What must be done to welded wire fabric to prevent displacement until concrete sets?

What must be done to welded wire fabric to prevent displacement until concrete sets?

• A. Supported
• B. Welded to adjacent bars
• C. Tied with wire only
• D. Painted and left unrestrained

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to keep welded wire fabric in its proper position with temporary supports until the concrete gains enough strength to hold it. Fresh concrete can flow, settle, or be disturbed by vibration, causing the fabric to shift or rise, which changes the intended cover and spacing. By placing the fabric on chairs, spacers, or other supports, you maintain the correct height and alignment so the reinforcement remains embedded where it was designed. This ensures the concrete surround around the fabric is adequate and the structural performance isn’t compromised. Tying with wire alone isn’t enough to hold the fabric in the exact plane during placement, and welding to adjacent bars isn’t a standard or reliable way to secure it. Painting the fabric and leaving it unrestrained would not prevent movement before the concrete sets. So the best practice is to support the welded wire fabric properly during placement.

The key idea is to keep welded wire fabric in its proper position with temporary supports until the concrete gains enough strength to hold it. Fresh concrete can flow, settle, or be disturbed by vibration, causing the fabric to shift or rise, which changes the intended cover and spacing. By placing the fabric on chairs, spacers, or other supports, you maintain the correct height and alignment so the reinforcement remains embedded where it was designed. This ensures the concrete surround around the fabric is adequate and the structural performance isn’t compromised.

Tying with wire alone isn’t enough to hold the fabric in the exact plane during placement, and welding to adjacent bars isn’t a standard or reliable way to secure it. Painting the fabric and leaving it unrestrained would not prevent movement before the concrete sets. So the best practice is to support the welded wire fabric properly during placement.