Shoring props temporarily secure walls and wall sections against overturning, displacement, or collapse. They are used wherever loads have to be rerouted or structures need temporary stabilization – for example during breakthroughs, during the deconstruction of reinforced concrete and masonry walls, or when removing load-bearing components. In conjunction with methods and tools from Darda GmbH – such as concrete demolition shears or hydraulic rock and concrete splitters – they form the static safety framework that enables controlled, low-vibration workflows in concrete demolition, building gutting, and cutting.
Definition: What is meant by shoring prop
A shoring prop is a temporary, friction-locked support of vertical wall components made of masonry, reinforced concrete, natural stone, or composite constructions. The objective is structural stability during construction stages in which regular load paths are interrupted. Shoring props act as compression and/or tension members (e.g., props, raking shores, compression struts with head and base plates) and transfer forces in a controlled manner into load-bearing substrates or auxiliary structures. They are part of shoring and bracing concepts that enable the safe use of methods such as concrete splitting, crushing with concrete demolition shears, or controlled cutting.
Design and function of shoring props
Shoring props typically consist of an adjustable prop tube or a raking strut, a positive-locking bearing plate at the wall, and a base plate for a friction-locked connection to the floor or auxiliary structures. Threaded couplers or spindles allow fine adjustment. Decisive are the positive and friction-locked coupling, slip-resistant bearing, and sufficient transverse compressive strength of the wall material to avoid local crushing.
Load path and bracing
The forces from self-weight, live loads, vibrations, and work operations are dissipated into the ground via the shoring prop. Additional bracing (e.g., ledgers, walers, needling) connects multiple props and prevents lateral buckling. When creating openings, loads are often rerouted via needle beams before sections are released with concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters.
Contact surfaces and pressure distribution
Intermediate layers made of wood or rubber distribute contact pressure and reduce damage areas in masonry. In reinforced concrete walls, perforated bearings or anchor points are useful when high compressive or tensile forces are expected.
Fields of application and interfaces with demolition methods
Shoring props are required in various construction stages. They are especially relevant where selective deconstruction and precise separation are required and Darda GmbH tools are used.
Concrete demolition and special deconstruction
During selective removal of reinforced concrete walls, shoring props secure unstable edge zones while sections are gradually released with concrete demolition shears or separated with rock and concrete splitters with minimal residual stress. The support minimizes uncontrolled fracture edges and reduces collateral damage to adjacent components.
Building gutting and cutting
In building gutting, the shoring holds wall segments until separation cuts are made or installations are removed. For cuts in opening areas (doors, windows, breakthroughs), the shoring prop prevents load redistribution that would cause unwanted cracking or settlement.
Special applications
In confined conditions, heritage structures, or contaminated areas, a combination of shoring prop and low-vibration methods enables controlled processes with low emissions and vibration exposure.
Selection criteria and design of shoring props
Selection is based on material, geometry, and construction stage. The following criteria are decisive:
- Load-bearing capacity (characteristic compressive/tensile load, buckling length, partial safety factors)
- Adjustment range and fine-tuning accuracy (spindle travel, locking systems)
- Contact surfaces (plate size, friction coefficient, interlayers)
- Integration into bracing frames (ledgers, diagonals, waler systems)
- Subgrade load-bearing capacity and load distribution (sole plates, load distribution beams)
- Environmental conditions (moisture, temperature, corrosion, dirt)
Design principles
Design follows the state of the art with safety reserves for unforeseen peak loads. A structural concept accounts for the sequence of work steps, the action of work equipment (e.g., additional forces from concrete demolition shears), and possible eccentricities.
Interaction with concrete demolition shears and rock and concrete splitters
Shoring props create stable boundary conditions for separating methods. Concrete demolition shears develop local forces during crushing and can release residual stresses. Upfront shoring prevents uncontrolled crack propagation along intended fracture lines. Rock and concrete splitters operate with low internal stress; nevertheless, load paths change as soon as wedges introduce forces. With appropriate shoring, wall panels remain guided and stable against tipping until segments are separated and removed.
Practical notes
- Install shoring before making initial separation cuts or setting split wedges.
- Reassess loads after each work step; readjust props.
- Keep contact surfaces clean; verify friction-locked connections.
- Tie demolition edges with ledgers to reduce overturning moments.
Workflow: From shoring to safe removal
- Survey and definition of the shoring zone, including verification of substrates.
- Stage props, ledgers, and load distributors according to the planned interventions.
- Install shoring props and cross-connections; perform visual and functional checks.
- Gradual separation (e.g., with concrete demolition shears) or splitting; continuous monitoring of the props.
- Remove the released segments; secure cut edges.
- Dismantle the shoring in reverse order; document the condition.
Safety aspects and responsibility
Temporary shoring is safety-critical construction. Planning, installation, and inspection should be carried out by qualified personnel. Protective measures such as barriers, signals, personal protective equipment, and clear communication of load paths are essential. Binding requirements arise from the applicable state of the art and relevant regulations; they must be reviewed and implemented on a project-specific basis.
Installation, inspection, and maintenance
Proper installation ensures the function of the shoring prop. Regular inspections detect weaknesses at an early stage.
- Visual inspection before use: deformations, cracks, thread wear, corrosion.
- Install with uniform tightening; retension after load redistributions.
- Documentation of installation location, date, inspection result.
- Cleaning and protection against moisture and dirt; proper storage.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
- Insufficient load distribution: always provide sole plates or sills.
- Missing bracing: couple props with ledgers; reduce buckling lengths.
- Eccentric force introduction: set head plates centrally; limit eccentricity.
- Shoring too late: install and check before cutting or splitting works.
- Underestimating dynamic effects from tools: plan safety reserves.
Materials, systems, and accessories
Common systems range from telescopic props and raking struts to modular bracing frames. Accessories such as ledgers, walers, needle carriers, friction pads, and wedges increase adaptability. In combination with concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters, accessories that allow rapid readjustment and dampen vibrations are recommended.
Documentation and communication in the project
A shoring plan with load assumptions, bills of materials, and sequence of operations provides clarity. Ongoing records of installation, intermediate inspections, and readjustments support safety and serve as evidence of diligent working practices – especially during complex deconstruction stages with multiple construction states.