WO2022248815A1 - Agencement d'étayage - Google Patents

Agencement d'étayage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022248815A1
WO2022248815A1 PCT/GB2021/051286 GB2021051286W WO2022248815A1 WO 2022248815 A1 WO2022248815 A1 WO 2022248815A1 GB 2021051286 W GB2021051286 W GB 2021051286W WO 2022248815 A1 WO2022248815 A1 WO 2022248815A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cradle
support member
shoring
hydraulic cylinder
arrangement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2021/051286
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ian Nigel FRYER
John Martin Patrick BREEN
Original Assignee
Rmd Kwikform Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rmd Kwikform Limited filed Critical Rmd Kwikform Limited
Priority to AU2021447930A priority Critical patent/AU2021447930A1/en
Priority to PCT/GB2021/051286 priority patent/WO2022248815A1/fr
Priority to EP21736006.4A priority patent/EP4256134A1/fr
Publication of WO2022248815A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022248815A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21D—SHAFTS; TUNNELS; GALLERIES; LARGE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS
    • E21D11/00—Lining tunnels, galleries or other underground cavities, e.g. large underground chambers; Linings therefor; Making such linings in situ, e.g. by assembling
    • E21D11/14—Lining predominantly with metal
    • E21D11/18—Arch members ; Network made of arch members ; Ring elements; Polygon elements; Polygon elements inside arches
    • E21D11/22—Clamps or other yieldable means for interconnecting adjacent arch members either rigidly, or allowing arch member parts to slide when subjected to excessive pressure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
    • E02D17/06—Foundation trenches ditches or narrow shafts
    • E02D17/08—Bordering or stiffening the sides of ditches trenches or narrow shafts for foundations
    • E02D17/083—Shoring struts

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shoring arrangement, support member, a cradle, and a method.
  • Shoring is required in industries such as construction and mining to support walls and/or roofs during excavation.
  • Support members such as struts or props
  • the length of the support member must be matched to the particular height or width that the support member is required to span.
  • an extension mechanism such as a mechanical screw or a hydraulic ram.
  • the extension mechanism typically includes a locking mechanism which allows the support member to be inserted into the relevant location, extended to the required length, and locked in place.
  • Known locking mechanisms include detents and lock- off valves.
  • the use of such extension members adds to the complexity and cost of the support member. Furthermore, the extension members must be well- maintained to ensure safety.
  • Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.
  • An aspect of the present invention provides a shoring arrangement, comprising: a support member; and a substantially U-shaped cradle for supporting the support member, wherein the cradle is configured to receive at least a portion of the support member releasably.
  • a portion of the cradle may be angled outwardly to facilitate receipt and release of the at least a portion of the support member.
  • the cradle may be configured to be attached to a surface to be supported by the shoring arrangement.
  • the cradle may be configured to allow the support member to slide axially within the cradle.
  • the cradle may be configured to allow the support member to rotate about one or more axes of the support member.
  • the cradle may include at least one lug to support, at least partially, the weight of the shoring arrangement.
  • the shoring arrangement may further comprise a flat jack supported by the cradle, wherein the flat jack may be arranged to extend along an axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the shoring arrangement.
  • the shoring arrangement may further comprise: a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with an accumulator, wherein the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator are supported by the cradle and are configured to attenuate thermal loading of the shoring arrangement.
  • the hydraulic cylinder may be arranged for a rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend along an axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the shoring arrangement.
  • the hydraulic cylinder may be a single acting hydraulic cylinder.
  • the accumulator may be a compressed gas accumulator.
  • the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder may be less than about 100 mm.
  • a length of the cradle, from a first U-shaped end to a second U-shaped end thereof, may be in the range 50-1500 mm.
  • the shape of an interior surface of the cradle may be complementary to the shape of an exterior surface of the support member.
  • the support member may comprise a prop.
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of shoring a surface, comprising: attaching to the surface a substantially U-shaped cradle for supporting a support member, wherein the cradle is configured to receive at least a portion of the support member releasably; placing the at least a portion of the support member into the cradle to form a gap between the surface and the support member; and placing a packing arrangement into the gap.
  • the packing arrangement may include a packing material which fills the gap.
  • the method may further comprise detaching the cradle from the surface after filling the gap with the packing material.
  • the packing arrangement may include a flat jack arranged to extend along an axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the shoring arrangement.
  • the packing arrangement may include a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator configured to attenuate thermal loading of the support member, the hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder arranged for a rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend along an axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the shoring arrangement when the hydraulic cylinder is pressurised.
  • the accumulator may be a compressed gas accumulator; and the accumulator may be configured to partially fill with hydraulic fluid when the hydraulic cylinder is pressurised.
  • the shoring arrangement kit may further comprise a flat jack.
  • the shoring arrangement kit may further comprise a hydraulic cylinder and an accumulator.
  • a shoring support member including a hydraulic cylinder connected in fluid communication with an accumulator, wherein the shoring support member is extendable by extending a rod of the hydraulic cylinder and wherein the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator are configured to attenuate thermal loading of the support member.
  • Figure 1 shows a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figures 2a and 2b show part of support members embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 3 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 5 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 6 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 7 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 8 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 9 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 10 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 11 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 12 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 13 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 14 shows part of a support member, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 15 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 16 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 17 shows a detail view of part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 18 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 19 shows a support member, embodying the present disclosure
  • Figure 20 shows part of a shoring arrangement, embodying the present disclosure.
  • the described technology may include a shoring arrangement 1 (see e.g. Fig. 1).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may be a ground shoring arrangement 1 (i.e. for supporting a ground surface).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may support a surface 100, and may support two surfaces 100.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, be disposed between two surfaces 100 to support said surfaces 100. Accordingly, the shoring arrangement 1 may span a gap between two supported surfaces 100 (e.g. a middle section of the shoring arrangement 1 between the two surfaces 100 may be unsupported).
  • the surface 100 may be part of a wall and/or roof, such as a basement wall, cofferdam wall, retaining wall, tunnel wall and/or tunnel roof, etc.
  • the surface 100 may be part of an object attached to a wall and/or roof.
  • the surface 100 may be part of a beam, such as a waler beam (see e.g. Fig. 4) or capping beam.
  • the surface 100 may be a natural surface, such as a bedrock or earthen surface 100, or may be man-made, such as a concrete or metal surface 100.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a longitudinal axis 101 (see e.g. Fig. 1) which may generally run from a first end of the shoring arrangement 1 , which may support a first surface 100, to a second end of the shoring arrangement 1 , which may support a second surface 100.
  • the longitudinal axis 101 (which may be a central longitudinal axis 101 of the shoring arrangement 1) may, in fact, be curved rather than straight - i.e. forming a slight arch.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a cradle 2 and/or may include a support member 3.
  • the support member 3 may be a shoring support member 3 (i.e. a support member 3 for shoring, or supporting, the surface 100).
  • the support member 3 may, therefore, span at least a portion of the gap between two surfaces 100 (i.e. a middle section of the support member 3 between the surfaces 100 may be unsupported).
  • the cradle 2 may be configured to support at least a portion of the support member 3, optionally by releasably receiving at least a portion of the support member 3.
  • the cradle 2 may slidably receive at least a portion of the support member 3.
  • the support member 3 may slide axially within the cradle 2.
  • the support member 3 may comprise a prop 300, which may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical.
  • the support member 3 (and prop 300) may be tubular, and may define an internal space, or may have any other hollow cross-section defining an internal space.
  • the longitudinal axis 101 may, therefore, run generally lengthwise through the support member 3.
  • the support member 3 may be made of metal, such as steel.
  • the support member 3 may be painted and the colour of the paint may be a relatively light colour in order to reduce the temperature of the support member 3 when exposed to, for example, light from the Sun (when compared to a relatively darkly painted support member 3).
  • the support member 3 may comprise one or more lifting points 302, which may enable the support member 3 to be lifted into place, for example by a crane.
  • the lifting points 302 may comprise a protrusion including an aperture, through which a lifting device (e.g. hook, chain, shackle etc.) may be inserted.
  • a lifting device e.g. hook, chain, shackle etc.
  • the support member 3 may include one or more flanges 301 (see e.g. Fig 2a), which may enable a plurality of support members 3 to be connected together or to other objects (e.g. mechanically connected, such as by nuts and bolts), for example to form one larger support member 3.
  • the support member 3 may include a flange 301 at each end (e.g. opposing ends) of the support member 3.
  • the flange 301 may include a plurality of apertures, wherein one or more of the plurality of apertures are configured to receive a respective fixing member such as a bolt (e.g. for use in connecting the support member 3 to another support member 3 or object).
  • a plurality of support members 3 may be connected together to form a longer support member 3.
  • a support member 3 may be considered to include a plurality of sub-members (each being a smaller support member 3, for example), such as a plurality of props 300. Coarse adjustment of the length of the support member 3 may be performed by adding or removing one or more sub-members, which may each have a length of from about 100 mm to about 1500 mm, such as about 250 mm, or about 500 mm.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and, in some instances, the support member 3) may include a blanking plate 303 (see e.g. Fig. 2b), which may be attached to the flange 301 by a fixing member 305.
  • the blanking plate 303 may, therefore, include a plurality of apertures, one or more of which may align with one or more of the apertures of the flange 301 such that the fixing member 305 may be passed through the aligned apertures to attach the blanking plate 303 to the flange 301 (or otherwise to the support member 3).
  • the fixing member 305 may include a bolt 305 (a nut may be provided to engage the bolt 305).
  • the or each of the apertures of the blanking plate 303 which are aligned with one or more apertures of the flange 303 may be shaped and sized such that the bolt 305 received therethrough is countersunk relative to a surface of the blanking plate 303 (such that the blanking plate 303 provides a relatively flat outer surface).
