Steps to Consider when Reinforcing Concrete Slabs with Wire Mesh
Whenever there’s a need to make concrete slabs, it’s necessary to use a welded wire mesh. While this wire mesh is an alternative to reinforced steel rods, it prevents cracking of concrete in the future. According to concrete suppliers Brisbane, it’s better to reinforce wire mesh so that it settles at an appropriate height once it has been poured. So, if you are unaware of how to reinforce concrete slabs, then read ahead to learn more about the steps.
Step 1
As soon as you start, you have to carefully place the slab runners for supporting the wire mesh. The slab runners play a better role in elevated concrete pours. With every runner being 4 feet long, you should take care of placing the runners. Ideally, you have to maintain a distance of 3 ½ feet between two consecutive runners.
Step 2
Now, you have to place the first sheet of mesh just above the slab runners. In case it’s a slab on grade, then you can place the mesh on the ground. You should start off from the corner so that you can maintain sufficient clearance. Do keep in mind that the metal should not be in contact with the edge of the poured concrete. This would certainly help because it actually prevents the chances of the exterior getting affected due to rust. If quality is the prime concern, then you can try out premix concrete Brisbane.
Step 3
Now, you need to place the next sheet right above the first sheet of wire mesh. At this instance, you have to place the wire mesh one and a half squares away, letting every sheet to overlap the other 1 ½ squares; it’s essential to apply some pressure on the second sheet and force it down. You should make sure that the second sheet is perfectly resting on the slab runners. In order to be accurate with the overlapping technique, you might have to adjust the second sheet a bit later.
Step 4
Soon after placing the wire mesh, you have to tie the sheets all at once. With the help of Linesman pliers, you have to tie the corners and tie the centre of the overlapping sheets as well. Way ahead, you need to be sure that the ties have brought two sheets closer. As you proceed with placing the wire mesh, continue tying it till the slab has been covered completely. If you wish to save money, then you could get in touch with suppliers and check out concrete prices Brisbane.
Step 5
Subsequently, you have to lift up the entire mesh at a suitable height from the slab. In case you have placed the slab runners on the ground, then you don’t have to follow this step. Moreover, you have to place 2×2 concrete bricks just beneath the wire mesh. As you work towards supporting the mesh, you should place the bricks at least at a distance of 4 feet.
Finally, before reinforcing the concrete slab, you should check whether the mesh is designed for construction projects. You should also check for the dimensions and size depending on the area that needs to be reinforced. If you don’t know what to purchase, then feel free to research online. This would give you a fair idea about the size along with the price. While you procure supreme quality steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane from the market, just be sure that the material is galvanised.