Timber Beam Upgrade - Welded Splice Connection - FIre Hazard??

[adurbin]

Here's my problem, I have an existing facility that needs to reinforce its existing 6" x 12" timber beams due to failure. My proposed method is to attach steel channel shapes along the sides and bolt (6) at various locations and fasten at the ends with angles. However, the contractor building the project has indicted that he needs a spliced conneciton for the channels. The current 20'-0" length is impossible to fit in the building's current geometry. My spliced design as of know has a plate attached to both ends of the channels and welded all around. My concern is that when welding the heat buildup on the steel could could cause the wood to catch fire? Is this possible and are their preventative measure to be taken? This has to be a field weld and not a shop weld. My other option is to have a bolted spliced connection, but this is also quite difficult.

 

[IFRs]

Since a channel's strength comes from it's flanges, can you bolt flange splices top and bottom?

Or, can the steel be welded prior to fitting up to the wood beams?

 

[adurbin]

Well, after talking to the contractor -- No field welding at all. so my only option it to go to an all bolted connection. Thanks ---