Working in trenches and excavations is one of the most dangerous jobs on construction sites. If the trench wall collapses, workers can be buried underneath, with no way out. Shoring equipment, when properly used and maintained, helps keep workers safe from this kind of danger. Those responsible for reacting to these emergency situations must be prepared, and that preparation starts with training. This can include in-classroom training on OSHA standards for trenching and excavating, as well as practical field training for the building, installing, and removing of shoring systems.
Many different types of structures can require emergency shoring contractors to provide support for the structure until permanent repairs can be made. A few common examples include:
Natural Disasters: Seismic events, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can all cause structural damage to buildings. This type of damage can weaken load-bearing walls or beams, requiring immediate support until lasting repairs can be made.
Fire Damage: Fires can also damage a building’s structural integrity, which can lead to collapse and injury. Temporary shoring can help to support weakened structures until firefighters and restoration crews can make any necessary repairs.
Shoring Contractors for Schools & Universities
Often, the need for emergency shoring arises at schools and universities, which have a lot of foot traffic coming in and out. This makes it important that these types of structures be able to withstand the weight of those who use them on a daily basis, as well as any sudden shifts in the earth around them.
These kinds of emergencies can be very challenging, and they can lead to serious injuries and property damage. Shoring contractors can help stabilize these structures by utilizing various methods like dead shores, flying shores, or other customized techniques that cater to the specific situation.
A raking shore is a system of vertical props that are installed within the wall to help transfer the weight from the structure above to ground level. These can be built with cleats, needles, sole plates, inclined members, and bracing to ensure that the wall stays in place without damaging the surrounding structures. These shores are usually installed by temporary shoring companies, and they are an excellent option when the existing structure is not structurally sound.
Flying shores are a great temporary solution for structures that aren’t yet ready to support themselves, such as when a building is being removed and then rebuilt. These shores are made with a combination of cleats, needles, and horizontal and vertical shores that can be placed in the space where a previous building stood. This type of temporary shoring is designed to help protect the new foundation from the old foundation, so it’s important to work with a knowledgeable company.
If the trench wall collapses in a lean-to or a sloped void, it can create a situation known as a “T spot” collapse. This is a particularly dangerous situation because it can trap people inside, and it can take a long time to dig out those trapped by the collapsing wall. In these situations, cribbing is the preferred method of shoring because it can provide protection from both compression and lateral loads.