The Role Of Fiberglass Mesh in Construction

I. Functions

 

The main functions of fiberglass mesh are: improving the mechanical strength of the surface layer, ensuring the continuity of the surface layer's resistance, dispersing the shrinkage pressure and thermal insulation stress of the surface layer, avoiding stress concentration, and resisting surface cracking caused by changes in natural temperature and humidity and accidental impacts. Therefore, fiberglass mesh plays a crucial role in external insulation systems, and selecting high-quality fiberglass mesh is an important component in ensuring the overall quality of the system.

 

II. Standards

 

The current national standard for external wall insulation (JG149-2003) stipulates that the alkali-resistant tensile breaking strength of fiberglass mesh in both the warp and weft directions shall not be less than 750 N/50 mm, the alkali-resistant tensile breaking strength retention rate shall not be less than 50%, and the weight per square meter shall be ≥130 grams. JG158-2004 stipulates that the alkali-resistant tensile breaking strength of fiberglass mesh in both the warp and weft directions shall not be less than 1250 N/50 mm, the alkali-resistant tensile breaking strength retention rate shall not be less than 90%, and the weight per square meter shall be ≥160 grams. Currently, the weight of fiberglass mesh used in external wall insulation systems in the Chinese market is around 130g per square meter, with generally low strength. Its normal breaking strength is only 1000N/5cm, or even lower.

 

Therefore, the technical specifications of fiberglass mesh for external wall insulation projects must be standardized, and the purchased alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh must be certified as qualified before use. When controlling cracks in external wall insulation, not only must the insulation layer material have certain tensile strength and ultimate tensile strength, but the crack-resistant protective layer material must also have sufficient tensile strength. Therefore, when selecting alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the tensile strength of the alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh itself meets the standards.

 

III. Significance

 

The use of alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh composited in plastering mortar can effectively increase the tensile strength of the protective layer. Furthermore, by effectively dispersing stress, it can break down potentially wide cracks into many finer cracks, thus forming its crack-resistant effect. The surface coating material and coating amount are of great importance to the alkali resistance of the fiberglass mesh, while the type of fiberglass is decisive for long-term alkali resistance.

 

IV. Applications

 

1) Wall reinforcement materials (e.g., fiberglass wall mesh, GRC wall panels, EPS interior and exterior wall insulation boards, gypsum board, etc.)

2) Reinforced cement products (e.g., Roman columns, flues, etc.)

3) Special mesh for granite and mosaic, marble backing mesh

4) Waterproof membrane fabric, asphalt roof waterproofing

5) Reinforced plastic and rubber product skeleton material

6) Fireproof board

7) Abrasive wheel base fabric

8) Geogrid for highway pavement, joint sealing tape for construction, etc.

 

V. Varieties

 

Fiberglass mesh fabric varieties: Interior wall insulation fiberglass mesh fabric, alkali-resistant interior wall insulation fiberglass mesh is made of medium-alkali or alkali-free fiberglass mesh fabric as the base material, coated with modified acrylic copolymer liquid. It has the characteristics of being lightweight, high-strength, temperature-resistant, alkali-resistant, waterproof, corrosion-resistant, crack-resistant, and dimensionally stable. It can effectively avoid the overall surface tension shrinkage of the plaster layer and cracking caused by external forces.