  • the fixing member 305 may include a recess, such as a hex recess, for enabling a torque to be applied to the fixing member 305 during its removal or insertion.
  • the recess may face outwardly when the fixing member 305 is attached to the flange 301 and blanking plate 303 (i.e. may be located in the relatively flat outer surface of the blanking plate 303).
  • the recess may be filled with sealant, such as mastic or silicone, once the blanking plate 303 has been attached to the flange 301.
  • sealant such as mastic or silicone
  • the blanking plate may be approximately 1-150 mm thick (e.g. about 30 mm or about 80 mm thick).
  • the blanking plate 303 may be, therefore, provided over an open end of the support member 3 and may inhibit the ingress of material through the open end.
  • the blanking plate 303 may be removable from the support member 3 but this need not be the case.
  • the blanking plate 303 may be welded to the end of the support member 3.
  • the blanking plate 303 may even be provided within the internal space defined by the support member 3 and may be provided towards the open end of the support member 3. Again, such a blanking plate 303 may be welded in place and may inhibit the ingress of material past the blanking plate 303 and further into the support member 3.
  • the blanking plate 303 may have a shape corresponding with a cross-sectional shape of the support member 3 (e.g.
  • the blanking plate 303 may have a shape corresponding with a shape defined by the flange 301.
  • the flange 301 may be annular and the blanking plate 303 may be substantially circular.
  • the blanking plate 303 may have any other shape (e.g. any shape which inhibits the ingress of material through the open end of the support member 3).
  • the blanking plate 303 may be formed from a metal such as steel, for example.
  • the blanking plate 303 may include one or more radially extending lifting loops or hooks 3031 for use in assisting with the movement of the blanking plate 303.
  • the or each lifting loop or hook 3031 may extend from an edge of the blanking plate 303 and may be integrally formed therewith or, for example, welded thereto.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and, in some instances, the support member 3) may include one or more attachment shear keys 304, which may be attached to (or integral with) the blanking plate 303.
  • the one or more attachment shear keys 304 may be attached to (or integral with) the support member 3 and may extend from an end thereof (in some such versions, the blanking plate 303 may be a part of the support member 3).
  • the one or more attachment shear keys 304 may be attached to the blanking plate 303 using a fixing member 3041 ; the fixing member 3041 may be a bolt configured to engage a nut, for example.
  • the or each attachment shear key 304 may, therefore, define an aperture to receive the fixing member 3041. This aperture may be sized and shaped such that the fixing member 3041 may be countersunk relative to an end surface of the attachment shear key 304 which defines the aperture.
  • the or each fixing member 3041 may include a recess, such as a hex recess, for enabling a torque to be applied to the fixing member 3041 during its removal or insertion.
  • the recess may face outwardly when the fixing member 3041 is attached to the attachment shear key 304.
  • the recess may be filled with sealant, such as mastic or silicone, once the attachment shear key 304 has been attached.
  • the or each attachment shear key 304 may have a proximal end proximate the blanking plate 303 and a distal end distant from the blanking plate 303.
  • the attachment shear key 304 may be tapered such that a distal width of the attachment shear key 304 is less than a proximal width of the attachment shear key 304, e.g. the attachment shear key 304 may be tapered such that a first end of the attachment shear key 304 adjacent the blanking plate 303 is wider than a second end of the attachment shear key 304 opposite the first end.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and, in some instances, the support member 3) may include a packing plate 306 (see e.g. Fig. 14), which may be located adjacent the blanking plate 303 or otherwise adjacent the end of the support member 3.
  • the packing plate 306 may be attached to and/or integral with the blanking plate 303.
  • the packing plate 306 is attached to or integral with the end of the support member 3.
  • the packing plate 306 may, therefore, protrude outwardly from the blanking plate 303 and/or from the end of the support member 3. In some versions, therefore, the blanking plate 303 may not be provided, and the packing plate 306 may be attached to (or integral with) the support member 3 without the presence of the blanking plate 303.
  • the packing plate 306 may be attached to the blanking plate 303 and/or the support member 3 using one or more fixing members 3061 (such as one or more bolts 3061 configured for use with one or more nuts).
  • the or each fixing member 3061 may be received by a respective aperture through the packing plate 306 and may be received by a respective one of the plurality of apertures in the flange 301 , for example.
  • the or each aperture in the packing plate 306 may be shaped and sized such that the or each fixing member 3061 may be countersunk relative to an end surface thereof.
  • the packing plate 306 is attached to the blanking plate 303
  • the or each fixing member 3061 may be received by a respective aperture through the blanking plate 303 (and may also be received by a respective aperture of the plurality through the flange 301 ).
  • the packing plate 306 is, for example, welded to the blanking plate 303 and/or the end of the support member 3.
  • the packing plate 306 may have a shape corresponding with a cross-sectional shape of the support member 3 (e.g. of the prop 300).
  • the packing plate 306 may have a shape corresponding with a shape defined by the flange 301 and/or the blanking plate 303.
  • the packing plate 306 may be substantially circular.
  • the packing plate 306 may be formed from a metal such as steel, for example.
  • the packing plate 306 may include one or more radially extending lifting loops or hooks 3062 for use in assisting with the movement of the packing plate 306.
  • the or each lifting loop or hook 3062 may extend from an edge of the packing plate 306 and may be integrally formed therewith or, for example, welded thereto.
  • a width (e.g. a diameter) of the packing plate 306 may be less than a width (e.g. diameter) of the blanking plate 303.
  • the packing plate 306 and blanking plate 303 may be arranged such that the central axes through the depth of each plate 306,303 are aligned and parallel when the packing plate 306 is in position adjacent the blanking plate 303.
  • the central axis through the packing plate 306 may be aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and, in some instances, the support member 3) may include a bearing block 307, which may be a spherical bearing block 307.
  • the bearing block 307 may be adjacent the packing plate 306 and/or blanking plate 303 (and may be attached to and/or integral with the packing plate 306 and/or blanking plate 303).
  • the bearing block 307 may be attached to or integral with the end of the support member 3 (e.g. without the packing plate 306 and/or blanking plate 303).
  • the bearing block 307 may, therefore, protrude outwardly from the blanking plate 303, packing plate 306 and/or from the end of the support member 3.
  • the bearing block 307 may not be attached to the packing plate 306, blanking plate 303 and/or the end of the support member 3, but may be configured to bear upon the packing plate 306, blanking plate 303 and/or the end of the support member 3.
  • the bearing block 307 may be attached to the packing plate 306 and/or the blanking plate 303 and/or the support member 3 using one or more fixing members (such as one or more bolts configured for use with one or more nuts or a threaded aperture (e.g. through the packing plate 306 and/or the blanking plate 303)).
  • the bearing block 307 may be fitted to a correspondingly shaped recess in the packing plate 306 or blanking plate 303.
  • the one or more fixing members may include a fixing member received by an aperture through a centre of the bearing block 307, for example, and also received by the packing plate 306 and/or the blanking plate 303 (that aperture may be the aforementioned threaded aperture).
  • the bearing block 307 may be, for example, welded to the packing plate 306, blanking plate 303, and/or the end of the support member 3.
  • the bearing block 307 may have a shape corresponding with a cross-sectional shape of the support member 3 (e.g. of the prop 300).
  • the bearing block 307 may have a shape corresponding with a shape of the blanking plate 303 and/or the packing plate 306.
  • the bearing block 307 may be substantially circular.
  • the bearing block 307 may be formed from a metal such as steel, for example.
  • a width (e.g. a diameter) of the bearing block 307 may be less than a width (e.g. diameter) of the blanking plate 303 and/or the packing plate 306.
  • the bearing block 307, packing plate 306 and blanking plate 303 may be arranged such the central axes through the depth of each plate 307,306,303 are aligned and parallel when the bearing block 307 is in position adjacent the blanking plate 303 or packing plate 306.
  • the central axis through the bearing block 307 may be aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
  • the bearing block 307 may include a first bearing surface 3071 which may be a curved bearing surface 3071 , optionally a convex bearing surface 3071.
  • the first bearing surface 3071 may be a ball in a ball and cup bearing arrangement as described herein.
  • the first bearing surface 3071 may be in the form of a part of a sphere, for example.
  • the bearing block 307 may include a second bearing surface 3072 (see e.g. Fig. 16), which may be located opposite the first bearing surface 3071 , and which may be a substantially planar bearing surface 3072.
  • the bearing block 307 may, therefore, have a generally hemispherical shape.
  • the second bearing surface 3072 may include a recess 3073, which may be a central recess 3073, which may be substantially circular.
  • the second bearing surface 3072 may include one or more grooves or steps 3074 therein, which may be annular.
  • the second bearing surface 3072 may, therefore, include a plurality of annular bearing surfaces (e.g. separated by the grooves or steps 3074).
  • the second bearing surface 3072 may be configured to bear upon the packing plate 306, blanking plate 303 and/or the end of the support member 3.
  • the bearing block 307 may include an aperture 3075, which may run through the first and second bearing surfaces 3071,3072, and which may be threaded.
  • the aperture 3075 may be configured to receive a fixing member (e.g. bolt, optionally configured for use with a nut), which may be correspondingly threaded.
  • the aperture 3075 may be located in the centre of the first and/or second bearing surfaces 3071 ,3072 (and may, therefore, run along a central axis of the bearing block 307).
  • the cradle 2 may be U-shaped or substantially U-shaped (see e.g. Fig. 3).
  • the longitudinal axis 101 may, therefore, generally run from a first U-shaped end of the cradle 2 to a second U-shaped end of the cradle 2, such that a transverse cross- section of the cradle 2 is also substantially U-shaped (see e.g. Fig. 8).
  • the longitudinal axis 101 may run through both the cradle 2 and the support member 3 when the support member 3 is supported by the cradle 2.
