Temporary Works Design London — Propping, Shoring and Structural Support During Construction

Contractors and principal designers who need engineer-designed temporary works to safely remove a load-bearing wall, shore an excavation, or support a structure during phased construction. Also for homeowners whose contractor has identified that a temporary works design is required before works can proceed — which is the case for any load-bearing wall removal.

During structural alterations, the existing building frequently requires temporary support while permanent works are installed. Temporary works include propping, shoring, bracing, and any other arrangement designed to support a structure during construction.

Temporary works are not an informal site arrangement. Both Building Control and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) expect temporary works to be designed by a competent engineer in accordance with BS 5975. On domestic projects, inadequate propping during load-bearing wall removal is a leading cause of structural incidents — and the consequences, even in residential settings, can be severe.

Load-bearing wall removal is the most common scenario. The structure above the wall must be temporarily supported before the permanent beam is installed and its bearing pockets are formed and cured. The propping arrangement must be adequate to carry the loads without overstressing the floor structure it is borne onto.

Excavations adjacent to existing foundations require shoring or battered profiles to prevent collapse. The excavation adjacent to an existing strip foundation — common in extension construction — can undermine the foundation if not properly managed.

Steel erection in phased sequences, and structural alterations in occupied buildings, both require temporary bracing and sequencing that is planned and documented in advance.

Our temporary works designs are produced in accordance with BS 5975:2019, the Code of Practice for Temporary Works Procedures. Where required, we prepare method statements to support the contractor's safe system of work. The design documents can be used to satisfy the information requirements of the principal designer and CDM coordinator.

Temporary works and permanent works design are most efficient when developed together. We produce temporary works designs as a coordinated element of the wall removal or extension package — so that the propping arrangement, beam installation sequence, and bearing pocket construction are all consistent with each other and are documented on the same set of drawings.

Civil engineering design (drainage, SuDS, retaining walls and external works) and planning application support are available alongside this structural package, so the below-ground and planning elements of your project can be coordinated with the structural design under a single appointment.