What Is Trench Shoring: Your Guide to Trench Shoring Equipment and Techniques
Collapsing trenches or cave-ins create a significant risk to workers and your business. Workers can develop severe injuries from collapses or cave-ins, and your project can end up behind schedule without the proper protective systems.
When you use the right equipment and techniques, you can reduce the risk of worker exposure to hazards, including collapses, falls, falling loads and incidents related to moving equipment. The correct protective system will also keep you in compliance with standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is essential for every business. Trench shoring and different trench shoring methods and equipment can help keep your workers safe from harm while increasing your project efficiency and productivity.
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Trench shoring often involves using metal or timber systems to reinforce the walls of a trench, which makes them strong enough to withstand the construction work occurring in the surrounding area. Construction crews also use trench shoring to maintain the usefulness and shape of trenches while keeping workers safe. Trench shoring is commonly used when workers need to support:
- Excavated trenches or holes
- Walls being repaired or reinforced
- New gaps or enlarged openings between structures
- Structures being built that don't yet have the necessary reinforcement
- Structures or ground that needs to be firm when a structure nearby is being demolished
Trench shoring can also be used in various construction and landscape development applications. Generally, trench shoring is used whenever a hole is being made or something needs support to prevent collapse.
Different Trench Shoring Methods
There's more than one method of trench shoring, each with distinct benefits. The method you choose will depend on your excavation efforts and how sturdy you need your trenching to be. Methods like hydraulic shoring are popular since they're simple and quick to install, but other ways can be better if you work with high groundwater levels or around large bodies of water. Learn more about the different trench methods you can use to meet your excavation needs.
1. Hydraulic Shoring
Hydraulic shoring uses various hydraulic pistons that workers pump outward until they reach the walls of the trench. This method typically uses aluminum or steel wall systems and prefabricated struts.
Hydraulic shoring is one of the most popular trenching methods since it's quick and easy to use. Other trench shoring methods are used for more extensive excavations or long-term applications. There are many reasons for using hydraulic shoring, including:
- It evenly distributes pressure along the walls of the trench.
- It's easier to install since the parts are lighter than other materials.
- You can use this method for trenches of various depths and widths.
- Using natural soil cohesion, you can preload the trench faces and prevent movement.
- It's safer than other methods since workers don't need to enter the trench to install or remove the equipment.
You'll want to consider a few things when choosing hydraulic shoring for your method. You should always install hydraulic shoring equipment from the top and remove it from the bottom. You'll also want to check the shoring at least once every shift. Look for leaking cylinders or hoses, broken connections, bent bases, or any other parts that may need to be fixed.
2. Pneumatic Shoring
Another method of trench shoring is called pneumatic shoring. This type or shoring has the same functions are hydraulic shoring but uses pneumatic pressure over hydraulic pressure. Pneumatic shoring requires an air compressor, which can be a limitation for some applications compared to hydraulic shoring. The air helps expand the trench jacks into position instead of hydraulic fluid.
Using the air system, pins are placed to lock jacks at the ideal stability levels. This trenching system is removed by injecting air into the jacks, which allows the pins to be pulled. One of the benefits of pneumatic shoring is that it can be cleaner than hydraulic jacks since you don't have to worry about leaks.
3. H- and I-Beam Shoring
Another common trench shoring method is H- and I-beam shoring, also called soldier pile wall shoring. This method uses prefabricated H or I sections that are vibrated or slid into holes in the ground. Concrete panels then slide in between these beams. This method is best when working in trenches between 4 and 15 feet deep but can be reinforced when working in deeper spaces.
4. Sheet Pile Shoring
This trench shoring method helps create durable, flexible, long-lasting results that hold back large amounts of heavy materials. Thick corrugated steel sheets are driven into the ground, making sheet pile shoring best done in soil free of heavy rock saturation or boulders.
Sheet piles can be installed and reinforced using steel beams. If each sheet section is firmly placed and welded together, you can create a powerful barrier against water seepage. Sheet pile shoring is ideal when working with excavations built around groundwater concentrations and close to large bodies of water.
5. Secant Pile Shoring
Secant pile shoring is a method of trench shoring where you overlap two concrete-filled piles. The secondary row of piles connects the primary row to create a continuous wall. The primary wall is the sturdiest, but both are essential to the entire structure. This trench shoring method is ideal when open excavation is too challenging due to obstruction or tight spaces. This trench shoring method must be applied carefully since it is often used near existing structures.
