A laying plan forms the basis for targeted, safe, and economical execution of demolition, deconstruction, and separation works. It describes where and in which sequence elements such as boreholes, separation cuts, lines, power units, protective enclosures, and access points are arranged. In application areas such as concrete demolition and special demolition, building gutting and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, or natural stone extraction, the laying plan supports coordination between planning, structural analysis, construction logistics, and equipment deployment. Especially with low vibration levels methods—such as controlled splitting of concrete and rock using modern rock and concrete splitters or selective crushing with a concrete demolition shear—careful laying planning governs occupational safety, structural compatibility, and efficiency.
Definition: What is meant by a laying plan
A laying plan is the graphic and textual specification of the position, sequence, and technical parameters of work and auxiliary equipment for a defined work step or work package. Unlike a pure installation drawing, the laying plan also includes process aspects such as sequences, barrier and protection zones, access points, load transfer, intermediate states, material flow, and the positioning of the required equipment. In the context of deconstruction, this includes, for example, drilling patterns for the hydraulic splitter, cutting paths for separation of structural elements, bite points and gripping directions for the concrete demolition shear, setup areas for the hydraulic power pack, routing of the hydraulic hose line, as well as measures for dust suppression, noise control measures, and vibration reduction.
Objectives and benefits of a laying plan
A laying plan pursues several objectives: It increases occupational safety through clear definition of work areas, escape routes, and barrier zones; it improves predictability through defined processes and interfaces; and it enhances cost-efficiency through minimized changeover times, short paths, and suitable equipment combinations. Especially in sensitive environments—such as in existing buildings, in confined conditions, or near ongoing operations—the laying plan provides the basis for leveraging low-emission methods such as splitting concrete and rock with a hydraulic splitter or vibration-reduced crushing with a concrete demolition shear.
Relevance in concrete demolition and special demolition
For massive, reinforced components, the laying plan supports the combination of separation cuts, bite points, and splitting sequences. For the concrete demolition shear, it defines access and bite points, gripping directions, removal sizes, and intermediate storage to secure the residual load-bearing capacity of the remaining structure. For the hydraulic splitter, it specifies borehole diameter, depth, grid, edge distance, and the activation sequence. Hydraulic power packs are positioned so that hose lines are short, protected, and trip-safe. In special demolition scenarios—from bridge crossings to partial deconstruction during ongoing use—planning contributes significantly to limiting vibrations, reducing noise, and steering execution precisely.
Components of a laying plan
A complete laying plan comprises technical, organizational, and safety-relevant elements that together form a consistent work concept.
- Location and overview plan with reference axes, elevations, and access points
- Phase and sequence plan with a clear order of work steps
- Drilling and cutting planning (grid, diameters, depths, overlaps, tolerances)
- Positioning of power units, construction power supply and hydraulics, hose routing
- Tool and equipment deployment (e.g., hydraulic splitter, concrete demolition shear, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shear, cutting torch)
- Protection, barrier, and buffer zones as well as fall areas and shoring
- Material flow: intermediate storage, lifting and transport routes, disposal
- Measurement and control points (settlement, ground vibration monitoring, and noise monitoring)
- Documentation, labeling, and communication rules on the construction site
Methodology: Creating a laying plan
Creation follows a structured process to bring together component-specific requirements, equipment characteristics, and on-site conditions.
- Existing-condition survey: documentation, component buildup, reinforcement, utility lines, accessibility, environmental conditions
- Objective definition: removal scope, tolerances, emission limits, time windows, quality requirements
- Equipment concept: selection and combination of tools (e.g., concrete demolition shear for selective crushing, hydraulic splitter for low-vibration opening, supplementary cutting technology)
- Drilling and cutting planning: grid, edge distance, overlaps, bite and grip points, relief cuts
- Hydraulic and power supply: locations of the hydraulic power pack, hose routing, protection of lines
- Access and setup areas: load-bearing capacity, substructure, cantilever effects, crane and lifting points
- Sequencing and intermediate states: load transfer, shoring, safeguards, and monitoring
- Marking: markings for drillings, cuts, grip points, barrier zones
- Release: interdisciplinary review (planning, occupational safety, execution)
- Feedback: continuous adjustment for deviations in existing conditions or construction progress
Borehole pattern and splitting sequence
For the hydraulic splitter, drill pattern, edge distance, and splitting order are decisive. The laying plan defines borehole diameter and depth, the arrangement to guide cracks purposefully, protective distances to edges and built-in components, and the activation sequence to keep stress redistribution under control. In natural stone extraction and rock excavation, layers, partings, and rock anisotropy are considered; in tunnel construction, cross-section support, subsequent support, and the protection of adjacent structures are additionally in focus.
