Double Acting Brace System

A robust hydraulic bracing solution to support four-sided manholes and pumping chamber excavations

Double-acting hydraulic expansion and retraction
For sheet-to-sheet ranges of 2m to 7m
Permissible loads up to 65 kN/m
Modular, interchangeable legs for versatility
Supplied with temporary works design (TWD)
Nationwide delivery and fast deployment

The Double Acting Brace System is a robust, modular hydraulic shoring solution designed to support four-sided excavations. Typically used in conjunction with trench sheets or sheet piles, it ensures a safe and clear working environment for the construction of pumping chambers, utility vaults, and manholes.

Unlike single-acting systems, double-acting hydraulic rams can be both expanded and retracted hydraulically. This provides far greater control during the installation and extraction of the frame, allowing the bracing to be securely locked off against the trench sheets and safely released when backfilling.

Modular and Adaptable

The system features modular legs which can be easily interchanged to form the precise dimensions required for your excavation. For example, combining Type A legs (2m to 3m) with Type E legs (6m to 7m) creates a secure 7m x 3m brace.

The range supports sheet-to-sheet dimensions from 2m up to 7m, providing permissible loads of up to 65 kN/m at smaller extensions. For larger excavations requiring higher load capacities or larger spans, our H-Series Double Acting Manhole Frame or heavy-duty modular systems are also available.

Double Acting Brace System: Common Questions

What is a double acting brace system?

A double acting brace system is a hydraulic ground support frame used to safely brace four-sided excavations, such as manholes or pumping chambers, ensuring the trench walls remain stable during construction works.

What is the difference between single and double acting hydraulic bracing?

Double acting hydraulic bracing features rams that can be both expanded and retracted hydraulically, offering greater control during installation and removal. Single acting systems can only be expanded hydraulically and typically require manual or mechanical force to retract.

What sizes of excavation can this system support?

The double acting brace system is modular and supports sheet-to-sheet excavation ranges from 2.0m up to 7.0m, using interchangeable legs (Type A through to Type E) to form the required dimensions.

What are the load capacities of the double acting brace?

The permissible load capacity of the double acting brace ranges from 65 kN/m for the smaller Type A legs (2m-3m) down to 18.5 kN/m for the largest Type E legs (6m-7m) at full extension.

Can SEL provide a temporary works design for this equipment?

Yes, our in-house engineering team can provide bespoke temporary works design (TWD) drawings and calculations to ensure the double acting brace system is correctly configured for your specific ground conditions and loads.

Hire Double Acting Brace Systems

For more information, temporary works design, and hire rates for the double acting brace system or any of our other bracing systems, please contact your nearest depot.

System Sizes and Loads

Type	Sheet to Sheet Range	Leg Weight	Permissible Load (Max Extension)
Type	mm	kg	kN/m
A	2000 - 3000	260	65
B	3000 - 4000	305	41
C	4000 - 5000	390	25.5
D	5000 - 6000	445	19
E	6000 - 7000	627	18.5

For clear internal distances, please subtract 360mm from the sheet-to-sheet measurement. Please note this does not allow for deflection.

Double Acting Brace System Suggestion Method Statement

Double Acting Brace System Information Sheet

Double Acting Brace System User Guide

Supplementary products and alternatives to the Double Acting Brace System

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