Shoring

What Does Shoring Mean?

Shoring is a construction activity through which the side walls of an excavation are supported. Shoring is governed by regulations stipulated by OSHA in order to protect workers who are working inside an excavation and could be hurt in the case of the collapse of the excavation walls.

In trenchless construction and rehabilitation projects, the primary place for shoring is at the entrance and exit pits.

Trenchlesspedia Explains Shoring

There are many different techniques that can be used for shoring depending on the depth of the excavation, the presence of groundwater and the type of soil encountered.

A common shoring method is soldier pile and lagging, which uses stakes inserted into the ground with planks or sheets lying against these stakes while pressing against the excavation walls.

Soil nails and shotcrete is another method that can be used. Hydraulic or pneumatic supports are used to actively push against both sides of the excavation thus keeping the excavation open.