The expanded metal sheet is one type of steel mesh that is intensively used in the construction industry to reinforce concrete, which offers higher resistance to cracking. This article intends to provide the size and weight of expanded metal sheets that are available as per Indian Standards.
Expanded Metal Sheet
Expanded metal is a sheet metal that has been cut and stretched into a regular, often diamond-shaped, mesh pattern. Commonly used for fences, grates, and as metallic lath to support plaster or stucco, expanded metal offers superior strength compared to wire meshes like chicken mesh. This is because it is flattened rather than fully cut and reconnected, allowing the metal to remain in one piece and retain its structural integrity.
Shape of Expanded Metal Sheet
The diamond shape of the mesh is the most popular because it can absorb impact and resist mechanical deformation after installation. Other shapes are also available such as circular and rectangular.
Size of Expanded Metal Sheet
The size of the mesh of the expanded metal sheet is measured based on the shortway and the longway of the diamond as shown in Figure 1.
Where ‘SWM’ is the shortway of mesh and ‘LWM’ is the longway of mesh. While making the purchase, specific dimensions should be mentioned which refers to SWM and LWM.
| SWM (mm) | LWM (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight per sq.m (kg) | Size of Sheet Normally Stocked (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 15 | 1.50 | 1.00 | 7.843 | 2.50X1.25 |
| 5 | 20 | 2.50 | 1.00 | 7.843 | |
| 6 | 25 | 2.50 | 1.00 | 6.533 | 1.25X1.75 2.50X1.75 |
| 6 | 25 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 8.164 | |
| 6 | 25 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 13.164 | |
| 10 | 40 | 2.50 | 1.00 | 3.921 | |
| 10 | 40 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 4.901 | |
| 10 | 40 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 8.156 | |
| 12.5 | 40 | 2.50 | 1.00 | 3.137 | 1.25X2.75 2.50X2.75 |
| 12.5 | 50 | 2.50 | 1.00 | 3.137 | |
| 12.5 | 40 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 3.921 | |
| 12.5 | 50 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 3.921 | |
| 12.5 | 50 | 2.50 | 1.60 | 5.019 | |
| 12.5 | 40 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 6.525 | |
| 12.5 | 50 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 6.525 | |
| 20 | 50 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 2.447 | 1.25X3.75 2.50X3.75 |
| 20 | 60 | 2.50 | 1.25 | 2.447 | |
| 20 | 50 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 4.078 | |
| 20 | 60 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 4.078 | |
| 20 | 50 | 3.25 | 2.24 | 5.709 | |
| 20 | 60 | 3.25 | 2.24 | 5.709 | |
| 20 | 50 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 8.023 | 2.50X3.75 |
| 20 | 60 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 8.023 | |
| 25 | 75 | 3.25 | 1.25 | 2.548 | 1.15X3.75 2.50X3.75 |
| 25 | 75 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 3.262 | |
| 25 | 75 | 3.25 | 2.24 | 4.564 | |
| 25 | 75 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 6.423 | 2.50X3.75 |
| 40 | 75 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 2.039 | 1.25X3.75 2.50X3.75 |
| 40 | 115 | 3.25 | 1.60 | 2.039 | |
| 40 | 75 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 4.007 | |
| 40 | 115 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 4.007 | |
| 40 | 75 | 3.25 | 2.24 | 2.854 | 1.25X3.75 2.50X3.75 |
| 40 | 75 | 5.00 | 3.15 | 6.172 | |
| 40 | 115 | 5.00 | 3.15 | 6.172 | |
| 40 | 115 | 6.50 | 3.15 | 8.023 | |
| 75 | 200 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 2.141 | |
| 75 | 200 | 5.00 | 3.15 | 3.294 | |
| 75 | 200 | 6.50 | 3.15 | 4.282 | |
| 100 | 250 | 3.25 | 3.15 | 1.599 | |
| 100 | 250 | 5.00 | 3.15 | 2.470 | |
| 100 | 250 | 6.25 | 3.15 | 3.082 |
Also, read: TMT vs TOR Steel: Understanding Differences, Benefits, and Applications
Application of Expanded Metal Sheet
- Establishment of Bond: The construction industry extensively uses expanded metal as metal lath, providing a robust framework to support materials like plaster, stucco, or adobe in walls and various structures.
- Ventilation: It is used as ventilation that facilitates air exchange in spaces such as public washrooms, kitchens, and clerestory attics, ensuring fresh air circulation and removing odours, moisture, or contaminants.
- Retrofitting cracks: The expanded metal mesh is also used for repairing the cracked development in the masonry walls and plaster.
- Fencing: Expanded metal sheets are durable, which makes them a perfect choice for fencing.
References:
- Bureau of Indian Standards. (1975). Specification for Expanded Metal Steel Sheets for General Purpose. (2nd. rev.). (IS412: 1975). Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Khanna, P.N. (2001). Indian Practical Civil Engineers’ Handbook. The Standard Every-Day Reference Book for all Engineers and Architects. Engineer’s Publishers, New Delhi-110001
- Duggal, S.K. (2008). Building Materials. (3rd ed.). New age international publishers.
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 15). Expanded metal. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expanded_metal
