TRM 256

TECHNICAL REFERENCE Rev 1

MANUAL Date 6/08

Civil & Structural
Page 1 of 2
WELDED REINFORCEMENT GRIDS

INTRODUCTION

This TRM describes the development in California over the past 20 years of a unique one-piece
confinement reinforcement product called Welded Reinforcement Grids (WRG). Protruding hooks
are eliminated and rebar cages with WRG are very distortion resistant. As many as 30 individual
links, hoops and cross-ties can be replaced with just one WRG resulting in the elimination of rebar
congestion and reduction of time and labour to assemble rebar cages, erect formwork and pour
concrete.

Figure 1. WRG and conventional rebar link assembly compared

Figure 2. WRGs at close centres with longitudinal rebars partially fixed

WRG IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Main benefit of welded reinforcement system:

• The main benefit that WRG offers is that it eliminates rebar congestion, improving
constructability. In addition rebar cages using the WRG reinforcement can be assembled
and installed using significantly less time and labour.
• They also perform exceptionally well in the completed structure, particularly under seismic
conditions.

Construction benefits:
• The rebar subcontractor benefits from reduction of time and labour in rebar cage assembly
and installation.
• The concrete subcontractor benefits by reduction of time and labour during formwork
installation and concrete placement due to uniform and fixed cages and reduction in rebar
congestion that allows for easier vibrator access. The improved vibration access reduces
"honeycombing" which in turn reduces the need for patching.
• The general contractor benefits by lower crane time and improved schedule adherence.
• By incorporating the system at the design phase, the engineer and architect can benefit by
increasing their design flexibility and controlling the cost of construction.

© WSP Group
 TRM 256
TECHNICAL REFERENCE Rev 1

MANUAL Date 6/08

Civil & Structural
Page 2 of 2
WELDED REINFORCEMENT GRIDS

• The owner benefits by increased construction speed and thus earlier tenant occupancy. In
the event of an earthquake there are indications that the owner will also benefit from reduced
damage and repair costs.

Environmental benefit:
• A WRG replacing conventional hoops and cross-ties automatically reduces the quantity and
weight of steel required to achieve design goals. Each length of end hook for links, ties and
hoops required by the standard is replaced by a simple welded connection. Depending on
the complexity of the reinforcement layout and the bar size, substitution can constitute a 20-
50% reduction in material.

Seismic ductility
• The welded reinforcement grid can be used effectively as confinement reinforcement
provided that the steel used has sufficient ductility and the welding process employed does
not alter the strength and elongation characteristics of steel. The transverse reinforcement
used in the experimental programme met these requirements and showed 7-10% strains
prior to failure.

The problems Benefits The assurance

• Unreliable ductility (toughness)
• Rebar hooks can be unreliable
• Hoops with poor dimensional
tolerances
• Installing rebar hooks is labour
intensive
• Placing concrete around hooks
is very difficult and time
consuming
• Welded grids using high •Precision fabricated
strength steel •In plant, on-line testing
• Shipped in compact bundles •Proprietary welding
• Labour saving installation into techniques
rebar cage •Cross-wire confinement at
• More accurate positioning each rebar
• Gives more consistent •More reliable confinement
confinement the full length of •Improved ductility
the member
• Saves crane time and
erection labour
• Greater ductility = less force =
less rebar
• More reliable ductility = safer
buildings

REFERENCES

http://www.bautech.com/

http://www.baugridusa.com/

http://baumannrandd.com/

Baumann H U, One-piece welded reinforcement grids as lateral confinement reinforcement,

Structural Engineering International, 1/2008 (GTC library ref STR/2146)

Author: Vincent Fan, WSP Buildings, Holborn

Sponsor: Group Technical Centre
Revision record:
6/08 First issue (rev 1)

© WSP Group