Can you notch out a bean in a basement if you support it on each side?

Question

I have a large bean going through the middle of my basement ceiling. It is a 10 x 10 or 12 x 12, I don't remember exactly. It is supported in the middle by a column that is 10 x 10, and of course on each outside wall. I would like to make a wall along the bean and put in a door, but the beam is a little too low for a standard door frame. I was thinking if I supported the beam on each side of the door frame with another 10 x 10 column, then it would be okay to notch out the beam so that it would allow for a full sized door. Can anyone help me with the codes or regulations regarding this? Or does anyone know where I can get code information?

FYI: I live in Washington State

Answer 1

Yes.
Had to have it done a number of times to steel & timber beams to move in large pieces of medical equipment in former job.
Mobildick put you on the right track.
Probably not as big a deal as you might think.
With an approved design, inspection & if you're up to it, a relatively straightforward DIY project.
Easy way out would be to put in a shorter door as mentioned, but, look into codes re minimum door height.
That could be your deciding factor.
Hope that helps

Answer 2

Dont cut it! It does'nt just support up & down, but side to side as well. If you cut it, you'll have big problems!
Put in a smaller door is the safest thing to do to avoid a disaster.
In most if not all places it's against code to comprimise the main beam even a little bit!

Answer 3

I believe you mean BEAM instead of bean. Call your local building inspector's office. Every city, town or county has at least one.

Answer 4

i would find somewhere else to put the door and leave the beam alone

Answer 5

Contact an engineer before you cut/modify any structural member of your house! If you are wrong, the result can be catastrophic.