Patent ID: 8151463
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: E02D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process for making a panel for supporting a sidewall of an excavation, comprising the steps of: cutting a flat sheet plate having a width and a length; stacking multiple longitudinal members, each of the longitudinal members are formed from a planar sheet to have a L-shaped cross-section, including: a first leg extending along the length and along a portion of the width of the flat sheet plate, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate, the first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured by a weld to the first leg of another member; and a second leg integral with the first leg, extending along the length of the plate, away from the first leg and toward the plate, and the second leg being secured by a weld to the plate; and securing at least one vertical stiffener along the length of the plate, each stiffener extending in a direction of the width of the plate and having: a web substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate, with said web being secured to the first leg of each longitudinal member that converges substantially perpendicular to said vertical stiffener; and first and second stiffener legs integral with said web, said stiffener legs extending away from the corresponding web and toward the plate, and being secured to the plate.