rust on reinforcing

[hungng]

The wire reinforcing mesh I was going to use has lots of surface rust. Is it still ok to use? Should I try and clean it up a bit or use as is?

[chidding]

THe alkaline environment of concrete stops the rusting, aswell as the lack of oxygen.. should be ok to use, most of the time, slightly rusted is easier than brand new/shiny/slippery reo.

[Tscarborough]

Unless it is scaling, surface rust is desirable for reinforcing steel.

[david lyons]

many years ago I put very rusty steel into a driveway slab, I was pretty broke and the reo I used was horrible rusty stuff, So much so I used to worry the slab would break up. About 7 years later I had to jackhammer it all out to allow for an extension. The slab was murder to break out, big compressor and heavy jackhammer, and the reinforcing came out looking like brand new steel, just an observation from direct experience.

Dave Ly

[hungng]

Thanks for the feedback.
I'll certainly use it.

Thank you.