Abstract: A ground excavation shield that can include a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall, a first guide rail, and a second guide rail. The first wall can be disposed on a first side of the ground excavation shield. The second wall can be disposed on a second side of the ground excavation shield. The third wall can be disposed on a third side of the ground excavation shield and can be coupled to the first and second walls. The first guide rail can be coupled to a bottom of the first wall and the second guide rail can be coupled to a bottom of the second wall.

Abstract: The trench shoring apparatus includes first and second side panels connected in a parallel spaced-apart configuration by a connecting rod pivotally connected to one end of one or more pairs of lateral arms. The other opposite end of the one or more pairs of lateral arms is hingedly connected to the side panels, such that translational movement of the connecting rod in a direction parallel to the side panels causes the spaced-apart panels to move between retracted and extended parallel spaced-apart configurations.

Abstract: A shoring device for corners is shown and described. One of the models for the corner shoring device includes a first sidewall connected to a second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall form an angled connection. A support wall is connected to each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall within the angle to prevent the sidewalls form closing in on each other.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an anchored hole cover for a bore hole cored from a paved surface that includes a cover plate configured to cover the bore hole and support vehicular traffic. An anchoring mechanism is attached to the cover plate and extends down into the bore hole. The anchoring mechanism is configured to be actuated by a user torque input that is transmitted through a linkage system to cause an anchoring mechanism to selectively engage or disengage the wall of the bore hole. When the anchoring mechanism is engaged with the wall, the anchored hole cover is prevented from being unintentionally extracted from the hole. The anchored hole cover effectively provides a temporary cover for a bore hole in a road, parking lot, or other paved surfaces that supports vehicular traffic, that prevents extraction due to vibrations of passing traffic, thus preventing damage to cars and their occupants.

Abstract: A portable cofferdam system for isolating a working area from water such as a culvert. The portable cofferdam system generally includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall each having an interior side, an exterior side, an upper edge, a lower edge and a rear edge. A middle wall is connected to the sidewalls opposite of the rear edges of the sidewalls forming a substantially U-shaped structure. An opening formed between the rear edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall to allow for positioning about or near the inlet of an object or area to be kept dry such as the inlet of a culvert.

Abstract: An end frame includes a guide having a channel therethrough for receiving a sheet piling and a pair of hangers for hanging the end frame from a spreader of a trench shield. The end frame hangs from the spreader and bears against the adjacent ends of the sidewalls of the trench shield to provide a channel through which sheet piling can be inserted and stabilized as the sheet piling is driven into the soil adjacent to the end of the trench shield. The sheet piling and the end frame prevent unwanted cave-ins of soil into the workspace between the sidewalls of the trench shield without imparting unwanted buckling forces to the midsection of the spreader from which the end frame hangs. The hangers may be rigidly coupled to the guide or they may be coupled to the guide through chains, cables, straps or through pivoting linkages.

Abstract: A portable cofferdam system for isolating a working area from water such as a culvert. The portable cofferdam system generally includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall each having an interior side, an exterior side, an upper edge, a lower edge and a rear edge. A middle wall is connected to the sidewalls opposite of the rear edges of the sidewalls forming a substantially U-shaped structure. An opening formed between the rear edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall to allow for positioning about or near the inlet of an object or area to be kept dry such as the inlet of a culvert.

Abstract: A roller cart and methods for installing in an excavation support system. The roller cart can include a generally vertical back plate having a front surface, a back surface, a top end, and a bottom end. A generally horizontal base plate, having a top side and a bottom side, can be attached to the back plate at about a 90-degree angle, proximate the bottom end of the back plate. A first side plate and a second side plate that are generally L-shaped, having a generally vertical top portion, and a bottom portion that is generally perpendicular to the top portion can be attached to and generally perpendicular to the back surface of the back plate. The bottom portion of both side plates can be attached to and generally perpendicular to the bottom side of the base plate. The first side plate and the second side plate can be generally parallel to one another.

Abstract: An excavation support system and methods for making same. The system can include a plurality of linear slide-rail posts; a plurality of corner slide-rail posts; at least one slide-rail panel having opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end is disposed within the recessed groove of the linear slide-rail post and the second end is disposed within one of the recessed grooves of the corner slide-rail posts; at least one linear roller cart, having at least one roller attached thereto, adapted to slide onto the linear slide-rail post and secure thereto, the linear roller cart comprising a generally horizontal plate for supporting at least one hydraulic brace leg; and at least one corner roller cart having at least one roller attached thereto, adapted to slide onto the corner slide-rail post and secure thereto. Each cart having a generally horizontal plate for supporting at least one hydraulic brace, and movable in an upward and downward direction relative to the vertical axis of the slide-rail post.

