The wood plank is a versatile component on construction sites, in quarries and during deconstruction: it distributes loads, protects surfaces, creates temporary pathways and serves as a safe base for machines and tools. In connection with applications such as concrete demolition and special demolition, interior demolition and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction as well as natural stone extraction, the wood plank plays a quiet yet central role – for example as a support plank for hydraulic power packs, as a bearing under components released with concrete demolition shears, or as an impact and resting surface for rock blocks separated with rock and concrete splitters.
Definition: What is meant by wood plank
A wood plank is a massive, elongated wooden board with greater thickness and width than ordinary boards. Typical thicknesses start at about 40–100 mm and widths of 150–300 mm or more. Planks are usually made of softwood (e.g., spruce/fir, pine) or – for higher compressive strength and wear resistance – hardwood (e.g., beech, oak). Regardless of their simple shape, they are used for a wide range of tasks: as a base for load distribution, as roadway planks for temporary paths, as protective and separating layers between a component and the ground, and as part of simple support and stacking configurations (e.g., dunnage, cross bracing). In the construction and deconstruction context, wood planks are valued for their favorable weight-to-load-bearing behavior, their workability, and their slip-resistant surface.
Range of applications on the construction site and in deconstruction
Wood planks appear in numerous work situations – from interior demolition to rock excavation and tunnel heading. They improve occupational safety, simplify logistics, and protect components as well as equipment.
Load distribution and support
- Base for hydraulic power packs to reduce point loads and prevent sinking into soft ground.
- Resting and impact planks under concrete parts that are separated with concrete demolition shears, pre-cracked, or prepared for lowering.
- Support and wedge planks to secure rock blocks or concrete pieces that were previously released with rock and concrete splitters or hydraulic wedge splitters.
- Interlayers when stacking segments, debris chutes or pipes to protect edges and transmit loads evenly.
Access and pathways
As roadway plank or plank walkway, wood planks create temporary, load-bearing crossings over soft soils, cable ducts and lines. In tunnel headings and during rock excavation they improve access to workplaces, protect hose lines and reduce contamination in the work area.
Protective and separation layers
As a separating and cushioning layer, wood planks prevent direct steel-on-mineral contact, for example between demolition tools and sensitive surfaces. They serve as a scuff layer, mitigate edge damage on components and reduce uncontrolled spalling when lowering or placing elements.
Design, dimensions and material properties of wood planks
Wood planks are predominantly made from kiln-dried solid wood. In practice, dimensions such as 50×200 mm, 60×240 mm, 80×240 mm or 100×300 mm have proven effective. Softwood planks are lighter and easy to handle; hardwood planks offer higher compressive strength and abrasion resistance. Chamfered edges reduce tear-out and splintering. A rougher surface is more slip-resistant than highly planed surfaces. Under recurring loads, planks benefit from adequate thickness so that temporary notch and compression zones do not lead to premature failure.
Relation to concrete demolition shears and rock and concrete splitters
In interaction with devices from Darda GmbH, wood planks act as safety-enhancing and quality-preserving auxiliaries. They improve the workflow without intervening in the processing itself:
- Slabs, floor panels or wall sections released by concrete demolition shears can be placed in a controlled manner on prepared plank bearings. This reduces edge spalling on the concrete and limits rebound effects.
- When using rock and concrete splitters as well as rock splitting cylinders, support planks secure released blocks against rolling away and distribute the bearing load onto load-bearing ground.
- Wood planks defuse contact zones between component and ground when combined separation and lowering is planned with Multi Cutters, combination shears or steel shears.
- Hydraulic power units find a level, slip-resistant stand on planks; hoses can be routed neatly and protected along plank walkways.
Material selection and quality criteria
The selection depends on duration of use, expected load and environmental influences. Softwood (e.g., spruce/fir) is light and versatile; hardwood (e.g., beech, oak) better withstands localized compression peaks, for example under edges of concrete or rock blocks. Common strength classes from construction serve as a rough guide; however, project-specific verifications are always required for safety-relevant supports. Moderate wood moisture supports dimensional stability; waterlogged planks lose slip resistance and transfer moisture into adjacent components.
Processing and edges
Chamfered longitudinal edges reduce notch effects and splinters. A lightly textured surface improves grip. Pre-drilling prevents cracking when screwing, if planks are temporarily fixed.
Load-bearing behavior and load distribution
Wood behaves anisotropically: grain direction, bearing width and spans determine the load-bearing behavior. In practice: the larger the contact area, the lower the ground pressure and the risk of sinking. Under concentrated loads (e.g., edge bearings of released components), it is advisable to use two or more planks arranged transverse to the main load and—if necessary—in cross bracing. Simplified rules of thumb do not replace structural analysis; reliable verifications are required for safety-critical applications.
Slip resistance and weather influence
Moisture, oil and dust reduce friction. Grooving, sanding with grit or combining with rubber mats increases slip resistance. In frost, wood becomes more brittle; visual and tactile inspection before use is advisable. Direct, prolonged weathering reduces service life—dry, ventilated storage increases durability.
Practice in concrete demolition, tunnel construction and natural stone extraction
In concrete demolition, planks serve as bearings during the controlled disassembly of components. In interior demolition, they carry bundled lines, protect floor coverings and define traffic routes. During rock excavation and in tunnel construction, planks help to soften uneven ground, organize hose routing and park equipment such as hydraulic power packs with reduced vibration. In natural stone extraction, planks are used to underpin, wedge and secure raw blocks—especially when cracks are initiated and blocks released with rock and concrete splitters. For special operations, consider possible ignition sources and media (oil, oxygen): wood is combustible and must be kept away from hot work areas.
Alternatives and combinations
Steel plates, plastic trackway plates or rubber mats can be considered as alternatives; combinations are often proven: wood planks as the load-bearing and shaping layer, supplemented by rubber for slip resistance or steel for locally higher compressive strength. The choice depends on subgrade, load level, space conditions and reusability.
Service life, maintenance and sustainability
Regular inspections for cracks, breakouts and crush zones increase safety. Damaged planks are consistently sorted out or cut to shorter lengths and reused under lower loads. Dry, protected storage prevents deformation and biological growth. Wood is a renewable raw material; reuse and single-grade recycling at end of life support resource conservation.
Occupational safety and organizational notes
When handling planks, avoid pinch and shear points; aids such as carrying handles, levers or tongs improve ergonomics. Bases must be secured against slipping; bearing surfaces are cleaned of mud, oil and loose debris. When placing components—e.g., after being released with concrete demolition shears or after splitting mineral materials—drop and tipping zones must be kept clear and safeguarded through clear communication. The information presented is general in nature and does not replace project-specific planning or structural analysis.