Composite mesh: what it is, types and characteristics

Composite reinforcing mesh ETIZ is a web of composite bars that performs the same role as the usual metal welded mesh or netting mesh, but without its main drawback — corrosion. The web distributes tensile loads in the concrete, screed or masonry joint, prevents the formation and opening of cracks and increases the durability of the structure. It is important not to confuse the composite mesh with the reinforcing rod (these are separate rods) and with the painting mesh for putty — the ETIZ plant is talking about reinforcing webs for construction work.

What is a composite grid in simple words

A composite mesh is a mesh web, the nodes of which are formed by the intersection of composite bars or tapes. The material of the rod is glass fiber (less often basalt fiber) impregnated with a polymer binder. The finished fabric is lightweight, flexible and at the same time very tear-resistant. It can be rolled up, which means it is convenient to transport, store and cut it right on the site with scissors or a grinder. It is impossible to cook the composite (unlike a steel bar), but this is not required for the mesh: the cards and rolls are laid overlapping and tied.

The key idea of composite mesh is to replace the metal where it quickly rusts: in wet screeds, blind areas, walkways, in external and internal masonry. The composite does not corrode, so the protective layer of concrete above the mesh can be reduced, and the service life of the structure can be increased.

Types of composite mesh ETHYZ

ETIZ plant produces two families of reinforcing meshes, which differ in the fabric design and purpose.

1. SSC reinforcement mesh — glass composite mesh

This is a classic "square" grid of composite bars with a diameter of 2 to 6 mm (brands SSK-2, SSK-3, SSK-5, SSK-6). The cell is available in three standard sizes — 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm, which allows you to select the density of reinforcement for a specific task: from a thin tie to the roadway. Comes in rolls and cards, color is black or green. Typical canvas formats: 0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30, 1.35×50 m, and others.

Where the SSC reinforcement grid is used:

• reinforcement of concrete screeds and self-leveling floors;
• paving around the house and garden paths
• concrete platforms, parking lots, industrial floors;
• roadway and pavements with increased load;
• warm floors (dielectric — does not conduct current and does not create cold bridges).

2. Masonry composite mesh

These are narrow tapes with a width of 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m in rolls of 50 m. The tensile strength is up to 50/50 kN/m. The masonry mesh is laid in horizontal masonry seams and connects the rows to each other, compensating for temperature and shrinkage stresses.

Where masonry mesh is used:

• reinforcement of brickwork;
• masonry of aerated concrete and foam concrete blocks;
• reinforcement of openings, walls and places of concentration of loads;
• flexible connections in multilayer walls.

It is convenient to choose a specific standard size and format in eTHYZ Composite Mesh Catalogue.

Characteristics: species comparison

Below is a pivot table that helps you quickly navigate the two families of grids.

Advantages of composite mesh over metal mesh

Composite fabric outperforms steel welded mesh and netting on several qualitative grounds:

• Does not rust or corrode — serves in a humid environment, in screeds, blind area, near the ground without loss of strength.
• Dielectric — non-conductive, radiotransparent, safe near wiring and underfloor heating.
• Lighter than metal — reduces the weight of the structure and simplifies manual installation.
• No bridges of cold — the composite does not conduct heat in the same way as metal.
• Flexible and compact — folds into a roll, is easy to carry in a car, cut with scissors or a grinder right on the site.
• High fracture strength and durability — retains load-bearing capacity throughout the entire service life of the structure.

All this makes composite mesh a direct replacement for metal welded mesh where no corrosion, light weight and electrical safety are important. The products comply with GOST 31938-2012 for composite polymer reinforcement and mesh.

How to choose a composite mesh

Focus on the task and the required reinforcement density:

• Thin screed, paths, blind area — SSC reinforcement grid with a cell of 50×50 or 100×100 mm.
• Platforms, floors, pavement — SSC with rod Ø3 mm, cell 100×100 or 200×200 mm.
• Masonry of bricks, gas and foam block — masonry mesh of the desired width (0.36/0 .5 / 1 m).

The delivery format (roll or card) is chosen for the size of the area to be filled: cards are convenient for large flat areas, rolls — for extended and curved ones. Specify the exact brand, format and cost on request in grid section on the ETIZ website.

FAQs

What is composite mesh and how does it differ from reinforcement?

A composite mesh is a reinforcing web with a cell connected from composite rods or tapes, whereas reinforcement is a separate rods. The mesh distributes the load over the area (screed, floor, masonry seam) and is supplied in rolls or maps. Both materials are composite: they do not rust, are lighter than metal and are dielectrics, but are used in different reinforcement scenarios.

What types of composite mesh does ETHYZ produce?

Two main families. SSC reinforcement mesh is a glass composite mesh of bars Ø2-6 mm with a mesh of 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm for screeds, floors, blind area and roads. Masonry mesh — narrow tapes with a width of 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m in rolls of 50 m, tensile strength up to 50/50 kN/m, for reinforcement of joints of brick and block masonry.

Is it possible to replace the metal mesh with a composite mesh?

Yes, composite mesh replaces steel welded mesh and netting. It does not rust or corrode, serves in a humid environment, is lighter than metal, does not conduct current and does not create cold bridges. The canvas is flexible, rolled up and cut with scissors or a grinder. The material complies with GOST 31938-2012, which confirms its suitability as a reinforcing material.

Which composite mesh cell should I choose?

The cell is selected for the task. For thin ties, paths and blind areas, a cell of 50×50 or 100×100 mm is suitable. For platforms, industrial floors and roadway, a larger cell of 100×100 or 200×200 mm with a rod of Ø3 mm is used. Masonry tape of the desired width is used for masonry. The exact selection depends on the load and the thickness of the concrete layer.

Can the composite mesh be cut and cooked?

It is possible and necessary to cut a composite mesh — right on the object with scissors on metal or a grinder, the canvas is easily cut to the desired size. But it is impossible to cook the composite: it is not metal, welding is contraindicated. To connect the cards and rolls, they are overlapped and tied, which fully ensures the continuity of reinforcement.

How much does a composite mesh cost?

The cost of composite mesh depends on the type (SSC reinforcement mesh or masonry mesh), rod diameter, mesh size, width and delivery format — roll or map. Therefore, the price is calculated individually and is available on request. To get the current price and choose the right size for your task, contact the sales department of ETIZ or study the catalog of grids on the website.