Abstract: A shoring end section assembly is described which may allow increased strength, increased longevity, and ease of use. The end section assembly may be comprised of a through-wall tube that is substantially hollow, and a connection assembly comprised of one or more through-wall tubular coupling assemblies. Each through-wall tubular coupling assembly may be comprised of a hollow through-wall tubular coupling which extends through the through-wall tube, a spreader stop disposed inside the hollow through-wall tubular coupling, a through-wall collar disposed between the hollow through-wall tubular coupling and the through-wall tube, a tubular coupling pin washer plate, and a tubular coupling collar disposed around the proximal end of the tubular coupling. Each through-wall tubular coupling assembly may have a transverse rigidifying member extending between them, and a notched angle brace assembly may be attached to the lowest through-wall tubular coupling assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support (20) for a prop (22). The prop (22) comprises a telescopic tube (26) and opposing transversely extending feet. The support (20) comprises a board (30) for contacting a support surface to transmit a supporting load thereto; a load bearing surface for receiving the supporting load from a prop (22); a bracket (32) coupled to the board (30), the bracket (32) arranged to support an end of the prop (22) at a load bearing position on the load bearing surface; and a guide for guiding the prop (22) to the load bearing position.

Abstract: A portable cofferdam system for isolating a working area from water such as a culvert. The portable cofferdam system generally includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall each having an interior side, an exterior side, an upper edge, a lower edge and a rear edge. A middle wall is connected to the sidewalls opposite of the rear edges of the sidewalls forming a substantially U-shaped structure. An opening formed between the rear edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall to allow for positioning about or near the inlet of an object or area to be kept dry such as the inlet of a culvert.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular trench shoring sheeting panel made primarily of polyethylene includes at least one pair of hand holes. In some embodiments, the sheeting panel includes a plurality of buttons protruding outwardly from one of the sheeting panel's surfaces. As compared to three-quarter inch FinnForm, the polyethylene sheeting panel typically has (i) equivalent or superior structural properties and (ii) a significantly lower useful-life cost.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular trench shoring sheeting panel made primarily of polyethylene includes at least one pair of hand holes. In some embodiments, the sheeting panel includes a plurality of buttons protruding outwardly from one of the sheeting panel's surfaces. As compared to three-quarter inch FinnForm, the polyethylene sheeting panel typically has (i) equivalent or superior structural properties and (ii) a significantly lower useful-life cost.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining optimal design conditions for structures incorporating geosynthetically confined soils. A testing apparatus referred to as a load frame simulates a particular geostructural construction without having to construct a full-scale or near full-scale model. The load frame includes an enclosure made from materials such as concrete block or rigid panels that enclose a plurality of layers of geosynthetic materials and lifts of representative soil and aggregate obtained from the jobsite of the geostructural construction. An upper load plate and lower load plate confine the lifts and geosynthetic materials. A load is applied to the upper load plate in order to compact the contents within the load frame. Both static and vibratory energy can be applied for the loading, thereby closely replicating actual compaction efforts at the job site. Once the contents have been compacted, compaction testing can be conducted to confirm design parameters.

Abstract: Trench shoring apparatuses configured to be moved by construction equipment and including major vertical arms, struts attached to the lower ends of the major vertical arms, connectors rigidly connected to the major vertical arms proximate the upper ends of the major vertical arms, the connectors being configured to detachably couple with the construction equipment. In some examples, struts include strut arms movably supported by the major vertical arm and strut actuators configured to selectively extend and retract the strut arm laterally across trenches, the strut arms being configured to pair with shoring plates proximate outer ends. In some examples, connectors include first retaining arms and second retaining arms extending transverse to the major vertical arm. In some examples, connectors include metallic rings defining openings sized to receive projections of construction equipment.

Abstract: A finger guard is described, removably attachable to a shoring device of the type having a pair of opposed shoring columns having outer and inner surfaces, the outer surfaces exposed for contact with excavation surfaces and with an extendable and retractable jack pivotally secured at the inner surfaces to the column. The finger guard comprises a sheet of stiff material; at least one connector attached to the sheet, wherein the at least one connector includes: two arms spaced apart from each other and extending generally parallel to each other; a shoulder element extending between the two arms, and connecting the two arms together; a leg element, extending from the shoulder element parallel with the arms; wherein, the sheet of stiff material is attached to the at least one connector; a set screw threadably passing through one of the arms, the set screw being configured to attach the connector to a portion of a shoring column.

