What does shoring achieve during excavations?

Shoring is a crucial safety measure used during excavations to support the walls of trenches or excavation sites, thereby preventing cave-ins and ensuring the safety of workers and equipment. The primary purpose of shoring is to maintain the structural integrity of the excavation site by providing temporary support systems, such as braces, frames, or panels, that hold up the earth and any adjacent structures.

In contexts where excavations occur, the earth's materials can be unstable, and without proper shoring, there is a significant risk of collapse. This risk necessitates the use of shoring to create a safer working environment. If walls start to give way due to soil pressure or saturation from water, the support provided by shoring can prevent accidents and save lives.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of shoring. For instance, while drainage may be necessary in some excavations, shoring itself does not expedite water drainage. Increasing the depth of excavations and removing soil quickly do not align with the fundamental purpose of shoring, which is focused on enhancing safety rather than speeding up excavation processes or deepening the site.