GB2512348A

GB2512348A - A Shuttering System for Excavations

Info

Publication number: GB2512348A
Application number: GB1305604.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Moore
Original assignee: DAVID J MOORE Ltd
Current assignee: DAVID J MOORE Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-27
Filing date: 2013-03-27
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-27
Also published as: GB2527472A; GB201305604D0; WO2014155034A1; EP2978902A1; GB2512348B; GB2527472B; GB201518651D0; GB2527472C

Abstract

A shuttering system for bracing a trench or excavation, the system having a plurality of planks (5, figure 2), a main shuttering support (1, figure 1), the support having a vertical wall (2, figure 1), a horizontal ground engaging element (3, figure 1) extending from a rear face of the wall, and a front face of the wall has a plurality of vertically aligned slots (4, figure 1) for receiving planks. There is an upper side brace (6, figure 4a) and a lower side brace (7, figure 4a), the braces are horizontal and have a connection mechanism, such as a brace locator, to engage each brace to at least two planks, and one side brace is above the other. There may be a cross brace 11, which may be adjustable in length. Each plank may have locator holes along its length and the brace locators may have locator pins.

Description

A shuttering system for excavations

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shuttering and shoring system for supporting the side walls of excavations such as trenches or ditches.

Background

Subsurface utilities such as drains, water pipes, cables or similar need to be accessed at intervals for repair, upgrade, etc. Utilities such as pipes, drains and cables run for long unbroken stretches, often below and in tandem with roads or pavements. In order to access these utilities for repair, upgrade or similar, it is often necessary to dig up or otherwise excavate an area of ground such as part of the road or pavement. The utilities can be located some distance -e.g. 1 -2 metres -below the surface of the road or pavement. In order to minimise inconvenience for road users or pedestrians, and to keep post-operation work to a minimum and as tidy as possible, the hole or excavation is dug with vertical sides, In order to prevent accidents such as the sides collapsing into the hole, the sides are reinforced or braced.

The normal way that the sides are reinforced or braced is with planks, scaffolding poles and anciilary items such as scaffolding fasteners, nails, etc, a process and equipment known as shuttering. Assembling/constructing the shuttering is a reasonably involved task involving the assembly of several dozen separate items correctly -a typical excavation will use 40-50 planks of 2 metre length. Also, it is usual practice to discard the timber planking after use for safety reasons, a cost which adds up to a substantial amount over the course of several excavations.

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Prior Art S. *e * . .

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: * ** * . * ** *". : EP1193350 discloses a/device for shoring up deep ditches which utilises paired * .* vertical supports equally spaced along the ditch and opposite to one another. The supports are fitted on spaced bracing frames which are vertically displaceably connected to them. Large surfaced shoring plates have vertical edges which are insertable in lateral guide channels of the supports. A head device supports via intermediate members against the front support pair. It comprises a support beam above the bracing frame and introduced into guide channels in it. This support beam has a locating surface, which is aligned with the head-side side surfaces of the supports. Vertical adjacent planks are driven into the ground and lean against the locating surface of the support beam.

EP573629 describes a device for supporting the walls of a ditch, and comprises paired opposing vertical supports arranged at equal distances along the ditch, with bracing devices holding the supports of a pair spaced apart. Large surfaced outer and upper build-up plates are provided, the edges of which are vertically displaceable in guide channels of the supports. Also large surfaced inner and lower build-up plates are provided, the edges of which are vertically displaceable in guide channels of the supports. Instead of an outer and upper build-up plate in the guide channels of the supports an upper board chamber plate is insertable, in which adjacent channel boards are insertable and vertically displaceable.

GB2270938 describes a collapsible earth trench support structure having side panels for application to the sides of trench walls pivotally connected to cross bars for jacking the sides apart and onto the trench walls. The bars are provided to the side walls so that the structure can be collapsed for insertion and removal. The structure is made up of a metallic tubes and is clad with panels which are fire resistant, e.g. of Al -sheathed polyurethane.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a shuttering system for supporting the side walls of excavations which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with S.....

