Metal Mesh Applications for Bridges

Enhancing Safety and Sustainability, with Visual Appeal and Low Maintenance

Metal mesh has become an increasingly popular material choice for bridge applications, offering a combination of strength, durability, sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Its versatility allows it to be used in various applications, including parapets, walkway gratings, and netting to prevent falls or jumps.

Staircase and Access Ramp Cladding

Metal mesh is an ideal material for external staircase cladding due to its combination of strength, durability, and versatility. Its open structure allows for natural light and ventilation while providing a secure barrier. Metal mesh can be fabricated into various patterns and designs, allowing for customisation to match any architectural style. Additionally, its low maintenance requirements and resistance to corrosion make it a long-lasting, sustainable and cost-effective choice for external staircase cladding.

Parapets: Safety and Style

Parapets are essential components of bridge walkways and access points, providing safety and support for pedestrians. Metal mesh parapets offer several advantages:

• Strength and Durability: Stainless Steel mesh is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance in outdoor environments.
• Versatility: Mesh can be fabricated into various patterns and designs, allowing for customisation and integration with different architectural styles.
• Aesthetics: Metal mesh can create a modern and visually appealing appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the foot bridge.
• Low Maintenance: Stainless Steel mesh requires minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs and downtime.
• Sustainability: Metal meshes can be manufactured from recycled material and 100% recycled at the end of their service life.

Netting: Preventing Falls and Jumps

Netting is another important application of metal mesh on foot bridges. It can be used to prevent falls and jumps, particularly in areas with high traffic or where there is a risk of accidents.

• Safety: Netting provides a physical barrier, preventing pedestrians from falling or jumping over the edge of the bridge.
• Visibility: Metal mesh netting can be designed to be transparent or translucent, allowing for visibility and maintaining the open feel of the bridge.
• Durability: Metal mesh netting is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Low Cost: It's low cost per square metre and ease of installation allows large areas to be protected within budget.

Locker Completed Bridge Projects Using Metal Mesh

Contact our team of applications engineers to discuss your requirements.

Non-Combustible Metal Mesh Cladding - Enhancing Safety and Sustainability

In recent years, the world has witnessed devastating incidents linked to combustible cladding materials in buildings. From residential complexes to commercial skyscrapers, the use of flammable materials in construction has posed significant risks to both life and property. In the wake of such tragedies, there's a pressing need to advocate for safer alternatives, and non-combustible metal mesh cladding emerges as a popular choice in this regard.

The Safety Imperative

First and foremost, the paramount concern in any construction project should be safety. Non-combustible cladding offers a crucial advantage in mitigating fire hazards compared to traditional combustible materials. By its very nature, metal mesh cladding significantly reduces the risk of fire propagation, enhancing the overall safety of the structure and its occupants.

Durability and Longevity

Beyond safety, metal mesh cladding boasts exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike combustible alternatives that may degrade over time, metal meshes maintain their structural integrity, providing lasting protection against external elements. This longevity not only ensures a safer environment but also translates into cost savings over the lifespan of the building.

Environmental Responsibility

In an era increasingly focused on sustainability, the environmental impact of construction materials cannot be overstated. Non-combustible cladding aligns seamlessly with sustainability objectives, offering a greener alternative to traditional options. By choosing non-combustible materials, builders and developers demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and minimising their ecological footprint.

Regulatory Compliance and Peace of Mind

With stricter building regulations coming into force worldwide, compliance has become a critical consideration for construction projects. Opting for non-combustible cladding ensures adherence to stringent safety standards, providing stakeholders with peace of mind regarding regulatory compliance. By proactively choosing non-combustible materials, builders can avoid potential legal pitfalls and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

Architectural Versatility

Contrary to common misconceptions, non-combustible cladding does not compromise on aesthetic appeal or design flexibility. Modern advancements in manufacturing techniques have resulted in a diverse range of metal mesh patterns, which offer architects and designers ample creative freedom. Whether pursuing sleek minimalism or intricate detailing, non-combustible metal cladding solutions can be tailored to suit any architectural vision.

