Why Use Concrete Welded Wire Fabric in Concrete Slab

I. Introduction

What is concrete welded wire fabric?  

When you're looking to put in a new decorative concrete surface like a driveway, patio, walkway, or flooring, the material you choose for reinforcement is nearly as crucial as the concrete itself. 

Why you need to choose the suitable welded wire mesh for concrete slabs？

The concrete slabs excel at handling compression strength, meaning the concrete slabs can easily withstand heavy pressure and impacts. However, their ability to handle tensile strength—what keeps them from falling apart when pulled on—is not as strong. Concrete slab's tensile strength is roughly just a sixth of its compressive strength.

II. Understanding Concrete Welded Wire Fabric

The popular reinforcement material is galvanized welded wire mesh(concrete welded wire fabric), which is created by crossing galvanized low carbon steel wires at 90-degree angles and fusing them together at the junctions through an electrical welding process. The galvanized welded wire mesh is frequently utilized as a substitute for traditional steel rebar in the construction of residential concrete floors. The use of the galvanized welded wire mesh is more efficient and faster to install compared to laying out single rebar rods, leading to a decrease in the overall construction expenses.

Galvanized welded wire mesh is more affordable and lighter in weight than steel rebar welded mesh, making it easier to transport and cut. However, to reinforce concrete and prevent the concrete slabs from cracking, the reinforcement material must have advantages such as high tensile strength. What are the advantages of galvanized welded wire mesh?

III. Benefits of Using Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh in Concrete Slabs

   1.Enhanced Structural Integrity

     - Even distribution of stress across the slab and prevention of cracks and structural failure due to the smooth mesh holes.

       Galvanized welded wire mesh comes in a variety of mesh sizes, each suited for different applications. The mesh size refers to the distance between the wires in the welded wire mesh, typically measured in inches or millimeters. The common sizes ranging from 1/4 inch to 4 inches.

   2.Ease of Installation

     -Galvanized welded wire mesh panel is typically packaged and shipped in sheet form,the pre-fabricated grids reduce installation time and simplifies the reinforcement process.

   3.Cost-Effectiveness

     -The raw material for galvanized welded wire mesh is iron, which is cheaper than the raw material used for steel rebar welded mesh. Galvanized welded wire mesh typically has a tensile strength ranging from 350 to 550 MPa, suitable for concrete slabs.

     - Reduces labor costs due to quicker installation.

   4.Corrosion resistance

     - The galvanizing process for welded wire mesh used in concrete reinforcement offers key advantages, including superior corrosion resistance, enhanced durability, and a longer service life. The zinc coating creates a protective barrier against environmental elements, reducing maintenance needs

   5.Versatility

     - Suitable for various applications (residential, commercial, industrial)

     - Can be used in slabs of different thicknesses and dimensions.

●The coomon wire diameter is 4 mm to 12 mm (0.157 inches to 0.472 inches),and the common size is 8 feet x 4 feet (2.44 meters x 1.22 meters),galvanized welded wire mesh panels can also be custom-made to fit specific project requirements.

IV. Applications of Welded Wire Mesh Panels in Concrete Slabs

In the pursuit of construction safety, galvanized welded wire mesh has made an outstanding contribution to reinforcing concrete slabs in residential construction and outdoor foundation engineering projects.

Such as:

1. Residential Floors

Used in the construction of floors in residential buildings.

Benefits: Provides tensile strength to the concrete, reducing the risk of cracking and increasing the lifespan of the floor.

2. Driveways and Sidewalks

Used in the construction of driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.

Benefits: Enhances the load-bearing capacity of the concrete, making it more resistant to cracking and wear from vehicular and foot traffic.

3. Commercial Floors

Used in the construction of floors in commercial buildings such as offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.

Benefits: Offers enhanced structural support, accommodating heavier loads and frequent usage.

4. Industrial Floors

Used in the construction of floors in industrial settings, including factories, manufacturing plants, and storage facilities.

Benefits: Provides high tensile strength and durability, essential for supporting heavy machinery and equipment.

5. Highway

Used in the construction of highways, roads, and other pavement structures.

Benefits: Enhances the tensile strength and durability of the concrete, making it more resistant to heavy traffic loads and environmental wear.

6. Precast Concrete Elements

Used in the production of precast concrete elements such as panels, beams, and columns.

Benefits: Provides consistent reinforcement, ensuring the structural integrity of the precast elements.

7. Slabs on Grade

Used in the construction of slabs on grade, which are concrete slabs poured directly on the ground.

Benefits: Reinforces the concrete, preventing cracking and settling, and providing a stable and durable surface.

 V. Installation Process 

When you install welded wire mesh for concrete slabs, the first thing you need to do is select the appropriate size (wire gauge, mesh size, mesh panel) based on the requirements of the project, and the galvanized treatment provides rust prevention for the welded wire mesh. Next, you can step by step reinforce the concrete slab with galvanized welded wire mesh.

Planning and Measurement: Determine the dimensions of the concrete slab and plan the layout of the galvanized welded wire mesh accordingly. Ensure you have enough galvanized welded wire mesh to cover the entire area, including any necessary overlaps or cuts.

Laying the Mesh: Position the galvanized welded wire mesh over the prepared concrete formwork, ensuring it is evenly spaced and aligned with the edges of the formwork. The galvanized welded wire mesh should be placed at the appropriate cover depth as specified by the engineer or building codes.

Pouring the Concrete: Once the galvanized welded wire mesh is secured, you can proceed with pouring the concrete. The concrete should be vibrated to ensure it fully envelops the wires and fills all the voids, creating a strong bond between the galvanized welded wire mesh and the concrete.

Curing the Concrete: After pouring, the concrete must cure for the recommended time to achieve the desired strength. Avoid disturbing the mesh during this period.

SUNSHINE Group provides various sizes galvanized welded wire mesh for concrete slabs,feel free to contact us!