Fist off - thanks for all the comments and great suggestions!
In regards to the 2x4 on top of the 2x12; its quite difficult to see how well they are connected together. There is another 2x4 attached like a diagonal truss member (see sketch) which loosely connects the 2x4 to the 2x12. Despite...
Let me clarify:
The clear span between walls is 26' and most 14" deep joists span the full length and bear on the brick wall.
When the building was constructed, 9 joists were cut 4' short and connect into header shown on my attached a sketch.
To correct the aforementioned problems above...
I'm working in an old brick building where there are 26' long 14" deep wooden floor joists (2x12+2x4 - old joists that are actually 2" wide) @ 16 OC bearing on two exterior brick walls. 9 of these joists are connected to a header 4' from the exterior wall. The header is connected a full length...