I'd be surprised if this is required by any code. It certainly isn't required in the code I use. But your locality might be different and your colleagues might have rules of thumb.
I've seen some industrial structures built with splices on every floor ~2.5m floors. I suppose the logic was that is makes the erection process easier for installation of the heavy equipment as the building goes up. It also timetable compression as the steel detailing and fabrication of lower floors can be accelerated before the upper floors have even been detailed.
I work in design and build so I normally specify exactly where the splices should go. My ideal member size is slightly under 9m for easy fabrication, transport and erection with minimal offcuts. But I've happy with anything between 6 and 12m.
If this is actually the case I would like to know. I have two jobs on the go that involve taking beams up to penthouse level of high-rises and splicing them every 2m or so (elevator restrictions / man handling considerations). I don't love the idea but I didn't think it was against a code provision. Anyone have a reference for Canadian codes?
I also don't know of any limitations on the number of splices but one thing I'll point out is that unless you're getting that material to the jobsite on an absurdly long truck that is permitted to be much longer than usual, a splice is required to keep parts small enough to fit on a truck. 12 meters is about the length of a semi truck trailer in the US so I'm guessing it's the same where you live. Having a rule of not having more splices may be someone's best practice to keep costs down on jobs by limiting the amount of splices that need to be performed in the field.
