TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a soldier for use in a temporary propping system, the temporary propping system itself, and a method of using the temporary propping system.

BACKGROUND ART

Props, also known as standards, soldiers, posts, post shores, and several other names are used in the building, civil infrastructure and mining industries for supporting heavy loads or shoring up supports and temporary formwork during construction projects. Props can be utilised for a range of vertical, horizontal and raking applications, as necessary. For example, props may be used as bridge and roof supports, slab back propping, facade retention, ground retention, falsework & formwork or raking and needling applications. Props are typically used as part of a modular system that is customisable for the application, load and desired height or length required.

The slim design of props, referred to as soldiers, enables them to be easily fit within tight spaces that require extra support, whilst exhibiting high vertical load bearing capacity. Some existing prior art prop systems are even capable of bearing up to 100 tonnes. However, vertically oriented soldiers generally exhibit lower horizontal load bearing capacity. To address this, vertical soldiers can be laced with horizontal soldiers to assist the prop system with mitigating horizontal (sideways) forces.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein is a propping soldier suitable for use in a number of different temporary works applications, from back-propping, propping and needling to formwork spreader beams. The soldier comprises a body that extends between a pair of end plates that are arranged at opposing distal ends of the soldier. The body is defined by a pair of re sections, with each C-section comprising a web. Opposing flanges can extend from the web and respective lips can extend inwardly from ends of the flanges. The pair of C- sections can be arranged in the body in a web-to-web spaced relation from one another. The lip of at least one C-section comprises one or more holes therethrough such that an additional component can be mounted at the lip of the soldier.

By one or more holes through the lip of at least one C-section, the propping solider can provide additional flexibility and joining capability when the propping soldier forms part of a prop system.

The propping soldier may form part of a prop system that can be capable of bearing greater loads. The propping soldier may form part of a prop system that can be capable of easily installation and removal. The propping soldier may form part of a prop system that can be efficient and cost effective. In some embodiments, the flanges of at least one C-section may comprise one or more holes therethrough such that an additional component can be mounted at the lip of the soldier.

In some embodiments, each of the lips and/or flanges of each C-section may comprise one or more spaced holes therethrough. In some embodiments, a line of evenly spaced holes may extend through and along the length of each of the lips and/or flanges of each C-section. In some embodiments, the one or more holes may be defined in a generally planar portion of the lip and/or flange. In some embodiments, the holes may be formed in both the lips and flanges. By providing holes on all four sides of the soldier at the same longitudinal height of the soldier, the soldier may facilitate connection with adapters or other components thereat in a more flexible manner.

In some embodiments, each C-section may be substantially rectangular in profile, with each of the lips projecting from a respective flange so as to be aligned parallel to the web.

In some embodiments, in profile, the web of each C-section may comprise a V- shaped kink therein. The V-shaped kink may extend along the web for a length thereof. In some embodiments, a bottom of the V-shaped kink may project inwardly towards an interior of the C-section. The kink in web may act to improve the buckling capacity of the soldier.

In some embodiments, in the body, the pair of C-sections may be connected web- to-web by one or more connector plates. Each connector plate may serve to maintain the spaced relation of the C-sections from one another. In some embodiments, each connector plate may be shaped to extend into and between the respective V-shaped kinks of the pair of C-sections. In some embodiments, each connector plate may have a central hole located therethrough.

In some embodiments, each of the end plates may have a central hole therethrough. In some embodiments, when the soldier is viewed in profile, each end plate central hole may align with each connector plate central hole. In some embodiments, each of the end plates may have a series of holes therethrough. The series of holes can be arranged around the periphery of the end plate. In some embodiments, each of the end plates may have a thickness of 20mm or greater. The thicker end plate profile (e.g. 25 mm) may increase the load bearing capacity of the joint between the soldier and an adjacent component and enable greater distribution of the forces therebetween. In some embodiments, the web of each C-section may comprise one or more apertures therethrough. In some embodiments, each aperture may be a hole, and the location of each aperture along a longitudinal extent of each C-section may be aligned with the location of a respective hole of the lip. In some embodiments, the web of the C-section may be continuous - i.e. without any apertures (or holes) provided therethrough.

