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Excavation Bracing Systems

SEL supplies a comprehensive range of hydraulic excavation bracing systems for hire across the UK. Designed to safely support trench walls and groundworks, our equipment ranges from lightweight aluminium waler frames for utility trenches to heavy-duty double-acting modular systems for large basement excavations and cofferdams.

Use cases

  • Utility and service trenches
  • Manholes and pumping stations
  • Deep basement excavations
  • Large cofferdams and attenuation tanks
  • Working around live underground services
  • Safe support of deep, wide-span excavations

Our Solutions

Not sure which system is right for your ground conditions? Speak to an SEL expert and we'll help you specify the exact bracing required.

Our Expertise

Whether you are a local groundwork contractor tackling a tricky manhole or a civil engineering firm managing a deep basement excavation, safety is paramount. With over 50 years of experience, Site Equipment Ltd provides more than just equipment hire. Our in-house engineering team offers full Temporary Works Design in accordance with BS 5975. We assess soil conditions, ground water levels, and site constraints to provide bespoke calculations and drawings, ensuring your bracing system is perfectly configured to keep your team safe and your project compliant.

Our engineers can design a safe shoring scheme however awkward the job. Get in touch today.

Which Bracing System Do I Need?

Choosing the right hydraulic bracing depends on the scale of your excavation and the anticipated ground loads. Here is a quick guide to our systems.

SystemClear Span / RangeExample ApplicationsKey Advantage
Waler Frames1.5m – 5.0mUtility trenches, live services, city centre excavationsLightweight aluminium construction allows installation by hand
Single Acting Brace1.8m – 2.7mSmall manholes, utility trenches, localised drainage repairsSimple pin-and-joint assembly for rapid deployment by small excavators
Double Acting Brace2.0m – 7.0mManholes, pumping chambers, small attenuation tanksPowered hydraulic retraction eliminates mechanical extraction forces
H-Series3.0m – 11.0mLarge shafts, deep tanks, major manhole constructionHeavy-duty, telescopic legs support large spans
Medium & Heavy Duty Modular Systems2.7m – 21.5mLarge cofferdams, attenuation tanks, deep basementsPre-cambered beams maximize clear opening for dropping in structures

The exact equipment needed will depend on the excavation depth, soil type, and required working space. Contact our team and we'll give you a free, fast recommendation.

Complete The Job

Excavation bracing frames work in tandem with other critical temporary works equipment to create a safe, fully supported environment.

Common Questions

What is a hydraulic excavation bracing system?
A hydraulic excavation bracing system is a temporary support structure used to hold back trench walls and prevent soil collapse. It uses pressurized hydraulic cylinders (struts) and horizontal beams (walers) to safely brace against trench sheets or the earth face, providing a clear working area for groundworkers.
What is the difference between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic bracing?
The main difference between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic bracing is how the system retracts. Single-acting systems use hydraulic pressure to expand but require mechanical force to pull the rams back during removal. Double-acting systems use hydraulic fluid to power both the expansion and the retraction, eliminating the need to physically force the frame out of the excavation.
Do I need a temporary works design for excavation bracing?
Yes, for the majority of excavations, a temporary works design is strongly recommended or legally required under CDM regulations to ensure safety. A site-specific design, compliant with BS 5975, calculates the exact soil pressure and dictates the correct bracing system and safe working loads for your specific ground conditions.
How do I calculate clear internal working space inside a bracing frame?
To calculate clear internal working space inside a bracing frame, you must subtract the width of the frame's structural sections from the overall sheet-to-sheet excavation dimension. It is also critical to leave an allowance for any potential deflection of the trench sheets under load, as specified by your temporary works engineer.
What safety equipment is required alongside trench bracing?
Alongside trench bracing, edge protection is legally required to prevent falls into the excavation. This typically includes toe boards, guardrails, and safe access equipment such as secured ladders or stairways for the workforce.
How are hydraulic waler frames installed in a trench?
Hydraulic waler frames are typically installed by assembling the frame above ground and lowering it into the trench using an excavator. Once positioned against the trench sheets, hydraulic pumps are used to pressurize the cylinders, locking the frame securely against the trench walls before workers enter.
How wide can a braced cofferdam span?
Our Heavy Duty Modular Bracing System can span up to 21.5m sheet-to-sheet. For these very wide spans, the system uses pre-cambered beams designed to straighten under load rather than sag, keeping the frame tight and maximizing the clear opening to drop in large structures.

Hire excavation bracing with SEL

1

Consultation

Get in touch with our team. We'll discuss your ground conditions, excavation depth, and specific equipment needs.

2

Design*

Our engineers can provide a full Temporary Works Design and a competitive, no-obligation quote for the required shoring.

3

Delivery

With depots across the UK, we ensure rapid, reliable delivery of bracing equipment directly to your site.

*If you're planning to design the solution yourself, we are happy to supply kit only.

We can help with your next project.

Our team is friendly, knowledgeable and ready to consult. We offer no-obligation site visits, fast delivery and competitive rates. Simply fill in the form and we'll be in touch.

You can also give us a call at any time.