Abstract: The present invention is an interlocking shoring panel for excavation with implied methods of use. In one preferred embodiment the panel comprises a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The edges have attachment means such as complementary interlocking features for connecting the panel to one or more adjacent shoring panels. The inner surfaces have two or more horizontal channels and two or more vertical support struts at spaced intervals along the length of the shoring panel. A plurality of shoring panels are interconnected to form a shoring ring, and a plurality of shoring rings are interconnected to form a shoring structure.

Abstract: A method of temporarily supporting a soil mass susceptible to slide at a scarp slope bounding the soil mass includes advancing a supporting wall in an advancing direction along the scarp slope; and, in addition to the movement in the advancing direction, also moving a surface portion, in direct contact with the soil mass, of the supporting wall, so as to minimize friction between the soil mass and the supporting wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to both a trench box, the use of a trench box and the method for using said trench box. When assembled, said trench box comprises at least two oppositely placed side walls, each side wall having a thickness, a length and a height, an outer wall area and an inner wall area, said trench box further comprising a number of distance struts. Said distance struts are arranged to be secured between said oppositely placed side walls. A trench box according to the invention is new in that a side wall comprises at least a frame part with a first thickness, a length and a height being substantially the same as the length and height of the side wall, said side wall further comprising a centre part placed inside the frame part, said centre part having a second thickness and comprising one or more strengthening elements, and said side wall further comprising a cover on the outer area of the side wall.

Abstract: A dewatering system built onto trench shoring boxes and equipment for removing and pumping ground water from ditches or trenches excavated to install underground utility pipes and equipment. Ground water is pulled from the trench bottom by the dewatering system through slotted openings at the bottom of the trench shoring equipment and through the attached suction tubes. The suction tubes are attached to a pump at the top of the trench shoring equipment.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular trench shoring sheeting panel made primarily of polyethylene includes at least one pair of hand holes. In some embodiments, the sheeting panel includes a plurality of buttons protruding outwardly from one of the sheeting panel's surfaces. As compared to three-quarter inch FinnForm, the polyethylene sheeting panel typically has (i) equivalent or superior structural properties and (ii) a significantly lower useful-life cost.

Abstract: A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.

Abstract: A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.

Abstract: A panel assembly of a trench box has a frame, a receptacle affixed within the frame, a connector having one end portion received in the receptacle at an opposite end portion extending outwardly of the frame, and a pipe having one end affixed to the opposite end portion of the connector member and extending outwardly therefrom. The connector member has a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. This flange bears directly or indirectly against either or both of the receptacle and the frame.

Abstract: A support has an expandable enclosure for use in an excavation. The enclosure is expandable, on introduction of a fluid to the enclosure, from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The enclosure is configured such that when the enclosure is in the expanded configuration, and is located in the excavation, pressure exerted by the fluid on an internal surface of the enclosure is sufficient to provide support for at least one wall of the excavation.

Abstract: Trench shoring apparatuses configured to be moved by construction equipment and including major vertical arms, struts attached to the lower ends of the major vertical arms, connectors rigidly connected to the major vertical arms proximate the upper ends of the major vertical arms, the connectors being configured to detachably couple with the construction equipment. In some examples, struts include strut arms movably supported by the major vertical arm and strut actuators configured to selectively extend and retract the strut arm laterally across trenches, the strut arms being configured to pair with shoring plates proximate outer ends. In some examples, connectors include first retaining arms and second retaining arms extending transverse to the major vertical arm. In some examples, connectors include metallic rings defining openings sized to receive projections of construction equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a cage for protecting a worker in an excavation. The cage includes spaced apart side panels formed from a material suitably-strong to withstand a force exerted on the side panels by a collapsing wall of the excavation. A plurality of cross members extend between the side panels to substantially maintain a distance separating the side panels when subjected to the force exerted by the collapsing wall of the excavation. And a connection head that is cooperable with a coupler supported by a boom of a piece of mechanized equipment is included to couple the cage to the boom. The connection head is coupled to one or both of the side panels, one or more of the cross members, or one or both of the side panels and at least one of the cross members.

