Welded Wire Mesh in Concrete Construction: Uses and Sizes
Welded wire mesh (fabric reinforcement) explained: wire sizes, spacing, sheet sizes, standards such as BS 4483 and ASTM A1064, uses in slabs and walls, and installation tips.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: Welded wire mesh is a grid of steel wires welded at every intersection, supplied in sheets or rolls. It is used as reinforcement in ground slabs, toppings, composite deck slabs, precast elements and walls, and to control shrinkage cracking. It saves fixing time compared with tying loose bars.
Welded wire mesh — also called welded fabric or BRC — is a quick way to place reinforcement in slabs and walls.
What it is
Cold-drawn or cold-rolled wires are placed in a grid and resistance-welded at every intersection. Standards include BS 4483 (fabric reinforcement), BS 4449/BS 4482 (wire) and ASTM A1064 (US practice).
Common types (BS 4483 style)
| Mesh | Pattern | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A-series (e.g. A142, A193, A252, A393) | Square | Slabs, toppings, walls |
| B-series | Structural, rectangular | One-way slabs |
| C-series | Long mesh | Roads, long panels |
| D-series | Wrapping | Fire protection, encasement |
The number indicates steel area in mm²/m. For instance, A193 is 7 mm wire at 200 mm centres.
Typical uses
- Ground-bearing slabs and warehouse floors
- Composite deck slabs (anti-crack mesh) — see composite decking
- Precast panels and pipes
- Shotcrete and retaining walls
- Toppings and screeds
Benefits
- Fast placement over large areas
- Consistent spacing and cover
- Less tying labour
- Controls shrinkage cracking
Installation tips
- Support on chairs or spacers to achieve design cover
- Lap sheets as specified
- Avoid walking mesh down into the subgrade during pours
- Keep mesh clean of mud and oil
Ordering
Specify mesh type or wire size and spacing, sheet size (commonly 2.4 × 4.8 m or 2.4 × 6 m), quantity, and certificates.
Mesh is available through our reinforcement steel and expanded metal and mesh ranges.