What is the main role of shoring when dealing with excavation?

Shoring is primarily designed to support the sides of an excavation, ensuring the stability of the excavation site and preventing soil collapse. This is especially critical in deep excavations where the risk of cave-ins becomes significant due to the weight of the soil above. By providing structural support, shoring helps maintain safety for workers and equipment operating in or around the excavation site. It can also facilitate the safe movement of materials in and out of the excavation without the concern of sudden soil shifts.

While factors such as soil strength and erosion control are important in excavation projects, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of shoring. Enhancing water filtration is also not a function of shoring; rather, it focuses on maintaining excavation safety and stability.