ABSTRACT
As the years pass, an ever widening range of civil engineering techniques are invented and refined, and then gradually become routine. This applies as much to underpinning, strengthening and shoring techniques as to other branches of civil engineering. Thus often more than one effective solution to a problem is available (references 1, 2). The choice is then determined by cost. It is important to compare the total cost to a client of different methods. Thus, lintel beams may be inserted in brick or stone masonry walls by a number of methods (reference 3) and the amount and cost of temporary shoring and of repairing incidental damage to the building will vary depending upon the method chosen, the particular location of the beam in the building, the quality of the finishes, and whether or not it is necessary to replace them. The cost at any particular time will also depend upon the workload and location of particular specialists in relation to the general contractor using older and more widely understood and practised methods. The total cost to the client is the sum of the cost of the prime construction, that is the lintel with associated shoring, and of the secondary work, that is the necessary incidental repairs and reinstatement.
