When excavating for a basement, underground parking or deep foundations next to an existing building, the soil under the neighbour's foundations can move, causing cracks in their walls or settlement in their floors, and the side of the excavation itself can even collapse. This is where shoring comes in: a structural system that holds the excavation sides and protects what surrounds them. This guide explains what shoring is, when it is required, its common types, how it is designed and monitored, the owner's and contractor's responsibilities, and how documentation protects you.
What Is Shoring?
A temporary or permanent structural system that holds the excavation sides and prevents soil collapse and movement, protecting neighbouring buildings, roads and utilities. In some projects it becomes part of the permanent basement walls.
When Is It Usually Required?
- Deep excavation such as basements and underground parking.
- Excavation close to the neighbour's boundary or the street, leaving no room for safe slopes.
- Weak soil or a high water table according to the soil report. Read: The soil investigation report.
- Old neighbouring buildings on shallow foundations.
Common Types
| System | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contiguous or secant piles | Large depths and sensitive neighbours | High stiffness; may form part of the permanent wall |
| Sheet piles with struts | Medium depths and suitable soil | Faster to install; needs struts or anchors |
| Ground anchors | Deep excavation with a clear working area | Sometimes extend under neighbours' land, needing coordination |
| Safe slopes without shoring | Wide sites and limited depths | Usually not possible near boundaries |
Choosing the type is a design decision based on depth, soil and neighbours. See our structural design service.
How Is It Designed and Monitored?
- A soil report defining layer properties and the water table.
- A survey of neighbouring buildings' foundations and condition.
- Designing the shoring system and the staged excavation sequence.
- Excavating in stages while installing supports progressively.
- Monitoring movement (survey points on neighbouring buildings and excavation sides).
Responsibility and Documentation
- Document the condition of neighbouring buildings before excavation with photos and reports, especially existing cracks.
- Monitor movement during excavation and stop work at any abnormal sign.
- Engineering supervision is essential, ideally a resident engineer during critical stages. See our resident engineer service, and read: The resident engineer: when is one necessary?
- Follow construction safety precautions (Chapter 33 of SBC 201).
Common Mistakes
- Excavating to the final depth in one go without a sequence.
- Relying on "the contractor's experience" instead of an engineered shoring design.
- Ignoring wastewater or rainwater seeping into the excavation sides.
- Not documenting the neighbours' condition, then ending up in a dispute without evidence. Read: The engineering report in disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every excavation need shoring?
No, the design decides based on depth, soil and neighbours.
Who bears the damage if it happens?
It depends on the responsibilities established, which is why correct design, documentation and supervision are the basis of protection.
Does the shoring stay after construction?
Some systems are temporary and removed; others become part of the permanent wall, as the design decides.
Do I need the neighbour's consent?
If anchors extend under their land, coordination is essential; in any case, prior documentation protects both sides.
Does shoring add a lot to the project cost?
It is a significant item, but far less than repairing damage to a neighbour's building or an excavation collapse.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs shoring systems and excavation sequences, documents the neighbours' condition, and supervises the works and movement monitoring. Learn about our structural design service, or For professional support, see our Engineering Supervision — Resident Engineer service. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
