Steel Arch Spreader Provide Necessary Vertical Clearance for Boring Pit Coble Trench Safety shoring specialist John Knighten plays a key role in assisting contractor with shoring design. The Specifics The contractor's project entailed relocating utility lines in order to clear the area for a new project.  The contractor would be relocating these lines beneath an existing roadway.  The contractor would not be able to tear up the road, as this scenario would halt emergency room access at the adjacent hospital.  If you're facing a particularly challenging trench job, give Coble Trench Safety a call to learn how we can help you get it right the first time. Atlanta, GA 1.877.312.1776 Baltimore, MD 1.866.951.0809 Birmingham, AL 1.877.312.1782 Charleston, SC 1.866.957.3624 Charlotte 1.877.587.3624 D.C. / Northern VA 1.866.887.3624 Greensboro (Corporate) 1.866.587.3624 Greenville, SC 1.877.312.1780 Jacksonville, FL 1.877.312.1783 Knoxville, TN 1.877.312.1781 Myrtle Beach, SC 1.866.586.9404 Norfolk, VA 1.866.975.3490 Raleigh 1.888.587.3624 Richmond, VA 1.866.887.3630 Click links in red above for more detailed information. CTS also offers Competent Person for Trench & Excavation training, as well as Confined Space Entry training. To see available dates and sign-up CLICK HERE The Scenario Given the inability to tear up the existing road, the contractor was left with the option of horizontal boring.  The shoring system would have to allow a suitable working area for the boring machine to operate within to form the boring pit.  The Solution During the meeting with the contractor, John Knighten helped the contractor determine the requirements of the boring machine and the project that would affect the shoring system.  The range of motion for the boring tool was the biggest issue.  The contractor was working within a tight budget and wanted to use steel trench shields as the protective system; however, conventional steel spreader pipes would not provide the vertical pipe clearance that the boring tool required. After a brief feasibility analysis, John presented the option of combining the steel trench shield with steel arch spreaders to achieve the necessary vertical clearance.  Standard 8 feet tall trench shields typically have vertical pipe clearances of approximately 65 inches; however, the use of a steel arch spreader can increase the vertical clearance to approximately 8 feet or 96 inches - a substantial difference.  The contractor considered this option along with a few other options that had been provided; however, ultimately elected to employ the steel trench shield and arch spreader system.  The arch spreader provided the necessary vertical clearance so that the boring tool could function unimpeded.  The system provided a safe working environment for the workers and protected against a soil collapse while achieving maximum functionality.  The system worked within the contractor's budget and allowed the contractor to focus efforts on the project's completion and not worrying with the protective system.