  • the cradle 2 may include an outer U-shaped element 221 which may be configured to be located adjacent or towards the surface 100.
  • the outer U-shaped element 221 may be generally planar and configured to be parallel to the surface 100.
  • the cradle 2 may include an inner U-shaped element 222 configured to be located away from the surface 100 (relative to the outer U-shaped element 221).
  • the inner U-shaped element 222 may be generally planar and may be generally parallel to the outer U-shaped element 221.
  • One or more rib members 223 may extend between the outer and inner U-shaped elements 221 ,222.
  • the or each rib member 223 may extend in a longitudinal direction between the outer and inner U- shaped elements 221 ,222 and may hold the outer and inner U-shaped elements 221 ,222 apart, defining a length of the cradle 2.
  • the cradle 2 length (which may, therefore, be measured from a first U-shaped end to a second U-shaped end thereof) may be 1-1,500 mm, such as 50-1,500 mm or 100-350 mm or 150-300 mm or 200-250 mm (e.g. about 225 mm) or 200-700 mm or 300-600 mm or 400- 500 mm or 425-475 mm (e.g. about 450 mm) or 500-1000 mm or 500-800 mm or
  • One or more further supports 224 may be provided, the or each further support 224 extending between a pair of the rib members 223 (of which there are a plurality).
  • a cradle plate 225 may form part of the cradle 2 and may be a curved plate 225. The cradle plate 225 may be supported by the inner and outer U-shaped elements 221 ,222 and/or the or each rib member 223 and/or the or each further support 224.
  • the cradle plate 225 may, therefore, be U-shaped and have a length which may extend between the outer and inner U-shaped elements 221 ,222.
  • the cradle plate 225 and/or the inner and outer U-shaped elements 221 ,222 and/or the or each rib member 223 and/or the or each further support 224 may be welded together, for example.
  • the cradle plate 225 and/or the inner and outer U-shaped elements 221 ,222 and/or the or each rib member 223 and/or the or each further support 224 may be formed from a metal such as steel and may have been cut from a sheet of metal, for example.
  • rib members 223 there are a plurality of rib members 223 and these include at least one rib member 223 at each of the free ends of the cradle 2. These end rib members 223 may be parallel with each other and separated by the distance between the two free ends of the cradle 2 (and so the U-shaped elements 221 ,222). With the cradle 2 in its normal, in use, orientation, these two end rib members 223 may be substantially horizontal.
  • the end rib members 223 may define one or more attachment apertures 2231 for use in attaching other objects to the cradle 2, for example.
  • the or each rib member 223 may taper toward an inner end of the cradle 2 (i.e.
  • a pair of the one or more ribs 223 coupled to each other by a cover member (see e.g. Fig 12) and, in such versions in which the ribs 223 are tapered, this may form a wedge-like element (which may also be coupled to the end plate 207 and/or outer U-shaped element 221 ).
  • the outer U-shaped element 221 may define one or more outer element apertures 2211 and/or the inner U-shaped element 222 may define one or more inner element apertures 2221.
  • the inner and outer element apertures 2211 ,2221 may be configured for use in securing the cradle 2 to another object and may, therefore, be configured to receive a fixing member 213 such as a bolt, rivet, pin, or the like.
  • the outer and inner U-shaped elements 221 ,222 may be viewed, therefore, as flanges of the cradle 2.
  • the cradle 2 may include a plurality of segments, which may be a plurality of U- shaped, or substantially U-shaped, segments.
  • a first segment 210 may be attached to a second segment 211 to extend the cradle 2 (i.e. the first and second segments 210,211 may be stacked to form the cradle 2).
  • the length of the cradle 2 (along the longitudinal axis 101) may, therefore, be altered by adding or removing cradle 2 segments.
  • the length of a cradle 2 segment may be 1-1 ,000 mm, such as 100-350 mm or 150-300 mm or 200-250 mm (e.g.
  • Each cradle 2 segment may be secured to another cradle 2 segment using the fixing member(s) 213, which may be received by the inner element aperture(s) 2221 of one cradle 2 segment and the outer element aperture(s) 2211 of another (e.g. second) cradle 2 segment.
  • One or more respective nut(s) may be used to secure the fixing member(s) 213 in place.
  • An interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 (which may be a surface of the cradle plate 225) may be substantially U-shaped, while an exterior surface may also be substantially U-shaped or may have any other shape.
  • the cradle 2 may include a first portion 201 (which may be defined by the cradle plate 225), which may form a base of the cradle 2, which may describe a circular or substantially circular arc. In use, therefore, the first portion 201 may be located at the bottom of the cradle 2, such that a support member 3 received by the cradle 2 may press against the first portion 201 under the force of gravity.
  • the first portion 201 may be generally semi-circular.
  • the cradle 2 may include a second portion 202 (which may be a surface of the cradle plate 225) which may be connected to the first portion 201 , and may be integral with the first portion 201.
  • the second portion 202 may include a proximal end proximate to the first portion 201 and a distal end distant from the first portion 201.
  • the second portion 202 may be angled outwardly, which may facilitate receipt and release of the support member 3.
  • the lateral distance i.e.
  • the distal end of the second portion 202 may define a side of an opening to the cradle 2 into which the support member 3 may be placed (i.e. between the two free ends of the cradle 2). With the second portion 202 angled outwardly, the opening to the cradle 2 may therefore be wider than the base of the cradle 2.
  • the angled second portion 202 may facilitate installation and/or removal of a packing arrangement or packing material (see below) from the cradle, or removal of the cradle from the packing arrangement or packing material (e.g. may facilitate removal of a concrete packing material from the cradle 2 as described below).
  • the shape of the first portion 201 of the cradle 2 may be complementary to the shape of a portion of the support member 3, which may be the portion of the support member 3 that the cradle 2 is configured to receive.
  • the shape of a portion of the interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 (such as the first portion 201) may be complementary to (e.g. may match) the shape of an exterior surface of the support member 3, which may ensure the support member 3 fits snugly (i.e. tightly with restricted lateral movement in at least three directions) into the cradle 2.
  • the cradle 2 may support a circular portion of the support member 3, such as the flange 301 , and the first portion 201 of the cradle 2 may therefore describe a complementary circular arc.
  • the cradle 2 may be configured to be attached to the surface 100.
  • one or more fixing members 2211a may be received by respective ones of the one or more outer element apertures 2211. The or each such fixing member 2211 a may pass into the surface 100 to secure the cradle 2 thereto. This may be appropriate where the surface 100 is a concrete surface 100, for example.
  • the cradle 2 may be configured to be attached to the surface 100 using one or more clamps 209 (see e.g. Fig. 6). For example, where the surface 100 is a waler beam, the cradle 2 may be clamped to the beam using the or each clamp 209.
  • the or each clamp 209 may include a member which is secured to the cradle 2 (e.g. end plate 207) using a clamp fixing member 2091 , for example, through a threaded aperture in the clamp 209.
  • the clamp fixing member 2091 may be a bolt (which may be correspondingly threaded with respect to the threaded aperture). Rotation of the clamp fixing member 2091 may drive movement of the clamp 209 to increase or decrease a distance between the clamp 209 and an end of the cradle 2 (such as the outer U-shaped element 221 ).
  • the or each clamp 209 may include at least one clamp 209 which is secured by the clamp fixing member 2091 which is received by an end plate 207 (see below).
  • the cradle 2 may include one or more lugs 206 which may be used to support, at least partially, the weight of the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. cradle 2 and/or support member 3).
  • the or each lug 206 may extend away from the cradle 2 and may be attached to any of the inner or outer U-shaped elements 221 ,222, the cradle plate 225, the one or more rib members 223, and/or the one or more further supports 224.
  • the or each lug 206 may extend substantially horizontally when the cradle 2 is in its normal in use orientation. In some versions, there is one such lug 206 provided on opposing sides of the cradle 2.
  • One or more attachment members 102 may be attached to the surface 100 and may engage the lug(s) 206 to support the cradle 2.
  • the or each attachment member 102 may comprise a head configured to be attached to the surface 100 (e.g. by a screw, bolt, rivet, or clamp), may comprise a suspender such as a suspension bar, cable or chain attached to the head, and may comprise a hook attached to the suspender, the hook configured to engage a lug 206 of the one or more lugs 206.
  • the head of each attachment member 102 may be secured to the surface above the cradle 2.
  • the or each attachment member 102 may assist in supporting the weight of the cradle 2 and/or support member 3.
  • the cradle 2 may be open-backed such that the outer end (defined by the outer U- shaped element 221 in some versions) is open prior to attachment to the surface 100.
  • the cradle 2 may be closed-backed in some versions such that the outer end is closed prior to attachment to the surface 100.
  • the cradle 2 may be converted from open-backed to closed-backed (and vice versa) by the addition or removal of the end plate 207.
  • the cradle 2 may, therefore, include the end plate 207, which may be detachable.
  • the end plate 207 may be attached to the cradle 2 such that a first face (at the inner end) of the cradle 2 is open and a second face, opposite the first face (at the outer end), is closed by the end plate 207.
  • the support member 3 may extend through the first (open) face when the support member 3 is supported by the cradle 2, but may be inhibited or substantially prevented from extending through the second (closed) face by the end plate 207.
  • One or more end shear keys 2072 may be attached to the end plate 207 - the or each end shear key 2072 and manner of their attachment may be generally the same as the attachment shear key(s) 304.
  • the or each end shear key 2072 may be attached to (or integral with) the end plate 207 and may extend inwardly (i.e. towards the support member 3).
  • the one or more end shear keys 2072 may be attached to the end plate 207 using a fixing member 2073, the fixing member 2073 may be a bolt configured to engage a nut, for example.
