What Is Shoring in Construction? Importance and Types of Shoring Materials
Have you ever wondered what is shoring? Purpose of shoring in construction and how it’s used in the construction industry? In this article, we’ll take a look at what is shoring in construction and how it’s used in construction. We’ll also discuss why it’s important, as well as some tips for choosing the right type of shoring for your project.
Table of Contents
What is Shoring in Construction ?
Shoring definition
Shoring up meaning the process of providing additional support to a structure during the construction process. This can include anything from scaffolding to steel reinforcement. It typically involves propping or jacking up existing structures. Which could otherwise collapse due to loose soil, subsidence, water infiltration or other factors.
Shoring helps to keep structures stable and secure, prevent them from shifting or bowing, and reduce the risk of failure. It also helps to strengthen the overall structure and increase its ability to support heavy loads.
Common shoring solutions :
Shoring systems come in a variety of forms—from timber shoring systems to steel shoring systems. The type of shoring used depends on the project and the structural requirements.
- Heavy Timber Shoring
Heavy timber shoring uses timbers of 4” x 12” in a laminated system for medium-duty applications. - Steel Beam Shoring
Which uses light-duty beams that are placed on supports or brackets to provide support. - Sheet Piling Shoring
Which uses metal sheets driven into the ground as piles to create a retaining wall. - Soldier Beam Systems
Which use horizontal top member beams and vertical soldier piles set at close intervals between them to form a continuous wall.
Types of Shoring Used in Construction
Shoring is an integral part of the construction process, both for increasing the stability of a structure and for providing adequate support for a scaffolding system. There are several different types of shoring that can be used for different purposes.
- Cantilever Shoring:
Cantilever shoring is a type of shoring that uses an I-beam or other beam. To support one end while the other end protrudes beyond its supports. This type of shoring is often used in projects that require additional strength such as bridge construction and large concrete pours. - Deadman Shoring:
Deadman shoring involves using a large weight to hold down one end of the shoring. While the other end is secured to another structure. This type of shoring is typically used in soil retention walls and scaffolding systems. Where there isn’t enough area for cantilever shoring. - Strut Shoring:
Strut shoring is a type of temporary structural support system that uses props or struts to provide additional support to structures and foundations during construction. It can be used in applications such as basement excavation, deep foundation installations, and retaining walls.
See detailed blog post on types of shoring
Why is Shoring important?
- Shoring is an essential part of building any structure, providing stability and support for the Scaffold structure, ensuring its safety and success.
- It is a system of temporary supports used to stabilize vertical or sloping surfaces. As well as excavations that are in progress.
- Shoring helps to keep walls and other surfaces from collapsing and protects workers from hazardous conditions.
- It also helps support the loads placed on foundations, walls, and other structures during a construction project.
- The main purpose of shoring up a building is to help prevent workers injury or accident due to the collapse or failure of walls.
- The proper use of shoring can help to maintain structural integrity and protect workers from falling debris.
- Shoring also helps to prevent structural damage from water infiltration, weathering, wind, seismic activity, effecting its life.
- This type of support system is vital for ensuring that buildings remain safe for years to come.
What are 3 types of Shoring Materials ?
When it comes to shoring, there are three main materials used in construction: timber, steel, and aluminum. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Timber Shoring
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to work with | Susceptible to decay |
| Cost effective | Short-term applications |
| Abundant in nature |
- Steel Shoring
| Pros | Cons |
| High strength and low weight | Costly as compared to Timber |
| Strength-to-weight ratio is much higher | |
| Resistant to decay due to the lack of moisture absorption |
- Aluminum Shoring
| Pros | Cons |
| Aluminum is the lightest shoring | Specialized tools required for shaping and |
| Easy to transport and erect onsite | Regular maintenance as low tolerant for corrosion and abrasion |
| high stability under compression loads | |
| Used for short-term applications such as bridge construction or large event venues |
See permanent vs temporary shoring
How to Install and Dismantle Shoring Systems
This process of installation involves:
- Hydraulic jacks to lift the support beams into place,
- Then simply tightening the nuts on each beam with a torque wrench.
- This can be done in a matter of hours and is made easier if jacks are mounted directly to the beams, eliminating the need for additional machinery or tools.
When it comes time to dismantle a shoring system:
Loosen the bolts using a torque wrench Unmount the jacks from each beam.
This process can likewise be done in a matter of hours and since it doesn’t require any heavy machinery, can be completed with minimal disruption to other construction activities.
The time saved by contributes significantly to their widespread professional usage in areas where construction projects have tight deadlines or require quick turnaround times
The straightforward installation process makes them easy for any experienced contractor to manage, making it even more cost-effective for smaller projects.
Safe Shoring Regulations and Standards:
Shoring is an important safety practice when building, and it must adhere to regulations and standards in order to ensure the safety of a structure. There are several shoring systems and regulations in place that contractors must follow, such as:
The International Building Code (IBC)
The IBC is the set of standards mandated by the International Code Council.
It covers a range of topics related to construction safety, including shoring. The IBC outlines specific requirements for shoring designs, including installation, load testing and maintenance.
For example, the code requires engineers to conduct a series of tests to make sure that the shoring system will be safe for use.
OSHA Shoring Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidelines for shoring safety as well, which includes regulations for how long workers must be protected during construction projects with tall structures or deep excavations. This includes providing access points along the ladder rungs so workers can more easily ascend or descend the ladder.
Other regulations from OSHA include creating guardrails around any openings where personnel could fall more than 4 feet (1.22 m), preventing objects from falling on personnel working in an excavation, as well as providing exit routes and escape ladders in case there is a need to evacuate quickly.
Conclusion
Shoring is an essential aspect of construction. It supports the weight of structures and walls, and helps create stronger foundations for the build.
When it comes to choosing the right shoring system for a project, there are a variety of factors to consider. It is important to assess the weight of the structure and its load-bearing capacity, as well as the terrain and local soil conditions. With the right system in place, you can ensure that your construction project is safe, secure and structurally sound.