Shoring part 2

Our challenge to implement the lowest cost shoring system possible was completed today. The posts on the second side were lined up better than the first side, so the install of the lagging boards was quite a bit easier.  Since it was a Saturday we were in a hurry to get the job done quickly, so just the two man crew was able to install all the boards in about five hours.

Costs did accumulate quite rapidly for the materials used and the labour intensive assembly.  Use of the skid steer to auger the holes and distribute the concrete saved countless man-hours, and use of the excavator bucket to pound the 16 ft posts deep into the ground made lining up the posts much quicker.  Lumber cost was approximately $3000, note that we switched from more costly treated wood to scrap 2x4 salvaged from another project. We also installed four less posts than originally estimated.  Concrete cost was over $750, miscellaneous fasteners and consumables another $50, machine time has yet to be billed by our contractor, along with labour of two additional workers for two and a half days.  While costly, it was a much lower total than other options that would provide inferior safety to our upcoming crews.  We are confident that lower cost shoring hasn't been done in Calgary if built to this standard.

The final lift of boards is prepped to be installed.  At this height temporary scaffolds were built since we had neglected to bring any ladders to the site.  The job at this point is painfully redundant and much like building an extremely tall and ugly fence.  Larger commercial jobs can conduct shoring that costs $1000/meter using specialized machines and metal systems drilled deep into the ground.  

The shoring system is now complete.  It will remain in place until the foundation is done.  When backfilling the basement the upper half of the shoring system will be cut out by chainsaw and scrapped. Some material may be salvaged and reused.