Separation cuts and bite points for the concrete demolition shear
With the concrete demolition shear, the laying plan specifies where separation cuts are placed for decoupling and at which bite points the shear crushes the concrete in a controlled manner. Parameters such as component thickness, reinforcement ratio, concrete age, and accessibility influence the choice of shear size, gripping direction, and removal sizes. In interior demolition and building gutting, sequencing ensures that load-bearing elements are processed only after secured load transfer and that fall areas are defined.
Technical parameters and design
Design results from the interaction of material properties, geometry, and equipment performance. Important influencing factors include concrete strength, component thickness, reinforcement ratio, edge distances, existing cracks, temperature, and humidity. For splitting, splitting force, desired crack direction, and embedment depth of the boreholes are decisive; with the concrete demolition shear, jaw opening, cutting force, and blade geometry determine sensible removal sizes. The laying plan documents these parameters as a work specification and adds the required tolerance ranges.
Hydraulic power packs and hose routing
Hydraulic power packs are positioned to be easily accessible, stable, and as far as possible away from fall and swing areas. Hose routing is short, orderly, and protected; crossings are minimized and tripping hazards avoided. The plan defines protective mats, bridges, penetrations, and color coding. In noise-sensitive areas, additional shielding is considered. Well-planned hydraulic paths ensure stable working pressure, swift cycle times, and smooth, controlled operation of connected tools.
Application in different fields of use
The benefits of a laying plan are evident in all relevant fields of application—the emphases vary depending on the environment and component.
- Concrete demolition and special demolition: combination of separation cuts, concrete demolition shear, and hydraulic splitter; safeguarding and shoring concepts; precise control of vibrations and noise
- Building gutting and cutting: access and protection concepts in confined interiors; defined grip points, cutting paths, and removal routes; clear separation of deconstruction and user areas
- Rock excavation and tunnel construction: borehole routing along natural partings; sequencing for cross-section support; logistics for short paths and safe hose routing
- Natural stone extraction: gentle release along bedding; grid and splitting sequence for high block quality; defined transport and storage areas
- Special operations: specific protection and safeguarding measures, e.g., for tanks or sensitive plants; precise cutting and access planning with clear barrier and testing procedures
Quality assurance, documentation, and labeling
A robust laying plan is unambiguous, up to date, and traceable. On-site markings (e.g., boreholes, cutting paths, bite points), consistent symbolism, and continuous photo documentation increase execution safety. Changes are dated, communicated, and traceable in the current plan status. Measurement points for vibrations, settlements, or noise are located in the plan and provided with limit values in order to adjust the sequence or equipment settings if necessary.
Occupational safety and environmental protection in the laying plan
The laying plan accounts for escape routes, barricades, fall areas, safety equipment, load cases in intermediate states, and emergency and rescue routes. Low-emission methods—such as splitting with the hydraulic splitter or selective crushing with the concrete demolition shear—can reduce noise, dust, and vibrations. Protective measures such as dust suppression, shielding, ground vibration monitoring, and noise monitoring are specified. Legal aspects must always be considered in general terms; specific requirements may vary by project, region, and authorities and must be checked on a case-by-case basis.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
- Unclear sequence: missing definition of order leads to uncontrolled load transfer
- Edge distances too small: unwanted spalling and crack propagation
- Insufficient access: impractical or unsafe setup and work areas
- Poor hose routing: pressure losses, tripping hazards, damage
- Incomplete drilling and cutting plan: overlap errors, residual cross-sections, rework
- Missing on-site labeling: mix-ups and delays
- Ignored environmental requirements: exceeding noise or vibration limits
Tools, symbols, and forms of representation
A good laying plan uses clear symbols for boreholes, cuts, bite points, hose routes, and barrier zones, scaled in suitable drawing scales and with an unambiguous legend. Colored markings improve readability but should be used sparingly. For the machinery fleet, the required tools—such as concrete demolition shear, hydraulic splitter, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shear, cutting torch, as well as suitable hydraulic power packs—are named with performance range and phase of use. This creates a consistent basis on which crews, site management, and occupational safety can work together efficiently.
Differentiation and related terms
The term laying plan is used in various disciplines, for example for floor coverings or utility line or cable routes. In the context of deconstruction and demolition, it analogously describes the location and sequence planning of drilling, cutting, grip points, line routing, and protective measures. For the tools and applications of Darda GmbH, the laying plan is the connecting working document between planning and execution—technically precise, process-oriented, and tailored to the specific constraints of the construction site.