Characteristics of composite mesh: cell, diameter, strength

Composite mesh is a reinforcing web, bonded or welded from glass composite bars, rolled or cut into cards. Unlike metal welded mesh and netting mesh, composite mesh does not corrode, does not form cold bridges and is a dielectric. In order to choose the right material, it is important to understand the key characteristics of the composite mesh: mesh size, bar diameter, grade, tensile strength, delivery format, colour and specific gravity. Below we will analyze each parameter and summarize them in a table.

What makes up the characteristics of a composite mesh

ETIZ plant has two families of reinforcing meshes, and their characteristics are different, because their tasks are different. The first is "SSK reinforcement grid" made of glass composite bars for reinforcing horizontal concrete structures. The second is "Masonry mesh" in the form of narrow tapes for reinforcing masonry joints. Let's analyze the parameters in order.

Сell size

The cell is the distance between the bars in the light. The SSC reinforcement grid has three typical cell sizes:

• 50×50 mm — dense reinforcement: thin screeds, paths, platforms with increased load;
• 100*100mm — universal size for floors on the ground, blind area, screeds;
• 200×200 mm — economical reinforcement of large areas and foundations of the roadway.

The smaller the cell, the denser the reinforcement and the higher the material consumption per square meter. The selection of the cell depends on the thickness of the concrete layer and the expected load.

Diameter of the bar and SSK grade

The reinforcement mesh cloth is recruited from rods of two diameters — Ø2 mm and Ø3 mm. The diameter determines the bearing capacity and stiffness of the cloth. The SSC marking (SSC-2, SSC-3, SSC-5, SSC-6) reflects the type and parameters of the grid in the line. The rod is thinner than its metal counterpart in terms of weight with comparable tensile work, so the roll turns out to be easy and convenient to transport.

Tear Strength

Composite meshes have high tensile strength. For masonry mesh, the rated tensile strength reaches up to 50/50 kN/m (on the base and on the weft). For SSC reinforced mesh, the tensile strength of composite rods is significantly higher than that of steel rods of equal cross-section, while the material does not lose its properties from corrosion. The exact values for each position are specified in the data sheet — we do not give "average" figures here, so as not to mislead.

Characteristics summary table

Delivery formats and weight

Another important characteristic is the delivery format. SSC reinforcement grid is supplied in rolls and maps. Typical formats: 0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30, 1.35×50 m and others. The masonry mesh goes with narrow ribbons 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m wide in rolls of 50 meters each. Due to the flexibility, the web is rolled into a compact roll, so the weight of the batch and the dimensions during transportation are noticeably lower than that of a metal welded mesh of the same area. The exact values of the specific gravity depend on the brand, cell and diameter of the bar and are indicated in the specification for a particular item.

• Roll — for large areas and cutting in place;
• Maps — for accurate stacking and convenient logistics of piece batches;
• Cutting with metal scissors or grinder, without metal sparking;
• Welding — not used, the composite is not cooked.

Why features are more profitable than metal mesh

High-quality replacement of metal (welded mesh, netting) is achieved without corrosion risks and without invented "replacement coefficients":

• Does not rust or corrode — is not afraid of moisture, anti-icing agents and aggressive environment;
• Dielectric — does not conduct current, does not spark, is safe near the wiring;
• Lighter than metal — reduces the weight of the structure and simplifies manual installation;
• No bridges of cold — low thermal conductivity of the composite;
• Flexible — it is rolled up, cut at the facility, convenient to carry;
• Durability — maintains tensile strength for the entire service life of the structure.

Material in accordance to GOST 31938-2012 for composite polymer reinforcement and mesh. You can choose the desired cell, diameter and format in the section Composite meshes.

How to choose a grid according to the characteristics

The algorithm is simple: first determine the task (screed, blind area, track, masonry joint), then the layer thickness and load. A fine cell of 50×50 mm and a rod of Ø3 mm are taken under a thin screed and high-loaded platforms; for typical floors on the ground and blind area, a cell of 100×100 mm is suitable; for large bases, a cell of 200×200 mm is economical. To reinforce the masonry of bricks and aerated concrete, masonry tape of the desired width (0.36, 0.5 or 1 m) is chosen. The full range and characteristics of each item are in mesh catalog; the price is to be specified upon request.

FAQs

What cells do ETHYZ composite mesh have?

The SSC reinforcement grid has three typical cell sizes: 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm. A small cell of 50×50 mm gives dense reinforcement for thin screeds and loaded platforms, 100×100 mm is a universal option for floors and blind areas, and 200×200 mm is economical for large bases and roadway. The cell is selected according to the thickness of the concrete and the load.

What is the diameter of the bar at the reinforcement grid and what do the SSK stamps mean?

The web is recruited from glass composite rods with a diameter of Ø2 mm and Ø3 mm. The SSK marking (SSK-2, SSK-3, SSK-5, SSK-6) denotes specific types of mesh in the ETIZ line. The diameter of the bar affects the stiffness and bearing capacity of the web: the thicker the bar, the higher the tensile work. The exact parameters for each brand are indicated in the data sheet.

What is the tensile strength of the composite mesh?

Composite meshes have high tensile strength. In the masonry mesh, the rated value reaches up to 50/50 kN/m along the base and weft. The SSC reinforcement grid has a higher tensile strength of the rods than a steel rod of equal cross-section, and does not decrease over time due to corrosion. For specific values, see the passport for the selected item.

Is it possible to cut and cook composite mesh?

You can cut the composite mesh with scissors on metal or with a grinder right on the site — the material is flexible and cut in place. But it is impossible to weld the composite: it is not metal, so the connections are made overlapping and viscous, without welding. Thanks to its flexibility, the web is rolled up, which simplifies transportation and installation.

Why is composite mesh better than metal welded mesh?

The composite mesh does not rust or corrode, is dielectric and does not conduct current, is lighter than metal and does not form cold bridges. It replaces metal welded mesh and netting without corrosion risks, preserving the strength of the entire service life of the structure. The material complies with GOST 31938-2012. The price is specified upon request.

What formats does the composite mesh come in?

SSC reinforcement grid is supplied in rolls and maps — standard formats 0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30, 1.35×50 m and others, color black or green. The masonry mesh is made of tapes with a width of 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m in rolls of 50 meters. The format is selected for the area and method of laying, the full list is in the ETIZ catalogue.