How much overlap is required for welded wire fabric (WWF)?

The requirement for overlap in welded wire fabric (WWF) is aimed at ensuring structural integrity, load distribution, and effective bonding when the fabric is used in construction applications, such as reinforced concrete. The proper overlap helps in maintaining a continuous reinforcement throughout the structure, reducing the risk of shear and ensuring that the design specifications are met.

The correct answer indicates that a minimum of 2 cross wires plus an additional 2 inches of overlap is required. This overlap ensures that there is a sufficient connection between sections of wire fabric, which enhances the overall strength of the construction. By allowing for this overlap, the welded joints can effectively share loads across the connected sections, which is critical in maintaining the performance of the welded wire fabric within the reinforced concrete structure.

Other options may specify different amounts of cross wires or additional lengths for overlap, but the two cross wires plus two inches provides a recognized standard that balances the need for sufficient reinforcement while avoiding excessive material use or complexity in installation. This established guideline reflects best practices in the industry and is understood to be the appropriate measure for ensuring a strong and reliable bond in the applications where WWF is used.