Cefali& AssociatesContactSpecialty structural engineering
Shoring that holds back the ground around deep excavations, with support designed for neighboring buildings, access, and each stage of construction.
How it works
Support of excavation is the work of holding back ground while a below-grade structure is built beside existing construction. Earth retention describes the broader family of systems used for that support, including soldier piles and lagging, tiebacks, rakers, soil nails, and internal bracing. Temporary shoring is the construction-stage portion; a permanent retaining element may also be part of the finished project.
The arrangement can change around one excavation. Depth and ground conditions affect the wall and support levels, while a nearby tunnel, basement, or property boundary may rule out an anchor at one edge. The design also has to preserve routes for excavation equipment and leave space to build the permanent foundations.
Site conditions
A shoring line beside a street, basement, or transit facility can face different loads and drilling limits from the opposite side of the same site. Cefali & Associates develops the earth retention layout around those conditions and the room needed for excavation and foundation construction.
Engineering services
Cefali & Associates can help establish a workable support system while the project is taking shape, then develop the drawings and calculations for construction. The engagement identifies the design stages and any construction support included.
We agree the drawings, calculations, and support during construction with you in the proposal.
Design considerations
The space a shoring system needs can affect the basement layout and construction plan. Anchors extend behind the wall; internal braces occupy the excavation. An early concept shows where that support could fit.
For a closer look at how excavation depth, access, and property limits affect a bid, read the Los Angeles deep-excavation guide.
In practice / Wilshire Grand Center
At Wilshire Grand Center, phased demolition of an existing basement had to advance with the shoring installation. Soldier piles, tiebacks, preloaded rakers, and movement monitoring were coordinated near Metro tunnels and a deep tower excavation.
See the Wilshire Grand Center projectRelated Companies hired Cefali to design the shored excavation at The Grand in Downtown Los Angeles. Short anchors kept the support clear of the active 2nd Street Tunnel. Along another edge, an existing retaining wall blocked drilling at some piles, so a multi-row waler system carried their loads to locations where tiebacks could be installed.
At the Metro BLOC connection, Cefali designed beams and columns that could be installed as excavation advanced beneath an active roadway and public stairway. Low overhead clearance and confined working space affected the support details.
Related project work
See the systems, site conditions, and construction details from these projects.
Before you begin
The engineer reviews excavation geometry, geotechnical recommendations, neighboring structures, property rights, and the construction sequence. Those inputs determine which systems are practical for the site.
Yes. Changes in depth, access, or nearby structures can call for different support methods along the same excavation. The Wilshire Grand project is one example.
Earth retention describes the broader job of holding back ground. Temporary shoring is support used during construction. A project may also need a permanent retaining element after the excavation is complete.
Excavation plans, geotechnical recommendations, and records of neighboring structures and utilities establish the site conditions. Property rights, equipment loads, and the contractor’s proposed sequence help determine which support systems can fit.
Discuss your project
Send the drawings, reports, and site information you already have, along with your schedule and the work you need help with. You do not need a complete design package to get in touch.