* * 30 a useful choice. *

* Summary of the Invention

*:::* According to the present invention there is provided a shuttering system for bracing and supporting the sides of trenches or excavations, the system comprising: a plurality of elongate plank elements; at least one main shuttering support, each main shuttering support having an inner wall arranged in use to extend substantially vertically, a ground pinning element extending from a rear face of the inner wall in which said ground pinning element is arranged in use to extend substantially horizontally and in which a front face of the inner wall provides a plurality of vertically aligned slots, wherein each slot is shaped and dimensioned to receive an elongate plank element, and at least an elongate upper side brace and an elongate lower side brace said side braces comprising a connection mechanism for engaging each side brace to at least two plank elements, wherein in use, the side braces are aligned to extend substantially horizontally and with the inner wall, one side brace extending above the other side brace.

The use of a shuttering support and side braces allows the shuttering system to be installed by hand reusably and on many occasions without the need to use machines, and allows the planks to be aligned and located easily and correctly.

Preferably the connection mechanism is a brace locator. Preferably at least two brace locators are removably connected to each side brace at two spaced points.

Preferably, the planks and brace locators are therefore adapted for mutual connection. The use of a brace locator makes it easier to connect the braces to the planks and also increases the overall strength and stability of the system. In embodiments requiring longer planks a greater number of braces may be utilised.

Preferably each plank provides a plurality of locator holes along its length. The brace locator may comprise a locator pin. The pin may be shaped and dimensioned to be received within a locator hole. The use of locator holes makes it easier to locate the brace locator in use, and also increases the overall strength and stability of the system as the pin is less likely to slip and therefore less force is required to keep it in position.

Preferably the ground pinning element comprises a grid that extends outwards from the rear face of the inner wall. Preferably the ground pinning element is arranged in :": 30 use to extend substantially horizontally from the rear face of the inner wall. The grid may have a number of aligned holes. The grid may be arranged such that in use the * holes are aligned vertically. The holes may be shaped and dimensioned to receive ground pins, pegs or similar secure the shuttering system in position. Use oVa grid keeps the system light and allows some use on uneven surfaces, and also allows the *:*. elements to be carried easily.

Preferably the shuttering system comprises two main shuttering supports. Each shuttering system may have an associated upper and lower side brace. The shuttering system may further comprise a plurality of cross braces of adjustable length. The cross braces may be positioned to run substantially horizontally across the gap between the shuttering supports In use, the two main shutlering supports, their associated upper and lower side braces and planks located directly opposite one another with their front faces facing one another, each of the upper and lower side braces connected at the same height as the other, the cross braces positioned to run substantially horizontally across the gap between the shuttering supports, so that one of each of the ends of the cross braces is placed against a side brace, the length of the cross braces adjusted so that the ends of the brace press outwards against the side braces. Use of cross braces allows paired shuttering supports to be positioned one on each side of a trench or excavation to support opposed wails.

Preferably the side braces provide a plurality of cross brace locator holes. Each end of each side brace may provide a cross brace locator pin that is shaped and dimensioned to be received within a cross brace locator hole This allows the ends of the cross braces to be located into the holes, which makes the structure more stable and requires less force to keep the structure stable.

Preferably the side braces, planks and main shuttering supports are formed from steel coated in UV stabilised paint.

The side braces, planks and main shuttering supports may be formed from aluminium coated, for example aluminium coated in UV stabilised paint.

Preferably one end of each inner wall has an associated male connector and the other has an associated female connector, the male and female connectors mutually adapted so that a row of main shuttering supports can be connected by their edges.

This allows an unbroken row of inner walls to be formed to the appropriate length for any particular excavation. Ideally said inner walls are arranged in use to extend above ground level, so as to minimise in-falling or articles into the shuttered excavation.

Preferably the shuttering system further comprises a plurality of fence elements.

Each fence element may comprise a pair of legs extending downwards one from each end of a fence board. The inner wall may comprise a plurality of holes sized ". nd shaped to receive the lower ends of the legs. A row of fence elements can be *.: 35 detachably connected along length of the inner wall.

Preferably the shuttering system further comprises a cover. The fence elements and cover may be adapted so that the cover can be connected to the fence elements.

The plank elements may be of any suitable length, preferably the plank elements are 2.5 metres in length.

The distance between the. edges of each slot may be any suitable distance, preferably the maximum distance between the edges of each slot is substantially 15mm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a preferred form of main shuttering support that forms part of the shuttering system of the present invention. * 30

Figure 2 shows a preferred form of plank that forms part of the shuttering system of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an adjustable cross brace that forms part of the shuttering system of the present invention.

