Understanding the Different Types of Shoring in Construction: Methods, Materials & Uses
- MDM Team
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
In commercial construction, few systems are as essential and as misunderstood as shoring. Whether the goal is to stabilize an excavation, reinforce a compromised wall, or prepare a site for structural changes, selecting the right shoring method can determine whether a project is safe and successful or ends in costly setbacks.
This guide explains what shoring is, why it matters, and the different types used in construction. It is designed to help contractors, project managers, and estimators make informed, safety-focused decisions on the job site.
What Is Shoring in Construction?
Shoring involves the use of temporary structural supports designed to prevent shifting, collapse, or failure of a structure or ground surface during excavation, construction, or repair work. Unlike scaffolding, which is meant to give workers access, shoring is focused solely on stability; holding walls, trenches, or nearby buildings secure under pressure.
Shoring is essential when:
Excavating near existing buildings or roadsIt prevents soil from shifting and protects nearby structures and infrastructure from damage.
Demolishing or altering structural elementsTemporary supports maintain stability while load-bearing walls, columns, or slabs are removed or modified.
Pouring concrete or constructing foundationsFalsework systems carry the weight of wet concrete and formwork until the material cures and becomes strong enough to stand on its own.
Reinforcing weak or damaged structuresShoring keeps everything secure during repair work, safeguarding both workers and surrounding areas.
It protects workers, safeguards adjacent property, and ensures compliance with construction safety regulations.
The Primary Purpose of Shoring
The core purpose of any shoring system is to maintain structural integrity and prevent collapse.
Depending on the situation, this may involve:
Holding back soil during trenching or deep excavations
Supporting floors or roofs while modifying load-bearing walls
Preventing movement in cracked or failing building sections
Creating temporary supports during demolition or structural retrofits
No matter the method, the goal is the same: keep everything in place until permanent supports or construction phases are complete.
Key Types of Shoring in Construction
Different job sites call for different strategies. Below are the most common and effective types of shoring used across commercial and industrial projects:
Raking Shoring
What it is: Angled beams (rakers) brace a wall from the ground up.
When to use it: Stabilizing damaged or leaning walls, particularly in urban buildings or post-disaster situations.
Why it matters: Provides lateral stability where vertical shoring alone isn't enough.
Horizontal Shoring (Flying Shoring)
What it is: Horizontal struts or beams spanning between two walls, with no ground contact.
When to use it: When demolishing a building between two structures and needing to brace the remaining walls.
Why it matters: Protects adjacent structures when ground-level support isn’t possible.
Vertical Shoring
What it is: Vertical posts and beams supporting loads from above.
When to use it: When removing or altering a load-bearing wall or column, underpinning foundations.
Why it matters: Handles vertical loads safely during modifications or repairs.
Hydraulic Shoring
What it is: Prefabricated steel plates and hydraulic pistons that expand to brace trench walls.
When to use it: Fast, reliable support for trenches and utility work in unstable soils.
Why it matters: Speeds up trenching and meets OSHA trench protection standards.
Sheet Pile Shoring
What it is: Interlocking steel sheets driven deep into the ground to create a retaining wall.
When to use it: Deep excavations, near waterways, or where soil stability is a concern.
Why it matters: Prevents soil and water intrusion in sensitive excavation environments.
H and I-Beam Shoring (Soldier Pile Walls)
What it is: Vertical steel beams driven into the ground with lagging (timber or concrete) between them.
When to use it: Large trench or excavation projects requiring durable support.
Why it matters: Combines high load capacity with quick install and removal.
If you're dealing with challenging soils or specialized structural needs, advanced methods like soil nailing, diaphragm walls, contiguous pile, or secant pile shoring may apply. MDM can advise on the best method based on site-specific conditions.
Materials Used in Shoring Systems
Different shoring systems require different materials depending on load demands, site conditions, and project scope.
Steel
High strength, reusable, suited for heavy-duty and long-term use
Heavier, more expensive upfront, may require more labor
Aluminum
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to transport
Not suitable for high-load applications without reinforcement
Material selection depends on:
Load requirements
Site access
Environmental exposure
Budget and project duration
Critical Factors for Effective Shoring & Safety
Expert Planning & Design
Every shoring system starts with proper engineering analysis, including soil conditions, load transfer, and safety factors. For complex jobs, 3D modeling may be used to visualize staging and support points.
Soil Conditions
The type of soil - clay, sand, gravel - directly impacts the method. Stable soils may allow simple bracing, while loose or saturated soils require sheet piles or advanced systems.
Load Requirements
Shoring must support not only the structure or soil but also any dynamic loads from adjacent equipment, weather events, or nearby traffic.
Environmental Considerations
From ground vibrations to water ingress, external pressures can alter stability. Shoring systems must be designed to account for these factors.
Compliance & Safety
OSHA, IBC, and local codes all apply. That includes:
Competent person inspections
Load certification
Trench safety requirements
Proper training for installers
Installation & Dismantling Process
Shoring isn’t just about design, it’s about execution. Proper installation and removal require skilled crews who understand load paths, ground conditions, and sequencing. Every component must be placed, adjusted, and removed under close supervision to maintain structural integrity throughout the build.
Shoring errors aren’t just risky, they can be deadly. That’s why professional installation, monitoring, and removal are non-negotiable.
Partner with Shoring Experts for Your Next Project
Choosing the right type of shoring isn’t simple guesswork, it’s a vital part of keeping your job site safe, compliant, and on schedule.
At MDM, we combine engineering precision with field-tested experience to design and deliver shoring systems that stand up to real-world pressures. From pre-construction consulting to on-site experienced crews for reliable installation and dismantling, we handle every step with safety, accuracy and compliance in mind.
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