Also disclosed is a propping system. The propping system may be suitable for use in a number of different temporary works applications (e.g. as set forth above). The propping system comprises a first soldier and a second soldier. Both soldiers are defined by the features of the soldier described above. The first soldier is arranged substantially vertically in the system. The second soldier is arranged substantially horizontally in the system and is mounted to the first soldier via the one or more holes that extend through the lip of the at least one C-section.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise an adapter. The adapter may be configured for mounting to the one or more holes through the lip of the at least one C-section of the first soldier. The adapter may be further configured for mounting to one of the end plates of the second soldier. The first soldier and the second soldier may be able to be indirectly mounted to one another via the adapter. In some embodiments, the adapter may be configured such that the second soldier is able to be fixedly mounted in perpendicular relation to the first soldier.

The adapter may enable a soldier to be used as a horizontal beam. This may facilitate greater installation tolerance where a larger range of different size soldiers can be used as a horizontal second soldier. The adapter can remove the connection point from the web and enable connection of a second soldier at either of the flanges or lips of the soldier. This may allow the web to be manufactured with a minimal number of holes therethrough, or no holes at all. The web may therefore be strengthened. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a jack. The jack may be configured to adjustably control a height of an in-use upper mounting plate of the jack relative to an in-use lower mounting plate of the jack. At least one of the upper and lower mounting plates may comprise one or more gussets that extend from a surface of the mounting plate inwardly of the jack.

In some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower mounting plates may further comprise a tubular body that extends from a surface of the mounting plate inwardly of the jack. The one or more gussets may be arranged to connect to an outer surface of the tubular body so as to extend between that outer surface and the inwardly facing surface of the mounting plate. In some embodiments, a plurality of gussets may be arranged evenly around the tubular body. Each gusset may extend radially with respect to the tubular body. In some embodiments, each mounting plate may comprise eight or more gussets.

In some embodiments, the tubular body may extend orthogonally and substantially centrally from the inwardly facing surface of the mounting plate. In some embodiments, each tubular body may be internally threaded. An externally threaded rod may be located within so as to extend between opposing aligned tubular bodies of the upper and lower mounting plates. The rod may be adapted for rotation so as to adjustably control the height of the upper mounting plate relative to the lower mounting plate.

Also disclosed is a jack for use with the propping system described above. The jack is configured to adjustably control a height of an in-use upper mounting plate of the jack relative to an in-use lower mounting plate of the jack. At least one of the upper and lower mounting plates comprises more than four gussets that extend from a surface of the mounting plate inwardly of the jack. In some embodiments, the jack may otherwise be as defined with regards to the jack described above (e.g. each mounting plate may comprise eight or more gussets). Also disclosed is a heavy duty structural propping and shoring system. The system may in some embodiments comprise one or more propping soldiers, jacks, racking heads, adapters, and other accessories that together create a flexible and adaptable shoring system suitable for a wide range of uses.

The heavy-duty prop of the kind presently disclosed may enable high structures to be supported as the heavy-duty prop can be capable of bearing greater lateral forces with minimal, or no reliance on the existing columns and walls of a structure to restrain the prop.

In addition, a heavy-duty prop can also be used as horizontal beam which may remove the need for use of structural steel beams in many applications. This may improve the speed of construction and help to reduce the cost in such applications. For example, applications including propping precast segments and girders of a bridge or back-propping a crane.

The disclosed heavy-duty prop may, in some embodiments, reduce the number of holes in the web section, or remove them completely from the web sections of the heavy-duty prop. This may enable the heavy-duty prop system to be capable of bearing loads significantly greater than the load bearing capacity of prior art prop systems. For example, in some embodiments the heavy-duty prop may be capable of bearing loads in the range of 150 -190 tonnes. In some embodiments, when four heavy-duty props are used as a tower having four legs, the load bearing capacity of the collective system may exceed 600 tonnes.

