Mesh Free Slabs

Replace conventional SL mesh in ground slabs with SteelX twisted steel fibres. Designed to CCAA T48 principles, SteelX provides equivalent or superior tensile resistance for shrinkage control using subgrade-drag theory, while SteelX 5:25 enhances flexural strength (MOR) to enable reduced slab thickness — all without mesh placement, chairs, or tying wire.

SteelX 5:25SteelX 8:45E5 Internal Cure

The Challenge

Conventional SL mesh reinforcement in ground slabs requires cutting, tying, and positioning on bar chairs — adding days to pour schedules, introducing tripping hazards, and increasing the risk of poor cover. Misplaced mesh provides minimal structural benefit. The industry standard of 0.10–0.14% steel ratio for shrinkage control via subgrade-drag theory (CCAA T48 Appendix F) can be achieved more reliably with distributed fibre reinforcement.

Our Approach

SteelX replaces mesh using the tensile resistance design method from CCAA T48. The conventional reinforcement ratio is converted to a tensile resistance requirement, and SteelX is dosed to match or exceed that value. SteelX 8:45 at 7 kg/m³ matches 0.10% steel (0.34 MPa), while 10 kg/m³ matches 0.14% steel (0.47 MPa). For structural enhancement, SteelX 5:25 increases the modulus of rupture, enabling slab thickness reductions of up to 20%. E5 Internal Cure is recommended for all SteelX slabs to optimise hydration and fibre bond.

Key Benefits

Direct mesh replacement validated through post-crack residual strength testing (EN 14651)

SteelX 8:45 at 7 kg/m³ matches 0.10% conventional steel tensile resistance (0.34 MPa)

SteelX 5:25 enhances MOR — enabling up to 20% slab thickness reduction

Eliminate mesh purchase, cutting, tying, and placement costs

Uniform 3D reinforcement distribution — no risk of misplaced or missing cover

Safer work environment with no mesh tripping hazards on site

Suitable for jointed unreinforced (7–10 kg/m³) and jointed reinforced (8–15 kg/m³) slab types

How It Works

Engineer determines shrinkage steel ratio (typically 0.10–0.14%) and converts to tensile resistance

SteelX dosage is selected to match or exceed required tensile resistance (refer to dosage equivalence table)

For structural enhancement, SteelX 5:25 MOR increase is calculated to enable reduced slab thickness

SteelX is dosed at the batching plant and mixed directly into the concrete

E5 Internal Cure is added as the curing method to maximise hydration and fibre bond

Concrete is poured, placed, and finished using standard techniques — no chairs, tying wire, or mesh placement required

SteelX Dosage Equivalence to Conventional Mesh

Based on subgrade-drag theory — Tensile Resistance = ρ × f_sy × φ (f_sy = 500 MPa, φ = 0.67)

Conventional Steel Ratio	Tensile Resistance	SteelX 5:25 Dosage	SteelX 8:45 Dosage
0.10%	0.34 MPa	7 kg/m³	7 kg/m³
0.14%	0.47 MPa	10 kg/m³	10 kg/m³

CCAA T48 Appendix F: 0.10% is acceptable where joint spacing ≤ 24–30 × slab thickness (max 6 m). 0.14% is the conservative default for wider spacing.

Modulus of Rupture Enhancement (SteelX 5:25)

f'cf = k × 0.7 × √f'c — valid for 25–40 MPa concrete, 5–15 kg/m³ dosage

5 kg/m³

1.06

k value

10 kg/m³

1.175

k value

15 kg/m³

1.29

k value

Worked Example: 32 MPa concrete, 10 kg/m³ SteelX 5:25

Plain concrete MOR

0.7 × √32 = 3.96 MPa

SteelX-enhanced MOR

1.175 × 0.7 × √32 = 4.65 MPa

Thickness reduction

180 mm → 170 mm (6%)

Design Options Comparison

30 m × 27 m internal warehouse, f'c = 32 MPa, medium subgrade — base case 180 mm plain concrete

Design Option	SteelX	Dosage	Conv. Steel	Thickness	Saw Cuts	Const. Joints
A. Jointed Reinforced	5:25	10 kg/m³	None	170 mm	≤ 8.5 m	≤ 25 m
B. Liberty (Jointless)	5:25	18 kg/m³	0.15% (top)	160 mm	None	≤ 30 m
C. JUP-Style	8:45	7 kg/m³	None	180 mm	≤ 5.4 m	≤ 25 m