Which of the following is true about the depth and width of a trench?

In excavation work, particularly when dealing with trenches, understanding the relationship between depth and width is critical for safety and stability. The correct answer indicates that the depth must be greater than the width. This is because a trench with greater depth relative to its width minimizes the risk of collapse and ensures structural integrity as excavation proceeds. Deeper trenches tend to have steeper side angles, which makes them less likely to collapse compared to wide but shallow trenches.

While other statements may contain some considerations or regulations regarding trench dimensions, they do not hold universally across different situations. Correctly understanding the principle that a trench's depth should exceed its width can significantly influence safe excavation practices, as this encourages operators to think about stability and worker safety in their planning and execution.