When used within formwork and falsework projects, the higher load capacities throughout the system may reduce the number of components required and may thus consequently reduce assembly and striking times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs, la and lb are projection front and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a soldier.

Figs. 2a and 2b are a front and side view of various size embodiments of a soldier, respectively.

Fig. 3a is a projection section view of the lower section of the soldier of Fig 2, the section being from plane A- A in the direction of Arrow C.

Fig. 3b is a top section view of the lower section of the soldier of Fig 2, the section being from plane A- A in the direction of Arrow C.

Fig. 3c is a top section view of a section of the soldier of Fig 2, the section being from plane A-A to plane B-B.

Fig. 4 is a projection view of an exploded assembly of an embodiment of the propping system.

Fig. 5 is a front close-up view of an embodiment of the propping system, showing the mounting and fastening of a horizontal to a soldier via an adapter.

Fig. 6 is a projection close-up view of an embodiment of the propping system, showing the mounting and fastening of an adapter to the flange of a soldier.

Fig. 7a is a projection view of an embodiment of the propping system, showing the alignment of an upper and lower horizontal with respective adapters on a first pair of soldiers.

Fig. 7b is a projection view of an embodiment of the propping system, showing the alignment of a second pair of soldiers with the opposing ends of the upper and lower horizontals of Fig. 7a.

Fig. 7c is a projection view of an embodiment of the assembled propping system. Fig. 8 is a side view of a further embodiment of the propping system, in use. Fig. 9 is a side view of a further embodiment of the propping system, in use, the soldier forming an angle relative vertical axis.

Figs. 10a, 10b and 10c are a projection, front and side view of a first embodiment of the jack, respectively.

Figs. 11a and lib are a front and side view, respectively, of the jack of Fig 10, when configured in a retracted configuration.

Figs. 12a and 12b are a top and bottom view, respectively, of the base of the jack of Fig 10.

Figs. 13a and 13b are a side view and section view through D-D, respectively, of the base of the jack of Fig 12.

Fig. 14 is a projection view of a further embodiment of the jack.

Figs. 15a and 15b are a side and front view, respectively, of an embodiment of the raking bracket, when the raking bracket is arranged to be in a parallel configuration.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of the raking bracket of Fig 15, when the raking bracket is arranged in an angled configuration.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of an embodiments of a system of four soldiers secured to one another to in a square formation side-by-side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

With reference to the Figures, a soldier 10 is disclosed that is suitable for use in a temporary propping system 100. The soldier 10 has a body 12 that extends between a pair of end plates 14, with each plate being welded to the body 12 in order to cap one of the opposing distal ends of the soldier 10. Where like reference numbers are used, the features are considered to be similar or the same unless specified otherwise.

Referring now to Figures 3A, 3B and 4, the body 12 is defined by a pair of back- to-back C-sections 20. Each C-section 20 comprises a web 22, a pair of flanges 24, and a pair of lips 26. The C-section 20 is substantially rectangular in profile. The flanges 24 are arranged to extend from opposing sides of the web 22, with a respective one of the lips 26 extending inwardly, and towards the other lip, from the end of each one of the flanges 24. The lips 26 project from a respective flange 24 so as to align parallel to, but in spaced relation from, the web 22 of each C- section 20. A gap between the distal ends of each of the pair of lips 26 defines an opening 28 into the C-section 20.

