Which of these structures is typically used to provide all-around lateral support to an excavation?

The structure that is typically used to provide all-around lateral support to an excavation is shoring. Shoring involves the use of various support systems designed to prevent the collapse of the excavation walls while work is being carried out, thereby ensuring the safety of workers and the stability of the surrounding structures.

Shoring systems can include various methods such as hydraulic shoring, mechanical shoring, or timber shoring, depending on the soil conditions and the depth of the excavation. This type of temporary support is crucial in construction and civil engineering projects where excavations are made for foundations, utilities, or other underground installations.

Other options such as caissons, bulb piles, and piers are generally used for different purposes, such as deep foundations or load-bearing structures, rather than specifically for providing lateral support to excavations. Caissons are typically used to support structures in deep water or under heavy loads, while bulb piles are specialized foundation elements that are effective for certain soil conditions but do not serve the purpose of shoring. Piers are structural elements used to support superstructures but again do not fulfill the role of providing lateral support for excavated areas.