What material is typically used for sheeting in trench walls?

Wood planks and panels are typically used for sheeting in trench walls due to their strength, availability, and ease of installation. Wood provides structural support that helps prevent the collapse of the trench walls, ensuring the safety of personnel working in or around the trench.

When constructing a trench, especially in areas where soil conditions might be unstable or where the trench is deep, using wood planks or panels allows for proper bracing against the walls. This is crucial because the pressure from surrounding soil can create hazards, such as cave-ins, which can lead to severe injury or fatality.

In contrast, while other materials like plastic sheets, metal sheets, and canvas tarpaulins can be used in various applications, they lack the same level of structural integrity and support that wood provides for trench sheeting. Plastic may be used for lightweight applications or moisture barriers, metal sheets might be too rigid and heavy, and canvas tarpaulins are not robust enough to offer the needed support or protection in a trench environment.