The cross-section of the body 12 is symmetrical across a first laterally extending plane Y-Y that dissects the body 12 centrally between the pair of back-to-back C- sections 20. In addition, the cross-section of the body 12 is symmetrical across a second laterally extending plane X-X that dissects the body 12 centrally through each of the C-sections 20. By manufacturing the soldier with a generally symmetric outer shape, the soldier can provide greater flexibility and can be used in more configurations. For example, with reference to Fig. 17, four soldiers 10 can be secured together with adjacently located flanges 24 being bolted together and adjacently located lips 26 each being bolted together so as to secure the soldiers 10 together as a unified prop. In a variation, not shown, the hole pattern along the respective flanges and lips of the soldiers can be aligned such that the flanges of a first soldier can be secured to the lips of an adjacent second soldier.

The contour of each web 22 comprises a V-shaped kink 23 therealong. The kink 23 is centrally aligned along the inner facing surface 21 of the web 22 so as to be symmetrical across the second laterally extending plane X-X. When viewed in plan, the V-shaped kink 23 is formed with the point of the V- shape being angled to project inwardly towards an interior of the C-section 20, i.e. towards the opening 28. The kink 23 acts to increase the buckling capacity of the web 22 in use.

The pair of C- sections 20 are arranged on the end plates 14 such that the outer facing surface 30 of the flange 24 and the outer facing surface 32 of the lips are aligned to coincide with the side edges 15 of the end plate 14 around its perimeter. The respective webs 22 of the back-to-back C-sections 20 of the body 12 are thus arranged web-to-web on the end plates 14, with the webs 22 being in spaced relation from one another.

The soldier 10 can be manufactured at a variety of lengths from a high tensile steel. In some forms the high tensile steel can have a minimum tensile strength capacity of Grade 550 MPa steel. With reference to Figs. 2A and 2B, the length of the body 12 can be altered whilst the thickness of the end plates 14 can remain constant. For example, in some variants a soldier can be manufactured to have a length as short as 100 mm or as long as 3000 mm. In some variants, the length of the soldier can be varied incrementally in 300 mm increments, ranging from 300 mm up to 3000 mm.

One or more connector plates 40 can be used to bridge across the gap 42 that is formed between the respective webs 22 of the substantially elongate and rectangular C-sections 20 when arranged on the substantially square end plates 14. Each connector plate 40 is shaped to extend into, and between, the respective V- shaped kinks 23 of the pair of C-sections 20 of the body 12. The connector plate 40 extends parallel to the first laterally extending plane Y - Y for at least part of the length of the adjacent webs 22. The connector plates 40 assist with maintaining the spaced relation of the C- sections 20 relative to one another. Each connector plate 40 comprises a hole 42 therethrough, the hole 42 being centrally located within the connector plate 40 so as to lie at the intersection between the first and second laterally extending planes X-X, Y-Y. The hole 42 allows for a rod, not shown, to be passed centrally through the length of the soldier 10. When used, the rod can act to increase the axial capacity of the soldier. The rod enables the strength of the soldier to be improved for a minimal increase in weight of the propping system 100.

The soldier variants are labelled herein 10, 10’, 10”, 10”’, 10””, etc. In some variants, where the soldier 10””’, 10””” is sufficiently short, the soldier 10””’, 10””” can be manufactured without any connector plates 40. Generally, where the soldier is formed to have a sufficient length, the soldier 10, 10’, 10”, 10”’, 10”” can be manufactured with one or more connector plates 40 therealong between the re sections 20 (e.g. Fig 2B). The connector plates 40 can be welded at intervals along the length of the body 12 and can further improve the resistance of the C-section 20 to buckling. For example, a connector plate 40 can be located 150 mm from each endplate 40, with additional connector plates 40 being located at intervals of 300 mm thereafter for the length of the body 12.

