Good
engineering practice dictates that 5% of vertical load should
be available as lateral load.
Beyond
23,000 lbs. of vertical load this lateral support
becomes questionable. A flathead fastened to the beam with
lag bolts just won't handle the lateral load.
The
saddle head will supply anti-hinging and the tear
away stresses and enhances the anti-twisting and rotational
stability of the beam.
Saddles
are good practice for butt-joint beams as well
