Beam and Plate Shoring Systems
United Rentals’ beam and plate shoring system is a dynamic excavation support solution designed for excavations where soil stability and worker safety are critical. This engineered system offers a versatile alternative to traditional sheet piling methods and is ideal for excavations near structures, utilities or areas where minimizing ground movement is essential.
How a Beam and Plate System Works
Beam and plate systems typically consist of vertical H-piles driven or embedded into the ground at regular intervals with 1-inch-thick steel beam plates inserted between the piles to retain soil. Depending on ground conditions and excavation depth, an internal waler system may be added to provide additional lateral support and minimize deflection. At the end of the project, the steel plates and beams can be reused for other projects.
Engineering and Setup Considerations
Our experts recommend that you gather important information about your project and jobsite before we get started on your engineered solution. We will be able to better understand your project’s specific requirements with a site evaluation and bore logs.
Site Evaluation
Follow OSHA standards to conduct a preliminary site evaluation and assess soil classification and ground conditions. A United Rentals advisor will then determine if a beam and plate system would be best for your jobsite.
Bore Logs
Assess the bearing capacity of the soil, lateral earth pressures and groundwater conditions, and send us your completed bore logs to help us get the lay of the land before beginning the excavation project.
Installation and Removal
Our dedicated installation advisor will consult on how to install the RPE’s certified design for the beam and plate solution at your location. The advisor will also ensure that you have the right earthmoving equipment ready and available to start the excavation.
Industries We Serve
United Rentals provides beam and plate shoring systems for excavation projects in a variety of industries.
Energy & Utility
Oil & Gas Refining
Civil & Infrastructure
Our Engineered Systems Team
At United Rentals, we back our engineered systems with the industry’s largest team of dedicated installation advisors and RPEs. Our branch teams maintain, assemble, and prepare every shoring system to meet project specifications, while our onsite advisors work directly with contractors to ensure safe and efficient installation in the field. Each advisor is equipped with hands-on knowledge of our full line of engineered solutions, ensuring that projects stay on schedule, crews remain safe and installations are completed to the highest standards.
Behind every project is our engineering department, staffed with RPEs licensed across the U.S. and Canada and ready to design customized, PE-stamped excavation plans for any site condition. What truly sets United Rentals apart is not only the size of our team, but the depth of experience, skill, and commitment our people bring to every project.
Resources
If you’d like to learn more about our equipment and experience, our Resources page includes additional client success stories, educational blog posts, guides, technical spec sheets and more.
Other Engineered Systems Services and Solutions
United Rentals offers additional engineered systems to support complex excavation projects, including slide rail systems, hydraulic bracing equipment and sheet piling.
Slide Rail Shoring Systems
We provide slide rail shoring systems with a patented open-track rail design and ground-level installation to keep crews out of the trench and clear of lifted loads during setup.
Hydraulic Bracing Equipment
Our hydraulic bracing equipment provides an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional bracing methods. Learn more about our mega brace and hydraulic strut systems.
Sheet Piling
Our sheet piling shoring systems are made of interlocking steel sheet piles that provide strong and reliable earth retention for excavation projects with unstable soil.
Beam and Plate Shoring System FAQs
Beam and plate shoring systems, also known as H and I-beam shoring systems, provide versatile support for complex excavation projects. Because of the adaptable nature of these systems, they are helpful for creating trenches around existing structures or utilities at the excavation site. United Rentals’ dedicated advisors and RPEs will help you determine if a beam and plate shoring system is right for your project.
Learn more about beam and plate shoring systems in our FAQ section below.
Yes, beam and plate shoring systems are highly customizable and can be structured in a variety of shapes and sizes, including irregular and curved configurations, to meet the specific needs of your excavation project.
Yes, beam and plate systems can be used in tandem with other trench shoring systems. Beam and plate systems are often used alongside hydraulic bracing equipment, such as walers and hydraulic struts, for extra support in deeper excavations.
Beam and plate systems are designed for excavation projects in areas with unstable soil conditions, such as sand or loose soil, which exert high lateral pressure.
