Concrete shoring system

Types of concrete shoring systems

A concrete shoring system is a temporary support structure for horizontal formwork until the weight of the hardened concrete is self-supporting. Various types of concrete shore props are available to help support formwork while concrete sets. Here are some common types of concrete shoring systems.

• Post Shores

  Post shores are vertical aluminum or steel posts that support horizontal members of formwork. Posts can be adjustable shoring props with a base plate and a jacking head used to support beams, panels, and decks of any size. Or they can be universal vertical shores made of lightweight aluminum, round tubular, or square steel posts with holes for inserting lock pins to create a multi-length adjustment without any tools.

• Supported Shores

  It's also called single or double shores. They're similar to post shores but consist of a single post shore and a horizontal member, typically a wood beam, that supports the shore when it's positioned underneath the horizontal member of formwork. The universal shoring beam is an alternative, an adjustable, lightweight aluminum or steel beam with a wide flange configuration that's used to support multiple post shores or columns.

• Cantilever Shores

  They are shore systems that support formwork horizontally or overhang a vertical post shore. A horizontal shore is fastened to a vertical post shore with various hardware connections, such as brackets and clamps. It's often used to support slabs or beams that aren't over a vertical shore or to access formwork in a limited space.

• Table Shores

  The table shore system consists of a horizontal member shore, typically a beam. It creates a shore table that supports the formwork of slabs or beams, mainly for the table shore system with a wide base to improve stability in their shoring operations. It's often used with an aluminum beam as a cost-effective solution for shoring needs in high-volume construction projects.

• Horses

  A horse is an independent support frame that relies on no other members or structures to support it. A horse consists of a horizontal member supported by two or more vertical members. It's frequently utilized to support vertical structural elements and horizontal formwork in concrete construction areas.

Specification and maintenance of a concrete shoring system

Shoring system suppliers may have different specifications depending on the design and type of concrete shoring system. Here are some usual specifications to know when purchasing a concrete shoring system:

• Height

  The concrete shoring system's height can be extended or collapsed to accommodate different deck height requirements. For example, the Acrow shore's height ranges from 4 feet to 20 feet.

• Weight-bearing capacity

  The concrete shoring system's weight-bearing capacity determines the maximum weight it can support. This capacity is essential for determining how to use a shoring system in the construction project. For example, Aluma shoring has a maximum weight capacity of 30,000 lbs.

• Base width

  The base's width is the distance between the two sides of the base. A wide base improves stability and reduces the risks of toppling. For instance, wide base shores have base widths ranging from 24 inches to 60 inches.

• Material

  The concrete shoring system is usually made of steel or aluminum. Materials also affect the weight, bearing capacities, and durability of the system.

• Configuration

  The concrete shoring system's configuration determines the structure of the support system. Different types usually have distinct configurations.

Maintenance

The concrete shoring system requires very little maintenance. Here are some simple maintenance tips to ensure longevity and safety:

• Regular Inspection:

  Regularly check the component parts of the system for signs of damage, corrosion, or structural integrity. This also includes examining fasteners, connectors, and joints.

• Clean Shoring Components:

  Use a wire brush to remove debris and dirt from the components. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the components, especially the moving parts. Cleaning the components prevents material buildup and prolongs their service life.

• Protect Against Corrosion:

  Always apply a protective coating to the metal components of the shoring system. Also, store the system components away from moisture when not in use.

• Maintain Proper Loading:

  Avoid overloading the shoring system, as this can damage structural integrity and stability. Maintain the recommended loading capacity for the system.

Usage scenarios for concrete shoring systems

Like other shoring systems, concrete shoring systems have several usage scenarios. Generally, this equipment supports formwork or other structures until the concrete cured and strengthened enough to bear its weight. This temporary support is vital for construction projects of all kinds.

A common usage scenario is to prop up horizontal concrete elements such as beams, slabs, and decks as the crew works on them. This applications preempt failure and support the weight of the workers and other equipment on these platforms. Hardware like shores, props, and vertical posts can be used to support the weight of newly poured and still curing concrete. This support is temporary and can be removed when the concrete fully hardens.

Concrete shoring systems can also be used to temporarily support load-bearing walls and columns during construction or repairs. Since these vertical elements carry a substantial weight, they need to be adequately supported while the crew works on them or while there are openings in the structure like the made which could compromise its stability.

Concrete shores can also be used to support scaffolding systems while the crew works on elevated areas or making repairs. High work can require the use of a support system to ensure the safety of the workers. Concrete shoring systems provide a sturdy base to erect scaffold on which the workers can safely stand. This applies whether working on horizontal elements like ceilings or vertical ones like walls.

How to choose concrete shoring system

Choosing the right concrete shoring system entails carefully considering a variety of parameters to ensure that both the present requirements and future construction projects are satisfied at a reasonable cost. It is critical to involve stakeholders like as engineers, contractors, and safety professionals throughout the selection process to guarantee that the selected shoring system corresponds with project goals and safety standards.

• Capacity needs: Understanding the weight capacity and any additional factors influencing shoring requirements, such as soil characteristics and climate conditions, is essential. It is also crucial to ensure that the chosen shoring system can support this concrete weight, as well as any temporary loads like equipment, materials, and worker occupancy.
• Project specs: The project's dimensions, suchs as the size and shape of the concrete structure, as well as the height and area that needs shoring, directly impact the types of shoring systems that can be used. The shoring system's adaptability is also essential since different systems may be able to accommodate a variety of structural forms and sizes.
• System options: Concrete shoring systems, such as framing props, beam shores, tower shoring systems, modular shores, or lightweight shores, are available based on the project types, suchs as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Selecting an appropriate concrete shoring system based on project types will help stakeholders meet project schedules and budget constraints more easily.

Some additional factors:

• Safety: Ensuring that the chosen shoring system complies with regulations and safety standards is vital. This includes load capacities, system approvals, and safety features. Protection from falling objects, hazard signage, and regular inspections must be included in any safety plan.
• Environmental Impact: The environmental effect of the shoring system, such as carbon emissions from material manufacture and transportation, as well as waste generation during system removal, is also crucial. It is also critical to address any environmentally acceptable practises, such as recycling and waste reduction efforts.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Collaboration with stakeholders is critical to the selection process. It is important to gather input from a variety of parties, including design professionals, construction managers, and subcontractors, and to hold workshops or meetings to debate various shoring systems' benefits and disadvantages. It is also important to conduct a value engineering assessment to identify cost-effective solutions that satisfy performance criteria while also involving key stakeholders.

Concrete shoring system FAQ

Q1: What are the components of the concrete shoring system?

A1: A concrete shoring system consists of vertical posts (shores), horizontal members called beams or walers, joint connectors or ties, and sometimes, the formwork, which is a mold into which the concrete is poured.

Q2: What are the four types of concrete shoring systems?

A2: The four types of concrete shoring systems are: The Aluminum Shore System: These are lightweight, easy to handle, and have great load-carrying capabilities. They are widely used in the construction of bridge decks and high-rise buildings.The Heavy Duty Slab Shores: These are used for horizontal applications in high-load situations. They are usually used together with formwork systems. The Post Shores: They are vertical support members generally used to support concrete slabs, decks, ceilings, etc. The Stub Shores: They are used as temporary supports for overhead formwork and horizontal members in unfinished spaces.

Q3: What is the difference between shoring and formwork?

A3: Shoring is a temporary support system for a structure until it is strong enough to support itself. On the other hand, formwork refers to temporary molds that are used to give concrete shapes while it sets and cures.