Benefits of Using Welded Wire Mesh in Concrete Construction

Welded wire mesh is a versatile type of metal wire mesh that can be used for various purposes, such as rearing poultry, dividing fields, ensuring property safety, and welded wire mesh is also frequently utilized in construction projects. To prevent concrete from cracking, workers often add a layer of welded wire mesh between the concrete to make the structure more robust.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh is a type of metal fence made from welding the intersections of parallel and perpendicular low carbon steel wires to form a strong, durable, and consistent pattern. The welded wire mesh can come in various materials(galvanized iron wire,PVC coated wire and steel wire), gauges, and mesh sizes, making the welded wire mesh adaptable for a wide range of applications, including construction reinforcement, industrial filtration, mechanical protection, and agricultural or garden fencing. The welding process ensures that the steel wire intersections are securely bonded, enhancing the strength and stability of the welded wire mesh compared to other types of wire mesh that may be woven or tied. Welded wire mesh is favored for its ability to withstand heavy loads, resist corrosion, and maintain structural integrity under stress.

B. Importance of Reinforcement in Concrete Construction

Welded wire meshes are embedded within the concrete to provide tensile strength, as concrete itself is strong in compression but weak in tension. The welded wire mesh counteracts the tensile forces, preventing cracks and failure. Welded wire mesh also increases the load-bearing capacity and durability against environmental stresses. Properly reinforced concrete can withstand heavy loads, impacts, and the test of time, making it a critical component in modern construction for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures. The welded wire mesh ensures a reliable and safe structure, vital for both residential and commercial applications.

People often use welded wire mesh when plastering walls or reinforcing concrete slabs, but the types of welded wire mesh used can vary. Do you know what kinds of welded wire mesh are suitable for concrete?

 II. Types of Welded Wire Mesh

According to the different raw materials,common types of welded wire mesh include iron welded wire mesh and steel bar (rebar) welded wire mesh. The iron welded wire mesh is further divided into welded wire rolls and welded wire sheets.

Welded wire mesh rolls

The welded wire mesh roll is a type of wire screen constructed from high quality low carbon steel wire.

The term "welded" is used to describe how the iron wires are joined together at their crossing points, creating a strong and stable grid. This method guarantees that the welded wire mesh is both flat and consistent across its surface. Galvanized welded wire mesh achieves this by fusing the wires at their intersections, resulting in a neat, patterned, and robust material.You can be sure that the galvanized welded wire mesh has undergone a special treatment to protect it from rust and corrosion. There are two main ways this is done: by dipping the welded wire mesh into a pool of liquid zinc in a process called hot-dip galvanizing, or by using electricity to attach a zinc layer in electro-galvanizing. This treatment gives the welded wire mesh extra protection, making it suitable for various applications where resistance to the elements is needed.

Another type is the PVC-coated iron welded wire mesh roll, which comes in various colors such as white, green, and black. The PVC coated welded wire mesh roll is more suitable for rearing poultry or serving as an outdoor fence.

Welded wire mesh panels

The welded wire mesh panels  are created by joining low carbon steel wires at their crossing points, resulting in a solid and sturdy lattice. The welded wire mesh panels come in a variety of dimensions and specifications, which means the welded wire mesh can handle many different jobs! The welded wire meshes are coated with zinc, which makes the welded wire mesh super strong, long-lasting, and able to resist rust.The welded wire mesh panels are the popular choice in construction for reinforcing concrete, in factories for sieving and moving materials, on farms for keeping animals safe, in sports venues to keep the crowd secure, and in security for keeping unwanted guests out. The welding keeps the zinc-coated wires firmly in place, so the iron wires won't move or warp when the going gets tough, making the welded wire mesh a reliable option for any space.

Rebar welded wire mesh

Rebar welded wire mesh, also known as reinforced welded wire mesh, is a prefabricated grid of steel bars (rebars) that are welded together at their intersections to form a mesh structure. The rebar welded wire mesh is commonly used in construction to provide tensile strength and structural integrity to concrete structures. The welded joints ensure that the rebar welded wire mesh maintains its shape and structural properties during handling and installation. The rebar welded wire mesh is typically made from high-strength steel and is available in various sizes and configurations to suit different construction needs.

Do concrete slabs really need welded wire mesh?

Yes, concrete slabs generally benefit significantly from the use of welded wire mesh.Here are the advantages of concrete welded wire.

1. Crack Prevention

A. Even Distribution of Stress: Welded wire mesh helps distribute the loads and stresses evenly across the slab, reducing the likelihood of cracks forming.

B. Shrinkage Control: Welded wire mesh controls shrinkage cracks that can occur as the concrete cures and dries.

2. Structural Integrity

A. Enhanced Tensile Strength: The mesh adds tensile strength to the concrete, making it more resistant to bending and stretching forces.

B. Load-Bearing Capacity: The welded wire mesh increases the load-bearing capacity of the slab, which is particularly important for floors subjected to heavy loads.

3. Durability

Longevity: By preventing cracks and improving structural integrity, welded wire mesh extends the lifespan of the concrete slab.

4. Ease of Installation

Pre-Fabricated: Welded wire mesh comes in pre-fabricated sheets or rolls, making it easier and quicker to install compared to traditional rebar.

III. Applications in Concrete Construction

What is welded wire mesh used for in concrete? 

A. Slabs and Floors

B. Walls and Panels

C. Precast Concrete Elements

Welded wire mesh has many uses, but are you still troubled by not knowing how to choose the right one for your construction project? To select the most suitable welded wire mesh, you need to figure out the size you require.

Welded wire mesh used as stucco mesh

The welded wire mesh rolls are commonly used as stucco mesh for plastering, installed on walls with concrete to reinforce. The commonly used size for welded wire mesh installed on interior walls is 1/2 inch mesh size .And wire diameter is  0.3-0.5mm.The welded wire mesh used on out walls sizes are: 12.7mm,19.05mm,25.4mm mesh size and 0.4-0.9mm wire diameter.

Welded wire mesh for concrete slabs

Welded wire mesh panels and steel bar (rebar) welded wire mesh are both commonly used in concrete slabs. However, due to the difference in materials, rebar welded wire mesh provides more strength but is also more expensive.The widely used iron and steel welded wire mesh panels sizes are：4*4 inch，6*6 inch mesh size.

Welded wire mesh for concrete consists of a grid of low carbon steel wires or rebars that are welded together at their intersections to form a uniform, strong, and durable mesh. The welded wire mesh is used to reinforce concrete, providing additional tensile strength and improving the overall structural integrity of the concrete element.

SUNSHINE Group provides various sizes and types of welded wire mesh for your construction projects! If you are not sure how to buy the high quality welded wire mesh that suitable for your new tasks,feel free to contact us!