of nails.

[Rusman]

Would nails suffice? If I were do use nails what recommendations would you have?

50 Holes through 6 inches of PT is a lot of drilling! I wouldn't mind missing that experience if I could, but I dont want to comprimise the structure starting with the first pieces of lumber...on the other hand I dont want to be pointlessly excessive.

thanks again, Rus

[John Raabe]

Yes, nails are what are normally used. Get a nail compatable with the wood (hot dipped galvanized or Zmax). I have shown nails spaced 6" o/c, 3" from top and bottom. Stagger any joints by 4' or more have have them break over a support. Use a nail that makes it into the far board - a 5 incher for a built-up 6x should be about right.

Checking with Wagner (House Framing) p. 75, 78 - he shows nails about every 10"-12" with three rows. I don't think the middle row adds much except to hold the boards in place.

[Kevin]

Drilling holes is not that bad if you get an auger bit. Goes threw the holes nice and easy.
The bit does most of the work.
Kevin

[OldDog]

I am surprised no one mentioned the glue!

If you use a latex glue, I would thin it with water until it spreads evenly with a roller or brush and get a even coat over the entire surface to be glued.

Bolts and washers are the way to go!

If the glue does it's job it will "out live all of us"