Figure 4a shows an exploded view of the shuttering system of the present invention with two opposed rows of main shuttering Supports, associated vertically aligned planks, each opposed row of shuttering supports and planks having an associated upper side brace and lower side brace running horizontally along the inner faces of the planks, the upper side brace above the lower side brace, a number of adjustable length cross braces running between the opposed rows to hold the opposed rows in position.

Figure 4b shows a normal view of the apparatus of figure 4a.

Detailed Description of Figures

The shuttering system of the present invention is used to support or brace the substantially vertical side walls of trenches or similar. A number of different elements are used to form the shuttering system of the present invention. These are described below The shuftering system has at least one and preferably a plurality of shuttering supports 1. Each shuttering support 1 is formed so that when viewed end on, it preferably has an X-shaped cross-section, with the arms/legs vertical and horizontal.

The shuttering support has a substantially vertical inner wall 2. A ground pinning element 3 extends outwards from the rear face of the inner wall 2, substantially horizontally. A plurality of vertically aligned slots 4 extend from the front face of the inner wall 2, preferably at the same height as the ground pinning element (to form the X'), although this could be at a different height.

The shuttering system also has a plurality of plank elements or planks 5. The planks and the slots 4 are mutually match in size so that the cross-section of the slots matches the cross sectional end size and shape of the planks 5. In use, the planks 5 are pushed end first through the slots 4 to locate into the slots 4, forming a row of vertically aligned planks 5 along the inner face of the inner wall 2. The preferred form 30 of planks 5 are 1 to 3 metres in length. It is preferred that the maximum distance between the edges of each slot is substantially 15mm.

* The shuttering system further has an elongate upper side brace 6 and an elongate lower side brace 7. The side braces 6, 7 are in use connected to the row of planks at least two different points or locations along the row so that the side braces are aligned substantially horizontally and substantially aligned with the inner wall. The upper side brace 6 will be directly above and space from the lower side brace 7.

In the preferred embodiment the connection mechanism is a brace locator 8. At least two brace locators 8 are removably connected to each side of each brace 6, 7 at two spaced points. It is preferred that the side braces 6, 7 are rectangular in cross-section, and that the connection mechanism is a substantially C-shaped element that slips over the end of the side brace 6, 7.

Each of the planks 5 preferably has a plurality of locator holes along its length. The brace locator has a locator pin on its rear face. The locator pin fits into a locator hole in use to locate the brace 6, 7 in position against the plank 5.

The ground pinning element 3 is preferably a grid that extends outwards from the rear face of the innerwall 2, the grid extending far enough to stabilise and anchor the main shuttering support 1 in use. The grid preferably has a number of vertically aligned holes 9 passing vertically through it to allow ground pins or pegs 10, or similar to be passed through the holes to pin the shuttering system in position.

In use, a pair of shuttering supports are positioned one on each of opposed sides of a trench or excavation, their associated upper and lower side braces 6,7 and planks located directly opposite one another with their front faces facing one another, each of the upper and lower side braces 6,7 connected at the same height as the other.

The shuttering system further has a plurality of cross braces 11, of adjustable length.

In use, the cross braces 11 are positioned to run substantially horizontally across the gap between the shuttering supports, so that one of each of the ends of the cross braces is placed against a side brace. Once in position, the length of the cross braces 11 is adjusted so that the ends of each brace 11 press outwards against the side braces 6, 7. This pushes each of the shuttering supports outwards or away from one another against the waIls of the trench or excavation, and supports the walls against collapse.

It is most preferred that the side braces 6,7 have a plurality of cross brace locator holes 12, and that each end of each side brace 6,7 has a cross brace locator pin that in use locates into a cross brace locator hole. It is most preferred that the cross brace locator holes are offset towards the longer side edge of the plank 5 so that the 30 distance between adjacent ones of the cross braces can be slightly larger than otherwise. This gives greater space where necessary in the trench or excavation.

In the preferred form, the side braces, planks and main shuttering supports are formed from either aluminium or steel coated in UV stabilised paint or reinforced *:*::* injection moulded plastic. It is preferred that the paint is brightly coloured to aid in recognition and location of a potential hazard.

