What is a mesh?

The word “mesh” refers to a weave composed of elements tied or knotted together. It is generally made out of stainless steel wire, bronze, aluminum, or copper, and it’s used to create support structures with a specific rigidity and opening sizes. Depending on the type of installation they will be used for, a calculation of dimensions, distances, and resistance must be carried out.

In the field of construction, the grids of each mesh can be attached to each other by electro-welding to comply with internationally established installation and safety regulations. This type of structure is also used to delimit the specific perimeter of an area, as well as to indicate enclosures in a site.

There are also protective meshes that are often plastic and used to signal dangerous areas. This type of mesh is manufactured with resistant nylon and is ideal for preventing objects from falling in construction zones, such as ducts, patios, cornices, etc.

What types of meshes are there?

Structural meshes can be classified according to their characteristics and uses:

• Single twist mesh: also known as cyclone mesh, this is one of the most traditional, versatile, and effective types that can be adapted to most enclosures, regardless of the conditions of the terrain where it is installed. It is usually made out of galvanized steel. It is also known for being affordable and resistant; easy to cut, sew, and intertwine; easy to install, and ideal for large areas of land.
• Triple twist mesh: a hexagonal type made from galvanized steel. It is woven from two wires attached to each other, forming three flexible twists in all directions. Its braiding system has no fixing knots, unlike the simple twisting type, therefore reducing the possibility of cuts in case of contact. Triple twist meshes are usually used to protect a space from falling debris or stones; it is also known for its resistance to drilling and tension.
• Meshes for rigid panels: a wiring system that is characterized by its high strength, durability, and rigidity, offering a lot of protection to the area where it is installed. This type of mesh is ideal for fencing in gardens, residential areas, public entities, schools, etc.
• Electro-bonded meshes: a type of mesh made from longitudinal wires and transverse ones perpendicularly crossing them, bonded with electric welding. They are usually made of galvanized or stainless steel, so they are resistant to oxidation and corrosion. This type of mesh is used as reinforcement in slabs, foundations, pavements, and retaining walls, as well as in hydraulic structures and silos. It is also outstanding in its ability to adhere to concrete.

What is the difference between an electro-bonded mesh and an engineering mesh?

While electro-bonded meshes are the most common in most construction projects, engineering mesh is used when the construction site requires a higher level of reinforcement. Both are known as reinforcing steel since they have a high strength capacity, rigidity, ductility, tensile and torsional stresses, damping, and weldability. However, each has its own particularities and specific applications:

• Electro-bonded mesh is made with steel rods and is electrically welded. They are quick to install, have a high performance capacity, and do not require the use of many materials for installation. They are usually used in joists, vaults, load-bearing walls, and pavements.
• Engineering meshes come with a prefabricated structure with high-strength rods, and they can be tailored to the needs of the project in terms of the measurements of the rods and their caliber. This is the most effective reinforcement system for concrete elements such as industrial floors, bridges, slabs, and roofs. Their corrugated shape allows for uniform distribution of forces, as well as offering better anchoring.

Regardless of the type of mesh used, detailed specifications for use and application are made in the designs and construction plans for installing these types of reinforcing steel, indicating which of these two types is more appropriate for the work.