Welded wire fabric - Structural engineering general discussion

Probably best to check with them. That's not an industry standard call out as far as I'm aware. After all, they're still calling it welded wire fabric. The ASTM spec has specifically changed to Welded Wire Reinforcement:

ASTM A-18 said: Welded wire for concrete reinforcement has historically been described by various terms: welded wire fabric, WWF, fabric, and mesh. The wire reinforcement industry has adopted the term welded wire reinforcement (WWR) as being more representative of the applications of the products being manufactured. Therefore, the term welded wire fabric has been replaced with the term welded wire reinforcement in this specification and in related specifications.

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but regarding WWF, besides the obvious complaints regarding its use (it gets pushed down to grade, and is useless), I specified D6 x D6 6 x 6 (deformed 6 gauge wires on a 6 inch square grid) on a project. All was fine, until my local guy said, "where do you get this stuff?"
I looked on the internet:
[ul]
[li]Company One, a rebar fabricator who listed WWF on their website; "we're a rebar fabricator, we don't sell that," from an employee who could care less and couldn't get me off the fast enough.[/li]
[li]Company Two, who listed WWF on their website, "sorry, we don't have it, but company Three and Four might" from a helpful guy.[/li]
[li]Company Three, "we have every kind of WWF you need, as long as it's 2.8 or 1.4 gage"[/li]
[li]Company Four, "is this domestic or foreign, you have the wrong number" and "we have it," but then when called again didn't.[/li]
[/ul]
Why is this stuff so hard to find? This has happened to me before. Someone is going to say, check availability, but I'm used to going to the ACI and just picking out standard sizes. The WRI needs to list standard available sizes, so I don't have to worry about tracking it down.

When embarking on a construction project, whether it’s a towering skyscraper or a humble home, steel mesh is a crucial element that often goes unnoticed but plays a pivotal role in ensuring structural integrity. Steel mesh is a versatile construction material that reinforces concrete, providing much-needed strength and stability to the structure. However, choosing the right steel mesh for your project is no simple task. It involves carefully evaluating various factors to ensure that your construction stands the test of time. This article will guide you through selecting the perfect steel mesh for your construction project.

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Understanding the basics

Before diving into the intricacies of selecting steel mesh, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of what it is and why it’s crucial for your construction project. Steel mesh, also known as welded wire mesh, comprises steel welded steel that forms a grid-like pattern. This grid can be fabricated into various sizes and shapes, making it adaptable for multiple applications in the construction industry.

The primary purpose of steel mesh in construction is to reinforce concrete. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. Steel, on the other hand, is excellent in tension. By embedding steel mesh within the concrete, you create a composite material that combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel. This composite material is far stronger and more durable than concrete alone.

Factors to consider when choosing steel mesh

Now that you appreciate the importance of steel mesh in construction let’s delve into the factors that should influence your decision when selecting the right steel mesh for your project.

1. Project requirements

The first step in choosing the right steel mesh is to determine the specific requirements of your project. Consider factors such as the type of structure you’re building, the load it will bear, and the environmental conditions it will have exposure to. For instance, a high-rise building in a seismic area will require a different type of steel mesh than a residential driveway.

2. Mesh size and wire diameter

Steel mesh comes in various sizes, with different grid patterns and wire diameters. The size and diameter you choose depend on your project’s needs. Smaller mesh sizes suit applications like concrete countertops, while larger mesh is typical for building structural reinforcement. The wire diameter affects the mesh’s strength, so select the appropriate diameter for your project’s load requirements.

3. Mesh shape

Steel mesh is available in different shapes, including sheets, rolls, and custom shapes. Sheets are convenient for flat surfaces, while rolls are more flexible and can be adapted to irregular shapes. Custom forms are often necessary for unique designs or applications.

4. Mesh coating

Steel mesh can be coated or uncoated. Coated mesh, usually galvanized or epoxy-coated, is more corrosion-resistant and is suitable for outdoor or high-moisture environments. Uncoated mesh is more cost-effective but may not last as long in corrosive conditions.

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5. Strength and grade

Steel mesh is graded based on its tensile strength. Higher-grade mesh is stronger and more suitable for heavy-duty applications. Be sure to check the mesh’s grade and ensure it meets the required standards for your project.

6. Local building codes and regulations

Every region may have specific building codes and regulations that dictate the type and specifications of steel mesh for use in construction. It is crucial to comply with these codes to ensure the safety and integrity of your project. Consult with local authorities or a structural engineer if necessary.

7. Budget constraints

While quality should always be a priority in construction, budget constraints can be a significant factor in choosing the right steel mesh. Be mindful of your budget and try to balance quality and cost-effectiveness.

Types of steel mesh

To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore some common types of steel mesh used in construction:

• Welded Wire Mesh (WWM)

Welded wire mesh is the most widely used steel mesh type in construction. It consists of welded horizontal and vertical steel wires connected at their intersections. It creates a grid pattern that provides excellent structural support. WWM comes in various sizes and can be coated or uncoated.

• Reinforcing Mesh

Reinforcing mesh, such as A393 mesh, is specifically designed for structural reinforcement in concrete. It often comes in large sheets with varying grid patterns. Reinforcing mesh is commonly used in building foundations, walls, and slabs.

• Expanded Metal Mesh

Expanded metal mesh is made by cutting and stretching a metal sheet, creating a mesh with diamond-shaped openings. It is known for its strength and durability and is often used in industrial and heavy-duty applications.

• BRC Mesh

BRC mesh, also known as British Reinforcement Concrete mesh, is widely used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. It is a type of welded wire mesh with a rectangular grid pattern. BRC mesh is suitable for various construction projects, from residential to commercial.

In the construction world, steel mesh is the unsung hero that reinforces the structural integrity and longevity of buildings and infrastructure. Selecting the right steel mesh for your project is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider various factors such as project requirements, mesh size, wire diameter, mesh shape, coating, strength grade, local regulations, and your budget.

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