reinforcement mesh or rebars? - Eng-Tips

Hi, when do you guys reinforce slabs with reinforcement mesh and when with rebars only (no mesh)?
I have seen that for large spans (lets say 6 x 6 m) they usually reinforce slabs with rebars, but not meshes. Why is that? Maybe because of large tension forces in rebars which means we need larger lap lenght between meshes?

In my country rebars are up to 6 m long (12 m for special orders).

thank you for help You'll hear this in a lot of ways, but most of us think mesh is worthless. It's just too hard to keep it supported. When the laborers pour the concrete, they push it down by walking on it. And that's where it stays. So you have a layer of reinforcing without sufficient cover or at the soil concrete interface. Whenever I've seen mesh reinforced concrete being demolished it's a layer of corroded metal at the very bottom of the concrete.
With reinforcing bars, they're hopefully supported sufficiently that the workers can walk on it without smashing it down.
If you wanted to generalize, I'd say that if the steel is there for strength and not just temperature and shrinkage, it's bars. Mesh is used for slabs on grade. It's a little more economical as it's "pre-tied" and probably lighter than reinforcing bars, but lighter means less steel. - No technical basis for not using mesh so long as the rules are followed.

- Like the other guys said, there are practical issues associated with using mesh in North American markets.

In the past, when labor here was less expensive, things requiring craftsmanship like this were more palatable. I've seen examples where the mesh was even draped so that it could be both the top and bottom reinforcement. That seems almost unfathomable nowadays.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it. Agree with KootK.

Save for some moment frame / shear wall restrictions related to high seismicity, usage of "welded deformed wire reinforcement" in ACI 318 is on equal ground to that of rebar. Design equations are the same. ACI does allow you to refine development length and lap splice dimensions by taking advantage of a welded crosswire in the development region, but if you are a traditionalist (and want to avoid the hassle of mats stacking at the lap locations) then you are permitted to simply ignore the welds and calculate these lengths the same as you would for rebar.

Now, as it relates to plain (smooth) wire, especially the commodity stuff that is darned-near unmanageably flexible due to tiny wire diameters, yeah, not a big fan.

I've designed structures using the larger-diameter welded deformed wire mats before. No issues. I guess it just depends on the designer and which end of the product spectrum they're referring to.

Why Use Wire Mesh In Concrete?

As long as a driveway or parking lot isn't regularly driven on by semi trucks and other heavy vehicles, welded wire mesh will work well. If you're like a lot of homeowners, you might be wondering if you can go without steel reinforcement altogether. While there are some exceptions, reinforcing a driveway is generally worth the investment.

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Heavy-gauge welded wire mesh panels are:

• Easy to lay in the desired position
• Exceptionally durable with a high tensile strength
• More affordable than rebar
• Positioned much faster than rebar
• Preassembled

Unlike some rebar grids, you can count on the consistent size and spacing of galvanized wire mesh. Additionally, as the concrete is being poured, stainless steel mesh panels stay in position.

When it comes to concrete, you can't avoid cracks entirely, but wire mesh reinforcement will help hold the material together when they do occur. Also, it will help evenly distribute the weight of cars on your driveway. The added strength of steel is especially crucial if your subgrade isn't up to par.

How Do You Attach Wire Mesh to Concrete?

Whether you're hiring a contractor or are planning to tackle the project yourself, it's helpful to have a general idea of the process. Find the basic steps of reinforcing a concrete driveway below.

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1. First, you'll need to install your forms, which will essentially frame the driveway and keep the concrete in place before it sets.

2. Next, you'll use gravel or another fill material to even out the grade.

3. After compacting the fill into the subgrade, it's time to add steel reinforcement.

4. Position the wire mesh about two inches from the forms, using heavy-duty wire cutters to cut the edges as needed. If possible, get wire mesh paneling pre-cut to size so you can lay it directly on top of the fill with minimal adjustments.

5. Once the wire mesh is in place, you can pour the concrete, flatten it, level it, and then cure it.

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