Temporary support of unsafe structures — identify the arrangement In building repairs and emergencies, what is the arrangement called that is made to temporarily support an unsafe or distressed structure until permanent measures are provided?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: shoring

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When walls, facades, or frames become unstable due to damage, excavation nearby, or alterations, temporary support is required to prevent collapse. The correct terminology distinguishes between access platforms, foundation strengthening, load transfer, and true temporary support systems for vertical and lateral stability.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Structure is unsafe or distressed.
  • Objective is short-term stabilization.
  • Permanent repairs may follow later.


Concept / Approach:
Shoring is the installation of temporary props, rakers, flying shores, or bracing to support walls and structural elements. Scaffolding provides working platforms rather than primary structural support. Underpinning strengthens or deepens foundations, typically below ground and more permanent. Jacking lifts elements to correct settlement or to enable replacement of supports, but is a technique rather than the overall support arrangement for an unsafe structure. Hence, “shoring” is the correct choice.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the need: temporary safety support → shoring.Differentiate other terms: scaffolding (access), underpinning (foundation strengthening), jacking (lifting operation).Select “shoring” as the appropriate arrangement.


Verification / Alternative check:
Construction practice recognizes raking shores, flying shores, and dead shores as shoring variants designed to resist out-of-plane and vertical loads temporarily.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • scaffolding: not intended as a main structural support system.
  • underpinning: permanent/ semi-permanent foundation works.
  • jacking: a method or tool, not a complete arrangement for overall support.


Common Pitfalls:
Using scaffolds as structural props; delaying shoring until significant damage propagates; neglecting lateral bracing in addition to vertical props.


Final Answer:
shoring

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