Fiberglass mesh: properties, types and applications

Fiberglass mesh is a cellular reinforcing web assembled from composite bars based on glass roving and a polymer binder. Unlike metal welded mesh or wire chipper, Glassfiber Veil is not subject to corrosion, is a dielectric and weighs significantly less with comparable bearing capacity. ETIZ plant produces two main families of such fabric: SSC glass composite reinforcing mesh for concrete structures and narrow masonry mesh for reinforcing masonry joints.

What is fiberglass mesh and what does it consist of

The basis of the mesh is glass composite rods: a bundle of glass fiber is impregnated with a polymer binder and cures, forming a rigid and tear-resistant rod. These bars form a regular honeycomb mesh, which is rolled or cut into cards. The material combines high tensile strength with low weight and complete inertness to moisture, salts and electrochemical corrosion.

The key difference from bar reinforcement is that it is canvas: The finished mesh is laid immediately in a large area, without knitting individual rods. And in comparison with sheet and roll materials, the mesh works as a distributed reinforcement, taking on tensile stresses in the body of concrete or masonry.

Properties of fiberglass mesh

ETHYZ composite fabric has a set of properties that make it a practical alternative to metal:

• Does not rust or corrode — the mesh is not afraid of moisture, deicing agents and aggressive environment, does not give rusty flows and does not destroy the protective layer of concrete from the inside.
• Dielectric — does not conduct electricity and is radio transparent, which is important near cable routes, in rooms with electrical equipment and medical areas.
• Easy — noticeably lighter than steel welded mesh of the same size, therefore easier to carry, stack and logistically; one worker covers a large area per shift.
• Does not form cold bridges — low thermal conductivity of the composite does not create thermal bridges in walls and floors.
• Flexible — is rolled into a roll, easily unfolds on the base and is laid on curved sections.
• Tear-resistant and durable — high tensile strength and aging resistance ensure a long service life of the structure.

You can cut a fiberglass mesh with metal scissors or a grinder — it does not require a complex tool. But it is impossible to weld the composite: the connection and docking are performed overlapping and viscous, as with any composite mesh.

Types of fiberglass mesh ETHYZ

In eTHYZ Composite Mesh Catalogue two families of canvas for different tasks are presented.

SSC reinforcement mesh (glass composite)

Mesh of glass composite bars with a diameter of 2 to 6 mm in SSK-2, SSK-3, SSK-5, SSK-6 grades. Cell — 50×50, 100×100 or 200×200 mm. Supplied in rolls and cards in standard formats 0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30, 1.35×50 m and others; color — black or green. It is used for reinforcement of screeds, floors, garden paths, blind areas, concrete platforms and roadway.

Masonry mesh

Narrow ribbons of fiberglass (basalt) mesh 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m wide in rolls of 50 m each. Tensile strength — up to 50/50 kN/m. Such a mesh is laid in the masonry joints of brick, aerated concrete and foam block, increasing the crack resistance of masonry without corrosion and cold bridges.

Table: comparison OF ETHYZ mesh views

Where fiberglass mesh is used

• Reinforcement of concrete screeds and floors, including warm ones, where the absence of cold bridges and electrical conductivity is important.
• Paving, garden and park paths, platforms for a car — where the metal quickly rusts from moisture and reagents.
• Road and airfield pavement, concrete slabs and pavements.
• Reinforcement of brickwork, aerated concrete and foam block with masonry mesh.
• Objects with requirements for radio transparency and electrical safety.

In all these scenarios, the composite mesh works as a direct replacement for the metal welded mesh: it gives the same distributed reinforcement, but without corrosion, excess weight and cold bridges. You can choose the desired view, cell and format in composite mesh section on the ETIZ website.

Standards compliance

Fiberglass mesh ETIZ refers to composite polymer products, the requirements for which are established by GOST 31938-2012. This confirms that the material is intended for reinforcement of building structures and is designed for long-term operation. The exact specification for a specific project — brand, cell, width and delivery format — check with managers; the price is calculated upon request.

FAQs

How is fiberglass mesh better than metal mesh?

The main advantages are that it does not rust or corrode, it serves as a dielectric and weighs significantly less than a steel welded mesh of the same size. The composite does not form cold bridges and does not give rusty flows that destroy concrete. The mesh is flexible, reelable, easy to cut with scissors or grinder. All this makes it a durable replacement for metal, especially in wet and corrosive environments.

What are the cells in the SSC glass composite mesh?

SSK ETIZ reinforcing net is produced with a cell of 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm from bars with a diameter of 2 to 6 mm in SSK-2, SSK-3, SSK-5 and SSK-6 grades. Small cell is suitable for thin screeds and dense reinforcement, large — for platforms and roadway. The choice of the cell depends on the load and the thickness of the structure; the specific option will be suggested by the manager for your project.

What is masonry fiberglass mesh used for?

Masonry mesh is narrow tapes with a width of 0.36, 0.5 and 1 m in rolls of 50 meters each with a tensile strength of up to 50/50 kN/m. It is laid in horizontal joints of masonry made of brick, aerated concrete and foam block. The mesh increases the crack resistance of the wall, distributes the load and at the same time does not corrode and does not create cold bridges, unlike metal masonry mesh.

Is it possible to cut and cook fiberglass mesh?

Cutting the mesh is easy — with ordinary scissors on metal or with a grinder right on the site, which simplifies the cutting in place. But it is impossible to cook the composite: it is a polymer material, it is not welded. The docking and extension of the web is carried out overlapping with an overlap, as is customary for composite reinforcing products. The flexibility of the roll allows you to lay the mesh on curved sections.

What formats does the grid come in and how much does it cost?

SSC reinforcement grid is supplied in rolls and maps — standard formats 0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30 and 1.35×50 m and others, color black or green. Masonry mesh goes with tapes 0.36 / 0.5 / 1 m in rolls of 50 m. The exact size is selected for the task. Specify the price upon request from the managers of ETIZ — it depends on the type of grid, cell, width and volume of the batch.