Types of Shoring in Construction and Its Uses

Shoring is the construction technique that helps to provide support to unsafe building structures. Shoring helps to provide support for the walls laterally. In addition, this construction technique is also used in the construction unit in the case of the walls bulging out and wall cracks occurring due to the unequal settlement of the building foundation.

The shoring process has been carried out under several situations which are:

➢ Due to the poor workmanship, if the walls are bulging out, the shoring process can take place.
➢ In the case of the unequal settlement of the building foundation leading to cracks in the walls, the shoring procedure can also take place.
➢ In the case of demolishing the adjacent structure of the building, the shoring technique is also used.
➢ If addition and alteration are also required for a safe building structure, the shoring technique can also be used.

Factors influencing the installation process of shores in the construction unit

There are numerous factors which significantly influence the shoring process in the construction site which are:

Types and conditions of the soil

The type and consistency of the soil are the best ways to find out the right shoring method. As an example, for sandy soil, the sheet piling technique may be appropriate, whereas, for clay-based soils, the hydraulic shoring technique may be appropriate.

The load-bearing capacity

The shoring system must have to choose which can handle the structural load as well as any other additional forces of the construction structure. These additional forces include wind or traffic forces.

Regulatory compliance towards safety

In shoring projects, it also needs to adhere to the safety regulations to ensure the protection of the workers as well as the public and structural integrity. In this context, site-specific safety needs to be ensured and regular inspection should be initiated to ensure the proper training of the workers.

Environmental impacts

The shoring technique that has been used in the construction unit should minimize the disruption to the surrounding environments. In this context, the construction team should adhere the environmental regulations.

Different types of shoring in the construction process

There are different types of shoring techniques used in the construction process which are:

H or I-Beam Shoring

This shoring construction technique involves the use of steel beams which are driven into the soil and help to support the excavation site. In this case, the steel beams have been placed vertically which is ideal for deep excavations where the space is limited. The beams used in this shoring technique can also be re-used thus it becomes the economical choice for multiple projects.

Contiguous Pile Shoring

In this method, piles are placed close to each other though there is a small gap in between. This method is appropriate to support the soil during excavation. This shoring technique is used in those construction projects in which the soil conditions are stable. In this case, the gap between the piles helps to allow some flow of the groundwater, so, this technique is less ideal for the waterlogged sites.

Secant Pile Shoring

In this method, the the interlocking concrete pile has been installed which helps to create a continuous wall. In waterlogged areas, this type of shoring method is highly effective as this method helps to prevent groundwater ingress. This secant pile shoring technique is used in deep excavation.

Sheet Piles

The sheet piles are driven into the soil which helps to create a barrier. In the waterfront shoring construction process, this type of shoring technique has been used. This shoring technique is versatile and can be installed within a short time.

Diaphragm Walls

These are the reinforced concrete walls which have been constructed deep into the ground. These diaphragm walls are used as permanent retaining walls for large construction structures such as basements or tunnels. These diaphragm walls are appropriate for large-scale infrastructural projects as they are highly durable and help to support significant loads.

Dead Shoring

This type of shoring technique involves vertical supports that have been placed directly under the load thus helping to prevent the incident of collapse. This dead shoring process has been used during the repairing of the buildings especially while replacing the walls.

Hydraulic Shoring

Hydraulic pistons are used in this type of shoring technique which helps to press the metal plate against the trench walls thus helping to prevent the collapse. This shoring technique is very easy to adjust and also the installation of this type of shoring technique is very quick which is ideal for performing the trenching operations.

Raking Shoring

This type of shoring process involves rakers or angle supports which help to brace against the ground and the structure. If there is a need for supporting the walls which are at risk of collapse, this type of shoring technique is required. This shoring technique helps to provide stability to the construction structure along with compromised integrity.

Soil Nail Shoring

This shoring process involves reinforcing soil along with the steel bars which have been driven into the ground. This shoring technique helps to stabilize the retaining walls and slopes which is useful in those areas with loose soil conditions or steep gradients.

Flying Shoring

This type of shoring process is used to support the parallel walls in which the ground space cannot be distributed. In this context, the horizontal support has been placed among the walls which creates a bridge thus providing stability to the construction structure without interfering with the ground.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Real civil

Timber Shoring

This shoring technique is one of the oldest shoring methods in which wooden beams are utilised and planks for providing support to the structures of trenches. In smaller construction projects where the traditional shoring methods are preferred, this type of shoring technique has been used.

Pneumatic Shoring

Air pressure is used in this type of shoring process which helps to stabilize the trench walls. This pneumatic shoring process is easy and quick to deploy. This process is used in those areas where soils are loose and sandy and other types of shoring techniques are not effective in those areas.