Shoring for concrete operations should be designed as temporary, load‑bearing support that keeps poured concrete stable and safe until it gains sufficient strength to carry its own weight and imposed loads. The goal is to prevent movement, settlement, or collapse of formwork, slabs, or walls during pouring, curing, and early strength development. Key points to consider

• Purpose and timing
  • Provide temporary support for formwork and freshly placed concrete during placement and initial curing.
  • Maintain alignment, level, and verticality of structures while concrete gains strength.
• Types of shoring commonly used
  • Hydraulic shoring: uses fluid- or oil-driven pistons to apply outward pressure against trench walls; quick to install and adjustable.
  • Timber shoring: traditional, versatile for small or budget-constrained jobs; relies on timber uprights and wales with planks.
  • Steel or aluminum shores: adjustable, reusable, suitable for larger or deeper forms and slabs.
  • Soldier piles and lagging: vertical steel members with horizontal resistance; common in deeper excavations adjacent to concrete work.
  • Post shores and decked forms: modular systems that support slabs or beams during pour and early cure.
• Design considerations
  • Soil conditions: bearing capacity, cohesion, and potential for settlement affect shoring capacity and layout.
  • Load paths: temporary loads from formwork, wet concrete, vibrators, equipment, and any imposed live loads must be accounted for.
  • Geometry and access: space constraints, crane access, and sequencing influence shoring arrangement and removal.
  • Movement and vibration: select systems with appropriate stiffness and damping to reduce movement during vibration and compaction.
• Installation and removal sequence
  • Erection typically precedes concrete placement; check alignment and plumbness.
  • After pour, monitor for early shrinkage and curing effects; remove shoring only after concrete has achieved required strength per project specs.
  • Staged removal is common to avoid differential settlement; begin with infill blocking, then gradually remove shores.
• Safety and codes
  • Adhere to local building codes, standard practices (such as those from structural or geotechnical societies), and project specifications.
  • Ensure proper bracing, tie-ins, and inspections during erection, during the pour, and before removal.
  • Provide clear access, fall protection, and hazard communication around shoring areas.
• Quality and documentation
  • Document shoring design calculations, installation checks, and strength criteria for concrete pours.
  • Use certified components and compatible systems to ensure predictable performance.

Practical guidance for your concrete operation

• Align shoring choice with the depth of the formwork and the expected loads of the concrete pour. For shallow forms with straightforward geometry, timber or light steel shores may suffice; for large slabs or deep walls, hydraulic or post shores with strong bracing are more reliable.
• Plan the sequence to minimize interruptions. Coordinate with formwork, reinforcing, and concrete placement teams to ensure shores are in place before pour and removed only after curing requirements are met.
• Inspect regularly. Check for signs of movement, leakage, corrosion, or compromised connections during pours and early cure; address any issues promptly.
• Prioritize safety. Use proper personal protective equipment, barricades, and clear load paths. Ensure workers are trained on erection/removal procedures and load limits.

If you’d like, share details about your project (depth of excavation, soil type, slab size, concrete strength targets, and available shore types), and a tailored shoring approach can be outlined with recommended systems, layouts, and removal sequencing.