Types of Brick Bonds As Per IS Code

Types of Bonds in Masonry

2.1 General

The primary objective of a bond is to provide strength to masonry. In brickwork, the cross joints in any course shall not be nearer than a quarter of a brick length from those in the course below it. The types of bonds generally in use, their characteristics, and situations of use are described below.

2.2 English Bond (see Fig. 4.2)

FIG. 4.2 ENGLISH BOND

Bricks in the facing are laid in alternate courses of headers and stretchers.

The header course begins with a quoin header, followed by a queen closure, and continues with successive headers.

The stretcher course is formed with stretchers having a minimum lap of one-quarter their length over the header.

Strength: High strength, particularly suitable for carrying heavy loads.

2.3 Double Flemish Bond (see Fig. 4.3)

FIG. 4.3 DOUBLE FLEMISH BOND

Both facing and backing consist of alternating stretchers and headers.

Queen closers are introduced next to quoin headers in alternate courses to maintain the required lap (¼ of the brick length).

Appearance: More uniform than English bond.

Economy: Uses fewer facing bricks—more economical when special facing bricks are used.

Strength: Inferior to English bond but suitable for single-brick thick walls in normal house construction using strong mortar.

2.4 Single Flemish Bond (see Fig. 4.4)

FIG. 4.4 SINGLE FLEMISH BOND

Facing is in Flemish bond; backing is in English bond.

Uses snap headers to maintain bond.

Combines the aesthetic of Flemish bond with the strength of English bond.

Strength improvement over Double Flemish bond is doubtful.

2.5 Garden Wall Bond (see Fig. 4.5 and 4.6)

FIG. 4.5 ENGLISH GARDEN WALL BOND

FIG. 4.6 FLEMISH GARDEN WALL BOND

English Garden Wall Bond: One header course to every three or five stretcher courses, with queen closure after quoin header.

Flemish Garden Wall Bond: Alternate courses of one header to three or five stretchers in series.

Ease of construction: Easier for one-brick thick walls.

Economy: Saves facing bricks in exposed work.

2.6 American Bond (Common Bond) (see Fig. 4.7)

FIG. 4.7 AMERICAN BOND

Consists of one header course to a number of stretcher courses.

Usage: Commonly used in America for general brickwork.

2.7 Stretcher Bond (see Fig. 4.8)

FIG. 4.8 STRETCHER BOND

All courses are stretcher courses with half-brick overlap.

Alternate courses begin with a half-bat.

Variations include ¾ or ¼ brick overlaps at quoins (Raking Stretcher Bond).

Usage: Commonly used in ½-brick thick leaves of cavity walls.

NOTE—Use of stretcher bond in cavity wall construction is illustrated here.

2.8 Header Bond (see Fig. 4.9)

FIG. 4.9 HEADER BOND

All courses consist of headers only.

Overlap (half the brick width) achieved using three-quarter bats in alternate courses at quoins.

Usage:

• For walls curved in plan (better alignment)
• In foundation footings (better transverse distribution)

2.9 Other Bonds

Bonds from 2.2 to 2.8 are based on traditional 225 mm × 112.5 mm × 75 mm bricks, and are also suitable for modular bricks.

Other bonds include:

• Monk Bond
• Dutch Bond
• English Cross Bond

These are used for special conditions and offer artistic appearances.