Wire Reinforcement Institute
- 942 Main St Ste 300
- Hartford, Connecticut
- 06103-1217
- Phone: 800.552.4974
- Website
Description
"You have to look to Europe to see examples of how to incorporate WWR into projects. In Europe, it's normal for design engineers to meet with welded wire manufacturers and talk about what their needs are," says DeArmond. "Manufacturers also show the designers what new products they have and what their machines can do. The designer then uses the information that he's gathered from his visits to design buildings. I was astounded when I saw this relationship. In the US, nothing like this exists.
One of the greatest things to happen to WWR technology in the past few years has been the ever-increasing wire diameter and materials that manufacturers have been able to weld together. Not only are some manufacturers selling welded wire that is 3/4" in diameter, but there are also zinc-coated and epoxy-coated products available to resist corrosion. In addition, stainless steel welded wire reinforcement may soon come to the market. These advancements have allowed WWR to move from just road and slab reinforcement to structural components in bridges and buildings.
WRI Associate Members compose a diverse group of individuals and firms whose focus is to support the promotion of structural Welded Wire Reinforcement in the concrete reinforcement marketplace. Typically, they supply products or services to structural WWR producers or work with producers to meet the needs of specific construction projects and to expand the general market for structural WWR.
New computer controlled machines, such as the QC7 recently installed at Connecticut Steel and similar equipment at other manufacturers, allow producers to fabricate WWR to precise specifications. "We can put the reinforcement where you really want it," said V. Alan White, vice president, Sales and Marketing, at the Wallingford, CT, company.
WRI is the world's leading association of manufacturers, allied industries and professionals engaged in the production and application of structural welded wire reinforcement (WWR) and related products for concrete reinforcement.