To prevent a structure from collapse, there has to be some kind of support, shoring usually provides this support. The most common shoring technique that we encountered during the early stage of construction is an excavation. Shoring is important in preventing a project mishap due to the retained soil overturning in an excavation. It is often the go-to option when 1.20 meters or more excavation support is needed. Although it depends on the soil type.
However, shoring is not only about retaining excavation soil. In fact, it is completely different from an excavation retaining wall. The sole purpose of a retaining wall is to retain soil during excavation. Whereas, for a structural engineer, it is way more than that.
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For a structural engineer, it is important that you decide on what type of is necessary for a construction project, as early as the beginning of the design stage. This article features 5 common types of shoring and their uses. But before we dive right in, let’s discuss what shoring means.
Nathan with VIP Realty says, For a structural engineer, it is important that you decide on what type of is necessary for a construction project
What is Shoring?
Shoring is the practice of installing a temporary structural system to stabilize walls or other elements that have lost lateral support. It’s typically used when part of a structure is at risk and needs to be secured before permanent work can begin. Common situations where shoring is required include:
– Stabilizing walls that have begun to bulge outward
– Supporting cracked walls caused by uneven foundation settlement while repairs are underway
– Providing temporary reinforcement when an adjacent structure is being demolished
– Maintaining stability when new openings are cut into a wall or when existing openings are expanded
Because shoring is often performed under tight timelines—particularly on commercial and industrial sites—speed and access to the right equipment matter. Erecting lateral supports usually involves working at height and maneuvering heavy materials, which makes reliable lift equipment essential. Contractors facing these conditions often turn to equipment rental networks such as Rubbl, which streamlines access to available machines, or established suppliers like United Rentals, known for their broad inventory. Boom lifts, man lifts, and scissor lifts can be delivered quickly, allowing crews to secure unstable areas without delaying the rest of the project.
1). H or I-Beam Shoring
The first on this list of common shoring types is the H or I-Beam Shoring. Another name for this shoring type is soldier pile walls. Depending on the soil type, you can either drive prefabricated steel I or H sections into the ground by first drilling the soil or vibrate directly into the ground without having to drill the soil first.
To construct the complete shoring wall, concrete panels are pre-cast and installed between the steel beams already in the soil.
Uses
The use of this type of shoring ranges from supporting excavation with a depth between 1.2 meters to that of a depth of 5 meters. However, it can exceed 5 meters, as long as it’s design accounts for the surcharge load along its perimeter.
2). Secant Pile Shoring
The next type of shoring on this list is the Secant Pile Shoring. Its construction involves the intersection of two piles combination, a “reinforced” or “secondary” and an “un-reinforced” or “primary” pile. Forming a continuous wall by interlocking each other.
Uses
For cases where there are no rooms for open excavation, secant pile shoring is the best option. Additionally, the absence of space maybe because of the proximity of an existing structure. The secant pile shoring type is usually used for this case. However, the design must take into consideration the surcharge load due to the structure of close proximity.
3). Contiguous Pile Shoring
The Contiguous Pile shoring, also known as Tangent Pile shoring is a very useful shoring type. It consists of piles, tightly spaced, and the name tangent pile shoring comes from the fact that the piles lie tangent to each other.
Uses
For clay soils or areas where water is not so important or areas of very minimal water pressure, Contiguous Pile shoring is usually recommended. As it can help retain dry granular material. However, in water-bearing granular soil, this type of shoring will allow water seepage through the gap in the piles.
Grouting the gaps in the pile, forming a watertight wall, can prevent the water seepage. Additionally, Contiguous Pile shoring is not suited for a high groundwater table, especially without dewatering works.
4). Sheet Piles
The next shoring type on this list is the Sheet Piles. Its construction is similar to that of soldier piles. A Vibro hammer is used to drive a prefabricated steel section (Z or U) into the ground. The complete wall results from the connection of the sheet piles.
Uses
In addition to retaining soil to soil excavation, this shoring type serves as a good option when there is a need for excavation isolation from a water body (creek. Pond or sea-side). It is a common fit in the construction of ports and harbors.
5). Diaphragm Walls
Diaphragm walls come into play when the above mentioned shoring types do not fit for the excavation depth. Its construction is reinforced concrete. Diaphragm walls are flexible as its design takes into consideration the load that needs to be resisted.
Basically, for deep excavations like basements and tunnels, this is a good option.
Although there are other shoring wall types, the above are most common in construction.
