SSHIELDS AND BOXES for TRENCH
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
What is Shields
and boxes.
Also called drag boxes
or saddles.
Consists of two sided
rectangular structures
placed in trench.
Generally consist of
steel or aluminium
panels.
The panels are held apart
by struts at both ends
and secured in position
by pins and clips, or
welded.
Purposes
Designed as safety device against collapse without any attempt to support the trench side.
Provide safe working environment (protect workers in the event if that a trench collapses.)
Advantages
strong enough to handle
the pressure from unstable
soil.
can be used in most
ground conditions
High tensile steel
throughout
The excavation and
backfill quantities are
reduced.
Customizable and
stackable
Lightweight, easy to use
and set up.
Disadvantages
Less portability and
expensive.
Not ideal for uses where
services and utilities exist
because it wont allow 4.
anything to pass through it.
Require more space
Require a large machine
like an excavator and
cranes to handle them.
Trench production is
usually slowed.
Method of
Installation
1. Complete the excavation.
2. Assembling the system.
3. Then, lower the box into the
excavation using cranes.
Shields or boxes are pushed
into the ground as require
depth and as the excavator
are digs out the loosened
soils between plates.
5. Once the sufficient depth is
achieved, the other top unit
can be added and connect
together.
6. Then, sheets can be used to
secure the end shields.