6. Contiguous Pile Shoring
Contiguous pile shoring is a simple method involving sturdy, strong piles plowed and piled into the ground, placed tightly together in a tight line. However, the piles can't be packed together to make them waterproof, which makes this method ideal in specific situations. You shouldn't use contiguous pile shoring if you're working around a high water table or around bodies of water where there is a risk of water seepage. However, this method retains excavations against dry clay soils or granular material.
Types of Equipment Used for Trench Shoring
Now that you know about the different types of methods used for trench shoring, you can make an informed decision about what works best for your applications. Depending on what method you choose, you may use different equipment. Here are some of the most commonly used types of equipment used in trench shoring.
1. Aluminum Trench Boxes
Aluminum trench boxes help protect your workers and work site against a potentially catastrophic collapse. These boxes are a modular aluminum design that consists of vertical rails, panels, spreaders and corners, making them quick and easy to assemble so you can place them inside the trench at your work site. Aluminum trench boxes are also more lightweight than steel boxes, increasing their maneuverability. These cost-effective boxes offer sturdy protections against collapse, keeping your workers safe from harm.
Trench boxes, sometimes also called shields, help create a shelter for workers inside a trench. You can adjust the box size to ensure a custom protection solution to keep your crew safe.
2. Bedding Boxes
Bedding boxes reduce the need for expensive bedding materials that contribute to overall waste while maximizing the efficiency of your work equipment. Bedding boxes help save time by allowing operators to load and drop materials in the trenches as needed rather than waiting.
Bedding boxes are typically made with high-quality steel to prolong their useful life and have sloped ends for simplified access to bedding materials. You can easily retrieve and place materials in the trench when and where needed. An excavator can reposition bedding boxes as you progress.
3. Ride-On Trenchers
Ride-on trenchers are used in applications where you need to dig deeper than a walk-behind trencher can handle. These trenchers work with a riding operator and create trenches for pipeline installation, electric transmission lines, water management, and water and sewer installation. Ride-on trenchers help cut cleanly through rocky earth, creating a quality trench for different applications. Depending on the model, these machines can cut several feet per minute, leaving straight walls and a level bottom.
Some ride-on trenchers can complete the work of several excavators in specific applications. You can also use these machines with spoil as backfill without worrying about crushing.
4. Steel Manhole Boxes
Working with manholes can be dangerous since there's a risk of a cave-in or collapse. Steel manhole boxes are essential for most installations and repairs since they create solid walls to protect workers with a safer work environment. Steel manhole boxes are constructed shields with incredible stability and strength to protect workers even in the most challenging conditions.
You can choose steel manhole boxes in various heights, sizes and configurations to fit the exact specifications of your trenches. These boxes are also easy to assemble, helping reduce your labor costs and saving time. Reducing workplace injuries should be a priority for all businesses, and investing in a steel manhole box can help you care for your workers and stay within regulatory guidelines.
5. Steel Trench Boxes
Steel trench boxes are rugged, sturdy equipment best used in complex, deep trenches. These boxes improve workplace safety and reduce overall expenses. Steel trench boxes are designed for heavy-duty projects that require rigid protection. You can use these boxes to stabilize a trench or prevent loose and unstable soil from falling onto unsuspecting workers.
The extra layer of protection helps workers feel more secure while working, allowing them to focus on maximizing their performance. You can also feel more confident that you comply with strict safety regulations. You can choose from various types of steel trench boxes to meet the specific needs of your projects.
6. Walk-Behind Trenchers
Walk-behind trenchers are similar to ride-on trenchers. This type of equipment is mobile and versatile, so you can cut through various surfaces. You can use walk-behind trenches in similar applications to a ride-on trencher, allowing you to meet your project's needs. Walk-behind trenchers have impressive maneuverability, so you can create high-quality, straight trenches. Different models cut to different levels into the ground, whether you need a shallow or deeper trench.
How to Choose the Right Trench Shoring Equipment
If you have a project that requires trench shoring, consider the following factors to help you choose the best equipment for the job:
- Soils: The soil at your work site is one of the most important considerations when starting a trench shoring project. The soil type will help you determine the best equipment for the job. For example, steel trench boxes are ideal for loose or unstable soil, while aluminum trench boxes work well around more rigid soil. The soil type will also determine what trench shoring method you use. Soils have different sloping and benching angles depending on their type, which will influence your equipment needs.
