The Ideal Mesh Reinforcement

Mesh reinforcement is a hugely versatile reinforcement product that is widely used for a variety of applications. It is predominantly used as reinforcing fabric in concrete slabs; being immersed in concrete and vastly increasing the structural rigidity of a construction. Steel mesh reinforcement fabric has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to concrete, meaning that with temperature fluctuations, both concrete the steel embedded in it expand and contract at similar rates. This makes it an ideal material to help reinforce concrete structures. The basic reason why a steel reinforcing material such as welded wire fabric is needed in a concrete ground slab is because concrete has little resistance to tension. By adding fabric to the slab, you add tensile strength, since steel is extremely strong in tension. Therefore, when the slab shrinks or contracts or when it is subject to the pulling, crack producing forces caused by twisting or warping, the steel resists these tensile stresses, distributing them evenly over a large area and helping it to hold tightly together minimizing cracks. The ideal mesh reinforcement measurement is a 13 x 13 mm x 19 gauge (1 mm) welded mesh. Although meshes of 18-22 gauge can be used, 19 gauge will prove to be the best from a practical point of view. In colder, less humid climates, it may be used un galvanized; in semi-tropical or tropical it will need to be galvanized. A specification for welded mesh reinforcement is initially a rod used in the manufacture of welded wire mesh is a low carbon content rimming steel with the carbon concentrated in the center. The rod used in the manufacture of the wire mesh is hard-drawn from 'X' size down to 19 gauge (1 mm), hot rolled passed through stearate soap and then welded. It is then passed through the galvanizing process.

Keep in mind with reference to using galvanized materials in the construction before casting is applicable at this stage. The reason for care is that it may be possible to build in a fault into the hull through the interaction of the zinc on the mesh and the remaining steel, in the moisture of the setting mortar, causing hydrogen bubbles between the mortar and the steel, and reducing bond between the mortar and steel; galvanized mesh reinforcement which has been exposed to weather for some time prior to use may have less effect on the structure. As a precaution, by adding 300 parts per million by weight added to the casting water, of chromium trioxide (chromic oxide) the problem can be negated. Chromium trioxide must be handled with caution as it is highly toxic to the skin and especially to the eyes. The crystals must be kept from moisture until they are actually added to the mixing water. Other mesh reinforcement types which may be used are hexagonal mesh and, to a lesser extent, woven square mesh. Classification societies may need evidence of how the alternate meshes are used, in what direction they lay, and the combination of meshes that can or may be used. Using expanded mesh in certain forms of construction may also be acceptable but is rarely employed other than in a construction using molds. In many locations, building codes specific to your location will help you decide what reinforcement mesh you require.