Shoring for a wood frame building
If you are planning to construct or renovate a building, you may need to use a technique known as shoring.
In this article, our structural experts explain what shoring is and how to support a wood frame.
What is shoring?
The term “shoring” refers to the installation of support elements in order to prevent the collapse of a building or a structure. When shoring, the elements installed are generally called “props” used to support loads.
However, the word “shoring” can also refer to the result of the installation of the supporting parts that will carry the loads.
Shoring can be useful in many different circumstances. For example, shoring is frequently used in the construction of bridges or buildings. In such cases, it can be used to support a part of the building under construction, such as formwork, a prefabricated wall or a floor joist.
In another context, shoring can support a section of the structure that is in danger of collapsing while it is being rebuilt or solidified.
What are props?
Props are straight, rigid structural members made of wood or metal that are used to support loads to prevent collapse.
They can take different forms ranging from a simple post (shoring post) to a stack of lattice frameworks or an assembly of props and bracing (shoring tower).
Developing a shoring plan
The ultimate goal of shoring is to establish a perfect balance of forces to keep the building or structure in the right position. In order to achieve this, the operation has to be carefully planned, taking into account the maximum of forces and loads involved. This is a very complex technical task that is carried out by structural engineers.
The results of this analysis are recorded in a document called the shoring plan, which indicates the steps to be taken to achieve adequate shoring.
The different parts of a shoring plan
Engineers must go through several steps to develop a shoring plan:
Determining the loads to be supported
The engineer will precisely calculate the load that the shoring will have to support. For this, the engineer must take into account the load of the timber frame components to be supported, as well as the construction loads (personnel, tools, machinery, etc.) and external loads (rain, wind, snow, etc.).
The engineer also needs to know some of the mechanical properties of the wood used in the construction.
Studying the qualities of the support points
The engineer responsible for the shoring plan also has to take into account the fact that not all types of soil offer the same support surface for the different types of props.
Choosing the right type of shoring
Once the loads to be supported and the nature of the soil have been analyzed, the engineer will be able to determine which type of shoring will be the most effective under the circumstances. A type of shoring will be chosen as well as the material to be used during the installation.
Drawing of the structure to be installed
The final step in the development of a shoring plan is the drawing of the structure to be installed. This is the blueprint that the workers responsible for shoring the structure will be able to refer to once on the job site.
Pitfalls to avoid
Throughout history, there have been several instances where shoring has collapsed for various reasons.
For example, if the chosen prop is not strong enough, it may simply break if subjected to a significant overload.
In addition, poor bracing (the set of processes that prevent deformation) can lead to sagging or buckling.
Finally, failure of the shims under the prop or soil settlement can also contribute to the collapse of a prop.
UsiHome: machined wood structure experts
In short, shoring up a wood frame is a complex process that requires the involvement of structural engineers.
Accordingly, if you have a wood frame to support, you can ask our team for advice. At Usihome, in addition to offering many prefabricated wood framing products, we also have experienced engineers ready to assist you in your construction and renovation projects.
