Welded Wire Fabric in slabs is used to provide what function?

• A. Decorative pattern
• B. To reinforce concrete only in vertical elements
• C. Distributed reinforcement grid to control cracking and provide shear transfer
• D. To anchor columns

Answer: (C)

In slabs, welded wire fabric provides a distributed reinforcement grid that controls cracking and helps transfer shear across cracks. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so placing a welded wire fabric across the slab creates multiple small reinforcement paths in both directions. This bridges potential cracks from shrinkage, temperature changes, and loads, keeping cracks narrow and the slab more durable and serviceable. It also helps carry shear between adjacent concrete parts, aiding overall structural performance. It’s not for decorative patterns, not limited to vertical elements, and not used to anchor columns.