Shoring materials determine how strong, safe, and economical a shoring system will be. This guide explains the materials used in shoring, what each one offers, and how to store them correctly for long service life.
Introduction: Why Shoring Materials Matter
Shoring materials carry the weight of walls, floors, and soil that would otherwise collapse. Moreover, they resist compression, bending, and movement over long periods. Consequently, the choice of material directly affects safety and cost.
In addition, different materials suit different shoring systems and site conditions. For instance, timber suits raking and dead shores, while steel and aluminium suit hydraulic trench shoring. Therefore, technicians must understand the properties of each material before selecting it.
This guide therefore covers the main shoring materials, their uses, advantages, limitations, and storage requirements.
What Makes a Good Shoring Material?
A good shoring material must meet several requirements. Therefore, technicians should check each one before selecting a material.
- Compressive strength – it must carry the design loads without crushing.
- Stiffness – it must resist bending and deflection.
- Durability – it must withstand sustained loading and site conditions.
- Workability – it must be easy to cut, fit, and assemble.
- Availability – it must be readily obtainable.
- Cost – it must offer value over its service life.
- Reusability – it should survive multiple projects where possible.
Main Shoring Materials
Shoring materials fall into several broad groups. Each group offers distinct properties and suits particular applications.
1. Timber
Timber is the most widely used shoring material. It offers good compressive strength, is easy to cut and fit, and is readily available. Moreover, timber adapts easily to irregular shapes, which makes it ideal for raking, flying, and dead shores.
For timber shoring, use scaffold-grade or structural-grade lumber. Scaffold-grade lumber must have at least six rings per inch, limited grain slope, and few defects. Furthermore, construction-grade lumber has only two-thirds the capacity of scaffold-grade lumber, so it must never substitute for it.
However, timber is vulnerable to fire, rot, and insect attack. In addition, it varies in strength, so grading is essential. Therefore, technicians must inspect timber carefully before use.
Best uses: raking shores, flying shores, dead shores, trench shoring, needling.
2. Steel
Steel offers high strength, durability, and dimensional accuracy. Moreover, steel shoring suits heavy-duty applications and long-span shores. In addition, steel components are standardised, which makes them interchangeable between systems.
Steel is commonly used in hydraulic shoring systems, soldier piles, and sheet piling. Furthermore, steel resists impact well, so it survives rough site handling.
However, steel is heavy, which increases transport and erection costs. In addition, steel rusts when unprotected. Therefore, technicians must store it under cover and maintain protective coatings.
Best uses: hydraulic shoring, soldier-pile shoring, sheet piling, heavy-duty shores.
3. Aluminium
Aluminium shoring is lightweight yet strong. Consequently, workers can handle it manually, which speeds up installation. Moreover, aluminium resists corrosion, so it suits outdoor and damp conditions.
In addition, aluminium suits hydraulic shoring cylinders and light-duty trench shores. Furthermore, it requires less lifting equipment than steel.
However, aluminium costs more than steel. In addition, it deflects more under load, and it cannot be welded on site. Therefore, technicians must avoid overloading aluminium shores.
Best uses: hydraulic shoring, light-duty trench shoring, portable systems.
4. Plywood and Wood-Based Panels
Plywood and wood-based panels serve as sheeting and lagging in trench shoring. They provide a continuous surface that retains soil. Moreover, plywood for shoring must meet specific standards for strength and moisture resistance.
In addition, plywood distributes soil pressure evenly to walings and struts. Consequently, it protects the excavation face and prevents local collapse.
Best uses: trench sheeting, lagging, face support.
5. Concrete and Masonry
Concrete and masonry appear in permanent shoring systems, such as diaphragm walls and secant piles. Moreover, they serve as both temporary and permanent support. However, they are not temporary materials, so technicians use them where the shoring becomes part of the finished structure.
Best uses: permanent retaining walls, diaphragm walls, secant piles.
6. Plastic and Composite Materials
Plastic and composite materials appear in modern shoring accessories. For instance, plastic pads, coupler covers, and base plates resist corrosion and reduce weight.
Moreover, composite struts offer high strength with low weight. However, they cost more than traditional materials, so technicians use them selectively.
Best uses: accessories, lightweight struts, corrosive environments.
7. Cast Iron and Malleable Iron
Cast iron and malleable iron appear in some shoring fittings and jacks. However, modern shoring rarely uses them, because steel and aluminium dominate.
Best uses: older shoring systems, screw jacks, specialised fittings.
Shoring Material Comparison
The table below compares the main shoring materials across key properties.
