TRENCHING & SHORING

PRODUCT RANGE
1 / Introduction

WELCOME TO GAP
Established in 1969, GAP Hire Solutions is the UK’s largest independent and family-owned
equipment rental company.

Traditionally a plant and tool hirer, GAP diversified the business through the
establishment of additional specialist divisions: Trenching & Shoring, Non-Mechanical
Plant, Survey & Safety, Lifting Hire & Sales, Welfare Services, Vehicle Hire and Event
Services. Supporting its comprehensive range of activities, the company has over 140
locations and employs more than 1,800 people throughout the UK.

GAP caters for a wide variety of different types of customer, ranging from local
contractors through to national PLCs, in both the private and public sectors. The
main sectors of the UK hire market the company operates in include construction,
utilities, engineering and infrastructure.

TRENCHING & SHORING

Since it was established in 2009, our Non-Mechanical Plant division and our latest addition,
Trenching & Shoring, have grown considerably, now spanning 14 strategically placed depots
nationwide, achieving full UK coverage for our customers.

Our trenching and shoring product range includes light trench boxes, standard trench
boxes, mini and maxi drag boxes, backhoe boxes, trench sheets and piles, waler
systems, edge protection and other related products and accessories. GAP’s value-
added trenching & shoring solutions tick all the boxes when it comes to reliability,
quality and price. All our groundworks equipment is supplied with user guides and
technical information, plus our customers enjoy the peace of mind that our highly
trained specialists are just a phone call away.

GAP is constantly reinvesting in our product fleet, people and processes to ensure
our customers get the hire experience and quality they deserve onsite. With
generous stock levels and our own transport, we can offer a quick response
time for urgent requirements. If you can’t come to us, our bespoke vehicles
can come to you with Hiab delivery and collection, ultimately giving you more
time to get the job done.

In April 2018, GAP purchased MV Trench Support, a Scottish-based

trenching and shoring company. The acquisition further extended our
product fleet and brought an additional wealth of trenching and shoring
experience to GAP.
 Introduction / 2

DESIGN SERVICE
GAP has established itself as one of the UK’s most trusted and innovative hire
equipment providers by having a clear understanding of how to help its customers
achieve their goals.

To accompany our extensive product range, we offer a temporary works

design service which is available on all trenching and shoring products. We
work closely with our customers to supply the relevant equipment required
by site - this often requires a site visit by our knowledgeable technical
sales representatives or regional hire desk and operational staff to discuss
various options and obtain the best solution.

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

Our core, family values are embedded within our culture and give GAP its unique
identity.

COMMUNICATION - We listen to what our customers, staff and suppliers have

to say ensuring that we are reliable, transparent and can be trusted at all times.

ONE TEAM - We aim to form partnerships with our customers to create value
and a safe working environment.

DEDICATION - We are always available because our customers depend on

us to be. Everything we do is with respect for our customers, suppliers,
colleagues and the environment.

EFFICIENCY - We are innovative and introduce new products, people

and processes to help make your job easier. Every day, we go the extra
mile to prove to our customers that we are serious about trenching
and shoring and serving and temporary works industry.
3 / Box Systems

BOX
SYSTEMS
 Box Systems / 4

Aluminium Trench Box Aluminium Manhole Box

Aluminium Trench Boxes are perfect for sewage, stormwater Aluminium Manhole Boxes are ideal for use with a small
and all general excavation work. The two-sided mechanical excavator to allow rapid construction of manhole chambers.
support system is made from aluminium making them
lightweight, long-lasting and easy to use.
• Shields can be stacked three high
• Can be inverted for small shafts
• A great maintenance unit - will fit in a utility pickup or van
• 4 x adjustable spreader bars (600mm to 900mm or
1000mm to 1800mm)

Aluminium Trench Boxes

Clearance Between Max Lateral Earth
Panel Height Panel Length Panel Weight Min Trench Width Max Trench Width Max Depth
Struts Pressure
1210mm 2410mm 55kg 2150mm 600mm 1800mm 3600mm 20kN/m2

Aluminium Manhole Boxes

Clearance Between Max Lateral Earth
Panel Height Panel Length Panel Weight Min Trench Width Max Trench Width Max Depth
Struts Pressure
2400mm 2400mm 165kg 2300mm 1300mm 2500mm 4000mm 32kN/m2
5 / Box Systems