Abstract: A telescopic shoring system for shoring open excavations comprises rail posts composed by at least an outer member and an inner member, and large shoring panels. Each outer and inner member of the rail post has laterally, on either side, at least one panel guide allowing the shoring panels to slide within. The outer member of the rail post has a frontal guide adapted to interlock the back guide provided to the inner member but sliding relatively to each other. The shoring panels are arranged on each side of the excavation while the rail posts are placed on each corner holding on either side the shoring panels, which create a multi-stepped shoring box. The outer members of the rail post with shoring panels create an outer or upper shoring box while the inner members of the rail post in combination with shoring panels create an inner or lower shoring box.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for supporting trench pipes with polyurethane foams which are flotation resistant with sufficient strength and density to provide stability and inhibit erosion at pipeline trench sites, and other uses, wherein at least 50% of the foam is open cell and has a density of approximately 1.3 lbs/ft3 to 3.5 lbs/ft3. The invention also provides methods for making compositions used to make polyurethane foams that exhibit such characteristics.

Abstract: A cofferdam module can include first and second side panels, outer support members that are each coupled to the outer side of one of the side panels, and two different types of inner support members that are each coupled to the inner side of each of the side panels.

Abstract: A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular trench shoring sheeting panel made primarily of polyethylene includes at least one pair of hand holes. In some embodiments, the sheeting panel includes a plurality of buttons protruding outwardly from one of the sheeting panel's surfaces. As compared to three-quarter inch FinnForm, the polyethylene sheeting panel typically has (i) equivalent or superior structural properties and (ii) a significantly lower useful-life cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shuttering element for limiting a section of a trench wall. The shuttering element is characterized by a plurality of shuttering parts which have a plate-shaped base body, consisting of concrete in particular, and are connected to one another at their adjoining horizontal front faces. Furthermore, the invention relates to a shuttering part as well as a method for producing a trench wall in the ground.

Abstract: A process for making a panel for supporting the sidewalls of an excavation includes a plate, longitudinal members and vertical members. Each longitudinal member includes a first leg extending along the length, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate. The first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured to the first leg of another member. A second leg, integral with the first leg, extends along the length, away from the first leg and toward the plate, the second leg being secured to the plate. Axially spaced vertical members are welded to the plate and to the longitudinal members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-shell structural unit and system of attaching the units to form an outer layer in the construction of a steep embankment formed from several layers, this outer layer being suitable for greening. The structural unit is formed by a front element, a spacer element, and a rear-wall element. The front and rear-wall elements have a flexurally rigid lattice structure. The rear-wall element is a planar element that is either a flat element or has a shape defined by a polygonal curve. The spacer element has a stepped form on at least one side and has mounts for frictional joints with geosynthetics. Connector pieces permit positive and frictional joining of the elements of the unit. The structural unit is intended for use as an independent support system to continuously resist horizontal loads exerted by a backfilled embankment.

Abstract: A method and device for shoring trenches includes insertion of a first couple of lining plates into a ditch. A stiff bracing frame may be guided within a first couple of linear guides between the two lining plates, one linear guide being connected to one lining plate. A second couple of lining plates may be guided between the first lining plates and inserted into the ditch. A second couple of linear guides may be inserted between the first linear guides, one of the second linear guides being connected to one of the second lining plates, and the second linear guides being kept at a distance using a brace. The bracing frame between the first linear guides may be removed, and the second lining plates and the second linear guides may be lowered while the stiff bracing frame is inserted between the first linear guides when the ditch is dug deeper.

Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.

Abstract: The facing element for a stabilized soil structure comprises a body of cast material inside which a path is formed for a reinforcement strip between two points of emergence situated on a rear face of the element. This path includes two rectilinear portions which are respectively adjacent to the two points of emergence and are each arranged so as to position the strip in the same plane of emergence perpendicular to the rear face, two curved portions which respectively continue the two rectilinear portions and are arranged so as to deviate the strip from the plane of emergence, and a connection portion which joins the two curved portions to one another and has at least one loop situated outside the plane of emergence.

Abstract: The present invention is an interlocking shoring panel for excavation and methods of use. In one preferred embodiment the panel comprises a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The edges have attachment means such as complementary interlocking features for connecting the panel to one or more adjacent shoring panels. The inner surface having two or more horizontal channels and two or more vertical support struts at spaced intervals along the length of the shoring panel. A plurality of shoring panels are interconnected to form a shoring ring, and a plurality of shoring rings are interconnected to form a shoring structure.

