Welding both ends of the lintel to bearing plate

[JoeBaseplate]

I have seen projects by other engineers where the lintel is allowed to welded at both ends to the bearing plate. Personally I like the "rigid" connection only one one side (unless I have lateral/torsional loads). How to do the senior head here approach this issue.

 

[firai]

We usually only put in 2 bolts/anchors at each end and try not to detail lintels to have a high fixity in general out of concern for expansion/contraction compatibility between the different materials, especially if it's a brick veneer/CMU backing system.

Hope that helps.

Structural Design Engineer
New York, NY