Shoring is a foreign term to most people. However, those in construction are probably very familiar with it, as many contractors must use shoring when completing projects. What is shoring? Why is it important to provide support in construction projects, and how does shoring achieve this goal?
What is Shoring?
Shoring involves the construction of short-term support structures to stabilize a structure that isn’t safe. When a wall bulges out, for instance, the contractor must shore it before making repairs. Shoring is used when new walls are being built or when the client has requested a change to an existing wall. It is also needed when repairs are being made to walls that are cracked or broken, when a contractor is demolishing a structure, or when they make repairs to a wall that is not stable.
Why Might Shoring Be Needed?
Contractors use shoring support components to protect workers as they make repairs or modifications to an existing structure. Furthermore, it reduces the time needed to complete the job. If a wall or other structure collapses, the project will take longer to complete. Shoring ensures this does not happen and the project stays on track.
Workers feel more comfortable completing many tasks when shoring is in place. It is essential in complex projects and ensures the company remains in compliance with all regulations. Furthermore, shoring helps to keep costs down by preventing a collapse and any injuries associated with the collapse.
Shoring helps to expedite repairs of damaged structures. It also protects nearby structures. If the structure being altered, repaired, or damaged collapses, nearby buildings could be damaged or destroyed. Shoring the structure being worked on prevents this from happening.
Factors to Consider When Determining if Shoring is Needed
Several factors should be considered when determining whether shoring is needed. Soil conditions are one factor to take into account. The soil also determines which shoring method should be used.
How close is the building to other structures? If there is a high probability of other structures being affected by a collapse, shoring becomes essential. It keeps costs down by ensuring these nearby structures aren’t harmed.
Don’t overlook environmental factors when determining whether shoring a structure would be beneficial. For example, if the structure is near a body of water, water infiltration becomes a concern, and shoring is needed. This shoring helps to maintain the stability of the structure as the work progresses.
Take into account the project timeline. Projects that take an extended period to complete benefit from shoring. Furthermore, consider the depth of excavation to determine if shoring will be beneficial and which method should be used.
Types of Shoring
Contractors may use several types of shoring. When choosing a contractor, ask if they will use shoring, If they say yes, ask which type and why. A reputable contractor will readily share this information with a client.
- H- and I-Beam Shoring
- Secant Pile Shoring
- Contiguous Pile Shoring
- Sheet Piles
- Diaphragm Walls
- Raking Shoring
- Hydraulic Shoring
- Soil Nail Shoring
- Timber Shoring
- Tieback Shoring
- Dead Shoring
- Flying Shoring
- Pneumatic Shoring
- Trench Shoring
Contractors often rely on shoring when completing construction projects. While some people think this step can be skipped, shoring actually provides the structure with stability as the work is being completed. However, the shoring method used is also important, as what is appropriate for one project might not be suitable for another. Choose a reputable contractor for this work and have peace of mind knowing it will be done correctly from start to finish.
