Is welded wire mesh often used as reinforcement in concrete slabs?

• A. False
• B. Sometimes
• C. True
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

Welded wire mesh is a common way to reinforce concrete slabs because it provides a ready-made grid of steel that helps distribute tensile stresses and limit crack widths from shrinkage or loading. Cement is strong in compression but weak in tension, so placing a mesh inside the slab gives it more overall toughness and helps keep cracks tight as the concrete hardens and bears weight. It’s especially prevalent in light-duty slabs like garage floors, sidewalks, and typical slabs-on-grade where quick installation and even reinforcement over a large area are advantageous. For higher structural demands, engineers may opt for other reinforcement strategies such as rebar or different materials, but welded wire mesh remains a widely used, practical choice in many standard slab projects. Therefore, the statement is true.