What should be considered when laying welded steel mesh?

With the widespread adoption of the internet, steel mesh (welded wire fabric) has found extensive application in the construction industry. Beyond its use in cast-in-place concrete structures, it is also suitable for precast concrete elements. Applications span transportation, building construction, agriculture, livestock farming, bridges, dams, hydraulic engineering, and other infrastructure projects.

Incorporating this mesh into concrete enhances its shear and flexural strength. It improves the material's structural integrity and resistance to bending. Furthermore, it maximizes the concrete's performance by reducing shrinkage cracking and preventing spalling or the detachment of concrete fragments.

Construction industry applications: Industrialized production of multi-story and high-rise residential buildings, industrial facilities (foundations, eaves, walls, etc.), and the installation of underfloor heating grids.

Municipal engineering and anchoring support: Viaduct deck paving, concrete plaza surfacing, concrete pipes, protective fencing, slope protection, etc.

For structures featuring transverse channels beneath the concrete surface—where the vertical distance between the top and bottom surfaces is less than 400mm or where elements are embedded in a base—two layers of welded steel mesh should be installed within the concrete section.

Different diameters should be used for the vertical and horizontal reinforcement bars within the welded mesh, and the concrete cover thickness must be at least 50mm. Where construction joints in the concrete pavement cannot be established, the mesh may extend continuously adjacent to the structural body.

Given the extensive use of welded steel mesh, what precautions should be taken during its application?

1. Establish a rational installation plan

Before laying the steel mesh, a sound installation plan must be prepared, and professional on-site guidance should be provided based on specific site requirements.

2. Pay attention to the bottom mesh configuration

For the structural mesh and reinforcement layers, the surface grid of the ribbed welded steel mesh should utilize a flat lap joint method. Lap joints should be positioned in areas of lower stress, specifically outside the quarter-span region. The lap length must be at least 30 times the bar diameter, with a minimum overlap of 250mm. 3. Process of laying steel mesh sheets

After the steel mesh sheets are welded, they should be positioned in accordance with the design drawings, mesh specifications, and quality inspection requirements.