REINFORCEMENT STEEL MESH / FABRIC

Where steel reinforcement of a slab is required for structural reasons, the specification will more than likely require high-tensile steel bars as well as fabric mesh, and the design should be undertaken by a qualified engineer. Steel mesh comes in a wide array of profiles with varying mesh sizes and wire sizes as indicated in the table below.

The most commonly specified steel fabrics for paving works are A142 (6mm wires), A193 (7mm wires) and A252 (8mm wires). A142 mesh is often used in 100mm thick light-use slabs such as paths, driveways and garage bases, while A252 is normally associated with heavier-duty 150-200mm thick slabs, with A193 used in either. In light-use applications, a single layer of fabric may be used, but in heavier jobs, two layers are used "top and bottom".

There must always be a minimum of 50mm cover over steel reinforcement, both above, below and around . The fabric is supported from beneath at regular intervals by Hystools, Wire ring spacers, concrete bar spacers, Grade Plate Spacers which are purpose made for use with the sheets of Mesh fabric. . These spacers are placed roughly every 600mm or so, sufficient to carry the fabric without allowing it to sag unacceptably.

REINFORCEMENT SPACERS FOR MESH FABRIC

Concrete Spacers Square bars for mesh reinforcement

SCS heavy-duty concrete square bars are manufactured in 1 metre lengthsa from 20mm up to 100mm. Fixing costs are greatly reduced as the bars can simply be laid on the formwork or ground floor sub-base prior to the loading of the reinforcement cage. Other applications include their use as kickers and formwork spacers.

Flat based , double and triple cover concrete spacers are designed for use on both vertical and horizontal applications. The flat base provides additional support and stability where the weight of reinforcement is high.