Wire Mesh in Concrete
Concrete excels in compression but fails in tension. Wire mesh—specifically welded wire reinforcement (WWR)—provides tensile strength to control shrinkage cracking and improve structural performance.
Primary applications:
- Slabs-on-ground — Warehouse floors, parking structures, industrial slabs
- Precast elements — Wall panels, septic tanks, utility boxes
- Shotcrete support — Tunnel linings, slope stabilization
- Masonry walls — Ladder or truss reinforcement in block walls
- Residential driveways and patios — Light-duty crack control
Welded Wire Reinforcement Styles
WWR is designated by style numbers that indicate wire spacing and diameter:
| Style | Spacing (inches) | Wire Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×6-W1.4×W1.4 | 6 × 6 | W1.4 (10 gauge) | Residential, light commercial |
| 6×6-W2.9×W2.9 | 6 × 6 | W2.9 (6 gauge) | Commercial slabs, driveways |
| 4×4-W4.0×W4.0 | 4 × 4 | W4.0 (4 gauge) | Industrial floors, heavy loads |
| 2×2-W8.0×W8.0 | 2 × 2 | W8.0 (2 gauge) | Precast, structural applications |
Note: W numbers indicate wire diameter in hundredths of an inch. W2.9 = 0.029" diameter.
Sheets vs. Rolls
WWR comes in two forms, each with distinct handling and placement characteristics:
Sheets (Mats)
Pre-cut rectangular sections, typically 8' × 20' or 8' × 15'.
- + Faster placement, fewer overlaps
- + Flatter, easier to position at correct depth
- + Less waste on large rectangular areas
- − Higher transportation cost (bulkier)
- − Requires crane or forklift for handling
Rolls
Continuous mesh rolled like fencing, typically 5' or 7.5' wide × 150-200' long.
- + Lower cost for equivalent area
- + Easier manual handling (no equipment needed)
- + Efficient shipping
- − Springy, difficult to flatten
- − More overlaps required
Standards & Specifications
WWR must meet applicable standards for structural use:
- ASTM A185 — Welded steel wire reinforcement for concrete (older, now A1064)
- ASTM A1064/A1064M — Current standard for carbon steel WWR
- ASTM A497 — Welded deformed wire reinforcement (higher strength)
- CRSI Manual of Standard Practice — Industry placement and detailing guidelines
- Local building codes — May specify minimum reinforcement requirements
When sourcing WWR, request mill certificates confirming:
- Steel grade (typically ASTM A510 for wire rod)
- Yield strength (60 ksi or 80 ksi common)
- Weld shear strength
- Coating weight if galvanized
Sourcing WWR: Key Considerations
Yield strength verification
Not all WWR meets 60 ksi yield. Lower-strength products exist for non-structural use. Verify yield strength on mill certificates.
Weld quality
Welds must develop full wire strength. Poor welds fail during handling or create weak points in service. Request weld shear test data.
Dimensional tolerance
ASTM A1064 permits ±1/2" on spacing and ±0.004" on wire diameter. Tighter tolerances may be needed for automated placement systems.
Corrosion protection
Standard WWR is plain black steel. For corrosive environments, specify galvanized (ASTM A641) or epoxy-coated (ASTM A884) reinforcement.
Calculate WWR Weight
Use our welded wire mesh weight calculator to determine material weight for your project. This helps verify quotations and plan logistics.
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