The process of installing metal decking and wire mesh for concrete floors begins with setting up the purlins. Bondek is a sheet of steel used as a base for pouring concrete mix. Wiremesh, on the other hand, consists of steel rods arranged in a woven pattern with square openings.
Metal decking and wire mesh serve the same purpose as formwork and reinforcement steel in creating concrete slabs. However, each has its own advantages and specific applications. Read this article further to learn more about them.
What Is Metal Decking and Wire Mesh?
Before learning how to install metal decking and wire mesh for concrete floors, it is important to first understand what these materials are. Metal decking is a corrugated steel sheet used as a base for pouring concrete. Wire mesh is a network of steel arranged in a woven pattern with square openings for concrete reinforcement.
Both materials play a significant role in concrete structure construction. Using metal decking and wire mesh can also be considered faster compared to using wooden formwork and conventional reinforcement steel.
Benefits of Metal Decking and Wire Mesh for Concrete Pouring
As mentioned above, using metal decking and wire mesh can be considered faster. If you're working on a repetitive construction project with symmetrical shapes and relatively light-load structures, you may want to consider using these materials. Here are some of the advantages below.
1. Providing Structural Support During Concrete Pouring
Understanding how to install metal decking and wire mesh for concrete floors is useful when the concrete mixture is ready to be poured. The pouring of the still-liquid mixture requires the support provided by metal decking. This helps maintain the stability of the wet concrete.
The raw material of metal decking, made from galvanized steel, also ensures durability to withstand the concrete mixture during pouring. However, purlins or supports must still be installed for safety reasons.
2. Making the Concrete Surface Smoother and More Even
The raw material of metal decking, made from strong metal, helps create a more even and smooth concrete surface. This precision can save time and effort when applying floor plaster. As a result, the project can be completed slightly faster, and the overall aesthetics can be improved.
The corrugated shape of metal decking also allows for easier cleaning from below once the concrete has dried. The waves on the surface of the metal decking will facilitate reaching it with a broom.
3. More Economical Without Requiring Floor Formwork
Using Metal Decking can save time on installing wooden formwork. Metal decking can simply be installed according to the available construction plan without the need for cutting and adjusting. This makes the work more efficient, especially if your project has a symmetrical and repetitive shape.
However, if you feel the need for wooden formwork in certain areas, it can still be used. The use of formwork can be more flexible when placed in non-symmetrical areas where metal decking has square shapes.
4. Preventing Concrete Cracking
Metal decking and wire mesh serve to hold the concrete mixture in place while it is still liquid until it fully cures. This structural support ensures that the concrete dries completely and reaches its maximum strength. Therefore, it is important to carefully install metal decking and wire mesh to avoid leakage.
This structural support helps keep the concrete mixture in place and prevents it from shifting in any direction during pouring. Similar to floor formwork, metal decking also bears the load of the concrete from below.
Read also: Characteristics and Ideal Thickness of Second-Floor Slabs
5. Reducing Construction Waste
After the pouring process is complete, metal decking will remain attached to the concrete slab. This minimizes material waste in your construction project, such as deteriorated wooden formwork boards. The use of disposable metal decking also speeds up the cleanup process.
However, its disposable nature means that metal decking cannot be reused in future projects. You will need to purchase new decking for each project you undertake. If left unchecked, this could lead to increased costs over time.
How to Properly Install Metal Decking and Wire Mesh
Metal decking and wire mesh are relatively easy to install. Simply place them according to the direction and shape of the metal decking. To understand the steps, here’s how to properly install metal decking and wire mesh as explained below.
1. Installing Metal Decking Along with Purlins Straight and Flat
The method for installing metal decking is to first properly install the purlins. Purlins are wooden supports that help bear the weight of the concrete mixture when poured. Ensure that the metal decking covers the entire surface perfectly before the pouring process begins.
Place the metal decking on the purlins according to its direction. Secure the metal decking to prevent shifting and movement by using screws or nails. Perform this process carefully to ensure both accuracy and an aesthetically pleasing placement.
2. Placing Wire Mesh on Top of Metal Decking
The installation of wire mesh is done by placing it carefully on top of the already well-installed metal decking. Ensure that the wire mesh is free from any weak, damaged, or bent sections. Once everything is ready, the concrete mixture can be poured over it. Make sure that the entire surface of the wire mesh is fully submerged by the concrete mixture.
3. Ensuring Metal Decking and Wire Mesh Are Ready for Pouring
Proper knowledge of installing metal decking and wire mesh is crucial for concrete pouring. Check the entire slab structure before pouring begins. You can inspect at various connection points. After that, you can pour the concrete mixture onto the metal decking surface.
Read also: The Right Concrete Mix Ratio According to SNI Standards
So, this is how to properly install metal decking and wire mesh for concrete floors. Metal decking and wire mesh should first be installed on purlins correctly. This installation must pay attention to connections at each metal decking to avoid leaks. Once everything is set, the concrete mixture is ready to be poured over it.
Using metal decking and wire mesh has its advantages compared to using conventional wooden formwork and reinforcement steel. Metal decking and wire mesh are quicker to assemble, making the pouring process more time-efficient. The metal decking material made from galvanized steel is also more durable than conventional wooden formwork.
In addition to installing various preparations, such as metal decking and wire mesh, constructing concrete slabs also requires high-quality cement. Therefore, choose Semen Merah Putih Watershield for your concrete work.
This cement is equipped with water-resistant technology that provides triple protection for the building, and prevents water seepage from inside the house, outside, and underground. Semen Merah Putih Watershield makes your concrete slab more robust and long-lasting.
Rest assured, ensure you always use high-quality cement for a strong foundation! Contact us now for more information and bring your dream house to life with Semen Merah Putih!
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