Backhoe Trench Boxes Light Trench Boxes Standard Trench Boxes

Backhoe Trench Boxes are designed for Light trench boxes provide ground GAP’s standard trench boxes are
use with small excavators that have a support for excavations and protect suitable for a large range of trench
limited lifting capacity. workers. Ideal for the installation of depths and widths. Trench box tops
sewers and utility work. are available to add extra height in a
deeper trench. Pinned struts allow for
easy adjustment.
Backhoe Trench Box
Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Box Extension Box
600-2200mm 2660mm 2840mm 2000mm 1000mm 1200mm 64mm 20kN/M2 2660mm 805kg 415kg

Light Trench Box

Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Box Extension Box
600-2800mm 2696mm 3020mm 2015mm 1015mm 1100mm 80mm 28kN/M2 4000mm 1270kg 720kg

Standard Trench Box

Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Extension Box
600-2800mm 3196mm 3520mm 2515mm 1520mm 1500mm 80mm 40kN/M2 5600mm 2110kg 1390kg
 Box Systems / 6

DRAG BOXES
Our drag boxes provide a safe and quick means of pipe laying. Excavators are used to drag the box forward by pulling on
the front strut. Pinned struts allow for easy adjustment.

Mini Drag Box

Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Box Extension Box
500-2250mm 2830mm 3040mm 2000mm 1000mm 1200mm 65mm 25kN/M2 3900mm 1290kg 800kg

Maxi Drag Box

Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Box Extension Box
550-2250mm 4830mm 5040mm 2000mm 1000mm 1200mm 80mm 20kN/M2 2900mm 2280kg 1350kg

Standard Drag Box

Trench Width Clearance Base Panel Base Panel Extension Clearance Thickness Max. Lateral Max. Trench Weight of Weight of
(Internal) Between Struts Length Height Panel Height Under Strut of panel earth Pressure Depth Base Box Extension Box
800-5300mm 4500mm 5100mm 2520mm 1820mm 1500mm 100mm 25kN/M2 4300mm 3120kg 2420kg
7 / Box Systems

Manhole Boxes
GAP’s manhole boxes are designed for use in conjunction with our
manhole shutters, allowing fast manhole construction.

Clearance Min. Max. Max. Weight of

Manhole Box Max. Lateral Weight of
Between Trench Trench Trench Extension
Type earth Pressure Base Box
Struts Width Width Depth Box
Backhoe 2.5m 2248mm 2440mm 2940mm 20kN/M2 2900mm 960kg 580kg

Standard 2.5m 2330mm 2067mm 3967mm 55kN/M2 5400mm 2290kg 1525kg

Standard 3.0m 2770mm 1750mm 4660mm 45kN/M2 5400mm 2550kg 1750kg

Standard 3.5m 3230mm 2067mm 3967mm 40kN/M2 5400mm 3060kg 2100kg

Standard 4m 3730mm 2877mm 4777mm 35kN/M2 5400mm 3850kg 2750kg

Standard 4.7m 4480mm 2450mm 5950mm 35kN/M2 5400mm 4150kg 2950kg

Edge Protection for Boxes

A lightweight barrier system used to provide enhanced safety on site, helping to prevent falls into excavations.
• Kickboards to prevent debris falling into excavations
• Not intended to restrain or support excessive loads
• Weight of boxes: 9.2kg to 40.5kg
Edge Protection Type Panel Height Minimum Length Maximum Length
Standard Box 1000mm 460mm 3916mm
Backhoe Box 1000mm 460mm 3916mm
Standard Manhole Box (2.5m) 1000mm 460mm 3916mm
Backhoe Manhole Box (2.5m) 1000mm 460mm 3916mm
Drag Box (5.0m) 1000mm 460mm 3916mm
 Box Systems / 8

Trench Box Ladder Access

Ladder access can be used in conjunction with the edge protection boxes to
provide safe and secure ladder access into any excavation.
• Ladder can be secured in either left-hand or right-hand orientation

Dimensions (L x H x W) Weight
1100mm | 1300mm | 850mm 110kg

GAP Sheetguard
The GAP Sheetguard supplies edge protection to the excavation. Using the
1200mm or 2600mm mesh panels, they can provide complete enclosure.
The Sheetguard can be used for safety purposes with its highly visible
orange paint.

