How to: 3.6 x 2.4 metre TransQuip Guardian large aluminium trench shield assembly

Huntley and Harley from the TransQuip team have made an easy-to-follow video that shows how quick and simple it is to put together a 3.6 x 2.4 metre trench shield. Check it out here or read below, and we'll break it down for you.



About:
You'll need two people to assemble the shield. In the video, 1m struts are used, taking the completed weight of the shield to 1 tonne. (The lightweight aluminium construction means each panel weighs just 450kgs.) The complete set has a 43 kPa rating. 

Equipment:

1. A TransQuip Guardian large aluminium trench shield set. Pins and R clips are included
2. A 4-leg chain sling (If you don't have one or need another, TransQuip can supply one - See our range Here)
3. Your site digger
4. Your hi-vis and work gloves (Huntley and Harley used cut-proof gloves for the job but it's down to personal choice. Quality safety gloves are available from TransQuip - Browse our range Here)

Total Assembly Time: Approx 10 minutes

How To:

1. With the first panel on the ground with rails facing up - pull all the pins and R clips out and set aside.
   
2. Put the struts into place vertically, between the rails, one strut at a time. (The struts should be positioned using the two middle holes in the rail.) Take care to line up the holes in the struts with the holes in the rail.
   
3. When the holes are aligned, insert a pin in each and secure using an R clip.
    
4. Repeat, and ensure the four struts are correctly in place.
5. Using the digger or forklift in our case and 4-leg chain carefully lift and lower the second shield panel into place on top of the struts - rails facing down.
   
6. Align the holes in the rail on the top panel with the holes on the struts attached to the bottom panel.
   
7. Once the holes are aligned, insert the pins and secure them with the R clips.
8. Reposition the chain in the shield's lifting eyes and, using the digger, lift the completed shield into its standing position.
   

Job done!


Tips:

• The rails on the panels have 4 holes. The hole at the top is for the vertical joiner and is only used if the panels are being stacked for greater depth. The hole at the bottom would be used only if a higher kPa was required - e.g. if the ground was very soft and use a strut with no ÒwingsÓ. NB: Using extra struts here requires sign-off by a certified engineer.
• Struts range from 0.8 to 2.4m and we also have adjustable struts within those size ranges. Custom struts are available (ask the TransQuip team for more information).
• Spare R clips and pins are available individually from TransQuip if you damage or lose your own.
• These shields are available from TransQuip for sale and/or hire. The robust panels are suited to medium to larger-scale projects that require a high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Certified to American, European, Australian and New Zealand standards for ground support and trench shoring, the trench shields are suited to all soil types - from sand to clay. However, you still need to ensure the kPa rating is sufficient for the soil conditions you are working in.

If you have further questions about the Guardian large aluminium trench shields and shoring Click Here to watch the video made to answer the most common FAQ's. 

Check out our full range of Guardian aluminium trench shields Here.

While TransQuip constantly strives to give accurate and up-to-date advice regarding our products, it is your responsibility to ensure you meet any legal requirements, rules or regulations in your use of them.