BENEFITS OF USING METEX FABRIC

Metex Fabric provides proper distribution of steel reinforcement throughout the concrete slab. The greater number of smaller diameter wires that are closely and more uniformly spaced distribute the load widely and the stress equally throughout the concrete slab. From the standpoint of efficiency, Metex Fabric is the preferred reinforcement for concrete. Whereas steel bars must rely entirely on adhesion of the concrete to the bar surface to provide bond for anchorage, Metex Fabric provides positive mechanical anchorage by utilising the rigidly connected cross wires welded at each intersection. The shear developed by each weld makes it possible for the yield stress of the wire to be developed by two welds. By specifying Metex Fabric, the designer is assured of obtaining the required area of reinforcement at the correct spacing, and so on-site supervision and checking time is reduced.

Metex Fabric is simple to fix and when properly supported will remain in position during concreting.

Metex Fabric possesses the right degree of ductility to allow it to be bent, shaped, or fashioned readily on the job yet is sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape after bending.

Metex Fabric controls the cracking in concrete slabs. The high efficiency of the small closely spaced wires distribute and equalize the stresses that occur at or near any cracks that may form. Research into crack widths and the width prediction formula being adopted by building codes shows that maximum crack widths are proportional to the distance from the surface to the closest reinforcement i.e. to bar spacing and concrete over. The mechanical anchorage derived by the cross-wire welds makes Metex Fabric the ideal reinforcement for slabs on the ground. The main purpose of reinforcement in these slabs is to prevent any cracks which may form from opening to excessive widths with subsequent loss of load transfer ability. With Metex Fabric, stresses in the order of 250 N/mm2 can be developed at each cross-wire weld. This means that all movement is transferred to the designed joints where load can be transferred by dowel action.

Metex Fabric permits maximum construction speed and economy while retaining full design strength in the concrete structure. The high quality of Metex Fabric that enables it to meet MS 145: 2006 Standard results in significant cost savings. By using the recommended characteristic yield strength of 485 N/mm2 a saving of up to 40% on the quantity of mild steel bar reinforcement is possible. After allowing for the higher cost per tonne for Metex Fabric, significant cost saving is usually achieved for most projects. In addition to the material saving, fixing and transport costs are reduced. Fixing time is also saved, as Metex Fabric is delivered to the construction site with the wires welded at the specified spacing in two directions. Whilst Metex Fabric in rolls is suitable for ground slabs, sheets are recommended for suspended slabs to ensure that the effective depth is maintained. As well as providing these economies Metex Fabric does not have the scrap and waste during processing compared with mild steel bars. The actual quantity of steel bar purchased is usually at least 5% more than that used and this factor should be taken into account in any cost comparison. The general elimination of bar hooks with fabric provides a further saving which is noted in the section on “Crack Control”. The direct saving in time is becoming increasingly important under modern construction methods and the use of “Critical Path Planning”. In many cases, the time and labour required to placereinforcement can be considerably reduced. To obtain the maximum benefits from the use of Metex Fabric, the members of the structure should be designed from the beginning using the higher allowable stresses. However when a design is prepared using mild steel bars, a conversion chart may be used to compare the difference in quantities for Metex Fabric used at an allowable stress of 230 N/mm2 (approx. 20,000psi) against the quantities of mild steel bar designed at 140 N/mm2 (approx. 20,000psi). For more accurate conversion, the calculated steel area should be used. Our staff will be pleased to discuss the details of any comparison with you and provide current cost.