Dimensions (L x H) Weight
1245mm | 1121mm 10.6kg
2609mm | 1121mm 22.9kg

Trench Box End Panels

Trench Box End Panels play a part in ground shoring systems by supplying
a safe way to close off open excavations.

Dimensions (L x H) Weight
3000mm | 1020mm 304kg
3000mm | 2000mm 526kg
1500mm | 1020mm 172kg
1500mm | 2000mm 300kg
2500mm | 1020mm 261kg
2500mm | 2000mm 452kg

NON-MECHANICAL DIVISION
In addition to all types of trenching products, GAP’s Non-Mechanical division also offers
customers, fencing and barriers, bogmats, magnetic rail barriers, road plates and more.
9 / Hydraulic Systems

HYDRAULIC
SYSTEMS
 Hydraulic Systems / 10

Manhole Brace
Manhole Brace is used with Trench Sheets to support four sided
excavations i.e. Tank Installs/Bridge Footings/Manholes.
Manhole Brace Type External Minimum External Maximum Weight

Manhole Brace A 2000mm 3000mm 219kg

Manhole Brace B 3000mm 4000mm 271kg

Manhole Brace C 4000mm 5000mm 324kg

Manhole Brace D 5000mm 6000mm 375kg

Manhole Brace E 6000mm 7000mm 627kg

Aluminium Waler System

WS025
Used with Trench Sheets to support close trench support allowing
clear working area. Commonly used when encountering cross
service excavations.
Waler Cylinders
Waler Cylinders Type External Minimum External Maximum Weight

Waler Cylinder Type A 530mm 830mm 13kg

Waler Cylinder Type B 780mm 1310mm 16kg

Waler Cylinder Type C 1260mm 1800mm 23kg

Waler Extension
Waler Extension Type External Minimum External Maximum Weight

Waler Extension Type B1 1180mm 1710mm 25kg

Waler Extension Type B2 1500mm 2080mm 28kg

Waler Extension Type C1 2000mm 2500mm 38kg

Waler Rail
SWL on Rail in kN/m
Rail Length Height Width Material Weight Strut Centres
Run with a F.O.S of 2
2.0m 180mm 120mm Aluminium 21kg 1420mm 58.0 kN/m

3.0m 180mm 120mm Aluminium 31kg 2520mm 16.0 kN/m

4.0m 180mm 120mm Aluminium 41kg 3500mm 8.2 kN/M

INSTALLATION KIT
Our installation kit consists of hydraulic pumps, hoses and male manifolds.
11 / Trench Sheets & Ancillaries

TRENCH SHEETS
& ANCILLARIES
 Trench Sheets & Ancillaries / 12

Trench Sheets
Trench sheets, available in a range of lengths, are primarily
used for ground support and trench work. Groundworkers
and utility companies use them to provide a safe working
environment in various excavations.
• Available in plastic variations

Dimensions (L x W)
Trench Sheet Trench Sheet Trench Sheet Trench Sheet Trench Sheet Trench Sheet Trench Sheet
Description
350mm x 2m 350mm x 2.5m 350mm x 3m 350mm x 3.5m 350mm x 4m 350mm x 4.5m 350mm x 5m

Standard Trench Pile

TECHNICAL ENGINEERING VALUES

Weight (sheet): Weight (wall): Density: Initial Tan Modulus: Moment of Inertia: Maximum Moment:

3.35kg/m 10.50kg/m 2
1450kg/m 2
2.55kN/mm 2
688.5cm /m
4
7.38kNm/m

Width (sheet): Material Thickness: Lugs Tensile Yield Strength: Secant Modulus: Section Modulus: Allowable Moment:

310mm o/a 5mm n/a 40N/mm2 2.15kN/mm2 184.7cm3/m 2.46kNm/m

Physical Properties Mechanical Properties

KD4/KD6 Trench Sheets

• Effective Width = 400mm / 600mm
• Depth = 50mm / 78mm
• Thickness = 6.0mm
• Cross sectional area per sheet = 19.8cm2 / 48.8cm2
• Steel grade = S275JR / S355
• Weight = 22.1 kg/m / 37.5 kg/m
• Bending Moment = 19 kn/m / 58 kn/m
Dimensions

Trench Sheet 6m Trench Sheet 5m Trench Sheet 4m

90 150 75

R8 R8
, 0
60

60 8
78
R8

R8
R8
,0

R8
,0

60
R
6

60
60

,0

90
600
621,4
13 / Trench Sheets & Ancillaries

Steel Sheet Piling

Interlocking steel sheet piles are used for permanent and temporary
works that may include cofferdams and retaining wall structures.

