Q188 Reinforcing Steel Mesh
Q188 mesh is a square-pattern (Q-type) welded reinforcing fabric with approximately 6 mm wire at 150 mm pitch, delivering 1.88 cm²/m cross-section in both directions. Produced to DIN 488-4 / EN 10080, Q188 is the standard choice for suspended slabs, retaining walls and medium-loaded floor plates.
Q188 Mesh: Technical Definition
Q188 is the DIN 488 designation for a square (Q = quadratisch) welded reinforcing fabric where both the longitudinal and transverse wires provide a cross-sectional area of approximately 1.88 cm²/m. The wire diameter is nominally ≈ 6 mm at a pitch of 150 mm in both directions.
The number “188” encodes the cross-section: 1.88 cm²/m (= 188 mm²/m). The equal reinforcement in both wire directions makes Q188 particularly efficient for two-way spanning slabs and elements where bi-axial bending or crack control must be addressed uniformly. At roughly 44 % more cross-section than Q131, Q188 steps up to medium structural demands without requiring the heavier Q257 or Q335 grades.
Standard Sheet Dimensions
Q188 panels are typically supplied as 6.0 m × 2.3 m sheets (nominal; may vary by producer). Wire overhangs at the panel edges allow proper lap splices per EN 1992-1-1. Sheet mass is approximately 4.34 kg/m², giving a typical sheet weight of ~60 kg for a 6.0 × 2.3 m panel.
Bespoke dimensions, non-standard pitches and special mesh configurations are available on request — use the quotation form to specify your requirements.
Q188 Technical Data Sheet
Key parameters for structural specification, procurement and mill certificate verification.
| Parameter | Q188 Value | Compare: Q131 | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh type | Q (square — equal both directions) | Q (square) | DIN 488-4 |
| Wire diameter (nominal) | ≈ 6.0 mm | ≈ 5.0 mm | DIN 488-4 / EN 10080 |
| Wire pitch (both directions) | 150 mm | 150 mm | DIN 488-4 |
| Cross-section (both directions) | ≈ 1.88 cm²/m (188 mm²/m) | ≈ 1.31 cm²/m | DIN 488-4 |
| Steel grade | B500A / B500B (ribbed) | B500A / B500B | DIN 488 / EN 10080 |
| Sheet mass | ≈ 4.34 kg/m² | ≈ 3.02 kg/m² | Calculated (d²×0.00617) |
| Standard sheet size | 6.0 m × 2.3 m (typical) | 6.0 m × 2.3 m | DIN 488-4 |
| Inspection document | EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 | EN 10204 |
Typical Applications for Q188 Mesh
Q188 bridges the gap between light screeds and heavily reinforced structural slabs — it covers a wide range of everyday construction scenarios.
Suspended Concrete Slabs
One-way and two-way spanning floor slabs in residential and commercial construction, where Q188 provides adequate crack control and structural reinforcement for medium span/load combinations.
Retaining Walls & Basements
Earth-retaining walls, basement slabs and below-ground structures where uniform horizontal and vertical reinforcement is required to resist soil and hydrostatic pressures.
Industrial Floor Slabs
Medium to heavily loaded industrial floor slabs on grade, hardstanding areas and access roads where Q188 delivers adequate reinforcement for forklift and racking loads without stepping up to heavier mesh.
Frequently Asked Questions — Q188 Mesh
What does “Q188” mean in the DIN 488 designation system?
What is the difference between Q188 and Q131?
What steel grade is Q188 mesh produced in?
Can Q188 mesh be exported internationally?
How do I calculate the weight of a Q188 mesh order?
Source German-standard rebar with full export documentation
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