What is lagging in construction?

Lagging in construction refers to the sheet material that is placed horizontally within excavations, primarily to provide support and stability. This material is typically used in conjunction with vertical supports or sheeting to prevent soil movement and collapsing of the excavation walls. This technique is crucial in deep excavations to maintain safety and ensure that workers can operate securely without the risk of soil cave-ins.

The use of lagging is mostly associated with trenching and shoring operations where it serves as a crucial component in managing earth pressures and protecting the work environment. It is essential for ensuring that the walls remain intact, especially in unstable soil conditions.

In contrast, temporary supports for foundations play a different role by providing immediate structural stability during the construction phase, and materials used for caisson construction are specific to deep foundation work. Reinforced concrete, while related to construction, describes a material rather than a technique for managing excavation stability. Thus, the choice indicating sheeting placed horizontally in excavation aligns most accurately with the definition of lagging.