What is a formwork shoring system?
A formwork shoring system is the temporary vertical support that carries the weight of wet concrete, the formwork panels, and the working loads on top of them until the concrete reaches its required strength. It usually consists of props, frames, or towers combined with base jacks and U-head jacks at the top and bottom. The system transfers the load safely down to the ground or the floor below, and it has to be strong enough to hold that load, stable enough to resist lateral forces, and simple enough to erect and strip quickly.
Shoring is not the same as scaffolding. Scaffolding gives workers access to a structure, while shoring supports the structure itself during construction. That is why shoring components are designed for much higher loads and why the formwork shoring system you choose has to be engineered for the specific loads on your job.
Main types of formwork shoring systems
There is no single shoring solution that fits every site. The main types differ in load capacity, erection speed, and the jobs they suit best. Here are the ones you will meet most often on construction sites.
1. Adjustable steel props
Adjustable steel props, also called Acrow props or telescopic props, are the workhorse of slab formwork. Each prop has an inner tube and an outer tube with pin holes, so the height can be adjusted quickly by moving a pin and turning a threaded collar. They are light enough to handle by hand, cheap to transport, and ideal for supporting slab formwork, beams, and small falsework. Most props used today follow the EN 1065 standard, which sets out the load ratings for each size. For a full range of light, middle, and heavy duty options, see the adjustable shoring props offered by Bythai Scaffolding.
2. Shoring frames (H-frame systems)
Shoring frames are prefabricated steel frames connected with cross braces to form a stable tower. Each set usually consists of two vertical frames and two pairs of cross braces, with both ends locked to the uprights. Because the frames are pre-welded, erection is fast and the geometry is always correct. Frame shoring suits medium-height slabs and beams where crews need to set up and strip large areas quickly, and it is a common choice for building facades, high-rise construction, and infrastructure maintenance.
3. Ringlock shoring systems
Ringlock shoring uses a rosette connection welded to the vertical standard, allowing ledgers and diagonal braces to be attached at any angle and at any height. The system accepts up to eight connections at a single node, which makes it extremely flexible for complex layouts and heavy-duty work. It is widely used for bridge falsework, tunnel portals, power plants, and other projects where loads are high and the geometry is not straightforward. The hot-dip galvanized finish gives it a long service life, and the wedge connections speed up assembly without needing loose bolts.
4. Tower support systems
Tower support systems are assembled from a small number of modular components to build tall, high-capacity support towers. They are the right choice when a slab or beam is too high or too heavy for ordinary props or frames, such as airport terminals, metro stations, large-span warehouses, and box girder bridges. Because the components are modular, the same set can be reused across many different layouts, and the towers can be pre-assembled on the ground and lifted into place.
5. Aluminum beam shoring
Aluminum beam shoring combines lightweight aluminum beams with steel props to create a system that is easy to handle and quick to strip. The beams are strong for their weight, resist corrosion, and can be spliced to cover longer spans. This makes them popular for early-striking slab formwork, where the props are left in place while the beams and panels are removed and moved to the next bay. Aluminum components also cut down on crane time and manual handling on site.
6. Hydraulic shoring
Hydraulic shoring uses adjustable metal jacks that are extended with hydraulic pressure to support trench walls and excavations. It is quick to install, fully adjustable, and can be removed from a safe distance, which is a major advantage in deep or unstable excavations. Hydraulic systems are mainly used for trench support rather than slab formwork, but they are an important part of the wider shoring family.
7. Timber shoring
Timber shoring uses wooden posts, horizontal walers, and diagonal braces. It is simple, economical, and still used on small jobs or where steel is not available. The downside is that timber has a lower load capacity, is harder to adjust precisely, and cannot be reused as many times as steel. For anything beyond light, low-height work, steel systems are almost always the better investment.
8. Truss shoring systems
Truss shoring uses prefabricated steel trusses to span long distances and carry very heavy loads, such as cast-in-place box girders, bridge strengthening works, and supports over roads or rivers. The trusses provide high strength and rigidity with relatively few components, and they can be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position. Truss systems are the specialist choice for projects where standard props and frames simply cannot reach or carry the load.
How to choose the right shoring system
The best way to choose is to work from the project, not from habit. Start with the load: how thick is the slab, how heavy is the concrete, and what working loads will sit on top? Then look at the height and span you need to support, because that decides whether props, frames, or towers are suitable. Next, think about the construction cycle: if you need to strip and reuse the system quickly, aluminum beam shoring or a modular frame system will save you time. Finally, check the site conditions, including the ground or floor you are supporting from, and make sure the whole system complies with the relevant standards, such as EN 1065 for props and EN 12810 for system scaffolding.
Safety considerations for formwork shoring
A shoring system is only as safe as its weakest point. Always set the system on a firm base, using base jacks to spread the load and adjust for uneven ground. Use U-head jacks at the top to support the formwork beams properly. Install diagonal bracing in both directions to resist lateral forces, and never remove props until the concrete has reached the strength specified in the design. Inspect the system regularly, especially after heavy rain or vibration, and replace any damaged or bent components immediately. Small details like these are what keep a pour safe.
Conclusion
Formwork shoring systems come in many forms, from simple adjustable steel props to heavy-duty ringlock and truss systems, and each one has its place. The key is to match the system to the load, the height, and the construction cycle of your project, and to make sure every component is manufactured to a recognized standard. Bythai Scaffolding supplies a complete range of shoring and scaffolding solutions, including adjustable steel props, ringlock systems, frame systems, and aluminum products, all built to international EN and BS standards. If you are planning a pour and need help choosing the right shoring system, contact the Bythai team for a quote.