Washington
Excavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design
Engineered shoring, trench boxes and excavation support required by OSHA for deep excavations.
What the work involves
OSHA's excavation standard requires protective systems for trenches 5 ft or deeper (unless in stable rock), and protective systems for excavations deeper than 20 ft must be designed by a registered professional engineer. Engineers also design soldier pile and lagging walls, sheet piles and underpinning for basements next to existing buildings.
Local conditions we plan for
- Cascadia Subduction Zone and Seattle Fault seismic hazard
- Landslides on wet slopes
- Liquefiable soils near Puget Sound
- Wildfire east of the Cascades
Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- Trench or excavation deeper than 20 ft
- Excavation next to an existing building or street
- Basement dig on a tight urban lot
- Tabulated data does not fit site conditions
Frequently asked questions
How much does excavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design cost?
Across the US, excavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design usually costs $2,000 to $25,000. Estimate. Simple trench designs are low cost; urban basement shoring much higher.
How long does excavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design take?
Plan on 1 to 4 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.
Do I need a licensed PE for excavation Shoring and Trench Protection Design?
In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Washington?
Engineers practicing in Washington are licensed by the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
Which building code applies in Washington?
2021 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.
What site problems do engineers see most in Washington?
Common issues include cascadia Subduction Zone and Seattle Fault seismic hazard, landslides on wet slopes, liquefiable soils near Puget Sound and wildfire east of the Cascades.