Fiber Mesh vs Wire Mesh: Which Should You Use?

Concrete can be reinforced with two different types of mesh: wire and fiber. These two materials are very different from one another, with each type having advantages and disadvantages that should be recognized. In this article, we'll go over those differences to ensure that you're able to pick the right type of mesh for your project, no matter what you're building or rebuilding.

Link to Heyou

What Is Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh reinforced concrete is a wire mesh that's positioned in the middle of concrete as it is poured. Once the wire mesh is in position inside the concrete, the concrete is left to cure. The purpose of the mesh inside the concrete is to prevent the concrete from cracking, and to improve the concrete's flexural strength. Wire mesh is kept in place with spacers and wire ties.

To install wire mesh in concrete, the wire mesh is laid down first, and concrete is poured on top of the mesh. Once some concrete is poured on top of the mesh, the mesh is lifted to be positioned partway up the thickness of the concrete rebar. Finally, more concrete is poured over the mesh, and the concrete is allowed to cure with mesh in the middle.

When to Use Wire Mesh in Concrete

Wire mesh is suitable for horizontal slabs. Wire mesh comes in rolls that is cut to size and laid down in the area where the concrete is poured. The concrete is poured on the mesh, and then mesh is lifted slightly to be positioned in the middle of the concrete. Wire mesh is easily tangled and needs to be detangled before it can be laid down for the pour.

Advantages of Wire Mesh

There are many advantages and benefits of wire mesh, including:

• Wire mesh bars don't shift their position when the concrete is poured on top, because they're welded together in a grid. This ensures the mesh is doing its job.

• Wire mesh bars come in rolls that are easily transported onto the jobsite.

• Because mesh bars don't shift their position when concrete is poured on top, installation is relatively simple.

For more information, please visit what mesh to use for concrete driveway.

Disadvantages of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh can take up more space on the jobsite compared to fabric mesh, which is easily transported in bags. In addition, rolls of mesh can become tangled with each other, which can slow progress. Wire mesh can also deteriorate over time.

Cost of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh costs an average of $1.04 and $1.21 per square foot. This does not include any labor costs or time spent on installation.

Starburst Concrete Design
in Yorktown Heights, NY

To ensure that your concrete driveway will look good for many years to come, there are important specifications your contractor should follow during installation. How well your driveway looks and performs long-term is largely related to the quality of workmanship and materials that go into it. To help ensure a problem-free driveway, use the following list for information about proper construction.

Placing concrete at the proper thickness

Concrete driveway thickness is the major factor (even more than the strength of the concrete) in determining structural capacity. Place concrete at a minimum thickness of 4 inches. Increasing the thickness from 4 inches to 5 inches will add approximately 20% to your concrete cost, but will also boost your driveway's load-carrying capacity nearly 50% , according to the Tennessee Concrete Association.

Also consider thickening the edges of the driveway by 1 or 2 inches to provide additional structural support in the area most likely to be subject to heavy loading. The thickened sections should extend in from the slab edge 4 to 8 inches.

Your local soil conditions and weather patterns may also require a thicker driveway slab. Contact a local driveway contractor for an expert recommendation.

Rebar & wire mesh reinforcement

Driveway control joints can be incorporated into a decorative pattern.

Using steel reinforcement will provide additional structural capacity for your driveway and is especially important if the slab will be exposed to heavy traffic. Reinforcement won't prevent cracks, but it will help hold them together if they do occur.

Concrete reinforcement can be either wire mesh or ½-inch (#4) steel rebar. Use wire mesh for driveways that are 4 to 5 inches thick, and rebar for those that are 5 inches or more. Place rebar in a grid pattern with a spacing between bars of approximately 12 inches. In either case, blocks should be used under the reinforcement to keep centered within the concrete.

Synthetic fibers have also proven to be beneficial in driveways as a way to reduce shrinkage cracks. Fibers will not provide structural reinforcement, however. (See Using Fibers for Secondary Reinforcement.)

A properly prepared subgrade

Uniformity, in both soil composition and compaction, is the key to a good subgrade-one that will provide adequate support, ensure an even slab thickness, and prevent slab settlement and structural cracking. Soft spots should be removed and replaced with good material, such as gravel or crushed rock. Many western states have expansive soils. In these conditions, 2 to 8 inches of crushed rock should be used as subgrade material, depending on the degree of expansiveness. If you are unsure about the soil characteristics in your area, consult a soils engineer.

Don't allow the concrete to be placed on bone-dry subgrade, advises the Tennessee Concrete Association. Spraying the subgrade first to dampen it will prevent it from wicking water from the fresh concrete.

Vibratory plate compactors and rammers are the most common machines used for subgrade compaction of residential driveways. Click here to read more about subgrades and subbases for concrete slabs.

The correct concrete mix

Mix design will impact the performance and longevity of a concrete driveway. Read more about concrete driveway mix design to find out exactly what to ask for.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit what is wire mesh for concrete.