Rebar Grid Explained: What is it and Why is it Specified?

rebar grid

Rebar grid is one of the most commonly used concrete reinforcing steel products, from residential floor slabs to concrete runways and other structural construction elements.

Sometimes also called rebar mesh, or reinforcing fabric, it is supplied in various sizes to cater to different specifications.

Concrete has excellent compressive strength, which is enhanced by the inclusion of steel reinforcement. Rebar delivers tensile strength to concrete, allowing it to resist lateral forces as well as imposed loads.

Why Use Rebar Grid?

Rebar grid, set out across any size slab, helps to stabilise and strengthen concrete. Steel reinforcement grid is the simplest, and fastest way to install rebar. It is electrically welded in several size configurations to cope with a range of specifications.

Adding steel to concrete in a pre-made grid formation delivers a fantastic composite structure. The concrete receives tensile strength, while the steel is protected from corrosion.

It is possible to create a bespoke grid by tying individual rebar together, but this can prove time-consuming. Deploying pre-made, electrically welded grid delivers speed and accuracy, ensuring that the strength and resistance of rebar is even across the entire concrete area.

What do the Grid Numbers Mean?

The grid numbers tell you the amount of steel in relation to the square meterage of the rebar grid. A393 is made from 10mm steel rebar with 200mm square apertures. B503 is made from 8mm rebar, but has smaller apertures at 200mm by 100mm, which means more steel per square metre.

How Much Rebar Grid do I Need?

Working out how much rebar grid you need for a project is simple enough when it comes to raft foundations. Our raft foundation cost calculator, based upon a 10m square slab, can give you an indication of what you will need.

You will need to allow for rebar grid edge clearance, which could be up to 75mm for a slab edge that is exposed to weathering or is in direct contact with the ground. Recommended clearance reduces for slabs that are protected by other structural elements.

A142 Rebar Grid

A142 uses 6mm diameter rebar and is ideal for light use pavements up to 100mm depth. Using grid of this specification should ensure that concrete cracking is limited between expansion joints. Good for use on a well-compacted sub-base, and available cut to standard or bespoke sizes.

A193 Rebar Grid

A193 uses 7mm, which might not seem like a big change, but it can add weight and strength to a structure. It is a lightweight choice that can be used in walls as well as floor slabs, or other bespoke detailed projects.

A252 Rebar Grid

A252 rebar grid is formed with 8mm rebar and is a standard one-size mesh that can be used for almost every light-to-medium-duty concrete domestic and commercial slabs and walls.

A393 Rebar Grid

A393 rebar is what should be specified for 200mm deep slabs, for heavy-duty, industrial level infrastructure, or goods vehicle turning areas. The 10mm rebar mesh fabric sheets weigh in at just over 6kg per square metre. It’s not much heavier than B503 structural mesh, but it works out at 14 sheets per tonne for A393, one less than for B503.

B503 Rebar Grid

B503 is a structural grid, which has a different standard aperture size from slab grids. The way it works is that the main structural reinforcement is delivered in the direction of the steel with the narrowest centres. In the case of B503, it is the 8mm steel with 100mm centres.

B785 Rebar Grid

B785 rebar grid is the next level of structural steel reinforcing mesh, designed to take higher loads, again only in one direction. As part of a structural engineer’s reinforcement strategy, B785 is often used in ground beams and slab foundations.

B1131 Rebar Grid

B1131 rebar grid uses 12mm steel rebar welded together with 8mm to produce the heaviest-duty grid for use in challenging structural concrete or civil engineering projects.

When you need rebar grid for a concrete slab, or for any other structural reinforced concrete application, talk to our professional team today to discuss your specific requirements.

Stay focused on your project,
let us handle the reinforcement.

Simple, accurate, and rapid solutions direct from a leading UK manufacturer.

Stay focused on your project,
let us handle the reinforcement.

Simple, accurate, and rapid solutions direct from a leading UK manufacturer.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informative purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information.

Always consult a qualified engineer and/or architect when designing or carrying out any construction project. Always work within regulations set out by your government, and within recommended safety guidelines.

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