It is the process of arranging bricks in courses to ensure that vertical joints do not come one over the other. A wall built without any continuous vertical joint shall distribute the load properly and shall also be more strong and durable.
1. Stretcher Band
In this type of bond, all courses are laid as stretchers. As only stretchers are visible in elevation, this bond is referred to as stretcher bond. This is used for partition walls (Fig. 16.4(a)).
2. Header Bond
In this type of bond, all courses are laid as headers. As only headers are visible in elevation, this bond is referred to as header bond. This is used for one brick and curved walls (Fig. 16.4(b)).
Figure 16.4 Bonds in brickwork
3. English Bond
This bond is produced by laying alternate courses of stretchers and headers. In order to break the joints vertically, it is essential to use a closer after the header quoin in the heading course. This is the most commonly used bond which is also the strongest. This type of bond is used for walls carrying heavy loads. Figure 16.4(c) shows formation of a wall adopting English bond.
4. Flemish Bond
This bond is produced by laying alternate stretchers and headers in each course. The headers and stretchers appear in the same course alternately on the front and the faces. The queen closer is used next to the quoin header in alternate courses in order to break the continuity of the vertical joints. A header in any course is in the centre of a stretcher in the course above or below it. This bond is also used for walls to carry moderate loads. Figure 16.4(d) shows formation of wall adopting Flemish bond.
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