Why is Square reinforcing mesh Better?

DIFFERENT TYPES OF
REINFORCEMENT MESH

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Wednesday, 29 Novemeber

Reinforcement mesh comes in a range of sizes and shapes. How do you know which one is right for your project?

In the world of building, choosing the right reinforcement (reo) mesh is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of a project.

Among the various options available, three commonly used products are square mesh, rectangular mesh, and trench mesh. Each type serves specific purposes and offers unique advantages. Let’s look into the characteristics, applications, and benefits of these three types of reinforcement meshes. 

1. SQUARE MESH 

Square mesh is a general purpose reo mesh that features a regular grid of equally spaced square or rectangular openings. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including driveways, patios, and warehouse slabs. The regularity of the mesh pattern allows for consistent reinforcement in both horizontal and vertical directions.

KEY FEATURES

• Grid Pattern: Square mesh is characterised by a uniform grid pattern of square or rectangular openings, which allows for even reinforcement in both horizontal and vertical directions.
• Purpose: It is suitable for a variety of applications, including walls, columns, and beams, where uniform reinforcement is required.
• Versatility: Square mesh is adaptable and can be used in a wide range of applications, making it a popular choice for many construction projects.
• Ease of handling: Its regular grid pattern simplifies cutting and shaping, reducing labour time and costs.

2. RECTANGLE MESH

Rectangular mesh is similar to square mesh but features a grid pattern of elongated rectangular openings. This type of mesh is specifically designed to provide enhanced reinforcement in one direction while maintaining flexibility in the perpendicular direction. It is commonly used in applications where load distribution is critical but requires flexibility in design such as: concrete walls and floor slabs.

KEY FEATURES

• Grid Pattern: Rectangular mesh is characterised by a grid pattern of elongated rectangular openings, allowing for enhanced reinforcement in one direction.
• Purpose: It is ideal for applications where greater tensile strength is needed in one direction.
• Versatility: Directional reinforcement: Rectangular mesh provides enhanced strength in one direction while maintaining flexibility in the other, making it ideal for specific load-bearing requirements.
• Reduced waste: Its design minimises material waste during installation.

3. TRENCH MESH

Trench mesh is a specialised form of reinforcement used primarily in the construction of footings and ground beams. Most commonly sold in 6-metre lengths of 3, 4 and 5 longitudinal bars, it’s typically used in strip footings and beams to maximise concrete strength and minimise concrete cracking. This type of mesh is particularly effective in distributing loads across a wider surface area, making it ideal for applications where weight distribution is a critical factor.

KEY FEATURES

• Shape: Available in a broad range of widths, long wire and cross wire diameter and spacing specifications, which allows it to effectively reinforce concrete in the longitudinal direction.
• Purpose: It is specifically designed for applications where load distribution and added strength in the longitudinal direction are paramount, such as in footings and slabs.
• Efficient load distribution: Trench mesh excels in evenly distributing loads, reducing the risk of cracks or structural failures.
• Labour-saving: Its design minimises the need for additional cutting or shaping, making installation more efficient.

Choosing the right reo mesh is a critical decision in construction projects. Trench mesh, square mesh, and rectangular mesh, each offer distinct advantages and are tailored for specific applications. Understanding their characteristics and purposes will enable building professionals to make informed choices, ultimately ensuring the durability and stability of their structures.

Consult with your engineer about the load-bearing requirements and design specifications to ensure your project is completed safely. Be sure to use ACRS and SRIA certified steel to guarantee your project has the highest quality steel. 

Reinforcing steel mesh is typically made of steel wire which is then welded together. 

The mesh, when added to concrete provides additional strength and support, which helps to prevent it from cracking. 

It’s very similar to the way regular reinforcing steel bar is used to add strength to concrete structures.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Square reinforcing mesh.

Steel mesh usually comes in pre-cut sizes, but this isn’t always suitable, especially when a large number of sheets need to be cut into various sizes. 

In this case, the sheets can be cut and fabricated to fit the specific needs of the project using custom mesh before it arrives on-site, this saves the time required to cut and bend mesh during construction.

The engineer determines the specifications of the steel reinforcing, but the site team will then determine if it’s more economical to use custom mesh or standard steel mesh sheets.

Reinforcing Steel Mesh

Reinforcing steel mesh is a crucial element in concrete construction. 

While it is not possible to prevent cracks in concrete, the addition of concrete reinforcing steel mesh decreases the probability of cracks due to the uniform steel distribution and the resulting strength in the structure. Concrete reinforcing mesh enhances the structural integrity of concrete by providing additional strength and minimising the risk of cracks.

The ribs in the mesh hold onto the concrete to allow for proper bonding and prevent movement. 

Steel mesh is supplied in prefabricated large sheets which makes it quicker and easier to install than reinforcing steel bar.

This in turn translates into savings in both costs and time in construction projects. 

The most common types of reinforcing mesh are:

• Square Mesh – Made from ribbed steel wire that is welded together, the square mesh spacings are equal in both directions. It is widely used in many modern concrete structures, bridges, highways, housing etc. 
• Rectangular Mesh – It has unequal wire spacings to form a rectangular shape. It is usually used to reinforce walls and floor slabs where the concrete requires more strength. 
• Trench Mesh – Long and narrow and ideal for trenches, brick walls, paths, footings etc. 
• Ute-Sized Mesh – A special reinforcing steel mesh made in a smaller size of 4m x 2m. It is used in pavements, driveways, small slabs etc. This makes it the first choice of DIY builders and small contractors. 

Custom Mesh

Though reinforcing steel mesh comes in various sizes, it may not be the most economical option when it comes to large-scale construction projects with a specific requirement or projects with unusually shaped structures. For such situations, builders often prefer to use custom mesh and have their steel prefabricated, cut and bent according to their specifications. 

Once the production is complete, the mesh sheets are transported to the construction site, ready for site preparations.

Why Use Custom Mesh?

The manufacturing of custom mesh allows for the fabrication of any shape and size by your supplier prior to delivery removing the need for on-site construction work. 

The project can continue as planned with a majority of the steel fabrication happening off-site at your reinforcing steel supplier’s facilities.

Want more information on A252 Steel Wire Mesh? Feel free to contact us.

Conclusion