Project managers and safety engineers ensure workplace safety and mitigate potential hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. One of those areas in construction that needs safety assurance is the trench sites and the use of trench shoring plates becomes necessary.
Top uses for trench shoring plates are in laying pipes, installing cables, or other subsurface works. They are steel or aluminum-made plates used in excavation and construction to provide structural support and prevent trench walls from collapsing by positioning them vertically along the trench walls. These equipment come in different sizes and thicknesses and they often have attachment points for braces, hydraulic shoring systems, or other trench support systems. Primarily they are used to ensure workers’ safety and to comply with construction safety standards and regulations. Some of these plates are lightweight and portable, while others are heavy-duty, so which type is right for your job?
Lightweight Trench Shoring Plates
Aluminum-made trench shoring plates are lightweight so they are easy to handle and install. Of course, they are easier to transport and maneuver so they are preferred for projects where equipment access is limited or frequent repositioning is needed. Furthermore, because of reduced weight, it can be quicker to install and remove and eventually saves time and labor costs. They are more economical to use for shallow trenches or projects with lower load requirements.
Lightweight plates are ideally used in utility repairs and maintenance, shallow trenches with stable soil conditions, and projects with limited crew or equipment availability. They can actually save time and labor costs.
However, their limitations include their lower load capacity because they cannot withstand heavy loads or deep trenches and they may wear out faster under frequent use or harsh conditions.
Heavy-Duty Trench Shoring Plates
In contrast to the lightweight ones, these heavy-duty trench shoring plates are made of high-strength steel and are engineered for maximum durability and stability. Their superior strength can handle deeper trenches, unstable soil, and heavy equipment loads. And because they are built to endure harsh conditions, these heavy-duty plates last longer than their lightweight counterparts. These features reduce the risk of trench wall failures, thus providing more robust protection.
That is why, in deep excavations, projects with heavy equipment or significant ground pressure, and unstable or loose soil conditions, the heavy-duty trench shoring plates are the best choice. They offer greater long-term value for demanding projects.
However, these plates have also their limitations. Due to their heavier design, they require machinery for transport and installation. Also, the heavy-duty plates tend to be more expensive upfront and may also require larger crews or additional equipment to manage.
Final Thoughts
In selecting the right shoring plates, the depth of the trench, the soil conditions, the load requirements, the project timeline and budget, and the equipment’s compliance with safety standards for trench works are the key factors to consider. It all depends on the particular requirements of your project. Ultimately, investing in the right shoring plates can ensure a safer, more efficient worksite for your construction project.
