subject: The Different Methods Of Shoring Up A Trench [print this page] Trenches are necessary in construction workTrenches are necessary in construction work. However, improperly shored trenches can collapse and trap workers, causing serious injuries and death. Trench safety requires proper shoring techniques to prevent such accidents, and different shoring methods have developed over the years. The method that will be used at any job site depends on the size and shape of the trench, as well as the quality of the soil. Below are some of the most popular methods of trench shoring:
1. Hydraulic Shoring: This method involves the use of an aluminum hydraulic pressure system to support trench walls and prevent cave-ins. Horizontal rails are fitted in place to support trench walls where needed, and vertical posts can be used, as well. These supports are barricaded by an aluminum hydraulic cylinder. This method is best suited to stable soil. Hydraulic shoring is the method used in most shoring projects.
2. Pneumatic Shoring: In this method, pneumatic cylinders are used to brace up trench walls, similar to hydraulic shoring. Pneumatic shoring can be more costly and inconvenient because an air compressor must be kept at the site at all times to maintain the system and for the cylinders to function properly.
3. Slide-Rail Systems: A slide-rail system is a trench support system that has already been assembled, and uses vertical rails and steel sheets to shore up the walls. With this method, the trench is dug in increments before the rails and panels are placed into the ground. The horizontal gap from one pane to another is then locked with steel spreaders to keep the system in place throughout the duration of the trenching project.
4. Screwjack Systems: Another method sometimes used for shoring up trenches in the construction industry is the screwjack system, which uses struts to shore up the walls of the trench. The struts can be can be extended as needed to keep the trench walls secure. This method is not as popular as some of the other shoring methods because it is time-consuming and labor-intensive to lock the screwjack struts manually from inside the trench.
5. Continuous Flight Augering: Popular in Great Britain for decades, this method is relatively new in America, and involves using concrete piles to reinforce the soil in a trench. A continuous flight augering drill is used to excavate a hole into which concrete is then injected. This creates a continuous pile without leaving an open hole.
No matter which method of shoring you use at your job site, safety must be your number one concern to prevent injuries and fatalities and prevent costly downtime and equipment repairs. Trench Shore Rentals in a shoring equipment rental company offering quality equipment for rent or for sale in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; San Diego, California; El Paso, Texas; and New Mexico. When it comes to trenching, Trench Shore Rentals the right solution to meet your company's needs and budget. Call us at (602) 253-3311 or check our website at http://tsraz.com/.