Natural finishes, such as Corten Steel and Stainless Steel maintain resistance to combustion, whilst promoting sustainability, and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Completed Projects Using Non-Combustible Metal Mesh Cladding

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Expanded Metal Mesh In Weathered Steel

Introduction

As sustainability takes centre stage in architectural design, weathered steel (commonly referred to as Corten steel) expanded metal mesh stands out as a versatile and eco-friendly material. Not only does it offer a mix of durability, strength, and natural weathering properties for diverse applications, but it's also non-combustible, adding to its appeal. This material, celebrated for its rustic allure, undergoes a gradual weathering process, developing a protective oxide layer over time. This layer not only extends the material's lifespan but also enriches its aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious projects.

Environmental Benefits Of Weathered Steel

There’s a triple environmental benefit of using Corten steel expanded metal mesh, which stands out for its sustainability: It’s crafted from recycled steel, requiring minimal energy for production compared to conventional construction materials. Its durability and resistance to corrosion eliminate the need for toxic coatings or chemical treatments, and this also makes it easier to recycle at the end of its working life.

The Visual Appeal of Corten Steel

Architects and designers favour weathered steel expanded metal mesh for its ability to enhance the visual appeal of structures, offering a unique patina that adds character to buildings. Its customizable texture and pattern enable architects to achieve various aesthetic outcomes while providing functional benefits such as natural ventilation and lighting, reducing the reliance on artificial cooling and lighting systems.

Applications for Weathered Steel Expanded Mesh

The material finds applications in facades, cladding, and privacy screens, offering both visual appeal and practical advantages. Its versatility allows for innovative design solutions that blend seamlessly with the environment, fostering a sense of unity and integration. Overall, weathered steel expanded metal mesh presents an opportunity for sustainable and visually striking architectural designs that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Metal Mesh Applications in Rail and Energy Industries

Introduction

Mesh applications have become increasingly important in the rail and energy industries, offering solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. In this post Technical Director, Adrian Billingsley, explores a variety of mesh applications that are transforming these sectors. From enhancing safety to improving visual aspects, the versatility of mesh is unparalleled. Let’s dive into some of these innovative applications.

Platform Pedestrian Barriers, Parapets, and Balustrades

Our framed mesh, particularly useful for elevated pedestrian platforms and bridges, serves as a low maintenance, fireproof, and crowd-resistant barrier. Predominantly made from stainless steel and designed to be anti-climb, these meshes are ideal for ensuring safety. For a closer look, check out the projects at Deptford Railway Station, London and Cheltenham Racecourse. We also offer rigid pre-crimped woven meshes for these applications and can supply perforated panels.

Access Grating

We provide galvanized gratings frequently used in the oil and gas industry. An expanded metal version is available, featuring “heel-safe” apertures suitable for women's footwear on bridges and walkways.

Wedgewire

When a higher specification of grating is required, wedgewire comes into play. It's suitable for balustrade infill panels, façades, air distribution, and various bespoke applications. Notable examples include Elios Architectural Wedge Wire which is used for the Twin Sails Bridge project in Dorset.

Rooftop Plant Enclosures and Gantry Plant Screens

These applications often use woven meshes, expanded metal, and perforated metal to achieve a balance between airflow and opacity. Check out our projects at the University of Essex, Here East in London, and 55 Hudson Yards.

Fire Escape Stairs

Metal meshes are ideal for enclosing fire escape stairs due to their ventilation and fireproof properties. Examples include Reading International, The Met Office in Exeter, and Green Park, Reading. Our cable mesh and rope diamond mesh are also used in these applications.

Electrical Substations

Mesh is frequently used for substations, where ventilation, security, and aesthetics are crucial. Examples include the Severn Sisters, Highbury Substation and Oxford Science Park.

Ceilings

Metal mesh ceilings, installed in passenger halls and concourses, allow visibility of services housed above, while providing a visual screen. They are non-combustible and secure, as seen in the British Museum and Warsaw University.

