The Advantages of Welded Wire Mesh in Concrete Construction

In the realm of concrete construction, choosing the right reinforcement is crucial for successfully completing a project. Engineers and designers often assume welded wire mesh as only small gauge wires, however, welded wire mesh can be made with wires as large as the equivalent of a 15M rebar. While steel rebar has traditionally been the most common choice, welded wire mesh offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve project efficiency as well as the durability of concrete structures. Here are some key advantages of using welded wire mesh over traditional rebar:

1. Time-Saving Installation: One of the primary benefits of welded wire mesh is the time saved to place and tie the reinforcing mats for concrete elements. Unlike individual steel bars, welded wire mesh consists of a prefabricated grid of steel wires that can cover a larger area of a concrete element, such as a slab or wall, making the installation more efficient. The need to tie individual bars is greatly reduced or entirely eliminated and the welded intersections provide a more rigid reinforcing mat that is less prone to movement of bars during concrete pours. 
2. Consistent Wire Spacing and Size: Welded wire mesh is a prefabricated product made using machines with stringent tolerances on wire spacing and size. Compared with individual bars that are tied by hand with possible variability and human error, the inspection engineer can more quickly review the reinforcing mats made with welded wire mesh, greatly reducing the time spent on inspection acceptance prior to concrete pours. 
3. Higher Yield Strength: Welded wire mesh is made with cold-drawn wires that have a higher yield strength than Grade 400 rebar. This allows the engineer to use less steel for the same design resistance of the concrete section, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rebar construction.
4. Embedded Anchorage: The welded intersections of the mesh can be used as anchorage when embedded in concrete, which can eliminate hooked or bent bars at the edges of the concrete section and, thereby, reducing congestion.
5. Better Crack Control: Depending on the design requirements, welded wire mesh can be made with spacing as small as 2-inches which can provide better crack control protection and results in a more durable concrete surface finish.

Consider using welded wire mesh for your next concrete construction project to experience these benefits firsthand.