  • the or each end shear key 2072 may, therefore, define an aperture to receive the fixing member 2073. This aperture may be sized and shaped such that the fixing member 2073 may be countersunk relative to an end surface of the end shear key 2072 which defines the aperture.
  • the or each fixing member 2073 may include a recess, such as a hex recess, for enabling a torque to be applied to the fixing member 2073 during its removal or insertion.
  • the recess may face outwardly when the fixing member 2073 is attached to the end shear key 2072.
  • the recess may be filled with sealant, such as mastic or silicone, once the end shear key 2072 has been attached.
  • the or each end shear key 2072 may have a proximal end proximate the end plate 207 and a distal end distant from the end plate 207.
  • the end shear key 2072 may be tapered such that a distal width of the end shear key 2072 is less than a proximal width of the end shear key 2072, e.g. the end shear key 2072 may be tapered such that a first end of the end shear key 2072 adjacent the end plate 207 is wider than a second end of the end shear key 2072 opposite the first end.
  • the one or more clamps 209 may include at least one clamp 209 which may be attached to, or may be integral with, the end plate 207.
  • the end plate 207 may be attached to the cradle 2 or may be disposed within - but not attached to - the cradle 2. The end plate 207 may, therefore, be slid into position after the cradle 2 is attached to the surface 100, and may bear upon the surface 100. In some versions, the end plate 207 is attached to the outer U-shaped element 221 by one or more fixing members 2074 (which may be received by the outer element aperture(s) 2211 and by end plate aperture(s) 2075 of the end plate 207).
  • the end plate 207 may include one or more spacers 2071 (see e.g. Fig. 7).
  • the one or more spacers 2071 may be attached (optionally detachably attached) to the end plate 207 or may be integral with the end plate 207.
  • the spacer 2071 may comprise a protrusion, optionally elongate, protruding from the end plate 207.
  • the spacer 2071 may be a spacer bar 2071.
  • the spacer 2071 may be welded to the end plate 207.
  • the one or more spacers 2071 may protrude from a first face of the end plate 207, and a second face of the end plate 207 located opposite the first face may be generally planar.
  • the end plate 207 may, therefore, be reversible, such that the end plate 207 may be attached to the cradle 2 in a first orientation with the first face facing the cradle 2 interior (i.e. inwardly) and may be attached to the cradle 2 in a second orientation with the first face facing away from the cradle 2 interior (i.e. outwardly).
  • the first orientation therefore, the second face may contact the surface 100
  • the one or more spacers 2071 may contact the surface 100.
  • the cradle 2 may be attached to the surface 100 with the spacers 2071 in contact with the surface 100.
  • a gap may, therefore, be formed between the surface 100 and the end plate 207 (the depth of the gap being equal to the depth of the spacers 2071 ).
  • the spacers 2071 may define a width and a length of the gap, therebetween.
  • the gap may have one open side (e.g. at the top, with the cradle 2 in the normal, in use, orientation).
  • the gap may be filled with filler such as grout.
  • a container such as a bag, may be placed in the gap and may be filled with filler. Alternatively, filler may be placed directly into the gap. Use of the container may facilitate easy removal of the filler, and may reduce mess.
  • a technical benefit of the shoring arrangement 1 including the cradle 2 may be that fine adjustment of the length of the shoring arrangement is possible.
  • a support member 3 supported by the cradle 2 may be moveable (e.g. slidable) within the cradle 2, such as movable along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 of the shoring arrangement 1 (i.e. an axial sliding movement).
  • the support member 3 may, therefore, be moved closer to, or further away from, the surface 100 by moving the support member 3 within the cradle 2.
  • This may provide a simple, easy to use way to adjust the length of the shoring arrangement 1 to the length required in any particular situation (e.g. a particular size of excavation (i.e.
  • the support member 3 may be placed within the cradle 2, with the cradle 2 attached to the surface 100, to form a gap between the surface 100 and the support member 3 (e.g. an end of the support member 3).
  • the support member 3 may be moved (e.g. slid) within the cradle 2 as described previously to form a shoring arrangement 1 having a required length.
  • Sealant may be applied around the exterior surface of the support member 3 and the interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 to form a seal between the support member 3 and cradle 2.
  • the gap between the surface 100 and the support member 3 may be filled with packing material.
  • the packing material may comprise concrete, aggregate, rubble, cement, mortar and/or similar. In this case the cradle 2 may be open-backed. The packing material may directly contact the surface 100 and/or may bear directly on the surface 100.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include formwork 205 (see e.g. Fig. 10), which may be configured to fit around an end (e.g. the flange 301 and/or the prop 300) of the support member 3, and/or may be configured to fit inside the cradle 2.
  • the formwork 205 may be configured to fit around the blanking plate 303.
  • the formwork 205 may be substantially n-shaped formwork.
  • the formwork 205 may include an inner member 2052 which has a first contact edge which is configured to fit closely with a part of the support member 3, such as the prop 300 with the inner member 2052 generally parallel with the flange 301 , for example. This first contact edge of the inner member 2052 may, therefore, be arcuate.
  • the formwork 205 may include an outer member 2053 which may be generally parallel with inner member 2052 and which may include a second contact edge which is correspondingly sized and shaped as (and may fit against an edge of) the flange 301.
  • a connecting member 2054 may be provided which is perpendicular to the inner and/or outer members 2052,2053 and which connects these two members 2052,2053 together.
  • a width of the formwork 205 may correspond with an internal width of the cradle 2 (e.g. in the second portion 202).
  • the formwork 205 may have a height such that, when positioned against the support member 3, the connecting member 2054 is generally aligned with the top of the cradle 2 (e.g. with the end rib members 223).
  • the connecting member 2054 may define one or more access apertures 2055 which provide access through the formwork 205 to the or each lifting hoop 3031 of the blanking plate 303, for example.
  • the formwork 205 may be configured to fit around the end of the support member 3 and inside the cradle 2 such that the formwork 205 and support member 3 form a substantially planar face which fills the cradle 2.
  • the formwork 205 may, therefore, enable the gap between the surface 100 and the support member 3 to be filled with packing material.
  • the formwork 205 may be held in place using timber propping.
  • the formwork 205 may include one or more lifting points 2051 , which may be attached to or integral with the formwork 205.
  • the formwork 205 therefore, allows the packing material to be provided in a space between the surface 100 (over which may be located the end plate 207 in some versions) and the formwork 205 (e.g. the outer member 2053, with the formwork 205 retaining the packing material.
  • the packing material may be reinforced with one or more pieces of reinforcement member 203, such as one or more elongate metal (e.g. steel) bars (e.g. rebar) 203.
  • the reinforcement member 203 may be curved and may comprise a rebar hoop 203 or other generally or partially circular reinforcement member 203.
  • the reinforcement member 203 may be oriented such that the reinforcement member 203 is substantially in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101 of the shoring arrangement 1.
  • the reinforcement member 203 may, therefore, be oriented to increase and/or maximise the shear strength of the packing material (e.g. concrete).
  • the reinforcement member 203 may be embedded within the packing material.
  • a lifting point 204 may be attached to the packing material.
  • the lifting point 204 may be a lifting bar, which may be a steel or mild steel lifting bar.
  • the lifting point 204 may be partially embedded in the packing material, for example such that a portion of the lifting point 204 is embedded in the packing material and/or for example such that a portion of the lifting point 204 protrudes from the packing material (e.g. to facilitate lifting of the packing material).
  • the lifting point 204 may be cast into the packing material when the packing material comprises concrete, for example.
  • the formwork 205 is configured to be removed once the packing material has been provided (and/or once it has cured).
  • One or more dowels may extend from the surface 100 and may project into the packing material.
  • the dowels may be coated in release agent, such as concrete release agent (i.e. a release agent which facilitates the release of concrete), or may each be provided with a dowel bar de-bonding sleeve.
  • the dowels may, therefore, engage the packing material and may transfer at least a part of a lateral load (e.g. a vertical load when the shoring arrangement 1 is horizontally disposed) from the shoring arrangement 1 to the surface 100.
  • the cradle 2 may be open- backed in this case, and the surface 100 may be a concrete surface 100.
  • the interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 may be coated with release agent.
  • Release agent may be applied to the interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 before the gap (i.e. between the surface 100 (or end plate 207) and the blanking plate 303 or, more generally, the end of the support member 3) is filled with packing material (e.g. concrete).
  • the release agent may be wax-based, oil-based, or water-based.
  • the release agent may be a concrete release agent.
  • the packing material may, therefore, be lifted out of the cradle 2, for example when the shoring arrangement 1 is dismantled.
  • the release agent may be applied to the formwork 205.
  • the blanking plate 303 of the support member 3 may inhibit or substantially prevent ingress of the packing material into the support member 3, and may also spread the load from the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g.
  • the attachment and/or end shear key or keys 304,2072 may engage the packing material and may transfer at least a part of a lateral load (e.g. a vertical load when the shoring arrangement 1 is horizontally disposed) from the support member 3 to the packing material.
  • the lateral load may therefore be a shear load.
  • the tapering of the attachment and/or end shear keys 304,2072 may facilitate removal from the packing material e.g. when the shoring arrangement 1 is dismantled.
  • the cradle 2 may be removed from the surface 100 after the gap (between the end of the support member 3 (e.g. the blanking plate 303) and the surface 100 or end plate 207) has been filled with packing material (e.g. when the packing material is concrete).
  • the end plate 207 may be detached from the cradle 2 and the cradle 2 may be removed, leaving the end plate 207 attached to the surface 100.
  • the end shear keys 2072 of the end plate 207 may, therefore, help to transfer lateral loads.
  • the cradle 2 may, therefore, be used in the construction of a plurality of shoring arrangements 1. The possibility to re-use the cradle 2 in this way may be a technical benefit of the disclosed shoring arrangements 1.
