Types of Shoring and Their Uses

Shoring is a (usually) temporary form of support, used when constructing or renovating a building. Since these processes often involve excavation, it’s important to keep the earth from collapsing around the newly excavated space. Shoring can also be used to provide support to walls while the building is being renovated or retrofitted. If your project requires shoring, it’s wise to hire skilled shoring civil engineers in Hudson, CO. They’ll understand which kind of shoring to use for any project.

Here is an overview of the different types of shoring, and how they’re commonly used:

• Contiguous pile shoring: This type of shoring is also called “tangent pile shoring.” This type of shoring is used where there is little water or water pressure. The piles are driven into the ground very close together—almost touching—which keeps the soil from moving. It’s ideal in dry or clay soils, but if it’s used in an area with some water seepage, the spaces between the piles can be sealed with grout.
• Diaphragm walls: Diaphragm walls can be permanent or temporary, and are used for extremely deep excavation and shoring projects. Depending on the excavation depth, diaphragm walls can be made of reinforced concrete designed to resist the specific type of load.
• H- and I-beam shoring: You might have seen this type of shoring referred to as “soldier pile walls.” It’s by far the most common type of shoring. To create this shoring, I- or H-shaped beams are driven into the ground. In some cases, the soil will need to be pre-drilled, but some soil conditions may allow the beams to be vibrated into place. Once the beams are in place, pre-cast concrete panels are installed between the beams to create the wall. These are usually used in excavations up to 12 meters deep.
• Secant pile shoring: Secant pile shoring is used for deep excavations. This shoring type uses two combinations of piles (reinforced and unreinforced) alongside a guide beam, to keep it aligned. Once the concrete is poured, the temporary casing is removed from the primary reinforced pile before the concrete sets. Then the secondary, unreinforced piles are driven.
• Sheet piles: Sheet piles are used when the shoring needs to isolate the construction site from a water source—usually a creek, but this method is also used near ponds or in seaside locations. This shoring is similar to how H- and I-beam shoring works. Instead of H- and I-shaped beams, it uses Z- or U-shaped piles. The beams can be welded together if necessary.

As you can see, shoring in civil engineering in Hudson, CO depends on the type of project you’re undertaking, the specific soil and water involved and how deep you plan to excavate. Working with a skilled civil engineer is the best way to guarantee you get the right type of shoring.

If you have a construction project in the works, High Plains Engineering & Design, LLC can help you find the right methods for the job. Call today to get started.

Categorised in: Structural Engineer