Internal Bracing / Rakers

Internal bracing and rakers are steel elements that temporarily support deep excavation. The steel members are designed and constructed without the need for the horizontal anchors that many other support systems require. The support system must be placed to allow the construction of the permanent structure to eventually carry the earth loads temporarily held by the bracing and rakers. The complexity of this deep excavation support method earns it a higher cost than other support systems Drill Tech provides.

Construction Process

Drill Tech installs internal bracing and rakers using a top-down construction method. As the deep excavation proceeds, our teams brace the soil at prescribed elevations to provide structural support. Internal bracing is completed by installing I-beams as walers around the perimeter of the excavation, then placing steel members to brace the walers. Rakers are used when projects call for steel members braced directly against the soil and connected to waler beams. All steel is installed by qualified welders under the supervisor of certified welding inspectors to meet the requirements of any design engineers or local building codes.

Benefits of Use

Bracing and rakers are often the only solution for projects planned where shallow utilities or neighboring agreements do not allow for temporary horizontal anchors. This support method can always be completed within the boundary of the subject property, so while not economical, is often used when the property owner is geographically limited.

Applicable Projects

Internal bracing and rakers are viable for any deep excavation project, no matter the scope, limitations, or extenuating factors. This support system is not considered the most practical or economical solution but will always work, without fail, for any project that needs it.