Concrete floor reinforcement

Concrete floor reinforcement is done to prevent the deformation and destruction of the floor during the operation of the building. In order to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to know the features of concrete floor reinforcement.

Why use mesh when reinforcing floors?

The purpose of the floor reinforcement mesh is:

• to reduce the possibility of cracking of the concrete floor during vibration loads.;
• for additional protection from cracks or other defects;
• to make concrete more durable;
• to reinforce the floors with big level differences.

In addition, thanks to the composite mesh, the loads on the floor are distributed evenly.

Why should I give preference to composite mesh?

Reinforcement of the concrete floors can be made with metal, polypropylene or composite materials. Lately, many builders prefer composite materials. Composite mesh is available in the form of a sheet, up to 6 meters long.

Advantages of composite mesh:

• light weight;
• low modulus of elasticity;
• resistance to aggressive factors;
• low thermal conductivity;
• durability;
• simple installation work;
• affordable price;
• high strength;
• environmental friendliness.

One of the main advantages is that this material is not subject to corrosion, so the reinforcement of concrete floors with composite materials allows you to maintain strength characteristics throughout the entire service life, even when interacting with acids, salts or other aggressive chemicals.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth mentioning that fiberglass materials do not withstand temperatures above +200 °C, at this temperature the composite begins to lose its strength characteristics. For this reason, fiberglass products are not used for buildings with high fire resistance requirements.

How concrete reinforcement work is done?

Reinforcing concrete floors with a composite mesh is a relatively simple process. It is done by using wet or dry technology.

The area on which the composite mesh is laid must be clean. Therefore, before work begins, the surface must be well cleaned of dust and other contaminants.

Next comes the priming process, which allows to improve the adhesion of the reinforcing mesh to the base of the floor. Before starting the next stage, you need to wait until the primer is completely dry. This can take up to 24 hours-it directly depends on the temperature and humidity in the room.

Then a thin layer of concrete mortar is applied to the base of the floor, on which the composite mesh is laid.

After laying the reinforcement, the concrete mortar is poured and the screed surface is leveled. Be sure to moisten the screed during its hardening, otherwise the surface may dry out and crack.

At the same time, in the room where the floor was done, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of +20 °C and exclude drafts.