Final answer:
The use of hydraulic shoring is generally more prevalent than timber shoring in modern construction due to its efficiency and the advanced safety requirements of contemporary building projects. Technological advancements and rigorous safety testing have made hydraulic systems the preferred choice in urban construction, which is home to the majority of the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the student's query on whether timber shoring is used more often than hydraulic shoring, the statement would be considered false in the context of modern urban construction. Today, the construction industry frequently deploys hydraulic shoring due to its efficiency and safety advantages over traditional timber shoring methods, especially in urban environments where over half of the world's population resides. Additionally, the advancement in construction technology and the integration of computer-aided design and robotics have led to more precise and durable building components, which lean towards the use of modern shoring techniques like hydraulic systems.
Earlier construction methodologies, such as those used in the Deep South during the 18th and 19th centuries, employed timber in pier and beam construction as a solution to environmental challenges. However, with industrial advances and the necessity for buildings to meet strict safety criteria, including tests for earthquake, wind, and fire stability, hydraulic systems have become increasingly prevalent.
Ultimately, in the rapidly evolving construction industry, the use of hydraulic shoring systems aligns with the emphasis on efficiency, safety, and the application of modern scientific innovation and industrial materials exemplified by the Industrial Revolution and continuing evolutions in building techniques.