Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Rebar mesh is a factory-welded grid of perpendicular bars at fixed spacing, such as 6 or 8 mm at 15 or 20 cm. It is used in slabs on grade, screeds and thin walls to save cutting and tying time.
Why it matters on a project
It speeds work and keeps spacing even, but must match the designed reinforcement and sit on chairs so it is inside the concrete, not under it.
Measurement and pricing
Per square metre, or per tonne from weight per square metre, adding laps between sheets.
Common mistake
Laying mesh on the ground and pouring over it, so it ends up at the bottom of the slab doing nothing.
Frequently asked questions
Can mesh replace the designed reinforcement?
Only if its steel area equals or exceeds what the design requires.
How much lap between mesh sheets?
The designer sets it, usually one or two mesh squares.
Related terms
- Slab on gradeA concrete slab cast directly on compacted ground.
- Reinforcement (rebar)Steel bars placed inside concrete per bar-bending schedules to strengthen structural elements.
- Concrete coverThe concrete thickness between the surface and the nearest bar.
- Lap spliceThe overlap length of two bars that transfers force between them.
Read next
- Bar bending schedule (BBS): what it is and how to read it
- Work out quantities with our free calculators: concrete, tiles, paint and plaster. Open the calculators
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