What is the purpose of shoring in excavation?

Shoring serves a critical function in excavation by providing support to the walls of the excavated area. This is essential because excavations can be inherently unstable, particularly in loose or granular soils, where wall collapses pose significant risks to workers’ safety. By using shoring techniques, which can involve materials such as timber, steel, or aluminum, the integrity of the excavation site is maintained, helping to prevent soil movements that could lead to accidents or injuries.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of shoring. Marking boundaries pertains to site organization rather than structural support. Facilitating drainage is important for managing water accumulation but is not the role of shoring. Similarly, storing tools and materials safely pertains more to site logistics and safety management than to the structural support provided by shoring. The primary purpose of shoring is focused on the safety and stability of the excavation walls, which makes it a crucial practice in excavation operations.