BRC is a brand name (British Reinforcement Company) that became a generic term for welded wire mesh in India. The IS standard is IS 13162.

Can welded mesh replace rebar in structural slabs?

Yes, for slabs where reinforcement is primarily one or two layers of uniform spacing. For beams, columns, and complex detailing, individual bars per IS 1786 are needed.

IS 13162:2004 — Woven Wire Reinforcement for Concrete

IS 13162 : 2004

Woven Wire Reinforcement for Concrete

ASTM A185/A185M · BS 4483

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMStructural Engineering · Concrete Reinforcement (Steel)

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Summary

IS 13162 covers factory-made welded wire reinforcement mesh for concrete. Faster to place than individual bars for slab reinforcement, pavements, and shotcrete applications. Standard sheets are 2.4m × 6m.

Specification for welded/woven wire reinforcement fabric (mesh) for concrete slabs, pavements, and precast elements.

Key Values

Wire diameter range4mm to 12mm

Standard mesh spacing100, 150, 200, 250, 300mm

Sheet size2.4m × 6.0m standard

Practical Notes

! Welded mesh is 30-40% faster to place than individual bars for slab reinforcement.

! Overlap minimum 1 mesh spacing + 50mm at sheet joints.

! Commonly used for: floor slabs, pavements, retaining wall face, shotcrete/gunite, precast panels.

! Ensure weld quality — pull out failed welds weaken the mesh significantly.

Cross-Referenced Codes

IS 1786:2008High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires f...