Re: rebar vs remesh in slab

Actually an Engineer should answer that question but normally wire mesh is for temperature control and rebar is for structural strength. Years ago I built in Dallas and I do remember a grid of rebar used in slabs as the slabs were designed as "floating slabs" ie if they were to settle they would settle monolithically. Could this be why most Contractors are constructing slabs this way in your area?

Re: rebar vs remesh in slab

Clyde
Brad is right the products are used differently.
One other item for mesh is it does not stop cracking, it is to stop the crack from continueing to open; in other words used as a control agent.

Jim

Re: rebar vs remesh in slab

CLYDE,

Six inch wire, in rolls or mats is one thing. Welded wire mesh is another.

With welded wire, if spec's call for, #3 bars at 16" centers, they may be substituted with comparable strength inducing welded wire.

I use to put #3 bar in our architectural concrete flatwork, 20" o.c.

After doing a rip-out of a previous job to install, that had simple six inch wire, I felt convinced of the increased "hold together power" it had over the re-bar. The re-bar is to make-up for lack of tensile strength of concrete.

Afterwards, it seems that perimeterizing the slabs with #4 or #5, and striping with #3 or #4 bar in the field, all tied together with a minimum six inch wire, will more than suffice for bi-pedal traffic.

With vehicular, depending on the size/weight of those intending on traversing it, I would suggest a network of a minimum #4 bar and spacing at 18" to 20". Along with the continued incorporation of the wire mesh.

I know others in my area, and even nationwide, do nothing more than tamp the base created after excavation and run thicknesses from 4-6" without any stone base or steel of any kind, just fiber.

I would rather create a product that will last 20 years minimum.

Sincerely,

Brian T. Chaffee


http://www.StampConcreteZone.com/