- Work area dimensions: You'll need to consider the length, width and depth of your excavation to ensure you choose the right trench shoring equipment. For example, larger projects require a sturdier protection system, while smaller projects can work with less robust protection systems. You'll also want to consider the work dimensions so you can determine if your crew has enough room to complete their work tasks with your chosen trench shoring system.
- Area conditions: The working area will factor into the trench shoring method you use and what type of equipment you need. Factors such as high groundwater levels, nearby structures and existing utilities affect what type of protective system you need.
- Available equipment: The equipment available on your work site will change what types of trench shoring systems you can use. For example, your soil conditions and the dimensions of your excavation may require a steel trench box. However, if the only equipment you have on the job site is a backhoe, you may need to consider an alternative method since backhoes can't typically handle the weight of steel trench boxes. In these circumstances, aluminum trench boxes may be more viable since they're lighter.
The Benefits of Renting Trench Shoring Equipment Versus Buying
If you need trench shoring equipment on your next project, you may be debating between renting or buying. Renting trenching equipment comes with many benefits, including the following:
- Reduced investment cost: New heavy equipment can be a significant investment, especially for smaller companies. Buying equipment ties up your money until you sell it, and offers may come in lower than anticipated when you try to sell. Renting frees up more financial resources that you can use to pursue new opportunities and maintain other parts of your business.
- Decreased maintenance costs: Your rental company is responsible for regular maintenance and repairs when you rent. If something goes wrong with your rented equipment that's out of your control, your rental company will handle it, so you don't have to. As a result, you'll save on maintenance and repair costs, allowing you to reallocate your saved resources to other parts of your business.
- Reduced overall costs: Besides investment and maintenance savings, you can save on storage and transportation costs. When you buy equipment, you must find a storage and transportation solution to keep it safe when it's not in use. Rental companies are responsible for storage and transportation and can deliver and pickup your equipment when needed. These cost savings are one of the most significant benefits of renting since you can allocate your saved resources elsewhere.
- Avoids long-term commitment: When you buy new equipment, there's much to keep track of, including service contracts, warranties, financing options and interest rates. You must also perform all maintenance and repairs yourself or hire a company to manage these tasks. Renting is a great way to reduce your commitment while gaining access to the equipment necessary to complete your projects.
- Improved flexibility: Renting allows you to respond to specific niches and changing demands. You'll also have access to different types of equipment to meet your project needs, allowing you to perform particular project tasks without committing to brand-new equipment. You can choose from equipment that performs single tasks or machines that can be equipped with attachments so you can complete multiple tasks with one machine. You can also cycle through machines with your rental company based on your needs, changing out equipment as the tasks on your job sites change.
- Access to the latest equipment: Many rental companies cycle out their older equipment to ensure their clients can access the latest technology. Access to some of the newest equipment on the market allows you to perform tasks more efficiently.
Why You Should Rent Trench Shoring Equipment From The Cat® Rental Store
The Cat® Rental Store is a leader in the rental equipment industry. We have a wide range of trench shoring equipment to choose from to help protect your job site and workers from harm. Renting our equipment allows you to try different equipment types before buying. Renting from us is also ideal when working on a temporary project or fulfilling a growing demand without committing to a new purchase. You can rent from us whenever you need, even last minute, helping you complete projects sooner and more efficiently.
We also offer flexible rental terms, whether you need equipment by day, week, month or year. We handle the maintenance and repairs so you don't have to, helping you save more. The Cat Rental Store can deliver your equipment to your job site and offer pick-ups as needed to help you save time and get started on your project as soon as possible.
We aim to satisfy all our customers, doing whatever it takes to ensure you get the most from your equipment and your time working with us. Renting our equipment allows you to protect your workers and keep your project on schedule without worrying about the costs of buying new equipment.
Browse Our Equipment Listings or Contact Us to Learn More
Trench shoring is essential to many projects, whether you need it to protect your workers, keep nearby structures intact or speed up your excavation work. The Cat Rental Store offers a wide range of trench shoring rental equipment, from ride-on trenchers to aluminum and steel trench boxes. Our team of experts can help answer any questions you may have and guide you in the right direction based on your project requirements and goals.
You can browse our selection of rental equipment online or contact us if you have questions. You can also get a quick quote to start your project as soon as possible. Find a dealer near you to speak with a representative in person or see the available equipment.
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