Line test

The line test denotes the systematic exploration, inspection, and evaluation of underground and structure-integrated utility lines as well as sewers to ensure safety, functionality, and protection against damage. In construction projects involving concrete demolition, strip-out and cutting operations, as well as in rock excavation and tunnel construction, it is a key prerequisite before tools such as concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters are used. The line test reduces risks for people, structures, and the environment and provides robust decision-making bases for the deconstruction and extraction process using products from Darda GmbH.

Definition: What is meant by line test

The line test encompasses all activities that determine the location, condition, tightness, isolation, and function of lines and cables before, during, and after construction interventions. This includes media lines (water, wastewater, gas, district heating), power and data cables, as well as special lines (measurement, control, and drainage lines). The aim is to locate, identify, and evaluate lines, derive potential hazards, and define measures. In practice, the line test includes utility information, geophysical locating, exposure, tightness and pressure tests, CCTV inspections, electrical tests, documentation, and release of the work area for deconstruction, cutting, and splitting.

Test procedures and measurement methods in the line test

Different procedures are used depending on the type of line. First, the location is determined (locating and route alignment), then condition and function are tested. A careful combination of methods reduces misinterpretations and secures work planning with concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters.

Objectives and fields of application

The line test serves accident prevention, avoidance of property damage and service interruptions, and water protection. It is an essential component of projects in the fields of concrete demolition and special deconstruction, strip-out and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, and special operations. For work with tools from Darda GmbH, it establishes reliable boundary conditions: lines are protected, load paths are planned, and exclusion zones are defined so that controlled size reduction, separation, and splitting are performed safely.

Line locating and route alignment

Locating combines information from existing records with field measurement methods. Common methods are ground-penetrating radar (GPR), inductive and capacitive locating, probing, and ferromagnetic detection. In concrete elements, rebar and conduit scanners provide support. Results are marked in the field and transferred to plans. Especially in areas where concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters will be applied, locating is intensified to ensure minimum clearances to active lines.

Exposure and probing

Minimally invasive exposure of suspect points is preferably performed by hand excavation or vacuum excavator. In load-bearing elements, small exploratory openings or core drilling are possible, which are closed again after visual confirmation. Before mechanical cutting or splitting, controlled exposure prevents unintentional hits on lines.

Condition and tightness testing of pipes and sewers

For water and wastewater lines, pressure or vacuum tests, tightness tests with water or air, as well as CCTV inspections are used. Calibration mandrels, ball or flushing passes check cross-section and continuity. Smoke and tracer gas tests can localize leaks. Limit values, test pressure, and test durations depend on the type of line and recognized engineering practice. Before using heavy hydraulic tools, assessing the integration into the structure is important to avoid interactions between test medium, pipe bedding, and structural loading.

Electrical and communication lines

For electrical lines, the focus is on safe shutdown, the grounding and short-circuiting concept, and identification of the route. Tests concern insulation, continuity, and effectiveness of protective measures. Fiber-optic and communication cables are precisely located and protected from mechanical impacts. In areas with planned shear cuts or split-wedge setting points, exclusion zones are established around routes and cable shafts.

Process of the line test: from planning to release

• Document review: consolidate utility information, existing and as-built plans, photos, and logs from earlier construction phases.
• Hazard assessment: evaluate media, pressures, voltages, line depths, subsoil, and structural states; define protection and exclusion areas.
• Locating and marking: geophysical measurement, marking of routes, definition of probing points.
• Exposure/visual inspection: make lines visible, verify type and condition, check clearances.
• Isolation/shutdown: isolate, drain, or depressurize media lines; de-energize and secure electrical systems.
• Functional and tightness tests: select procedures for the specific line, use calibrated instruments, document results.
• Release: clear the work area based on test and safety status; state residual risks; define control points for deconstruction.
• Ongoing monitoring: continue measurements and controls when concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters operate near lines.

Specific requirements in the application fields

Concrete demolition and special deconstruction

In massive elements, lines often run in or behind the concrete cross-section. Concrete demolition shears generate local compressive and shear stresses; rock and concrete splitters build directed splitting forces. Careful locating and probing of the element plane, determining embedment depths, and shifting application points are crucial to avoid damaging lines. Incremental removal in small bites and controlled crack guidance reduce the risk of hitting lines.