The end plates 14 can each be manufactured from high tensile steel (e.g. Grade 450 MPa Steel or stronger) with a thickness of at least 20 mm. In some variants, it may be preferred that the end plate have a thickness of at least 25 mm. When viewed in plan, the end plates 14 defines a square cross-section for the soldier 10, with the corners of the plate 14 being rounded so as to correspond to the curved profile of the bent corners of the C-section body 12. The thickness of the end plates 14 increases the strength of the end plates 14 and can thus improve the load distribution at the joint between the soldier 10 and an adjacent component to which the soldier is connected. A thicker, stronger end plate 14 facilitates a more uniformly distributed load transfer across the end plates 14, rather than being a central point load, or across the outer edges of the end plate 14. The thicker, stronger end plate 14 can also facilitate a more uniformly distributed load transfer between adjacent components of the temporary propping system 100.

Each end plate 14 comprises a plurality of apertures 18 therethrough to facilitate engagement of the soldier 10 with a further component (e.g. a jack, raking bracket etc.). The apertures 18 are arranged in a pattern formation across the end plate 14, the pattern being manufactured to correspond to the plurality of apertures of the further component being connected thereat. With reference to Fig 3B, eight apertures 18 are arranged around the perimeter of the end plate 14. The arrangement of the apertures 18 assists with more evenly distributing the load across the end plate 14 of the soldier 10.

The end plate 14 thickness and arrangement of apertures 18 enables the soldier 10 to more efficiently transfer an applied load between the soldier 10 and an adjacent component to which it is fastened. For example, when transferring an applied load from the soldier 10 into the jack 60 which has a central stem 62 or the base 72 of the raking bracket 70 which comprises a plurality of spaced apart fins 74, and vice versa. In a further example, in one variation, where the axial capacity of the soldier 10 is 1900 kN, the end plate 14 can be configured to transfer approximately 1500 kN of the axial load through the connection into the adjacent component (e.g. jack 60 or raking bracket 70).

A hole 16 is centrally located through each end plate 14, the end plate hole 16 being concentric with the hole 42 through the connector plate 40 so as to also lie at the intersection between the first and second laterally extending planes X-X, Y- Y. The end plate hole 16 and the connector plate hole 42 diameters are substantially the same. The hole 16 allows for a rod, not shown, to be passed through the end plate 14 of a first soldier 10 into an adjacent component (e.g. second soldier, jack etc.). When used, the rod can act to increase the axial capacity of the soldier.

One or more holes 34 can be formed through at least one of the lips 26 of at least one C-section 20 of the body 12. The hole or holes 34 can facilitate the mounting of an additional component to the solider 10 at the lip 26. With reference to Figs 1 to 4 and 11 to 15, each of the lips 26 of each C-section 20 is formed to comprise a plurality of holes 34 that extend through the lips 26 and are evenly spaced along the longitudinal length of each of the lips 26. The holes 34 are defined in a generally planar portion of each lip 26 and aligned colinearly along each of the lips 26 of each C-section 20. The holes 34 can be arranged in a square formation whereby holes 34 are spaced evenly laterally and longitudinally from one another along the lips 26 of the body. For example, the lip 26 can comprise two holes 34 therethrough that are each spaced 150mm apart along the longitudinal length of the body 12, with each of the two holes 34 also being spaced 150mm laterally apart across plane Y-Y from a corresponding hole 34 of the opposing lip 26 of the C-section 20.

The body 12 of the soldier 10 has a generally square cross-section that is symmetrical across both the first and second laterally extending planes X-X, Y-Y. Other cross-sections (e.g. rectangular, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated within this disclosure. The flanges 24 of each cross-section thus also comprise one or more holes 36 therethrough, the holes 36 being suitable for facilitating the mounting of an additional component to the solider 10 at the flange outer facing surface 30. As with the holes 34 through the lips, the holes 36 through the flange 24 are defined in a generally planar portion of each flange 24 and are aligned colinearly along the longitudinal extent of each of the flanges 24 of each C- section 20. The holes 36 are arranged in a square formation whereby holes 36 are spaced evenly laterally and longitudinally from one another along the flanges 24.