  • the placement of the support member 3 within the cradle 2 may create a gap (between the end of the support member 3 and the surface 100 (or end plate 207)) which can be varied in size by moving (e.g. sliding) the support member 3 along an axis substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 101 of the shoring arrangement 1. This movement may enable fine adjustment of the length of the shoring arrangement 1.
  • the length of the shoring arrangement 1 may be fixed at the required length. This may provide a simple, easy to use way of adjusting the shoring arrangement 1 length. There may be no need for a complicated extension mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder and the associated cost, training, and maintenance necessary to use such an extension mechanism.
  • a further technical benefit provided by the shoring arrangement 1 comprising the cradle 2 may be that small deviations from the normal between the surface 100 and the shoring arrangement 1 may easily be compensated for (or even provided if necessary).
  • a prop may be fixed to a first and second wall to support said walls.
  • a problem may arise where it is not possible to attach the prop at a perfectly normal angle (e.g. at 90 degrees) to both the first wall and the second wall (e.g. where the two walls are not perfectly parallel). This may require the use of a specialised end fitting to compensate for the angle, or may lead to increased stress in the shoring arrangement if an end fitting is not used.
  • the support member 3 may be inserted into the cradle 2 at a slight angle (e.g. up to 10 degrees from the normal).
  • the support member 3 may then bear upon the packing material (e.g. concrete) used to fill the gap. This may ensure the support member 3 is concentrically loaded.
  • the cradle 2 may be closed-backed, e.g. by the detachable end plate 207.
  • the support member 3 may be placed in the cradle 2 as described previously to form a gap between the support member 3 and the cradle back (e.g. end plate 207).
  • This gap may be filled with packing material as described previously, and may confer the advantages described previously.
  • processes and advantages regarding the shoring arrangement 1 including the closed-backed cradle 2 filled with packing material are largely the same as for the shoring arrangement 1 including the open-backed cradle 2, these same features will not be described again, for brevity.
  • the end plate 207 may include one or more end plate apertures 2075 (as described herein) through which dowels which extend from the surface 100 may be received to engage the packing material as described above.
  • the end plate 207 may have one or more clamps 209 (see e.g. Fig 6) attached thereto for use in attaching the cradle 2 to the surface 100 (e.g. the one or more clamps 209 may be attached to the end plate 207 and may be configured to attach the cradle 2 to the surface 100, which may be a beam such as a waler beam).
  • the or each clamp 209 may be attached to the end plate 207 by a nut and bolt, which may project into the cradle 2 interior (and, therefore, into the gap which may be filled with packing material).
  • the nut and/or bolt may be protected with corrosion prevention tape and/or de-bonding tape.
  • some versions of the technology include versions in which the surface 100 is in direct contact with the packing material (e.g. concrete). This type of construction may reduce the likelihood of buckling of the support member 3.
  • the concrete packing material may, at the interface with the end of the support member 3, provide rotational restraint to the end of the support member 3 so as to increase the axial strength of the support member 3 by reducing its effective buckling length.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include one or more flat jacks 4 (see e.g. Figs. 11 and 12).
  • the flat jack 4 may generally comprise an inflatable capsule disposed between a pair of platens. The capsule may be inflated by pumping fluid (e.g. water, oil, resin, cementitious grout) into the capsule through a pipe or hose, commonly known as a tail - this may, therefore, be a first tail.
  • the flat jack 4 may include a second tail to allow air to escape from the capsule when the fluid is pumped in.
  • the first and/or second tails may each include a valve, which may be a shut off ball valve. The valve(s) may be configured to allow and/or to block the flow of fluid through the tail.
  • the flat jack 4 may be configured to extend up to about 1-100 mm, such as up to about 25 mm or up to about 50 mm.
  • the flat jack 4 may have a generally circular shape.
  • a width (e.g. a diameter) of the flat jack 4 may be less than a width (e.g. diameter) of the blanking plate 303 and/or may be less than a width of the end plate 207.
  • a width (e.g. diameter) of the flat jack 4 may be less than an internal width of the first portion 201 of the cradle 2 such that the flat jack 4 may be at least partially received within a space defined by the first portion 201.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a flat jack cover 400.
  • the cover 400 or at least a portion thereof, may have a shape corresponding with a shape of the flat jack 4 (and may, therefore, be substantially circular).
  • the cover 400 may include a first portion 401 forming a wall around the flat jack 4, the height of the wall corresponding approximately to the height of the flat jack 4, and may include a second portion 402, attached to or integral with the first portion 401 , covering the flat jack 4.
  • the cover 400 may include an opening 403 through which the one or more tails may run. Sealant, such as expanding foam, silicone, or mastic, may fill the opening 403, which may seal any gaps between the tails and the cover 400, thereby fully enclosing the flat jack 4.
  • the cover 400 may be a metal cover 400, such as a steel cover 400, and may be consumable.
  • the cover 400 may protect the flat jack 4 from damage, such as damage from the packing material (e.g. damage from ingress of the
  • the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400 may be supported by the cradle 2, and may be supported by the end plate 207.
  • the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400 may, therefore, be attached to the end plate 207, optionally using banding (e.g. plastic banding), which may be received by a subset of the end plate apertures 2075 and/or by use of an adhesive.
  • banding e.g. plastic banding
  • the subset of the end plate apertures 2075 may be configured to centralise the flat jack 4 on the end plate 207 (e.g. may be configured with the appropriate pitch circle diameter to centralise the flat jack 4 when the flat jack 4 is attached to the end plate 207).
  • the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400 may be supported by a flat jack bracket (e.g.
  • the flat jack bracket may be located on the end plate 207 so as to centralise the flat jack 4 on the end plate 207.
  • the flat jack bracket may be attached to the end plate 207 using one or more bracket fixing members (such as one or more bolts configured for use with one or more nuts), which may each be received by one of the end plate apertures 2075.
  • the flat jack bracket may be welded to the end plate 207.
  • the flat jack bracket may protrude from the end plate 207 to support the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400, and may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400, such as a circular arc.
  • Sealant such as silicone or mastic, may be applied around the interface between the cover 400 and end plate 207 (which may seal any gaps between the cover 400 and end plate 207).
  • the flat jack 4 and/or cover 400 may rest (at least partially) on the flat jack bracket (e.g. under gravity with the cradle 2 in its normal, in use, orientation).
  • the flat jack 4 may be arranged to extend (e.g. when inflated) along an axis substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 101.
  • the flat jack 4 may, therefore, extend towards the support member 3 (e.g. with second portion 402 of the cover 400 being generally parallel with the end plate 207 and/or the blanking plate 303).
  • a plurality of flat jacks 4 may be stacked in series (e.g. such that each jack is arranged to extend in substantially the same direction).
  • the flat jack 4 may be used with the reversible end plate 207 including the one or more spacers 2071.
  • the end plate 207 may be arranged for the generally planar face of the end plate 207 to bear upon the surface 100 when the load in the shoring arrangement 1 is relatively small (e.g. up to about 2000 kN).
  • the end plate 207 may be arranged for the spacers 2071 to bear upon the surface 100 (and grout may be placed into the gap formed between the surface 100 and end plate 207 as described previously) when the load in the shoring arrangement 1 is relatively high (e.g. above about 2000 kN).
  • Some shoring arrangements 1 may require preloading.
  • the flat jack 4 may, therefore, be used to preload the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. to preload the support member 3).
  • extension of the flat jack 4 may push the packing material (and therefore the support member 3) away from the end plate 207 and/or surface 100.
  • the support member 3 may be placed into the cradle 2 in direct contact with the flat jack 4 (i.e. such that there is substantially no gap between the support member 3 and flat jack 4 (in such versions, no packing material may be placed in the cradle 2)).
  • an opposing end of the support member 3 may be placed into a second cradle 2, which may enable fine length adjustment as described previously (i.e. through use of the packing material). Extension of the flat jack 4 may, therefore, push the support member 3 away from the end plate 207 and/or surface 100.
  • the flat jack 4 may, therefore, preload the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. support member 3).
  • the flat jack 4 may be fully extended or may be partially extended according to the required preload.
  • the flat jack 4 may be extended (e.g. inflated) using an inflation fluid (e.g. water), which may be pumped into the flat jack 4 through the first tail.
  • the inflation fluid may be replaced later with a bearing fluid (e.g. grout), which may increase the load capacity of the flat jack 4.
  • a bearing fluid of cementitious grout may be transfused into the flat jack 4 to replace an inflation fluid of water.
  • Preloading using the flat jack 4 may be significantly cheaper, easier and simpler than known preloading methods (for example by using complex hydraulic rams).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a thermal loading attenuation system 5 (see e.g. Fig. 13).
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 (and, therefore, any feature thereof) may be supported by the cradle 2.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include an accumulator 500 (see e.g. Fig. 15), which may be a hydraulic accumulator 500 (i.e. an accumulator configured for use with a hydraulic cylinder).
  • the accumulator 500 may include a casing 5004 which may have a curved surface, and may have a substantially circular cross-section.
  • the accumulator 500 may be supported by the cradle 2, for example by an accumulator support bracket 504.
  • the accumulator support bracket 504 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the accumulator 500 and/or casing 5004; the accumulator support bracket 504 may, therefore, be curved and may form a circular arc.
  • the accumulator support bracket 504 may be attached to the end plate 207, optionally by banding received by the end plate apertures 2075.
  • the accumulator support bracket 504 may be attached to the end plate 207 using an accumulator support bracket fixing member 5041 (e.g. bolt configured for use with a nut), which may be received by a respective accumulator support bracket aperture and end plate aperture 2075.
  • the accumulator support bracket 504 may be welded to the end plate 207.
