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Fabric (historic)

In the past wire fabric was produced from twisted square sections, twin twisted material and plain round drawn wire. The relevant British Standards are given below.

BS 1221: 1945. Part A, Welded fabric. Part B, Woven fabric. Part C, Expanded metal.

BS 1221: 1964. Part 1, Welded and woven fabrics. Part 2, Expanded metal.

BS 4483: 1969. Welded and woven fabrics only.

BS 4483: 1985 Welded fabric only.

The wire was measured in SWG sizes whereas the fabric itself was usually described in terms of its mesh type and weight per square yard. It is not practical to summarise the range or describe the expanded metal fabric, which was also used. Identification of the material used will require reference to contemporary literature.

Further information on how reinforcement has developed over the years is given in Concrete Society Technical Report 70, Historical approaches to the design of concrete buildings and structures. 

Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society

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Historic reinforcing bars and steel fabric

TR70 Historical approaches to the design of concrete buildings and structures