Solar Shading

Most meshes can be used for solar shading, with more 3D meshes being particularly effective. Projects include Templeman Library Canterbury and Oxford Science Park.

Bird Exclusion

Our rope diamond netting range is effective for bird exclusion, as demonstrated at Greenwich Design District, London ), and Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Extruded Mullions

Developed for the Olympic Games in London, our extruded mullions have become a key component in our cladding projects. They are versatile and can be provided in various finishes and lengths.

Secure Cycle Enclosures

Our mesh enclosures, like the Cycle Hub at High Holborn in London, provide secure bicycle storage. We typically use perforated metal, but pre-crimped woven mesh is also suitable for these projects, as seen in the Midtown Cycle Vault, London.

Mesh applications in the rail and energy industries offer innovative, efficient solutions for a variety of needs. Whether it's enhancing safety, aesthetics, or functionality, the applications of mesh are as diverse as they are effective.

Metal Wire Mesh for Data Centres

Introduction

In today's digital age, data centres play a critical role in the storage and processing of large amounts of data. With the ever-increasing demand for data storage, it's important to ensure that data centres are built to withstand the challenges of high density, high temperature, and high-power consumption. One of the key materials in the design of data centres is wire mesh, which has several applications in the construction and maintenance of these facilities.

What Is a Data Centre?

Data centres are specialised facilities designed to house large amounts of computer servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. They provide critical infrastructure and services for organizations  that require high-performance computing and data storage capabilities.
A data centre is designed to be highly secure, reliable, and scalable, with redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and network connections to ensure continuous uptime and availability of data. They are used by a wide range of organizations, including corporations, government agencies, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and cloud service providers.
Data centres can be located on-premises, within a company's own facility, or they can be outsourced to a third-party provider, who offers colocation services. Colocation services allow organizations to rent space within a data centre to house their servers and IT infrastructure, while still retaining control over their data and applications.

Why is Wire Mesh Used for Data Centres?

Wire mesh is the ideal solution for data centre cooling, through airflow management. Proper airflow is critical to keeping data centres cool and preventing equipment from overheating. Wire mesh panels can be installed on the front and back of server rackshttp://airflow to allow for maximum airflow, while still providing security and preventing unauthorized access.

It is designed to be transparent, which allows for maximum visibility and surveillance around the data centre. This is important for security personnel, as it allows them to monitor the perimeter of the data centre without obstruction.

Our mesh can be customised to fit any size or shape, making it a versatile choice for data centre security. It can be used to create secure enclosures, partitions, or fencing around the perimeter of the data centre.

It represents a cost-effective solution for data centre security, as it is relatively inexpensive compared to other security materials. This makes it an ideal choice for data centres that are looking to reduce costs without compromising on security.

External Staircase Cladding and Building Facades

Wire mesh can also be used as an external staircase cladding or building facades for data centres. It can provide several benefits such as increased safety, durability, and aesthetics.

When using wire mesh as external cladding, it’s important to select the right material for the application. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is strong, durable, and can withstand harsh weather conditions and fire. Additionally, it is resistant to corrosion, which is important in an environment where humidity levels may be high.

The size of the wire mesh openings (aperture) should also be considered. The mesh should be small enough to prevent objects or debris from falling through, but large enough to allow for proper ventilation and air circulation.

It is also important to ensure that the wire mesh is properly installed and meets local safety standards and regulations. A competent professional should be consulted to ensure that the wire mesh is installed correctly and will provide effective safety and durability for the application.

Pre-Crimped Wire Mesh Cladding for Added Security

Pre-crimped wire mesh can be a good choice for security at data centres, as it offers a number of benefits over other types of security fencing. Here are some of the key advantages of using pre-crimped wire mesh for data centre security:

Locker pre-crimped wire mesh is made from high-quality steel wire, which provides exceptional strength and durability. This makes it difficult for intruders to penetrate and helps to deter unauthorized access to the data centre.

