Basalt mesh: properties, strength and application

Basalt mesh is a reinforcing web of basalt-plastic threads designed to strengthen masonry joints and perceive tensile forces in brick, aerated concrete and foam block walls. Unlike bar composite reinforcement and sheet materials, the basalt mesh is a flexible mesh web (tape) that is unwound from a roll and laid directly into the seam solution. At the ETIZ plant, this is a masonry composite mesh in the form of ribbons, and not a paint serpyanka or a welded steel mesh.

What is a basalt (basalt plastic) mesh

Basalt plastic is obtained from continuous basalt fiber impregnated with a polymer binder. A mesh cloth with a regular cell is formed from these threads, which is then wound into a roll. Due to the mineral nature of basalt, such a mesh is characterized by increased chemical resistance to the alkaline medium of the cement mortar and tolerates contact with masonry mixtures well. Basalt mesh refers to composite polymer products and complies with GOST 31938-2012 for composite reinforcement and mesh.

Functionally, the basalt mesh is close to the fiberglass masonry mesh: both work to stretch in the seams, both are not afraid of corrosion. The difference is in the original fiber and the accents of the properties: the basalt line relies on chemical resistance and stability in an aggressive environment, while fiberglass is a more common and universal solution for typical masonry.

Basalt Grid Properties

The key operational advantages of basalt mesh stem from the composite nature of the material:

• Does not rust or corrode. Basalt plastic is not susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, so the seam is not destroyed by rust, and red undercutting does not appear on the facade.
• Chemical stability Basalt fiber is resistant to the alkaline environment of cement-sand mortar, which is important for the durability of masonry reinforcement.
• Dielectric The grid does not conduct electric current and is radio transparent — it does not create induced currents and electromagnetic interference.
• Weighs Just Basalt mesh is significantly lighter than metal welded mesh of the same format, which simplifies lifting to the floor and laying.
• There are no bridges of cold. The low thermal conductivity of the composite does not form thermal bridges, unlike steel reinforcement, which is especially valuable in aerated concrete masonry.
• Flexibility and convenience of cutting. The canvas is rolled, easily transported, cut with ordinary scissors or a grinder right on the site.
• Durability The composite does not age from moisture and temperature changes like a metal, and retains its bearing capacity for the entire service life of the structure.

An important technological limitation: the composite mesh cannot be welded — when heated, the polymer binder is destroyed. The webs are connected by overlapping laying, and cut with a cut, not by welding.

Tear Strength

Strength is the main operating parameter of masonry reinforcement. ETIZ basalt masonry mesh is designed to accept tensile forces with tensile strength up to 50/50 kN/m on the base and weft. This is enough to bind the masonry, distribute the load and reduce the risk of cracks during settlement and temperature deformations. Check the exact values for a particular brand and width of the tape with the plant managers.

Delivery formats

Basalt masonry mesh is supplied with narrow ribbons for the width of the seam — it is convenient to roll them along the masonry row without unnecessary cutting.

Application of basalt mesh

Basalt mesh is used where it is necessary to reinforce masonry joints without the risk of corrosion:

• reinforcement of horizontal masonry joints from bricks — ordinary reinforcement and ligament;
• masonry from aerated concrete And foam block — load distribution and crack protection;
• reinforcement of zones above openings, under support areas and in places of stress concentration;
• reinforcement of facing masonry, where rusty traces from steel reinforcement are unacceptable;
• facilities with requirements for chemical resistance and electrical insulation.

The technology is simple: the tape is rolled over a fresh solution along the row, sunk into the seam and continue masonry. The overlap of adjacent canvases ensures the continuity of reinforcement. For the reinforcement of screeds, floors, blind areas and paths, another family is already used — SSC reinforcement mesh with cells 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm; you can choose the right kind of fabric in eTHYZ Composite Mesh Catalogue.

Basalt or fiberglass mesh

Both meshes are composite, both do not rust, both are lighter than metal and work as a dielectric. The basalt line is selected when chemical resistance and stability in an aggressive alkaline environment come to the fore. Fiberglass masonry mesh is a more versatile and common option for typical masonry reinforcement tasks. In terms of tensile strength, masonry tapes are comparable (up to 50/50 kN/m), so the final choice is more often determined by the conditions of the facility and the recommendations of the engineer. Assortment and selection of a specific brand — in section of ETHYZ grids.

Why composite mesh instead of metal mesh

Metal welded mesh and wire mesh corrode over time, especially in wet joints and on facades, adding weight and creating cold bridges. Basalt composite mesh removes these problems qualitatively: it does not rust, is lighter, does not conduct heat and current, is easily cut in place. This makes it a practical replacement for steel masonry reinforcement without losing the durability of the structure.

FAQs

How is basalt mesh different from fiberglass mesh?

Both meshes are composite, do not rust, are lighter than metal and are dielectrics. The basalt (basalt-plastic) line emphasizes increased chemical resistance to the alkaline medium of the solution, and the fiberglass line is a more versatile and common solution for typical masonry. In terms of tensile strength, masonry tapes are comparable (up to 50/50 kN/m), so the choice is more often determined by the conditions of the object.

What is the strength of basalt masonry mesh?

ETIZ basalt masonry mesh is designed for tensile strength up to 50/50 kN/m on the base and weft. This is enough to bind the masonry, distribute loads and reduce the risk of cracks during settlement and temperature deformations. Check the exact values for a particular brand and width of the tape with the plant managers.

What is basalt mesh used for?

Basalt mesh is laid in horizontal joints of brickwork, aerated concrete and foam block for reinforcement and crack protection. The tape is rolled out on a fresh solution along the row, sunk into the seam and continue masonry, connecting adjacent overlapping webs. It is especially appropriate where corrosion and rusty marks on the cladding are unacceptable.

In what formats is the ETHYZ basalt mesh supplied?

Basalt masonry mesh is available in narrow ribbons with a width of 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m in rolls of 50 meters — it is convenient to roll them along the masonry row without unnecessary cutting. The canvas is easily cut with scissors or a grinder right on the site. The price is calculated on request depending on the width of the tape and the volume.

Is it possible to cut and cook basalt mesh?

You can cut a basalt mesh with ordinary scissors or a grinder right on the spot — the canvas is flexible and easily cut. But it is impossible to weld the composite mesh: when heated, the polymer binder is destroyed. Neighboring webs are connected by overlapping laying, ensuring the continuity of reinforcement in the seam.

Does the basalt mesh rust over time?

No. Basalt plastic is not susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, so the mesh does not rust and does not destroy the seam with rust, and no red undercutting appears on the facade. The composite is resistant to moisture and alkaline environment of the solution, works as a dielectric and does not form cold bridges, which makes it a durable replacement for steel masonry reinforcement.