Many argue that shoring frames are similar, if not the same as scaffolding systems. When, in reality, they are not. Here with us at Total Contec, we are all about reality, as well as assistance to you when it comes to your business.
So, in this guide, we will go over the truth into what a shoring frame is, what real purpose is, as well as its advantages and drawbacks when you choose to use them.
Shoring is a construction or structural process that describes the making or establishing of a support type of structure to repair or keep a structure up. Shoring is usually done to buildings that are in danger of falling or collapsing, and in case you were wondering, it can either be temporary or permanent.
The support that shoring does to these walls are laterally. They’re done when the structure deems to be truly unsafe.
There are various signs that shoring needs to be done to support a given structure. However, the most common scenarios would be:
NOTE: These are only some of the most common instances that dictate when you need to do shoring. You’ll be able to find other circumstances and situations, too, so don’t restrict or limit yourself to this.
By now, you should have the understanding that the main and primary purpose of shoring is to support a structure that is already about to fall or collapse. Due to this, it could mean that the support talked about can either be temporary or permanent.
One good example of temporary support would be when masonry load is about to go up to the structure and the combination of floors + walls isn’t enough to hold it. That is going to be when the reinforcing of shoring needs to be done.
A shoring wall is one of the types of shoring used when other types of shoring isn’t strong or durable enough. Shoring walls are typically made from solid concrete and typically lasts longer and more efficiently than other types of shoring.
Another definition of this could be from the term “shore a wall.” This, on the other hand, is a procedure in which a wall will be supported during a repair, reinforcement, or even original construction of buildings and excavations.
Shoring is actually categorized into many different types and kinds. And if we discuss that in this guide, it can take us a whole day. That is why we’ll list only several of the most common types and kinds of shoring that are used and taken advantage of.
Shoring and scaffolding are two (2) of the most commonly misidentified type of processes. But now, it’s time to correct that.
Both these processes are used in almost the same applications and business industries – and both of them actually have almost the same principles. However, how they’re done, what’s done, and the purpose is dissimilar.
As per the American National Standards Institute or the ANSI, scaffolding is described and best defined as an either elevated, suspended, or supported work unit that’s used for supporting workers and/or materials (both).
On the contrary, shoring is another type of structure or establishment used to support the structure or the formwork system.
So, the clear difference would be how they are used – what they are supporting. Scaffolding is done and used to support workers and materials that are being used for a particular structure, whereas shoring is used for supporting the structure itself.
A shoring beam is a type of component used in many shoring processes and is used for the support of heavy loads. There’s actually one (1) common type of shoring that makes use of shoring beams to pursue the support of a structure.
Dubbed and labelled H-Beam and I-Beam Shoring, also referred to as soldier pile walls, is one of the most common types of shoring where prefabricated H or I steel is driven to the ground to support a structure that is currently being built, repaired, or excavated.
Another factor that totally differentiates shoring from scaffolding is the identification of parts and components. Now, in scaffolding, no matter the type of scaffolding system, the components used are almost always the same.
In shoring, however, the components needed would be different per type. In this category of a question, we’ll be discussing the different components of raking shoring, which is actually one of the most common and most-used types of shoring.
So, the parts and components of a raking shoring system are:
They’re known and considered as the main or primary beam of walls in a given structure. It’s a horizontal component that is the nearest to the ground.
Braces or bracing are steel components that are used to brace the walls and prevent falls, collapses, cave-ins, and other similar instances and occurrences.
These are typical plates that are made out of wood that are placed vertically along the wall’s face. This helps secure the wall plates of a given structure.
These are components that give the lateral support that a building’s unsafe wall needs in order to be kept straight and upright.
Needles are the parts of a shoring system that helps in the transferring and moving of weight to the dead shores. This is usually done for walls.
Lastly, cleats are used to give extra support to the inclined struts or the rakers.
These are just some of the common parts and components used in a raking shoring system.
NOTE: As we mentioned above, a different type of shoring system could give way to different parts and components.
Different companies have been inclined to the construction or building of shoring systems differently. Akin to scaffolding, not all companies follow the same rules, processes, procedures, and methodologies in erecting or establishing a shoring structure.
Nevertheless, the general way of how shoring is build is done in the following way:
The very first step in building a shoring wall is by digging deep. Now, most of the household devices we have wouldn’t be able to dig deep – this is where large-scaled excavation diggers will come into play. Also known as caisson drill rigs, the can dig up to 11 storeys deep!
Once done, the dug hole will be checked and cleared so that we can proceed to the next steps.
After drilling, the next step would be to place a steel beam structure into the hole. This beam will only serve as a guide in order for the concrete that will be poured to remain upright and not swaying.
You guessed it, the next step would be the filling of cement, transforming this beam of a structure into what’s called a solider pile. These solider piles will be assessed and observed until they go solid.
NOTE: No construction or excavation will further be done unless the soldier pile has dried up.
Lastly, steps 1 to 3 will be done to the adjacent areas of the excavated structure. The procedure will continue until all areas have the needed support.
This is how the general procedure of shoring frames is done! But, remember, it’s not always going to look like this! Many other businesses and companies follow different sets of rules and regulations, so, do mind that!
Shoring is done because of some advantages. Now, to let you know, here are a few of the advantages of shoring;
Shoring helps protect workers and personnel from potential property and construction accidents that are caused by not having enough support. Shoring helps hold the earth or the soil, which totally helps out in preventing fall-outs, cave-ins, as well as collapses.
Safety and security is actually the number one benefit or advantage of shoring systems.
The next, of course, would be involving people and personnel. With shoring systems, the working environment they’ll be on will be a lot better and more beneficial. This means, they won’t indulge in the fear of getting on something they’re not 100% sure of.
No delays, in simpler terms because you won’t have to dig twice. Shoring systems can expedite the scheduling of the project by faster and more urgent timeframes.
Last, and most definitely not least would be lower costs and budget. Companies and businesses wouldn’t need to face collapsed excavations, accidents, and the like because the site will be an extremely safe environment for workers and personnel.
These are some of the pros and advantages of shoring systems!
Now, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, especially when it comes to construction. There’ll always be problems and mishaps along the way! Here are some of the drawbacks or things you need to look out for when shoring:
Honestly, the only con or drawback that I see with shoring is that it requires a bigger workforce.
Of course, since shoring is not a one-man type of job, you’ll have to have more personnel and workers manning it. This can stretch out to like 2 to 3 days, but after that, it’s already easy going.
This is where the pros or the advantages of shoring kick in. After this drawback, you won’t have to worry about anything else.
Finding a good and reliable shoring manufacturing company can be a bit too harsh – it can even be impossible if you don’t know where to find them.
So, that is what this guide is for! While the main purpose of this guide is to help you in identifying what a shoring frame is, it has also been a good platform for us to market and to let you know about our expertise.
As you see, here with us at Total Contec, we’ve been providing all different kinds and types of building and property support to our clientele from all around the world. And even though we are known for our scaffolding services, you can also bank and count on us for your shoring frames.
Our shoring frames have been regarded to as Hebei’s most-sought-after because of overall reliability, strength, and of course, durability.