  • the accumulator 500 may be attached to the accumulator support bracket 504 with strapping 5042.
  • the accumulator 500 may be an air-filled accumulator 500, a spring accumulator 500, a metal bellows accumulator 500, or a compressed gas accumulator 500.
  • the compressed gas accumulator 500 may be a bladder accumulator 500.
  • the compressed gas, using the compressed gas accumulator 500 may be nitrogen.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include an accumulator isolation valve 501 (see e.g. Fig. 17), which may be connected in fluid communication with the accumulator 500.
  • the accumulator isolation valve 501 may be configured to isolate the accumulator 500 (e.g. in fluid isolation).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include a manifold 502, which may be connected in fluid communication with the accumulator isolation valve 501.
  • the accumulator isolation valve 501 may, therefore, be connected to the accumulator 500 and manifold 502.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a pump connection point 506, which may be included in the manifold 502.
  • the pump connection point 506 may be connected to a pump 5061 (e.g. in fluid communication), which may also be part of the shoring arrangement 1 or may be provided separately.
  • the pump 5061 (see e.g. Fig. 20) may be a diesel or hybrid diesel pump 5061 , for example. Flydraulic fluid may be pumped in and/or out of the thermal loading attenuation system 5 (e.g. in and/or out of the manifold 502) through the pump connection point 506 (optionally by the pump 5061 ).
  • the pump connection point 506 may be a quarter inch (6mm) flat face male quick release coupler 506, for example.
  • the pump 5061 may, therefore, be configured to control the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the thermal loading attenuation system 5 (i.e. by pumping hydraulic fluid in or out of the system).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include a pressure sensor port, which may be included in the manifold 502.
  • a pressure sensor 60 (see Fig. 20) may be received by the pressure sensor port.
  • the pressure sensor port may be plugged with a plug 507 in the absence of a pressure sensor 60.
  • the pressure sensor 60 may be a pressure transducer 60.
  • the pressure sensor 60 may determine a pressure of the shoring arrangement 1 , referred to as a system pressure, which may be a hydraulic pressure (e.g. by measuring the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the thermal loading attenuation system 5 and/or manifold 502).
  • the pressure sensor 60 may output pressure data (which may be data representing the system pressure).
  • the pressure sensor 60 may include a transmitter 601 (see e.g. Fig. 20), which may in some versions be a transceiver 601 , a power source 602 such as a battery (and/or the pressure sensor 60 may be connected to an external power source), a processor 603, a memory 604, a display 605 and/or a speaker 606, all of which may be operatively coupled to each other.
  • a transmitter 601 see e.g. Fig. 20
  • a power source 602 such as a battery (and/or the pressure sensor 60 may be connected to an external power source)
  • a processor 603 such as a battery (and/or the pressure sensor 60 may be connected to an external power source)
  • a processor 603 such as a battery (and/or the pressure sensor 60 may be connected to an external power source)
  • a processor 603 such as a battery (and/or the pressure sensor 60 may be connected to an external power source)
  • a processor 603 such as a battery (and/or the
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include (or may be communicatively coupled to) a network 62, to which the pressure sensor 60 may be communicatively coupled by a wired or wireless connection.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include (or may be communicatively coupled to) a computing device 61 , to which the pressure sensor 60 may be communicatively coupled by a wired or wireless connection.
  • the computing device 61 may be a remote computing device 61.
  • the computing device 61 may include a processor 611, a memory 612 (e.g. a non-transitory computer-readable medium), a transmitter 613 (which may be a transceiver 613), a power source 614 (and/or the computing device 61 may be connected to an external power source), a display 615, and/ora speaker 616, all of which may be operatively coupled to each other.
  • the computing device 61 may be a workstation, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.
  • the computing device 61 may be communicatively coupled to the network 62 by a wired or wireless connection.
  • the pressure sensor 60 and computing device 61 may be directly communicatively coupled, or may be communicatively coupled via the network
  • the pump 5061 may include a processor 5062, a memory 5064, a transmitter, receiver or transceiver 5064, a power source 5065 (and/or the pump 5061 may be connected to an external power source), a display 5066 and/or a speaker 5067, all of which may be operatively coupled to each other.
  • the pump 5061 may be communicatively coupled (by a wired or wireless connection) to the pressure sensor 60, computing device 61 , and/or network 62.
  • the pressure sensor 60 may send the pressure data to the network 62, computing device 61 and/or to the pump 5061.
  • the pressure data may be displayed on the pressure sensor display 605, computing device display 615 and/or pump display 5066.
  • the system pressure may, therefore, be monitored remotely (e.g. using the computing device 61 ).
  • At least one of the pressure sensor 60 and/or computing device 61 and/or pump 5061 may be configured to issue an alert (e.g. audial and/or visual) if the system pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. using their respective display 605,615,5066 and/or speaker 606,616,5067).
  • the pump 5061 and/or computing device 61 and/or pressure sensor 60 may be configured to maintain the system pressure within a predetermined range (e.g.
  • the pump 5061 may be configured to increase and/or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in response to instructions received from the computing device 61 and/or pressure sensor 60 (e.g. via the network 62 or via direct connection), and/or the pump 5061 may be configured to increase and/or decrease the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in response to pressure data received from the pressure sensor 60 (e.g. if the pressure data indicates the system pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold programmed into the pump 5061 ).
  • References to a pressure exceeding a threshold encompass both a pressure being greater than a maximum limit and a pressure being lower than a minimum limit.
  • the pressure of the hydraulic fluid may be decreased by, for example, the pump 5061 venting hydraulic fluid into a reservoir associated with the pump 5061 and/or by venting the hydraulic fluid using a purge valve (see below).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, include a level of protection against hydraulic leaks, by alerting users to the problem and/or by activating the pump 5061 , which may pump more hydraulic fluid into the system to compensate for the leak.
  • the computing device 61 may be configured to control the pump 5061. A user may, therefore, alter the system pressure remotely using the computing device 61.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include a pressure gauge port, which may be included in the manifold 502, to which a pressure gauge 503 may be connected.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include the pressure gauge 503.
  • the pressure gauge 503 may, therefore, show the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the thermal loading attenuation system 5 and/or manifold 502.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include may include a purge valve, which may be included in the manifold 502.
  • the purge valve may allow the thermal loading attenuation system 5 to be purged of hydraulic fluid, and may in some versions be configured to release hydraulic fluid if the system pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold (i.e. may provide an emergency release).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508, which may be attached in fluid communication with the manifold 502 and may be attached in fluid communication with a hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508 may be configured to isolate the hydraulic cylinder 51 (e.g. in fluid isolation).
  • the shoring arrangement 1 (and optionally the thermal loading attenuation system 5) may include a hose 505 which may connect the hydraulic cylinder 51 to the hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508 (e.g. in fluid communication).
  • the hose 505 may be a hydraulic hose 505, and may be 500 bar (50000 kPa), quarter-inch (6mm) bore hydraulic hose 505 for example.
  • the hose 505 may have screw end fittings, which may attach the hose to the hydraulic cylinder 51 and/or to the hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include the hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may include a hydraulic cylinder body 510, which may be curved and may have a substantially circular cross-section, and may include a hydraulic cylinder rod 511 , which may be cylindrical or tubular.
  • the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 may be extendable (with respect to the hydraulic cylinder body 510), and may be extendable along an axis substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 101.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be a short stroke hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be less than about 200 mm, less than about 150 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 75 mm, less than about 50 mm, or less than about 30 mm.
  • the use of a hydraulic cylinder 51 having a relatively short stroke length may ensure safety even in the event of complete loss of hydraulic pressure, as the retraction of the shoring arrangement 1 resulting from the pressure loss will be fairly small (and therefore the supported surface 100 will move only a small distance, if at all).
  • the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be less than the length of the cradle.
  • the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be such that the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 does not extend beyond the inner end of the cradle 2 and/or may be such that the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 cannot extend sufficiently to push a support member 3 supported by the cradle 2 off the cradle 2.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be supported by the cradle 2, for example by a hydraulic cylinder support 513.
  • the hydraulic cylinder support 513 may be a bracket configured to support the hydraulic cylinder 51 , and may itself be supported by the cradle 2.
  • the hydraulic cylinder support 513 may have a support surface to support the hydraulic cylinder 51 having a shape corresponding to the hydraulic cylinder 51 (e.g. may form a circular arc).
  • the hydraulic cylinder support 513 may be attached to, may be freestanding upon, or may be integral with, the first portion 201 (i.e. the base) of the cradle 2.
  • the hydraulic cylinder support 513 may include a first upstanding section, a second upstanding section, and a connecting member connecting the first and second upstanding sections.
  • Each upstanding section may include a base surface configured to contact the first portion 201 of the cradle 2, which may therefore have a shape corresponding to the first portion 201 of the cradle 2, and may therefore form a circular arc.
  • the support surface may therefore oppose the base surface, such that in use, the base surface is at the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder support 513 and the support surface is at the top of the hydraulic cylinder support 513.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be a single acting hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be a double acting hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • a single acting hydraulic cylinder 51 may reduce the complexity of the thermal loading attenuation system 5.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include a bearer (not shown), which may be a spherical bearer.
  • the bearer may be configured for use with the bearing block, i.e. the bearer may be configured to bear upon the bearing block which, as described, may be included in the support member 3.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be configured to engage the support member 3.
  • the bearer may have a shape corresponding with a cross-sectional shape of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 and/or bearing block 307.
  • the bearer may be substantially circular.
  • the bearer may be attached to, or integral with, the hydraulic cylinder rod 511.
  • the bearer may be formed from a metal such as steel, for example.
  • a width (e.g. a diameter) of the bearer may be less than a width (e.g. diameter) of the blanking plate 303 and/or the packing plate 306 and/or the hydraulic cylinder body 510, and may be approximately equal to a width (e.g. diameter) of the bearing block 307.
