Reinforcing Mesh

Types of Steel Reinforcing Mesh & Symbols

Australian steel reinforcing mesh is designated by type and wire configuration:

• SL Mesh (Square Steel Reinforcing Mesh) – Equal wire spacing in both directions. The 'S' denotes square grid pattern steel reinforcing mesh, ideal for uniform load distribution.
• RL Mesh (Rectangular Steel Reinforcing Mesh) – Longitudinal wires at closer spacing than cross wires. The 'R' denotes rectangular pattern steel reinforcing mesh for directional strength.
• Trench Mesh – Narrow-width steel reinforcing mesh (600mm-900mm wide) specifically designed for footings and strip foundations, featuring closely spaced longitudinal wires.

Australian Steel Reinforcing Mesh Standards

Steel reinforcing mesh in Australia is manufactured to AS/NZS 4671 standards, ensuring consistent quality and structural performance for concrete slab reinforcement. Australian steel reinforcing mesh complies with strict requirements for wire diameter, grid spacing, welding strength, and steel grade, providing reliable steel reinforcing mesh solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Steel Reinforcing Mesh Types Comparison & Applications

SL Steel Reinforcing Mesh (Square Mesh) provides uniform strength in all directions with equal wire spacing, making it the most common steel reinforcing mesh choice for ground-bearing concrete slabs, driveways, pathways, and garage floors. The square grid pattern distributes loads evenly across the entire slab, ideal for residential applications where loads are relatively uniform.

RL Steel Reinforcing Mesh (Rectangular Mesh) features heavier longitudinal wires at closer spacing, providing maximum strength in one direction. This steel reinforcing mesh is perfect for suspended slabs, structural applications, and situations requiring greater load-bearing capacity in a specific direction. Common in commercial construction and multi-storey buildings.

Trench Steel Reinforcing Mesh is purpose-built for narrow excavations, offering convenient steel reinforcing mesh for strip footings and foundation trenches without cutting standard sheets. Its narrow width (typically 600mm-900mm) fits perfectly in footing trenches, reducing waste and installation time while providing the necessary reinforcement for foundation support.

Benefits of Using Steel Reinforcing Mesh

Steel reinforcing mesh delivers superior crack control, load distribution, and structural integrity compared to fibre reinforcement or plain concrete. Pre-welded steel reinforcing mesh construction ensures consistent spacing, eliminates the need for tying individual bars, and significantly reduces labour time and costs. Steel reinforcing mesh provides two-directional reinforcement in a single installation, improving slab performance and longevity while maintaining cost-effectiveness and full compliance with Australian building codes and AS/NZS 4671 standards.

Australian Steel Reinforcing Mesh Specifications