Demibastionsplaced

Demibastionsplaced is a term used in fortress design and military theory to describe the deliberate arrangement and construction of demi-bastions along a defensive line. A demi-bastion is a semi-projected fortification element that extends the line of defense and provides angles of fire, but which uses less masonry than a full bastion. Demibastionsplaced, therefore, refers to both the planning doctrine and the practical act of deploying such structures to optimize coverage and resource use.

In practice, demibastionsplaced aims to create overlapping fields of fire between adjacent works while maintaining rapid construction and easier repairs. The concept emphasizes spacing, orientation, and integration with other defensive works such as curtain walls, ravelins, and lunettes. A key principle is to balance flank protection with the ability to support adjacent bastions without creating dead ground or blind angles. Terrain, line of sight, and accessibility influence how demi-bastions are placed, with steeper slopes or urban obstacles guiding their distribution.

Historically, demibastionsplaced is most often discussed in theoretical, instructional, and speculative contexts rather than as a standard term in conventional manuals. It appears in wargaming literature and modern fortification theory as an approach to achieve cost-efficient resilience in a defended perimeter. Critics note potential drawbacks, including heightened maintenance needs for exposed flanks and the complexity of coordination among multiple demi-bastions.

Related concepts include the traditional bastion, demi-bastion, and broader fortification design practices.