The web 22 of each C-section 20 can be formed to comprise one or more apertures 27 therethrough that facilitate the attachment of non- structural additional components. For example, to attach a thin soldier 10 to the web 22, or to secure an adapter plate at the web 22 within the C section 20. The inclusion of the one or more apertures 27 can help reduce the material used and thus reduce weight and associated costs. Each aperture 27 can be spaced longitudinally along the body 12 in a manner similar to the holes 34 through the lips 26. The longitudinal spacing of the holes 34 and apertures 27 can be substantially identical, with respective holes 34 and apertures 27 being aligned longitudinally for the extent of the C- section 20, while the spacing laterally across the width of the C-section (i.e. along first laterally extending plane Y-Y) can differ. In a variation, the web 22 of the C- section 20 can be formed to be continuous without any apertures provided therethrough. By minimising the number of apertures through the web 22 the strength of each C-section can be improved, and thus the strength of the resulting soldier 10.

In order to reduce the buckling length of the soldier 10, the soldier 10 can be incorporated as part of a propping system 100. When configured as part of the propping system 100, a substantially vertically oriented soldier 10 can be supported by mounting one or more substantially horizontally oriented soldiers 10 (hereafter referred to as horizontals 80) to the lips 26 of the vertically oriented soldier 10 via the one or more holes 34 therethrough. The horizontal 80 can be the same size, or smaller in size, relative to the soldier 10. By adding horizontals 80 at spaced intervals along the vertical height of the soldier 10, the buckling length of the soldier 10 is reduced and the load is able to be distributed across a plurality of soldiers 10 that act as the legs of a tower formed by assembling the propping system 100 (e.g. Figs 7a to 7c).

By adding horizontals 80 at intervals along the vertical height of the soldier 10, the buckling length of the soldier 10 can be reduced by transferring some of the load across the other soldiers 10 of the propping system 100. The group of soldiers 10 that are linked by horizontals 80 allow for more even distribution of the load thereacross, whereby the strength of the resulting tower formed by the propping system 100 is improved. The axial capacity of each soldier 10 within the propping system 100 is proportional to the effective length of the respective soldier 10, as defined by the intervals with which horizontals 80 are coupled to the soldier 10. For example, in some variations, if it is required that each soldier within a propping system of four soldiers be capable of bearing an axial load of 600 kN, it has been found that the effective length of the soldiers must not exceed 6 metres. Thus, if each soldier within the tower of soldiers is 9 metres high, a horizontal will need to be connected at intervals along the vertical height of each soldier such that the soldier lengths on either side of the horizontal does not exceed 6 metres.

In this manner, the load applied to each soldier will remain within an acceptable working load limit.

The propping system 100 comprises an adapter 50 that is mountable to each of the lips 26 of one of the C-sections 20 of the vertically oriented soldier 10, the adapter 50 bridging across the opening 28. In a variation, the adapter 50 can be mounted to a flange 24 of each of the pair of C-sections 20, the adapter 50 bridging across the gap 42 (e.g. Figs 4 to 6). The soldier 10 and the horizontal 80 are able to be indirectly mounted to one another via the adapter 50.

The adapter 50 is plate-like and comprises a first set of apertures 52 and a second set of apertures 54. The hole patterns of the first set of apertures 52 and the second set of apertures 54 are different, facilitating engagement of the adapter 50 to both a soldier 10 and a horizontal 80. The first set of apertures 52 is arranged in a square formation, whereby, in use each aperture of the first set of apertures 52 is spaced so as to align with a corresponding one of the holes 34 through the lips 26 (or holes 36 of flange 24) of a C-section 20 of the vertically oriented soldier 10. The second set of apertures 54 is arranged in a pattern or formation whereby, in use each aperture of the second set of apertures 54 aligns with a corresponding aperture 18 through the end plate 14 of the horizontal 80.