Sheet Pile Type Width Height Back Thickness Web Thickness Mass Moment of Inertia Section Modulus

L602 600mm 310mm 8.4mm 7.6mm 53.4 Kg/Lin mtr 89 Kg/m2 of Wall 13046 cm4/m 842 cm3/m

L603 600mm 320mm 9.6mm 8.2mm 64.2 Kg/Lin mtr 107 Kg/m2 of Wall 19199 cm4/m 1200 cm3/m

L603N 600mm 422.6mm 9.1mm 7.3mm 59.7 Kg/Lin mtr 99.6 Kg/m2 of Wall 27020 cm4/m 1279 cm3/m

L603 10/10 600mm 322mm 10mm 10mm 72.1 Kg/Lin mtr 120.2 Kg/m2 of Wall 20930 cm4/m 1300 cm3/m

L604 600mm 390mm 10mm 9mm 73.1 Kg/Lin mtr 121.8 Kg/m2 of Wall 31548 cm4/m 1618 cm3/m

L605A 600mm 420mm 10.7mm 9mm 76.5 Kg/Lin mtr 127.5 Kg/m2 of Wall 38243 cm4/m 1821 cm3/m

L605 600mm 420mm 12.3mm 9.2mm 82.1 Kg/Lin mtr 136.8 Kg/m2 of Wall 42433 cm4/m 2021 cm3/m

L606A 600mm 430mm 13.4mm 9mm 85.4 Kg/Lin mtr 142.3 Kg/m2 of Wall 17402 cm4/m 2205 cm3/m

L623 600mm 431mm 14.4mm 9.4mm 89.8 Kg/Lin mtr 149.7 Kg/m2 of Wall 50880 cm4/m 1356 cm3/m

L606 600mm 430mm 15.8mm 9.3mm 93.9 Kg/Lin mtr 156.5 Kg/m2 of Wall 53785 cm4/m 2502 cm3/m

L626 600mm 431mm 16.5mm 9.5mm 96.6 Kg/Lin mtr 161 Kg/m2 of Wall 56116 cm4/m 2602 cm3/m

L628 600mm 433.4mm 17.5mm 10.3mm 102.3 Kg/Lin mtr 170.5 Kg/m2 of Wall 60112 cm4/m 2774 cm3/m

L607 600mm 456.5mm 19mm 10.6mm 112.4 Kg/Lin mtr 187.3 Kg/m2 of Wall 73300 cm4/m 3211 cm3/m

Bypass Stoppers Blank Stoppers Air Test Stoppers

Where it is not possible to stop a For sealing pipes quickly and Our GAP Air Test Stoppers are designed for use
flow, bypass stoppers can divert without hassle. Each stopper when air testing drainage pipes to a standard air
the flow while work is carried is suitable for a range of pipe test of 100mm of water over air.
out, i.e omit connect the plug. diameters.
 Trench Sheets & Ancillaries / 14

Road Forms
Road forms are used in the construction of ground slabs, roadways,
foundations and drives. Available with a true square or flexible edge
ensuring a smooth radius bend. Typically supplied with 1‘ stakes/pins per
metre (3 pins per road form). Pins are an add-on sale under code ‘STAK’.
• High quality, reinforced concrete
Length Depth

3m 152mm, 203mm, 254mm or 305mm

Road Plates
Road plates can be used as a temporary road surface for traffic and
pedestrians to assist with the flow of traffic when work is not being
carried out.
• Complete with lifting eyes in each corner
• Also available with anti-slip surface
• One week minimum hire (RS015: two weeks minimum hire)

Road Plate Type Dimensions (L x H x W)

Road Plate 1800mm | 20mm | 900mm

Road Plate Anti-Slip 2400mm | 20mm | 1200mm

Pitching Shackle Universal Driving Cap Trench Sheet Extractor

For pitching of trench sheets using a For driving standard lap trench For extraction of trench sheets.
spring loaded pin mechanism. sheets.
15 / Trench Sheets & Ancillaries