Strip-out and cutting

In strip-out of existing buildings, media lines often run concealed. Before cutting shafts, slab openings, or walls, routes are opened, lines are separated, and secured against re-energizing. Small hydraulic tools (e.g., combination shears, multi cutters) benefit from clearly defined exclusion areas around lines and from interlayers to protect remaining installations.

Rock excavation and tunnel construction

In geological structures, drains, measuring equipment, and temporary supplies must be considered. When using rock and concrete splitters in rock, the distance to drainage lines, instrumentation cables, and injection runs must be maintained. Geophysical reconnaissance and probe drilling clarify whether cavities, water-bearing fissures, or active lines lie in the splitting direction that could be affected by crack propagation. Guidance from rock excavation and tunnel construction practices supports safe execution.

Natural stone extraction

Quarries also contain supply and drainage lines. The line test ensures that splitting wedges do not approach service lines, blasting lines outside operating periods, or measurement sensors. Temporary bypasses secure ongoing operations.

Special operations

For work on tanks, vessels, and piping networks with hazardous media, it is checked before every cutting or splitting operation whether lines are depressurized, drained, and gas-free. Tracer gas and measurement methods support the release. Procedures are selected in a facility-specific and cautious manner without claiming blanket validity.

Interfaces to tool selection and work methods

The line test influences the choice of tools and procedures. Near lines, low-vibration, controlled methods are advantageous. Concrete demolition shears enable incremental removal with defined force introduction; rock and concrete splitters allow crack steering along predrilled axes. Critical is the orientation of load and splitting direction relative to presumed line locations as well as the size of the work strokes.

Low-load dismantling near lines

• Work with small bites and pre-break edges to minimize tensile stresses on routes.
• Use interlayers and spacers to protect remaining lines.
• Introduce forces so that crack propagation is oriented away from routes.
• Ramp up hydraulic pressure moderately and increase in steps; monitor readings.

Quality assurance and documentation

Robust documentation increases safety and traceability. Test instruments are calibrated, measurement results are recorded transparently, and changes in the field are promptly incorporated into the plans. Photos, measurement logs, and markings on the structure ensure transparency. For longer projects, repeat tests are advisable, especially when structural conditions change.

1. Test object: line type, dimension, material, location.
2. Test procedure: methods used, equipment, calibration status.
3. Boundary conditions: media state, isolations, ambient conditions.
4. Measured values: times, pressures, voltages, passes, anomalies.
5. Evaluation: pass/fail, limitations, residual uncertainties.
6. Release: scope of validity, period of validity, requirements for work with concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters.

Typical sources of error and how to avoid them

• Excessive reliance on existing plans without field verification.
• Unsuitable or uncalibrated measuring instruments.
• Incomplete de-energizing or unsecured isolations.
• Lack of coordination between locating, probing, and the deconstruction crew.
• Incorrect test pressures or inappropriate test procedures for material and nominal diameter.
• Ignoring warning signs such as flow noise, odor, or condensate.

Safety and boundary conditions

Safety concepts take into account recognized engineering practice, coordination with network operators, and project-specific requirements. Defined minimum clearances, exclusion areas, emergency and shutdown plans work together. Statements on legal requirements are always general in nature; project-specific specifications are made by the responsible parties.

Practical guidance for work with concrete demolition shears and rock and concrete splitters near lines

• Pre-check: locate, probe, document routes, and establish a de-energized or depressurized state.
• Define minimum clearances and mark them on the element; shift application points if necessary.
• Plan crack steering: place drill holes so that the splitting direction leads away from lines.
• Define the removal sequence: edges first, then core; increase loads stepwise.
• Observation: visual checks and accompanying measurements during the work; stop immediately if anomalies occur.
• Communication: clear releases, blocking and release times, and responsibilities documented within the team.

Terms and distinctions in practice

Utility information provides existing data, which is verified by field locating. The line test further evaluates condition, tightness, and function. Only the documented release forms the basis for safe work with tools from Darda GmbH within concrete demolition and special deconstruction, strip-out, rock excavation, and other application fields.