An expert system for the design of shoring in trenched excavations

Abstract

Historically trench safety has been a problem because of the lack of technical knowledge and the lack of safety commissions. Today there are safety commissions and technical expertise* however every year people die because of trench collapse. This system incorporates sound engineering practices into an expert system shell which allows a non-technical person to design> or check the design> of trench shoring. If the trench is less than 4.57m (15 feet) deep, standard wooden shoring will be recommended and no soil analysis will have to be carried out. If the trench is more than 4.57m (15 feet) deep, steel sheet pile, struts and wales will be designed with the aid of a soil analysis. Warning: The author accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from reliance upon this system. All results should be carefully checked before incorporation into a final design.