Splices are required when a beam is either too long or too heavy to install safely. When a beam spans two party walls, a splice is also recommended to easily install the beam, with the alternative being temporarily removing a large wall section. As a rule of thumb, the flange plates need to be at least the same thickness as the beam’s flange, and the same rule applies to the web plates.
In some cases, HSFG (High Strength Friction Grip) bolts are required, in which case the beam ends and the splice plates must not be primed. These bolts are expensive, so if you are told they are necessary it might be a good idea to request a redesign by your Structural Engineer to enable you to use the normal 8.8 grade bolts.