The spacing of the holes 36 through the flange 24, both laterally across the soldier 10 and longitudinally along the length of the soldier 10, can be arranged to be identical to the spacing of the holes 34 through the lips 26. Thus, in-use the same adapter 50 can be mounted and fastened to either of the flanges 24 or lips 26 of the soldier 10. The adapter 50 facilitates the application of the horizontal load at a location that is removed from the web 22. Thus, there is no need for the C-section 20 to have a web 22 with a plurality of holes, or to have short lips 26 such that a horizontal 80 can fit therebetween through the opening 28 to be mounted at the web 22. The buckling capacity of the C-section 20, and soldier 10 overall, is thereby able to be increased.

In use, an appropriately sized fastener 56 can be passed through each of the first set of apertures 52 and the corresponding hole 34 through the lips 26 (or holes 36 of flanges 24) so as to secure the adapter 50 against the body 12 of the soldier 10. The end plate 14 of a horizontal 80 can then be located against the in-use outer surface 51 of the adapter 50 such that the second set of apertures 54 align with a corresponding arrangement of apertures 18, and an appropriately sized fastener 58 can be passed therethrough. Both fasteners 56, 58 can be secured using one or more washers 57, locking washers, or nuts 59. The fasteners 56, 58 enable the horizontal 80 to be mounted and fixedly secured to the adapter 50 in perpendicular relation to the soldier 10. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in a variation the adapter can be formed with non-parallel outer surface (e.g. shaped like a wedge) whereby the horizontal can be fixedly mounted to a soldier at an acute or obtuse angle.

The adapter 50 facilitates a secure engagement of a soldier 10 and a horizontal 80 that can reduce the load applied to the web 22 of the pair of C-sections 20. In addition, as need for access to the web 22 is not required for the structural connections of the propping system 100, the lips 26 of the C-sections 20 can have increased length, and the opening 28 into the C-section 20 can be reduced in width. This can further improve the strength of the C-sections 20 against buckling under loading.

In use, when a high grade tensile steel soldier 10 is supported by one or more horizontals 80 that are engaged via an adapter 50 to the lips 26 of the soldier 10 at regular intervals, the load carrying capacity of the soldier 10 under compression and/or tension loading can be improved. In addition, by including a kink 23, whilst minimising the number and size of the apertures 27 through the web 22, the buckling capacity of the web 22 can be further improved.

For example, in one variation with 3 metre intervals between the horizontals along the vertically aligned soldier, the soldier can have the capacity to withstand an axially applied compression force of 1500 kN or an axially applied tension force of nearly 1250 kN. This can be achieved whilst minimising the amount of additional weight per metre of the soldier, thereby optimising the weight of the soldier for a given load carrying capacity. In some variations, for example, the load carrying capacity can be improved by approximately 150% for a given weight of the soldier.

The propping system 100 further comprises a jack 60 that is adapted to lift, position and align the soldier 10 between an in-use lower surface 92 (e.g. ground) and an in-use upper surface 90 that is being supported above the propping system 100. In a manner similar to the end plate 14 of the soldier 10, the base plate 67 that is used for mounting the jack 60 can be manufactured from high tensile steel (e.g. Grade 450 MPa Steel or stronger) with a thickness of at least 20 mm. In some variants, it may be preferred that the base plate 67 have a thickness of at least 25 mm. When viewed in plan, the base plate 67 defines a square cross- section, with the corners being chamfered or rounded so as to correspond to the cross-section and profile of the end plates 14 of the soldier 10. The thickness of the base plates 67 can assist with improving the load distribution at the joint between the jack 60 and an adjacent component to which the jack 60 is connected (e.g. soldier, raking bracket, etc.).

The jack 60 is configured to be adjustable between an extended configuration (e.g. Fig 10a to 10c) and a retracted configuration (e.g. Fig 1 la and 1 lb) by rotation of a threaded central stem 62 relative to a correspondingly threaded tubular body 65 of each of the in-use upper base 64 and in-use lower base 64 segments. The in-use upper and lower base 64 are identical segments that are arranged in inverse relation, and aligned at opposing distal ends of the central stem 62. By rotating the threaded central stem 62, the position of the in-use upper base 64 is adjusted relative to the in-use lower base 64 along the length of the central stem 62, whereby the overall height of the jack 60 is manually adjusted.

