Trenching Practice

Systems available for shoring of trenches and the methods for installation of such
systems are covered in the Groundforce Trench Systems literature.

1.0 Safety

All excavations of 1.2m deep or greater must be shored. Shoring can also mean
stepping or battering of the excavation but in this case an analysis of the ground
conditions must be undertaken and a temporary works design prepared in the
normal way.
Even where excavations are less than 1.2m deep a risk assessment should be
undertaken. Shoring of excavations less than 1.2m deep may be required for
example to protect services or adjacent to roads or structures.

2.0 Factors effecting choice of Shoring System

- depth Dimensions
- width
- soils Ground conditions
- groundwater
- services External factors
- external loads
- what is going into the excavation
- height restriction Pitching
- weight restriction Lifting capacity
- suction from the ground
- preference
- length of run
- backfill details
- adequate space

3.0 Shoring materials

3.1 Timber
Traditional form of shoring to trenches and excavations. Although readily available
suffers from the following disadvantages:
- need to buy timber
- can only cut shorter / limited number of uses
- requires skilled labour to install
- relatively weak compared to other systems
- time intensive to install
 - requires that operatives enter the dig for installation

3.2 Welded Steel Beams

For very large excavations there is often no choice but to use a fabricated
steelwork solution. However for 'routine' excavations fabricated steel beams have
disadvantages when compared to proprietary systems :
- need to buy steel
- time intensive to install
- often the need to cut holes in it
- need a welder and welding I cutting equipment
- may require to undertake weld tests and examinations

3.3 Proprietary Systems

3.3.1 Box Systems

Trench boxes
Available in a variety of sizes and can accommodate a range of trench widths by
changing the spindle lengths. Note trench box installation sequence means that
they provide ground support.
Drag boxes
Used one at a time in self-supporting ground. Note they do not provide ground
support but provide a protective shield in which operatives can work.

Boxes cannot be used where services are present. Also their weight dictates that
a relatively large excavator is required to handle them

3.3.2 Walers and sheets

Walers are available in steel or aluminium The latter is particularly useful where
there is a requirement to install by hand. Lack of machine capacity can be
overcome as the weight of individual items is small compared with boxes.
Services crossing the trench can be accommodated by omitting a sheet and the
spacing of sheets can be adjusted to suit the ground conditions. Note walers and
sheets provide only two-way support i.e. perpendicular to the trench.

3.3.3 Braces
Braces are designed to provide four-sided ground support. They are available in
a variety of sizes to suit the loading conditions.

3.3.4 General
Note use ofthe remote release shackle for lifting of sheets.
Chains are for lifting not pulling out of ground where a camlock extractor
should be used.
Whatever system is used a design should be prepared.