Sheeting Shoring and Bracing Excavations -  NYC, Manhattan, The Boroughs, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and New Jersey - Kagaoan Engineering

Digging below the surface of the dirt poses many issues. Unstable soil can give way and cave into the hole. Large or wide openings are subject to internal and external forces causing sliding, shifting, filling in, and other problems. To protect workers who may need to get into the trenches, holes, or other excavation areas, it is vital engineering crews, and project leads use the proper precautions and safety mechanisms.

Building code requirements for holes under four feet wide are different from those larger than four feet. The materials must be at least two inches by six inches in excavations under four feet, but the spacing requirements vary depending on how dense or loose the soil pack is. The size of the stringers and horizontal bracing must also adhere to these codes and stipulations.

Following building code requirements and OSHA regulations means having a team of specialists who understand these complex laws. For example, in NYC, any digs over 20 feet require builders to hire an engineer with the technical and geological skills to oversee and design the bracing materials. With over 20 years of experience at Kagaoan Engineering, our team has in-depth knowledge and experience directing these excavations. In addition, we work with numerous clients to ensure full compliance throughout the project. Our testing equipment can also give construction teams and builders important information about the underground soil composition, utility lines, and groundwater levels before digging.

Choosing which materials to use in excavations requires deep knowledge of physics, geology, engineering, building code, construction, and structural design. Ground composition and local conditions also affect trench building and excavations. Kagaoan Engineering employs a variety of testing and compliance techniques to fulfill project needs.

• Timber Sheet Piles - These wood structures are walls that line the excavation area to keep dirt and other materials from filling in the hole. Each pile consists of ends that make it easy to connect one to the other with interlocking features. Construction crews can use many methods to install these elements. From vibrations to waterjet installs and drilling, each method offers a variety of benefits and timelines.

• Horizontal Braces and Stringers - These elements are wood or steel cross members that attach to the sheets to provide additional support. In digs where the trench is over four feet deep, this bracing must be up to six inches by ten inches in conditions where there is hydrostatic pressure. Smaller holes can use bracing as little as two inches by six inches when they are under ten feet deep in hard soils.

• Steel Sheets - These sheets are metal versus wood. They have the same interlocking features as timber sheets. They put them in place after crews slope the sides of the hole or trench or in place of sloping the soil.

• Hydraulic Struts - In digs where extensive forces are present, engineers can place struts inside the sheeting to push back against the soil pack. These items can withstand higher forces than standard steel or timber braces. Engineers also use trench jacks to screw the supports in place.

Sheeting shoring and bracing consultants connect this equipment via welds, screws, bolts, and other materials to create a solid structure for excavations. Understanding how the equipment works and what loads it can withstand is important knowledge engineering teams bring to the table. Our team at Kagaoan Engineering offers unrivaled experience and knowledge to create cost-effective and safe solutions for any excavation.

While standard code requirements apply to all digs, other factors affect the excavation. Sites near other construction areas, factories, or traffic thoroughfares may experience vibrations and sound displacement. The soil will react differently in these areas. Hard soil will respond one way where the loose ground will need additional support versus a project away from these impacts.

With immense local experience, our team understands the standards set forth by local building code guidelines. We help builders and project heads adhere to these regulations, managing both the money side and the time constraints. In addition, our experience with massive builds like NYC skyscrapers allows us to share our knowledge with other teams who need help with excavation support. Our team can help builders get the job done efficiently from design creation to testing and managing the project.

Our team of professionals offers a diverse range of skills and equipment to help maintain a safe and secure work environment. We have in-depth knowledge of the local area and conditions. Sticking to NYC codes and universal safety standards is of utmost importance to our workgroups. To find out more about our services, please check out our other pages. 

To set up a consultation for your project, you can reach our team at 516-208-1533 or use the form on our contact page.