A tubular body 65 extends orthogonally and substantially centrally from the surface of the base plate 67 inwardly towards the longitudinal centre of the jack 60. The tubular body 65 acts as a receptacle for the central stem 62, with the inner surface 55 of the tubular body 65 being threaded for at least a portion thereof so as to receive, and engage with, the threaded outer surface of the central stem 62. A plurality of fin-like gussets 68 are arranged to extend radially away from the outer surface 63 of the tubular body 65. Each gusset 68 is arranged to transfer stresses between the tubular body 65 and the base plate 67 of the base 64, whereby the load distribution through the base 64 and the overall load capacity of the jack 60 can be improved. For example, with reference to Figs. 10 to 13, eight gussets 68 can be evenly spaced in a radial octopus-like pattern around the outer surface 63 of the tubular body 65. The number and spacing of the gussets 68 help to improve the load distribution through the base plate 67 into the body 65 and stem 62, and vice versa away from a concentrated point load at the stem 62 into a uniform load distribution at the base plate 67 to thereby act to increase the overall load bearing capacity of the jack 60.

The base 64 of the jack 60 comprises a plurality of apertures 66 therethrough that are arranged along the base 64 so as to correspond to, and align with, the apertures 18 that are arranged around the perimeter of the soldier end plate 14. The arrangement of the apertures 64 assists with more evenly distributing the load across the base 64 of the jack 60. The base 64 of the jack 60 can be mounted and removably secured to the end plate 14 of the soldier 10 using a plurality of fasteners 61.

In a variation, with reference to Fig 14, the jack 60’ can comprise a hydraulic mechanism 69’ in at least one base 64’ that is configured to hydraulically adjust the length of the jack 60’ between the extended configuration and retracted configuration. The hydraulic mechanism can reduce the manual handling when installing the propping system and may thus improve the operational safety of the system when compared with a manual screw jack.

The propping system 100 further comprises a raking bracket 70 that is suitable for use in raking the soldiers 10 to support formwork for columns, walls, staircases etc. The raking bracket 70 comprises a male bracket 75 and a female bracket 76. Each of the brackets 75, 76 has a plurality of fins 74 that are spaced apart along the base 72 of the raking bracket 70. The fins 74 are arranged in pairs with each pair of fins 74 of the male bracket 75 locating inwardly of a corresponding pair of fins 74 of the female bracket 76. For example, with reference to Figs. 15B, each of the brackets 75, 76 can comprise four fins 74, with the inner pair of fins 74a of the male bracket 75 being located inwardly of, and adjacent to, the inner pair of fins 74a of the female bracket 76. Similarly, the outer pair of fins 74b of the male bracket 75 are located inwardly of, and adjacent to, the outer pair of fins 74b of the female bracket 76. By increasing the number of fins 74, the raking bracket 70 is able to improve the uniform distribution of an applied load through the raking bracket 70, and in particular through the base 72 of each bracket 75,76.

When viewed from the side, the fins 74 are substantially triangular in shape and are arranged to project orthogonally away from the base 72 towards the centrally aligned rounded top of the fin 74. The two brackets 75 are pivotable about a pin 73 that is passed laterally across the raking bracket 70 through the aligned apertures of the fins 74. Whilst the raking bracket 70 can be used as part of a system 100 where the soldiers 10 are substantially vertically aligned (e.g. Figs 8 and 15), the raking brackets 70 are pivotable to support the soldier 10 on an angle R-R relative to the vertical axis V-V (e.g. Figs 9 and 16). For example, the raking bracket 70 can be pivoted through 60 degrees of rotation, or 30 degrees on either side of the central vertically aligned axis V-V.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the soldier, propping system and jack.