Testing of US&R Shoring Systems under Non-Ideal Conditions

Abstract

The FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Structures Subgroup has developed standards for vertical shoring systems for temporary stabilization of damaged structures. While these shoring systems have been previously tested under vertical loading, the effects of combined vertical and lateral loading had not been investigated. A test program including two different types of vertical shoring systems was conducted at the University of Texas at Austin. The test program consisted of nine vertical shores under different combinations of vertical and lateral loading. The test results demonstrated the reduction of the vertical load capacity when lateral displacements were imposed on the shores. Nevertheless, the vertical load capacity of the shores was about twice the design working load at medium levels of lateral displacements. Furthermore, the shores were constructed with “boxed-heart” Southern Yellow Pine lumber, which has been generally considered not optimal for shoring applications. The tests demonstrated that the vertical load capacity of the shores was adequate and comparable to that of previously tested Douglas Fir lumber.