Trench mesh
Trench mesh is prefabricated steel reinforcing mesh cut to fit strip footings and trench beams. Available in 200, 300 and 400 mm widths per AS/NZS 4671:2019.
Ask Chalkline about this →Trench mesh is prefabricated steel reinforcing mesh supplied in long narrow widths designed to fit inside strip footings and trench beams. Standard widths in Australia are 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm, with 3, 4 or 5 longitudinal bars in diameters of 8, 11, 12 or 16 mm welded across at regular intervals. It is manufactured to comply with AS/NZS 4671:2019 (verified 2026-05-08).
Under the NCC 2022 ABCB Housing Provisions Part 4.2, trench mesh is an accepted reinforcement form alongside welded wire fabric and deformed bar. Minimum lap length for trench mesh is 500 mm per Table 4.2.11b (verified 2026-05-08). Concrete cover requirements are the same as for other reo: 40 mm to unprotected ground, 30 mm to a membrane.
Trench mesh simplifies strip footing reinforcement by replacing the need to cut and tie individual bars on site. The engineer specifies the appropriate width and bar configuration for the footing depth and design loads.
Also known as: TM, footing mesh, strip mesh.
Category: Structural / Reinforcement.
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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.