Title: Advances in Design and Construction of Concrete Structures incorporating Class L Reinforcing Mesh

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
Low ductility 500 MPa mesh produced in accordance with AS/NZS 4671 is used extensively as main reinforcement in suspended concrete floors. Its quality is continually improving to satisfy new material and design standards. A new revision of AS 3600 allows concrete structures incorporating Class L mesh acting as main reinforcement to be designed using several well-established but slightly modified simplified methods for one-way or two-way members, or by general elastic analysis of members, frames or continuums without moment redistribution. The design rules in AS 3600 are supported by the results of detailed numerical analyses, and a variety of Australian tests performed on one-way beams and slabs incorporating Class L steel. All the tests are briefly reviewed. In particular, they consistently show that significant amounts of moment redistribution can occur. The steel reinforcement industry is promoting efficient design and construction practices for using Class L mesh that take into account the latest research findings and reflect modern construction trends, and are undertaking further research into the benefits of using Class L mesh. The directions this research is taking are described.