  • the bearer may be arranged such the central axis through the depth of the bearer is aligned and parallel with the central axis of the bearing block 307 when the bearing block 307 is in position adjacent the blanking plate 303 or packing plate 306.
  • the central axis through the bearer may be aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
  • the bearer may include a bearing surface which may be a curved bearing surface.
  • the curved bearing surface may be a cup in a ball and cup bearing arrangement as described herein.
  • the curved bearing surface may be in the form of a part of a sphere, for example.
  • the bearer and bearing block 307 may, therefore, form a bearing arrangement, which may be a ball and cup bearing arrangement.
  • an end of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 (e.g. a distal end, relative to the hydraulic cylinder body 510, of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 ) may form a bearing surface, which may be a curved bearing surface, may be in the form of a part of a sphere, and may be a cup in a ball and cup bearing arrangement.
  • the bearing surface may, therefore, be recessed into the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511.
  • the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 and bearing block 307 may, therefore, form a bearing arrangement, optionally a ball and cup bearing arrangement.
  • the bearing arrangement may have five, four, three, two or one degrees of freedom.
  • the bearing block 307 may be attached to the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 , optionally to the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 , optionally such that the bearing surface of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 bears upon the first bearing surface 3071 of the bearing block 307.
  • the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 may include a fixing recess (not shown), which may be threaded, which may be configured to receive a fixing member, which may be correspondingly threaded (e.g. a bolt).
  • the fixing recess may be located in the end (e.g. the distal end) of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 , and may be located in the bearing surface.
  • the fixing recess may be located in the centre of the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod 511.
  • the fixing recess may be configured to align with the aperture 3075 of the bearing block 307, optionally such that the fixing member may be received by the aperture 3075 and the fixing recess to attach the bearing block 307 to the hydraulic cylinder rod 511.
  • the bearing block 307 may not be attached to the packing plate 306, blanking plate 303, or to the end of the support member 3 (but may bear upon at least one of them; optionally the second bearing surface 3072 may bear upon at least one of them).
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be connected in fluid communication with the accumulator 500.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be configured to be pressurised by the pump 5061 (e.g. via the manifold 502).
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may be configured to attenuate thermal loading of the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. of the support member 3), optionally using the hydraulic cylinder 51 and/or accumulator 500.
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may be pre-installed in the cradle 2 or may be installed in the cradle 2 after attaching the cradle 2 to the surface 100.
  • the accumulator support bracket 504 may be attached to the end plate 207 before attaching the cradle 2 to the surface 100.
  • the support member 3 may be placed in the cradle 2 including the thermal loading attenuation system 5, optionally to form a gap between the support member 3 (or the bearing block 307 or packing plate 306 thereof) and the hydraulic cylinder 51 (or the bearer or bearing block 307 thereof).
  • the gap between the support member 3 and the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be about 1-50 mm, about 5-25 mm, about 10-20 mm, or about 15 mm. This gap may enable the hydraulic cylinder 51 to be easily removed from the shoring arrangement 1 when the shoring arrangement 1 is dismantled.
  • a first end of the support member 3 may be placed in the cradle 2 (which may be attached to a first surface 100) including the thermal loading attenuation system 5, and a second end of the support member 3 may be placed in a second cradle 2 attached to a second surface 100 (which may be generally opposite the first surface 100).
  • the second cradle 2 may be filled with packing material (e.g. concrete) to hold the support member 3 in the required position (e.g. with a gap of 15 mm to the hydraulic cylinder 51 ).
  • the interior surface 200 of the cradle 2 may be greased before the support member 3 is placed in the cradle 2 (which may facilitate movement, such as sliding, of the support member 3 within the cradle 2).
  • the support member 3 may be lashed to the cradle 2, optionally to prevent the support member 3 being lifted out of the cradle 2.
  • the cradle 2 may, therefore, include one or more lashing points (the one or more lugs 206 may be used for this purpose in some versions or other protrusions and/or apertures may be provided for this purpose).
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be pressurised, optionally after the support member 3 has been placed in the cradle 2.
  • the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 may, therefore, be extended to engage the support member 3 (optionally via the bearing block 307). Accordingly, the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be pressurised to close the gap between the hydraulic cylinder 51 and the support member 3.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be pressurised to a required pressure, which may be determined with reference to the particular loads involved in any particular shoring arrangement 1.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be used to preload the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. support member 3).
  • the accumulator 500 may be configured to partially fill with hydraulic fluid when the hydraulic cylinder 51 is pressurised.
  • the pressure of the compressed gas may be set accordingly.
  • the compressed gas may, therefore, be pressurised to a predetermined pressure.
  • the strength of the spring may be chosen accordingly, and so on for other types of accumulator 500.
  • a shoring arrangement 1 may be designed to produce a system (i.e. hydraulic) pressure of 400 bar (40000 kPa).
  • a thermal loading attenuation system 5 including a bladder accumulator 500 may be used, which may include 10 litres of gas compressed to 300 bar (30000 kPa). Accordingly, when the hydraulic cylinder is pressurised to the design pressure of 400 bar (40000 kPa), hydraulic fluid partially fills the accumulator 500, further compressing the gas to a volume of 7.5 litres.
  • the accumulator 500 may, therefore, introduce a low stiffness element into the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. compared to the support member 3, which may be a metal prop, for example, having a high stiffness).
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may attenuate thermal loading in the shoring arrangement 1. This may be achieved using the accumulator 500, which may introduce a low stiffness element (such as a spring or a volume of gas) into the shoring arrangement 5.
  • the accumulator 5 may, therefore, at least partially compensate for any thermal expansion or contraction of the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. the support member 3), allowing a substantially constant axial load to be maintained in the shoring arrangement 1 (e.g. in the support member 3).
  • any thermal expansion of the support member 3 may force the hydraulic cylinder rod 511 to retract, in turn forcing hydraulic fluid into the accumulator 500, thereby compressing the gas contained therein until equilibrium is reached. Accordingly, the thermal expansion may be compensated for while maintaining a substantially constant axial load in the shoring arrangement 1 (and, equivalently, maintaining a substantially constant pressure on the surface 100, therefore reducing the likelihood of surface 100 movement).
  • the cradle 2 may include a lid 208, which may be movable between an open position and a closed position.
  • the lid 208 may include one or more (e.g. two) side members 2084 and may include a covering member 2085 which may extend (optionally inwardly) from at least one of the side members 2084 and may connect the side members 2084 together.
  • Each side member 2084 may include one or more apertures which may be configured to receive a lid fixing member 2087 (see below).
  • the lid 208 may include one or more lid rib members 2086, which may be attached to the covering member 2085 (e.g. by welding or adhesive) and/or may be attached to one or more of the side members 2084 (e.g. by welding or adhesive).
  • the lid rib members 2086 may, therefore, extend between the side members 2084.
  • the lid 208 may include one or more protrusions, optionally lateral protrusions, which may extend outwardly from one or more of the side members 2084.
  • Each protrusion may include at least one aperture therethrough, which may be configured to align with one of the attachment apertures 2231 in one of the end ribs 223.
  • the lid 208 e.g. the covering member 2085
  • the lid 208 may be shaped to cover, or substantially cover, the opening to the cradle 2 (e.g. the opening between the two free ends of the cradle described previously).
  • the lid 208 may, therefore, have a generally square or rectangular cross-section.
  • the lid 208 may cover a space between the first U-shaped end and the second U-shaped end of the cradle 2.
  • the lid 208 e.g. one or more side members 2084
  • the lid 208 may be attached to the cradle 2, optionally by one or more brackets configured to receive one or more lid fixing members 2087 (such as a bolt configured for use with a nut).
  • the lid fixing member 2087 may, therefore, be received by the bracket (e.g. an aperture thereof) and one of the apertures in the side member 2084 to fix the lid 208 to the bracket.
  • the lid 208 may, therefore, rotate about at least one of the lid fixing members 2087.
  • the lid 208 and/or the bracket may be attached to the second portion 202 of the cradle 2 and/or to one or more of the rib members 223 (such as one or more of the end rib members 223).
  • a lid fixing member 2087 may, therefore, be received by an aperture in the bracket and a corresponding one of the attachment apertures 2231 in the end rib member 223 to attach the lid 208 to the cradle 2.
  • the lid 208 may be lockable in the open and/or closed position.
  • the lid 208 may be locked closed, for example by locking the lid 208 to the cradle 2, optionally using a padlock or similar.
  • a lock such as a padlock, may be received through the aperture in the protrusion and the attachment aperture 2231 to lock the lid 208 to the end rib member 223.
  • the lid 208 may, therefore, protect any apparatus in the cradle 2 from damage and/or tampering.
  • the lid 208 may include a support bar 2083 to support the lid 208 in the open position.
  • a first end of the support bar 2083 may be attached to the lid 208, optionally to one of the side members 2084 (e.g. by a support bar fixing member 2083a such as a bolt configured for use with a nut) and a second end of the support bar 2083 may be attached to (e.g. by the support bar fixing member 2083a such as a bolt configured for use with a nut), or may rest on, the cradle plate 225 or a protrusion thereof, and/or one of the ribs 223, such as the end rib member 223.
  • the lid 208 e.g.
  • the covering member 2085 may include a window or aperture 2081 , through which the pressure gauge 503 may be visible.
  • the hydraulic pressure may, therefore, be readable without opening the lid 208.
  • the window or aperture may be covered by a movable cover 2082, which may be movably attached to the covering member 2085 by a fixing member such as a bolt configured for use with a nut.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may comprise a modular system.
  • the cradle 2 may be configured to receive and/or support a variety of components described herein, such as the end plate 207, support member 3, flat jack 4, and thermal loading attenuation system 5 (or components thereof).