Trench Struts
Designed to be used horizontally to support trench walls, improving
user safety and protecting other equipment.
• Clawed ends to ensure maximum grip

Trench Strut Types Closed Height Open Height

Trench Struts Size 0 300mm 450mm

Trench Struts Size 1 450mm 710mm

Trench Struts Size 2 680mm 1140mm

Trench Struts Size 3 1040mm 1750mm

Steel / Acrow Props

These adjustable devices will support beams, walls, ceilings and
temporary floors to allow work to carry on safely.
• Can be used with Strongboys to give added adaptability
• Thread adjuster for exact positioning

Trench Strut Types Closed Height Open Height Weight

Acrow Props Size 0 1090mm 1820mm 15kg

Acrow Props Size 1 1750mm 3120mm 18kg

Acrow Props Size 2 2009mm 3350mm 20kg

Acrow Props Size 3 2590mm 3950mm 24kg

Acrow Props Size 4 3200mm 4870mm 26kg

Piling Hammer
For sheet pile driving and pile extraction. Piling hammers
have been designed to work in place of an excavator bucket
to drive and extract piles.
• Drive and extract steel sheet piles hydraulically
• Vibrates pile in or out
• Universal joint suspension for easy alignment of piles
 Trench Sheets & Ancillaries / 16

Manhole Shutters
Pre-formed steel shutters for forming concrete surrounds to manholes.
• Each Manhole Shutter is made up of a combination of the modular panel
components listed in the table below (A, B & C)
• Two panel heights of 900mm and 1800mm
• Three panel sizes combine for manhole ring diameters from 675mm to 2700mm
• Rapid assembly using simple pin and wedge systems

900mm Panels
Manhole Ring Manhole Ring Thickness of Concrete
Description Internal Diameter Wall Thickness Modular Panel Components Surround
(mm) (mm) (mm)
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 675mm) 675 57 1 3 0 152
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 900mm) 900 70 2 2 0 167
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 1050mm) 1050 75 3 0 1 189
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 1200mm) 1200 90 3 1 1 184
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 1350mm) 1350 95 3 2 0 159
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 1500mm) 1500 100 3 3 0 181
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 1800mm) 1800 115 4 2 0 156
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 2100mm) 2100 152 4 4 0 172
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 2400mm) 2400 175 6 1 0 178
Manhole Shutter (900mm x 2700mm) 2700 175 7 0 0 168

1800mm Panels
Manhole Ring Manhole Ring Thickness of Concrete
Description Internal Diameter Wall Thickness Modular Panel Components Surround
(mm) (mm) (mm)
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 675mm) 675 57 1 3 0 152
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 900mm) 900 70 2 2 0 167
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 1050mm) 1050 75 3 0 1 189
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 1200mm) 1200 90 3 1 1 184
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 1350mm) 1350 95 3 2 0 159
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 1500mm) 1500 100 3 3 0 181
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 1800mm) 1800 115 4 2 0 156
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 2100mm) 2100 152 4 4 0 172
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 2400mm) 2400 175 6 1 0 178
Manhole Shutter (1800mm x 2700mm) 2700 175 7 0 0 168
17 / Eze Shoring

EZE SHORING
Up to depths of 2.5m

Five components

Non-conductive

EZE TRENCH STRUTS

EZE Strut Type Closed Open
Type 1 511mm 711mm
EZE SHORING DEPTHS Type 2 706mm 1107mm
1380mm 1760mm 2140mm 2520mm Type 3 1041mm 1741mm

EZE SHORING KIT

LENGTH Hub Board Infill Board Waler Slider End Waler 1.5m End Bracket
1500 4 8 4 8 4 8
2000 6 8 4 8 4 8
2500 6 10 4 8 4 8
3000 6 12 4 8 4 8
 Complementary Products / 18

COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS
GAP has a wide range of products available for hire which will help put your Trench Boxes in place.

Chain Slings Manhole Lifter Ladders

Lifting Pins Manhole Chain Clamps Counter Balance Davit System

 Elgin HIRE SOLUTIONS
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available nationwide
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0141 225 4600 Douglas
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info@gap-group.co.uk
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