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Propping and needling supporting a large opening in a load-bearing wall

Slimshore Soldiers & Needle Beams

Support a load-bearing wall while an opening is formed in it using our Slimshore soldier system

  • Modular, adapts to the job
  • Quick and easy to deploy
  • From domestic doorways to large openings
  • Supplied with TWD from qualified engineers
  • Delivered across England & Wales

Slimshore is SEL's steel soldier system for propping and needling. The soldier units bolt together and work as prop units, raking shores, needle beams or strongbacks – so one kit can be adapted to shore everything from a domestic doorway to a large structural opening.

Slimshore soldiers can also serve as strongbacks to support formwork, standing behind wall and column forms to resist the pressure of wet concrete. They are also known as formwork soldiers, Superslim Soldiers, strongbacks, Slimlite or support props.

You can read more in our in-depth article on the propping and needling approach.

Typical applications

  • Openings in load-bearing walls
  • Façade retention and building refurbishment
  • Basement construction
  • Propping steelwork installations
  • Wall, bridge and tunnel formwork
  • Soffit, slab and decking formwork
  • Formwork traveller systems
  • Retaining wall support
  • Strongbacks behind wall and column forms

How Slimshore works

Slimshore is a system of steel soldiers that bolt end-to-end with a 4no. or 6no. M16x40 joint. Simply build them up to the length you need and anchor them to a concrete base. Slimshore can be set up as props, shores or needle beams, in whatever layout your temporary works design calls for.

Configurations

Slimshore is one of the most versatile propping solutions on the market. Here are just a few configurations:

  • Vertical props — stand a soldier upright and it can prop the load above
  • Horizontal shores — brace walls laterally
  • Raking props — set a soldier at an angle and it can brace a wall or façade
  • Push-pull props — fit a jack to an angled soldier so it can both push and pull
  • Needle beams — soldiers can be threaded through walls to hold up the masonry above

Capability and scale

Soldiers come in a wide range of sizes, from a 0.09m packer to a 3.6m unit, so a prop, shore or beam can be built to virtually any size required. They are made from high-yield steel for a high load capacity at low weight: a single soldier carries 232kN axially at 4m, and props build up to 100kN with the 100kN connector. Needle beams run from the light 120x60 RHS, which fits within one brick course, to the 203x203 for heavier spans. On heritage work the system has held masonry and roof loads of around 8 tonnes per metre.

Slimshore: Common Questions

What are Slimshore soldiers?
Slimshore soldiers are steel units that bolt end to end to build up prop units, raking shores, needle beams and strongbacks. They are also known as formwork soldiers, strongbacks, Superslims, Slimlite and support props.
What loads can the Slimshore system support?
Each soldier has a moment capacity of 42.5 kNm, a shear capacity of 88.0 kN at the portholes and an axial capacity of 232 kN at 4m, in grade S355 steel. Soldiers are connected with 4no. or 6no. M16x40 bolted joints to suit the loading. On heritage projects the system has supported masonry and roof loads of around 8 tonnes per metre.
Can the same equipment be used for concrete formwork and falsework?
Yes. Used as strongbacks, the soldiers stand vertically behind the form face and resist the lateral pressure of wet concrete, keeping wall and column forms straight and plumb. As falsework, they can also carry soffit forms for slabs from below.
What is the difference between needle beams and formwork soldiers?
Often it is the same unit doing two jobs. Stood upright, a soldier props or shores. Turned on its side and threaded through the wall, that same soldier becomes the needle beam holding the masonry over an opening. For heavier spans you can swap in a dedicated needle-beam section.
What sizes do Slimshore soldiers come in?
Soldiers come in eight sizes, from a 0.09m packer unit to a 3.6m soldier. Because they bolt together end to end, you can build a prop, shore or needle beam to virtually any length the job needs.
Can Slimshore act as push-pull props?
Yes. Fit adjustable end jacks and connectors to the soldiers and they act as heavy-duty push-pull props for raking and lateral restraint. For lighter work we also supply standard push pull props.
What is the difference between Slimshore and Acrow props?
Acrow props are single adjustable steel props for lighter loads and shorter heights. Slimshore allows you to bolt soldiers together into larger props, shores and needle beams for larger openings and higher loads.

Hire Propping & Needling Equipment

Please contact SEL for further information and advice on any Propping or Needling Equipment you may require. To hear more about our latest rates and get a competitive quote, contact your nearest depot.

Propping & Needling Case Studies

Real projects designed by our own engineers, from heritage façades to large structural openings.

Questions? Talk to SEL about Slimshore Soldiers & Needle Beams

Our team is responsive, experienced and happy to help.

Supplementary products to Slimshore, along with some alternatives

We can help with your next project.

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