  • the cradle 2 can be converted between open-backed and closed-backed forms by the installation or removal of the end plate 207.
  • Components of the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, be provided in a kit, which may be for use with a support member (which may be a pre-existing support member, such as a conventional prop).
  • the kit may include one or more of: the cradle 2 and/or segments thereof; the blanking plate 303; the shear keys 304; the packing plate 306; the bearing block 307; the reinforcement member 203; the lifting point 204; the formwork 205; the end plate 207; the end shear keys 2072; the lid 208; the clamps 209; the flat jack 4; the flat jack cover 400; and/or the thermal loading attenuation system 5.
  • the cradle 2 may support a packing arrangement, which may include different components in different use cases.
  • the packing arrangement may include one or more of: the packing material; the flat jack 4; the flat jack cover 400; the thermal loading attenuation system 5; and/or the end plate 207.
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5, and therefore, the kit and/or the packing arrangement may include one or more of: the accumulator 500; the accumulator isolation valve 501; the manifold 502; the pressure gauge 503; the accumulator support bracket 504; the hose 505; the pump connection point 506; the pump 5061 ; the pressure sensor 60; the hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508; the hydraulic cylinder 51 ; and/or the hydraulic cylinder support 513.
  • the disclosed shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, alleviate the problem of needing many different specialised end fittings in the prior art.
  • this problem may be overcome using the cradle 2, which may serve a variety of purposes as disclosed herein.
  • a basic arrangement of the shoring arrangement 1 may comprise the cradle 2 and support member 3 (and may comprise a cradle 2 at either end of the support member 3).
  • This basic arrangement provides technical benefits as described previously, including angular tolerance and simple fine length adjustment without the need for complex parts such as hydraulic cylinders.
  • users may build on the basic arrangement by adding any of the other components described herein to the cradle 2.
  • the open- backed cradle may be used to support a concrete surface 100 (e.g.
  • the open-backed cradle 2 may then be converted to a closed-backed cradle 2 by addition of the end plate 207, to support a waler beam, for example.
  • the flat jack 4 may be included in the cradle 2.
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may be included in the cradle 2.
  • the complexity of the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, be tailored to any particular shoring situation.
  • any combination of the components disclosed herein may be used in the cradle 2 (e.g. the flat jack 4 and thermal loading attenuation system 5 may be used in combination).
  • a cradle 2 may support each end (e.g. first and second ends) of the support member 3, and each cradle 2 may include different components.
  • the cradle 2 supporting the first end of the support member 3 may include the packing material, thereby enabling fine length adjustment.
  • the cradle 2 supporting the second end of the support member 3 may include the flat jack 4 and/or flat jack cover 400, thereby enabling easy prop preloading.
  • the cradle 3 supporting the second end of the support member 3 may include the thermal loading attenuation system 5 (e.g. the accumulator 500 and hydraulic cylinder 51 ), thereby enabling attenuation of thermal loading.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, include the support member 3 and two cradles 2.
  • a method e.g. method of shoring a surface
  • the method may further include placing a first packing arrangement into the first cradle 2 and optionally placing a second packing arrangement into the second cradle 2, wherein the packing arrangements may be the same or different.
  • the packing arrangements may include any of the components described previously.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may include the support member 3 and the cradle 2 (e.g. only one cradle 2).
  • a method may include attaching the cradle 2 to a first surface 100, placing the support member 3 into the cradle 2 such that the cradle 2 supports the support member 3, and securing the support member 3 to a second surface 100.
  • the method may further include placing a packing arrangement into the cradle 2.
  • the packing arrangement may include any of the components described previously.
  • the shoring arrangement 1 may, therefore, include the cradle 2 at a first end of the support member 3 (e.g. adjacent a first surface 100) and may include a conventional end fitting at a second end of the support member 3 (e.g. adjacent a second surface 100).
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may be disposed in the support member 3 - see e.g. Fig. 19 - and may be configured for use without the cradle 2. Shoring arrangements having conventional end fittings may, therefore, be equipped with the thermal loading attenuation system 5 disclosed herein.
  • the cradle 2 may, of course, be used with this type of support member 3.
  • one or more of the hydraulic cylinder 51 (and all components thereof), accumulator 500, accumulator isolation valve 501, manifold 502, pressure gauge 503, accumulator support bracket 504, hose 505, pump connection point 506, pressure sensor port 507, and/or hydraulic cylinder isolation valve 508 may be disposed in the support member 3 (e.g. in the internal space thereof).
  • the support member 3 may be a telescopic support member 3, which may be extended and retracted by the hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the accumulator 500 may comprise a first chamber 5001 , which may contain a gas, and may comprise a second chamber 5002, which may contain a hydraulic fluid such as a hydraulic oil.
  • the first chamber 5001 and second chamber 5002 may be separated by a separator 5003, which may be a piston or bladder, for example.
  • the thermal loading attenuation system 5 may comprise two accumulators 500.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be a double acting hydraulic cylinder 51.
  • the hydraulic cylinder 51 may, therefore, include one or more of a piston 514, hydraulic cylinder rod 511 (which may be attached to the piston 514), first chamber 515 which may contain a high pressure hydraulic fluid 517, second chamber 516 (which may be annular) which may contain a low pressure hydraulic fluid 518 and/or hydraulic cylinder body 510.
  • a first accumulator 500 may be attached in fluid communication with the high pressure side of the hydraulic cylinder 51 and a second accumulator 500 may be attached in fluid communication with the low pressure side of the hydraulic cylinder 51. Accordingly, the first accumulator 500 may contain high pressure hydraulic fluid 517 within its second chamber 5002, and the second accumulator 500 may contain low pressure hydraulic fluid 518 within its second chamber 5002.
  • the pressure of the gas in each accumulator 500 may be set, as described previously, according to the loads required in any particular shoring situation, to attenuate thermal loading.
  • the invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features.
  • one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Wing Frames And Configurations (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un agencement d'étayage, comprenant : un élément de support ; et un berceau sensiblement en forme de U pour supporter ledit élément de support, le berceau étant configuré pour recevoir au moins une partie de l'élément de support de manière libérable.
PCT/GB2021/051286 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Agencement d'étayage WO2022248815A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2021447930A AU2021447930A1 (en) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 A shoring arrangement
PCT/GB2021/051286 WO2022248815A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Agencement d'étayage
EP21736006.4A EP4256134A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Agencement d'étayage

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2021/051286 WO2022248815A1 (fr) 2021-05-27 2021-05-27 Agencement d'étayage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022248815A1 true WO2022248815A1 (fr) 2022-12-01

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EP (1) EP4256134A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2021447930A1 (fr)
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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2061255A1 (de) * 1970-12-12 1972-06-22 Gerhard Ley Vorrichtung zur Einsturzsicherung von einander gegenueberliegenden Waenden bei Baugruben
DE8017079U1 (de) * 1980-06-27 1980-09-25 Lube & Krings Gmbh Hoch-, Tief- Und Strassenbauunternehmen, 5120 Herzogenrath Spreizvorrichtung fuer kanalverbauvorrichtungen o.dgl.
DE3219636A1 (de) * 1982-05-25 1983-12-01 Josef Ing.(grad.) 5142 Hückelhoven Emunds Spannrahmen fuer verbauplatten
FR2561696A1 (fr) * 1984-03-22 1985-09-27 Soletanche Buton precontraint autoregule
EP2453062A1 (fr) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-16 Marti AG Bern, Moosseedorf Procédé et système d'étai pour travaux de terrassement
WO2013073891A1 (fr) * 2011-11-17 2013-05-23 Heo Won Jong Étai et procédé de construction le mettant en œuvre
WO2016042327A1 (fr) * 2014-09-17 2016-03-24 Wood Glenn Roy Support de paroi de tranchée
EP3415692A1 (fr) * 2017-06-14 2018-12-19 Alti-Fers et Metaux Rigaudy et Fils Module d'interface d'un dispositif d'étaiement et procédé de mise en oeuvre d'un tel module
WO2021067904A1 (fr) * 2019-10-04 2021-04-08 EmNet, LLC Nouveaux systèmes et procédés de support d'articles suspendus

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2061255A1 (de) * 1970-12-12 1972-06-22 Gerhard Ley Vorrichtung zur Einsturzsicherung von einander gegenueberliegenden Waenden bei Baugruben
DE8017079U1 (de) * 1980-06-27 1980-09-25 Lube & Krings Gmbh Hoch-, Tief- Und Strassenbauunternehmen, 5120 Herzogenrath Spreizvorrichtung fuer kanalverbauvorrichtungen o.dgl.
DE3219636A1 (de) * 1982-05-25 1983-12-01 Josef Ing.(grad.) 5142 Hückelhoven Emunds Spannrahmen fuer verbauplatten
FR2561696A1 (fr) * 1984-03-22 1985-09-27 Soletanche Buton precontraint autoregule
EP2453062A1 (fr) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-16 Marti AG Bern, Moosseedorf Procédé et système d'étai pour travaux de terrassement
WO2013073891A1 (fr) * 2011-11-17 2013-05-23 Heo Won Jong Étai et procédé de construction le mettant en œuvre
WO2016042327A1 (fr) * 2014-09-17 2016-03-24 Wood Glenn Roy Support de paroi de tranchée
EP3415692A1 (fr) * 2017-06-14 2018-12-19 Alti-Fers et Metaux Rigaudy et Fils Module d'interface d'un dispositif d'étaiement et procédé de mise en oeuvre d'un tel module
WO2021067904A1 (fr) * 2019-10-04 2021-04-08 EmNet, LLC Nouveaux systèmes et procédés de support d'articles suspendus

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EP4256134A1 (fr) 2023-10-11

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