As described above, two or a pair of main shuttering supports are located one opposite the other. Each of the main shuttering supports can be formed to the length required -e.g. having two slots, three slots, four slots or more as required. However, excavations are almost always of inconvenient size, and it is preferred that a number of main shuttering supports can be placed end to end along each wall to provide the necessary support, to this end, one end of each inner wall has an associated male connector 13 and the other has an associated female connector 14. The male and female connectors 13, 14 are mutually adapted so that a row of main shuttering supports can be connected by their edges to form an unbroken row of the required overall length.

In the most preferred form, the shuttering system further has a plurality of fence elements 151 each comprising a pair of legs extending downwards one from each end of a fence board aligned large faces inwards/outwards. The top edge of the inner wall has a plurality of holes sized and shaped to receive the lower ends of the legs, such that a row of fence elements can be detachably connected along length of the inner wall by slotting the legs into the holes.

Optionally, the shuttering system can further have a cover, the fence elements and cover mutually adapted so that the cover can be connected over the fence elements to provide a cover over the top of the trench or excavation, and some shelter for any personnel working in the trench.

The shuttering system deschbed above can be installed by hand and does not require machinery to aid in installation. V. *S * . . * * *. * . *. .. * * * * S * .* * S * * S* S* * * S S * S*

Claims

Claims 1. A shuttering system for bracing and supporting the sides of trenches or excavations the system comprising: a plurality of elongate plank elements; at least one main shuttering support, each main shuttering support having an inner wall arranged in use to extend substantially vertically, a ground pinning element extending from a rear face of the inner wall in which said ground pinning element is arranged in use to extend substantially horizontally and in which a front face of the inner wall provides a plurality of vertically aligned slots, wherein each slot is shaped and dimensioned to receive an elongate plank element, and at least an elongate upper side brace and an elongate lower side brace, said side braces comprising a connection mechanism for engaging each side brace to at east two plank elements Wherein in use, the side braces are aligned to extend substantially horizontally and with the inner wall, one side brace extending above the other side brace.
2. A shuttering system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connection mechanism is a brace locator, and in which at least two brace locators are removably connected to each side brace at two spaced apart points, the planks and brace locators being adapted for mutual connection.
3. A shuttering system as claimed in claim 2 wherein each plank provides a plurality of locator holes along its length, and the brace locator has a locator pin, the pin being shaped and dimensioned to be received within a locator hole.
4. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the ground pinning element is a grid that extends outwards from the rear face of the inner wall, the grid providing a number of aligned holes adapted to receive ground pins, pegs or similar to secure the shuttering system in position.
5. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the shuttering system has two main shuttering supports, each having an associated upper and lower side brace, the shuttering system further having a plurality of cross braces of adjustable length.
6. A shuttering system as claimed in claim 5, in which the two main shuttering supports, their associated upper and lower side braces and planks are arranged in use to be located directly opposite one another with their front faces facing one another, each of the upper and lower side braces are arranged in use to be 9.connected at the same height as the other, the cross braces are arranged in use to be positioned to run substantially horizontally across the gap between the shuttering supports, so that one of each of the ends of the cross braces is placed against a side brace, the length of the cross braces adjusted so that the ends of the brace press outwards against the side braces.
7. A shuttering system as claimed in either of claims 5 and 6 wherein the side braces provide a plurality of cross brace locator holes, each end of each side brace having a cross brace locator pin shaped and dimensioned to be received within a cross brace locator hole.
8. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims. ito 7 wherein the side braces, planks and main shuttering supports are formed from steel coated in UV stabilised paint.
9. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the side braces, planks and main shuttering supports are formed from aluminium coated in LJVstabilised paint.
10. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein one end of each inner wall has an associated male connector and the other has an associated female connector, the male and female connectors mutually adapted so that a row of main shuttering supports can be connected by their edges.
11. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the shuttering system further has a plurality of fence elements, each comprising a pair of legs extending downwards one from each end of a fence board, the inner wall having a plurality of holes sized and shaped to receive the lower ends of the legs.
12. A shuttering system as clamed in claim ii further comprising a cover for connection to said fence elements.
13. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims ito 12 wherein the plank elements are 2.5 metres in length.
14. A shuttering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the maximum distance between the edges of each slot is substantially 15mm.

* 30
15. A shuttering system with reference to the figures and substantially as described herein.
16. A main shuftering support for use in a shuttering system according to any of the preceding claims. * 0e * S S * ** *:.;