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Cost | Best Use |
| Timber | Medium–High | Medium | Good (if treated) | Low | Raking, flying, dead shores |
| Steel | High | Heavy | Low (needs coating) | Medium | Hydraulic shoring, piling |
| Aluminium | Medium | Light | High | High | Hydraulic, light-duty shores |
| Plywood | Medium | Light | Moderate | Medium | Sheeting and lagging |
| Concrete | High | Very heavy | High | High | Permanent walls |
| Plastic/Composite | Medium | Light | High | High | Accessories, corrosive sites |
Shoring Components by Material
Each shoring material serves specific components within the system. Therefore, technicians should understand which material suits which component.
| Component | Common Material |
| Sole plates | Timber |
| Wall plates | Timber |
| Rakers | Timber or steel |
| Needles | Timber or steel |
| Dead shores (posts) | Timber or steel |
| Walings (wales) | Timber, steel, or aluminium |
| Struts | Timber, steel, or aluminium |
| Sheeting and lagging | Timber or plywood |
| Wedges | Timber (hardwood) |
| Hydraulic cylinders | Aluminium or steel |
| Jacks | Steel or cast iron |
| Bracing and lacing | Timber or steel |
Uses of Shoring Materials in Construction
Shoring materials serve many construction operations. The table below summarises the main applications.
| Application | Recommended Material |
| Supporting unsafe external walls | Timber rakers |
| Supporting parallel walls | Timber flying shores |
| Forming openings in walls | Timber needles and dead shores |
| Underpinning foundations | Timber or steel dead shores |
| Trench excavation support | Timber, steel, or aluminium |
| Deep excavation support | Steel sheet piling or soldier piles |
| Permanent retaining walls | Concrete diaphragm walls |
| Hydraulic trench shoring | Aluminium or steel cylinders |
Factors That Influence Material Choice
Several factors influence which material a technician selects. Therefore, consider each one before deciding.
Load Requirements
Heavy loads demand steel or heavy-duty timber. In contrast, light tasks suit aluminium or plywood.
Span and Height
Long spans favour steel, because it resists bending well. Short spans suit timber, because it is easy to cut and fit.
Duration of Support
Long-duration projects favour steel and concrete, because they are durable. Short-term work suits timber, because it is cheap and quick to install.
Site Conditions
Corrosive environments favour aluminium, plastic, or treated timber. Moreover, damp sites require corrosion-resistant materials and good storage.
Transport and Handling
Sites with limited access favour lightweight materials such as aluminium. In contrast, sites with lifting equipment can use steel.
Availability and Cost
Local availability affects cost and programme. Therefore, technicians should choose materials that are readily obtainable and affordable over the project life.
Regulatory Requirements
Standards and regulations may specify material grades and testing. Therefore, technicians must confirm compliance before use.
Storage Tips for Shoring Materials
Storage determines how long shoring materials last and how well they perform. Therefore, follow these tips carefully.
Tip 1: Select a Suitable Storage Area
First, choose a storage area that is level, well-drained, and away from traffic routes. Moreover, the location should be close enough to the work area to reduce handling, yet far enough to avoid damage from site operations.
In addition, keep the store away from sources of ignition and from areas where chemicals are handled.
Tip 2: Prepare the Ground Surface
Next, prepare the ground before stacking any material. Clear the area of vegetation, debris, and standing water. Then, level the surface and compact it where necessary.
If the ground remains damp, lay a polythene membrane or a layer of crushed stone as a moisture barrier.
Tip 3: Raise Materials Off the Ground
Shoring materials must never rest directly on the ground. Therefore, place dunnage—timber bearers or concrete blocks—at intervals beneath the stack. Consequently, air circulates freely under the stack, and moisture cannot migrate upward.
Space the bearers approximately 1 to 1.5 metres apart to prevent sagging. Moreover, align the bearers vertically so loads transfer directly to the ground.
Tip 4: Stack Timber and Plywood Flat
Timber and plywood should lie flat on bearers. Moreover, stack them face to face and back to back where possible, because this protects the contact faces.
In addition, keep the stack level and avoid overhanging edges, which cause warping. Furthermore, limit stack height to about 1.2 to 1.5 metres.
Tip 5: Store Steel and Aluminium on Racks
Steel and aluminium members should rest horizontally on racks or bearers. Moreover, keep them straight to prevent bending. In addition, separate different lengths and sections for easy selection.
Tip 6: Separate Materials by Type and Size
Organise the store by material type, size, and condition. For instance, keep timber, steel, plywood, and accessories in separate bays. Similarly, isolate damaged items from sound ones.
As a result, workers pick the correct material quickly, and defective items never enter the work.
Tip 7: Protect Materials from Rain and Sun
Provide cover to protect materials from direct rain and strong sunlight. Use a tarpaulin, roofing sheet, or simple shed roof. However, do not wrap materials tightly, because trapped moisture encourages rot and corrosion.
Instead, allow air to move freely around the stack while keeping rain off the top. Furthermore, slope the cover slightly so water runs off rather than pooling.