It can be customised to fit any size or shape, making it a versatile choice for data centre security. It can be used to create secure enclosures, partitions, or fencing around the perimeter of the data centre.

Wire mesh is a transparent material, which allows for maximum visibility and surveillance around the data centre. This can be particularly useful for security personnel, as it allows them to monitor the perimeter of the data centre without obstruction.

Benefits for Fire Protection

Finally, wire mesh can be used for fire protection in data centres. In the event of a fire, wire mesh can be used to contain and control the spread of flames and smoke. Fire-resistant wire mesh panels can be installed in areas where high temperatures are expected, such as server rooms and electrical distribution areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wire mesh plays a critical role in the design and construction of modern data centres.
Its versatility and strength make it an ideal material for airflow management, physical security, raised floors, and fire protection. As the demand for data storage continues to grow, the use of wire mesh will likely become even more prevalent in the design and maintenance of data centres.

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Don't worry if you can't attend the show. Just contact our sales team or call us on 01925 406620 to discuss your project requirements.

Architectural Metal Mesh and Lighting

Here at Locker, we like to encourage all use of metal mesh. Whether it be for architects and contractors for use in a project, or as recently demonstrated at the Wire Works Exhibition right here in Warrington, for artistic expression.

We frequently issue samples to students of architecture, as well as sculpture and photography.

The following photos were taken by Finleigh Palmer, GCSE student.

“I love working with metals, especially metals with patterns or cut outs because you can pass light through them and it will create its own unique shadow. Changing the colour of the light that you use can change the whole perspective of the photograph.”

• Finleigh Palmer - GSCE Student

Contact our team for more information

If you are looking to specify mesh for a large-scale cladding project or building envelope, and you have concerns over the fire safety of your specification, contact our sales team for a more in-depth discussion.

Click Here for details of our full product range, or phone 01925 406600.

Fire Performance Ratings

Fire ratings for Cladding and Juliet Balconies in High Rises

Fire Ratings Made Simple:

The UK Building regulations on fire safety were issued in 1991 and use (from best to worse) Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 ratings to classify materials. However, since then, the UK Government has adopted the far more thorough and exhaustive Euroclass system:

• Class 0 is not a fire classification identified in any British standard test. Despite that fact, people still incorrectly cite Class 0 – 4 when talking about Fire Ratings.
• European fire ratings (Euroclass) are (from best to worse) A1 , A2, B, C, D, E or F.
• Smoke emissions are indicated using a (from best to worse) S1 , S2, or S3 rating.
• Smoke classifications are not given to products with an E or F Euroclass rating.
• Flaming Droplets/particles are indicated (from best to worse) using a d0, d1 or d2 rating.
• A1-rated products are not given a smoke or flaming droplet rating, as it is assumed they do not contribute to fire growth or spread.

The building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 specifies that materials used for and attached to the external wall of buildings 18m+ high must achieve Class A2-s1, d0 or A1 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 (later superseded by BS EN 13501-1:2018).

The UK Government is also exploring a proposal that would further include 11m+ high buildings.

Locker Architectural Products

EU Publication 96/603/EC lists materials that are class A1 rated without fire testing (provided they are not finely divided) inclusive:

• Steel
• Zinc and zinc alloys
• Stainless steel
• Aluminium
• Copper and Copper Alloys (including brass)

Locker Architectural metal meshes are generally made entirely from aluminium or stainless steel before the introduction of a secondary finish.

This means that they are automatically classed as A1 fire rated and can safely be specified for high rise buildings, be it Juliet balconies, façade cladding, rain screening, sun screening etc.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is typically left with a natural finish (i.e. no secondary finish is applied) which means the finished product is A1 rated.

Aluminium

Aluminium is often provided with a secondary powder coated, or anodised finish. Powder coated finishes are typically rated A2, whereas anodised finishes typically achieve an A1 rating.

Contact our team for more information

If you are looking to specify mesh for a large-scale cladding project or building envelope, and you have concerns over the fire safety of your specification, contact our sales team for a more in-depth discussion.

Click Here for details of our full product range, or phone 01925 406600.