Which statement accurately describes the purpose of welded wire reinforcement in unreinforced SOG?

• A. It helps keep slab cracks closed.
• B. It greatly increases the maximum load before failure.
• C. It makes the surface smoother.
• D. It prevents all cracking permanently.

Answer: (A)

Welded wire reinforcement in an unreinforced slab is used to control cracking by bridging across developing cracks and holding the concrete together as it dries, dries, and experiences loads. This bridging action keeps cracks narrow and limits how wide they can open, which helps reduce water and chemical intrusion and improves durability. That’s why the statement that it helps keep slab cracks closed is the best description of its purpose. It’s not meant to dramatically increase the slab’s maximum load capacity, nor does it guarantee a perfectly smooth surface or permanent, crack-free performance; some cracking can still occur and the surface finish is not governed by the reinforcement itself.