Looking to start excavation? Before you move dirt, it’s essential to understand the most common mistakes developers, engineers, and contractors make when planning shoring. Shoring supports excavated areas to prevent collapse and protect neighboring structures. In Los Angeles, where space is tight and site conditions vary widely — especially in areas like Malibu and Pacific Palisades — poor shoring planning can lead to serious delays and cost overruns.
Most Common Shoring Errors That Impact Schedule and Cost
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- Skipping Soil Reports: Not completing a geotechnical investigation before design can result in under-engineered or unsafe systems. Soil composition and groundwater conditions must be understood before selecting a shoring method.
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- Misaligned Wall Design and Property Boundaries: Many projects in dense neighborhoods face legal or spatial issues when shoring systems accidentally cross into neighboring properties. This can cause litigation or redesigns.
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- Failure to Coordinate with Below-Grade Waterproofing: Shoring and waterproofing systems often overlap, especially on projects with shotcrete walls or tiebacks. Ignoring integration leads to waterproofing failures or rework.
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- Submitting Designs Too Late: City approval processes, particularly in LA, can take weeks or months. Delays in shoring submittals can stall the entire start of excavation.
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- Incorrect Equipment Planning: Some sites, especially hillside properties in Bel Air, require large drill rigs or cranes. Poor access planning can make installation impossible or add unexpected costs.
How to Plan Shoring Correctly and Avoid Costly Setbacks
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- Start Early with a Geotechnical Engineer: A detailed soil report helps determine
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- load-bearing capacity, slope stability, and water table — all key for safe design.
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- Choose the Right System for the Site:
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- Soldier piles with lagging work well for vertical cuts in flat areas.
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- Shotcrete with tiebacks is ideal for steep, residential hillsides.
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- Secant or tangent piles are better for deep excavations or where groundwater is a concern
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- Choose the Right System for the Site:
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- Integrate Shoring and Waterproofing in the Design Phase: Waterproofing penetrations, termination points, and access strategies must be coordinated before excavation begins.
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- Build in Flexibility for Inspections and Plan Revisions: LA inspections can vary by district and inspector. Budget time for reviews, especially on high-profile or complex lots.
Final Thoughts
Shoring isn’t just about holding back dirt — it’s about protecting timelines, budgets, and neighboring properties. In competitive areas like Malibu and Pacific Palisades, mistakes are amplified by lot constraints and permitting complexity. With the right planning, team, and execution, shoring can be efficient, code-compliant, and cost-effective.
At IHC Group, we bring experience in both shoring design support and integration with below-grade systems. We help you avoid the pitfalls and keep your project on track. Call (818) 540-5235\
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