Abstract: A handling device for depositing a trench box into an open excavation includes at least one reciprocal trench box wall contact member movable along a first axis; motor means for selective movement of the wall contact member; and a coupling for attaching the contact member and the motor means to a prime mover for selectively moving the handling device along an axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A system for depositing a trench box in an open excavation includes the handling device and a trench box having a plurality of apertures engageable with the at least one wall contact member. A method for depositing a trench box in an open excavation includes operating the handling device with the trench box having the apertures.

Abstract: A temporary safety box for assistance in excavation of an associated below grade foundation wall is placed in an associated trench located adjacent the associated foundation wall. The safety box comprises a wall member including an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end face and a second end face. The inner surface faces the associated foundation wall and includes a reinforcing element for providing strength and rigidity to the wall member. The outer surface abuts a wall of the associated trench and is configured to assist in removal of the safety box from the associated trench. The first and second end faces abut the associated foundation wall. The safety box and the associated foundation wall together substantially surround a worker in the associated trench to protect the worker from excavated debris.

Abstract: A center beam connection assembly for temporary shoring includes a pair of end-caps adapted to fit over respective ends of a center shoring beam. Arms extending from each end-cap engage a web of a main shoring beam in a excavation site shoring system. The end-caps may be used alone, or in combination with reinforcing and spacer bars. Reinforcing bars include first and second hooks adapted to connect to a main shoring beam and a center shoring beam, respectively. When utilized, each spacer bar is connected to at least one tab on an end-cap and at least one tab on a reinforcing bar via connecting pins. In this manner, one or more center shoring beams can span an excavation hole to provide removable, reusable and temporary support for a shoring system.

Abstract: A shoring beam extension and reinforcement assembly allows a user to removably connect a plurality of shoring beams together so as to customize a support assembly to a particular excavation site. In use, main shoring beams extending around the periphery of an excavation site are connected at the corners by corner connections and are connected along the longitudinal sides of the excavation site by the extension of reinforcement assembly. Additionally, the first and second connectors support a center shoring beam laterally across the excavation site. The assembly is provided with additional support by tabs extending from each of the first and second connectors. Reinforcing beams include tabs having apertures adapted to align with apertures in the tabs of the first and second connectors such that connecting pins may be inserted there through to connect the reinforcing beams with the connectors. Eyelets located on the first and second connectors provide a means by which the assembly may be supported.

Abstract: A trench shoring or shielding unit, for securing the sidewalls of an earthen formation, trench or excavation, includes a plurality of adjustable, vertically arranged panels forming a protective wall. As a shielding unit, two opposing protective walls are spaced and attached by at least two spreader bars. Each adjustable panel has opposing top and bottom ends, a C-shaped channel traversing the panel's height, and opposing side edges that inter-engage with the side edges of adjacent panels. Further, each adjustable panel is attached to at least one of two or more whalers along an inner surface of the panel by a clamp-like fastener having a bolt passing through the whaler and into the C-shaped channel of the corresponding panel. The inter-engaging side edges are segmented, preferable concave and convex, so that adjacent adjustable panels inter-engage to resist lateral torque or twisting that may be caused by shifting or collapse of the excavation.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device including a main beam, two or more connection plates fixedly connected to the main beam, at least two legs, each leg pivotably attached to two of the plates, at least two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinder disposed between the beam and one of the legs, and two or more load connectors.

Abstract: A panel for supporting the sidewalls of an excavation includes a plate, longitudinal members and vertical members. Each longitudinal member includes a first leg extending along the length, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate. The first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured to the first leg of another member. A second leg, integral with the first leg, extends along the length, away from the first leg and toward the plate, the second leg being secured to the plate. Axially spaced vertical members are welded to the plate and to the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable trench support for placement within a trench for shoring up and maintaining the integrity of the trench walls so that workers can work safely within the trench includes a pair of support plates disposed within the trench and against the opposed trench walls, and the support plates including on their interior sides a pair of support arm guides with each support arm guide having a vertical channel and a number of offsets so that support arms can be slid within the channels and vertically positioned in the desired offsets wherein the pair of support arms mounted to the support arm guides of one support plate have larger diameters than the support arms mounted to the opposite support arm guides thereby allowing for the telescopic slidable insertion of the smaller diameter support arms into the larger diameter support arms, and then connected thereto so that the spacing of the support plates can accommodate trenches of various widths.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to trench box safety ladders and methods of constructing trench boxes with safety ladders. In one embodiment, a trench box comprises two side walls with a plurality of supports between the two walls, a built-in ladder within the inner face of a side wall, and an extension ladder positioned on the top face of the side wall.