Shoring
"All we’re trying to do is capture what is standing and prevent it from collapsing further.”
-Glenn Burnett, Captain Virginia Beach Fire Department, VA Task Force 2
Captain Burnett explained USAR responders work to stabilize a structure from the outside in. Raker-beam construction is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing a building from falling. Lumber is the preferred source of material because of its availability, strength, and dimension.
Once the raker-beams are constructed and installed, first responders work room by room to stabilize walls, doors, and window frames with interior shores, temporary shores, and permanent shores. A Class II Permanent Shore, for example, can withstand over 24,000 pounds of weight.