Tip 8: Store Small Accessories in Bins
Store small accessories such as wedges, bolts, clamps, and jacks in labelled bins or crates. Moreover, keep them off the ground so they do not rust or get lost.
In addition, count and record accessories regularly. Consequently, shortages are spotted early, and theft becomes harder.
Tip 9: Clean Materials Before Storage
Clean every component before stacking. Remove concrete, mud, and old release agent. Moreover, clean threaded parts of jacks and bolts, then apply a light oil film.
As a result, the next project starts with clean, serviceable materials. Furthermore, cleaning prevents build-up that reduces component life.
Tip 10: Control Pests and Insects
Inspect stored timber and plywood regularly for signs of insect activity, such as bore dust or hollowed sections. If infestation appears, isolate the affected material immediately.
Furthermore, treat the storage area with approved insecticides where necessary. In addition, keep the surrounding area clear of vegetation and waste, because these harbour pests.
Tip 11: Enforce Fire Safety Measures
Keep the store clear of combustible waste. Moreover, position fire extinguishers nearby and display clear signage. In addition, prohibit smoking and hot works within the storage zone.
Where possible, separate large timber stacks into smaller piles. Consequently, a fire in one pile is less likely to destroy the entire stock.
Tip 12: Secure the Store Against Theft
Fence the storage area and restrict access to authorised personnel. Furthermore, maintain an inventory and record every issue and return of materials.
In addition, mark components with the project code where practical. As a result, misplaced material is easily traced, and theft becomes harder.
Tip 13: Inspect Stock Regularly
Schedule routine inspections of stored materials. Check for rust, corrosion, splits, rot, and physical damage. Moreover, verify that bearers and covers remain in position.
Remove defective items promptly and record them for repair or disposal. Consequently, only sound material reaches the workforce.
Tip 14: Rotate Stock
Rotate stock so that older components are used first. Consequently, material does not remain in storage long enough to deteriorate. In addition, rotation reveals slow deterioration before it becomes serious.
Tip 15: Practise Good Housekeeping
Finally, keep the storage area tidy at all times. Clear away offcuts, packaging, and debris. In addition, store tools separately from shoring materials, and return them after use.
Good housekeeping reduces trips and falls, limits fire risk, and makes inspection easier. Therefore, treat it as a daily routine rather than an occasional task.
Storage Requirements by Material Type
Different shoring materials need slightly different storage treatment. The table below summarises the key requirements.
| Material | Storage Requirement |
| Timber members | Flat on bearers, covered, treated |
| Timber wedges | Labelled bins, kept dry |
| Steel members | Horizontal on racks, under cover, oiled |
| Steel sheet piles | Flat stacks, interlocking edges protected |
| Aluminium cylinders | Stack flat, avoid impact, keep dry |
| Plywood sheeting | Flat on bearers, covered, kept dry |
| Jacks and fittings | Labelled bins, oiled threads, off ground |
| Plastic accessories | Away from sunlight, in bins |
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Many storage failures result from simple, avoidable errors. Therefore, avoid the following common mistakes.
- Stacking materials directly on bare ground.
- Leaving timber and steel uncovered during the rainy season.
- Wrapping materials tightly in plastic sheeting.
- Mixing damaged and sound components in one stack.
- Storing jacks and fittings loose on the ground.
- Ignoring early signs of rust or rot.
- Allowing spoil or equipment to block access to the store.
- Failing to keep an inventory of issued and returned items.
- Storing plywood on edge, which causes warping.
- Neglecting to clean components before stacking.
Conclusion
Shoring materials determine the strength, safety, and economy of every shoring system. When technicians select the right material for the task, inspect it carefully, and store it properly, shoring performs reliably and lasts longer.
Moreover, each material has strengths and limitations. Therefore, technicians must match the material to the load, span, duration, and site conditions. As a result, shoring protects workers, supports efficient construction, and reduces long-term costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common shoring material?
Timber is the most common shoring material for raking, flying, and dead shores. However, steel and aluminium dominate hydraulic and heavy-duty trench shoring.
What is scaffold-grade lumber?
Scaffold-grade lumber is wood that meets strict grading rules for strength. It has at least six rings per inch and limited defects. Construction-grade lumber has only two-thirds the capacity and must not substitute for it.
Why is steel used in hydraulic shoring?
Steel offers high strength and durability, which suits hydraulic shoring cylinders. Moreover, steel resists impact well and holds its shape under repeated use.
How should timber shoring materials be stored?
Store timber flat on bearers, under cover, and treated against rot and insects. Moreover, keep the stack level and limit its height to about 1.2 to 1.5 metres.
How often should stored shoring materials be inspected?
Inspect stored materials regularly, at least weekly, and after any heavy rain or strong winds.