Every steel shoring prop carries a safe working load (SWL) rating. Understanding what that number means keeps your site safe.
SWL vs failure load
The failure load is where the prop physically buckles. The SWL is much lower, built with a safety factor so the prop never operates near failure. Always design to the SWL, never the failure load.
What changes the rating
- Extension: the more a prop is opened, the lower its SWL
- Tube size: larger diameter and thicker wall carry more
- Verticality: an out-of-plumb prop loses capacity fast
Reading a load chart
A load chart lists SWL against extended height. Find your working height, read the SWL, and confirm it exceeds your design load with margin to spare.
We provide a load chart with every prop model. Send us your loads and heights and we will confirm the right size.
