Our Lightweight Shoring Equipment

The Groundforce Lightweight range provides fast, manageable solutions for smaller, short-term shoring applications, many suited to minor works, utility maintenance and other sectors where portability and quick mobilisation are important.

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Trench Sheet (Standard)

Trench Sheet (Standard)

Groundforce Shorco offer a comprehensive range of cold formed lapped trench sheets and interlocking light pile sections to provide a cost effective solution for most excavation support applications. Many of the sections are produced from high yield steel which provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio resulting excellent durability whilst driving and resistance to on-site damage.

Quick Access Box

Quick Access Box

The Quick Access Box is a small, light aluminium box developed to assist in minor works, emergency situations and general repairs to utility apparatus or similar. Each component is light enough to be handled manually and small enough to be transported in a van. Box weights start as low as 70kg.

Modular Aluminium Panel Box (MAP Box)

Modular Aluminium Panel Box (MAP Box)

The MAP Box is a lightweight modular box system that can be assembled by hand and handled by a 180 degree rubber tyred excavator. Using just three main components: panels, struts and corner posts, the system provides great versatility by allowing 2, 3, and 4 sided support as the job demands. Box weights start as low as 240kg for 2- sided configurations. The portability and ease of handling make the system ideal for emergency uses where rapid response and limited working space rule out heavier equipment.

Aluminium Waler System

Aluminium Waler System

Walers are an accepted and popular method for supporting trench runs. When used in combination with standard trench sheets, aluminium walers offer a light, quick and easy solution for pipe laying activities. The width is also adjustable using hydraulic aluminium cylinders.

Steel Waler System

Steel Waler System

A heavy duty steel waler system where stronger support is required. Each unit comprises 2 No. steel rails complete with two hydraulic cylinders. These are available in a range of different sizes depending on the trench width. The cylinders fit directly on to the rails and are pressurised by a manually operated hydraulic hand pump, giving an uninterrupted column of strength between the trench walls.

Waler End Bearers

Waler End Bearers

The aluminium Waler End Bearer (WEB) system has been developed to be used exclusively with the Groundforce range of aluminium Waler Rails to provide lightweight support to non-battered ends of trenches. Reference should therefore also be made to the Hydraulic Waler Frame User Guide.

Vertical Shores

Vertical Shores

The Vertishore is a lightweight, compact shoring unit designed for short-term trench support in stable ground conditions which do not require close sheeting. The unit is easily installed from ground level by one man in a matter of seconds and provides safe, effective shoring without operatives having to enter an un-shored excavation. If required, optional EKOply Backing Boards can be supplied to aid retention of loose or granular material between vertical supports.

EKOply Backing Board

EKOply Backing Board

EKOply Backing Boards are an alternative to plywood and intended for use in pairs with the Groundforce Vertishore system for use in stable, self supporting ground. The whole system can be man handled outside of the trench to provide a safe and quick method of support. As well as providing additional support, the use of EKOply is preferable to using other materials and has the following benefits:

Smartshore Inflatable Shoring System

Smartshore Inflatable Shoring System

The Smartshore system comprises inflatable, elastomeric ‘cushions’ complete with adjustable trench struts to provide lateral support to the excavation. Available as two, three or four sided support, they are ideal for use within small, short term and self-supporting excavations or trenches typically associated with utility installation, maintenance or emergency repairs.

FAQs

What is a MAP Box?

The Modular Aluminium Panel (MAP) Box is a lightweight modular box ‘shield system’. 


What material is the MAP Box manufactured from?

MAP Boxes are manufactured from strong, yet lightweight aluminium panels with box weight starting as low as 208kg for 2-sided configurations. 


What are the main benefits of such a lightweight product?

Due to their lightweight characteristics, MAP Boxes can be assembled manually and handled by a 180 degree rubber tyre excavator.


Where are MAP Boxes typically used?

MAP Boxes can be used in many scenarios, but due to their portability and ease of handling, they are ideal for emergency use where rapid response and limited working space rule out heavier equipment. 


What components make up a MAP Box?

MAP Boxes comprise just three main components: panels, struts and corner posts.


Are MAP Boxes versatile?

MAP Boxes are one of the most versatile shoring products on the market with a vast range of sizes and configurations. They offer 2, 3, and 4 sided support as the job demands and boxes can be stacked on top of each other to give a maximum height of 3.6m. Depending on the configuration, clearance under lower strut is either 255, 555 or 855mm.


Do MAP Boxes have any limitations?

The MAP box is a shield system and only to be used in self-supporting ground.


Can edge protection be fitted to MAP Boxes?

Yes, edge protection such as Groundforce EdgeSafe should be fitted as soon as possible to provide a safe working environment.


Is there a video available that demonstrates MAP Boxes?

Yes, a video showing typical MAP Box installation methodology is available to watch now on our YouTube channel.


Do Groundforce offer training courses?

Groundforce Training Services offer industry leading accredited safety training primarily for those working in utilities, construction and civil engineering. From short duration health and safety awareness to more complex or specialist safety consultancy solutions.


Is a user guide available for MAP Boxes?

Yes, a user guide will be provided with every hire and can be requested from Groundforce or can be downloaded from the Groundforce Shorco section of the Groundforce website. A user guide for MAP Boxes is also available below to download as a PDF .