A shoring system for trenches comprising large shoring panels and
strutting assemblies is disclosed. Shoring panels are arranged in pairs
against either wall of the trench and held vertically by adjacent
strutting assemblies spaced apart along the trench. Each strutting
assembly has at least one horizontal strut fastened in between a pair of
opposite vertical struts. Each said vertical strut has laterally opposite
guide channels to receive cooperatively the guide edge of the shoring
panel that slides vertically within. Each guide channel of said vertical
strut is provided with a locking bar to interlock the guide edge of the
shoring panel so that pairs of shoring panels are linked successively on
either side of a strutting assembly to create a shoring wall on either
side of the entire trench. Said vertical strut is further provided with
pairs of rollers to ease sliding of shoring panels. In one variation, the
strutting assembly comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder to push
apart opposite vertical struts forcing shoring panels to exert a pressure
load against either wall of the trench.