Short Answer:

In brick masonry, “bonds” refer to the patterns in which bricks are arranged to make walls strong, stable, and good-looking. Different types of bonds are used based on the purpose, thickness, and appearance of the wall. The most common types include stretcher bond, header bond, English bond, and Flemish bond.

Each bond has a specific way of placing bricks in rows (called courses), and the choice of bond affects the wall’s strength, load-bearing capacity, and cost. Proper bonding ensures that vertical joints do not line up, which helps distribute loads evenly and increases wall durability.

Detailed Explanation:

Types of bonds in brick masonry

Bonds in brick masonry are the patterns in which bricks are laid to form a wall. A proper bond provides strength, ensures stability, and gives a good appearance to the wall. The main purpose of using different bonds is to avoid vertical joints lining up in consecutive layers, as this can weaken the wall. Different types of bonds are selected depending on the wall’s function, thickness, and aesthetics.

Here are the most commonly used types of bonds in brick masonry:

1. Stretcher Bond

In this bond, all bricks are laid lengthwise (stretcher face) in each course. It is the simplest and most economical bond used in walls of half-brick thickness (about 115 mm). It is mainly used for partition walls or outer walls where strength is not a major requirement.

Key points:

• Easy to construct
• Economical use of bricks
• Not suitable for thick or load-bearing walls

2. Header Bond

In this bond, all bricks are placed with their shorter side (header face) facing the wall surface. It is used for one-brick-thick walls (230 mm) where more wall strength is required. It helps in better bonding through the thickness of the wall.

Key points:

• Provides good strength
• Suitable for curved walls
• Uses more bricks compared to stretcher bond

3. English Bond

This is one of the strongest and most commonly used bonds. In English bond, alternate courses have stretcher bricks and header bricks. The header bricks tie the wall’s thickness while the stretcher bricks cover the wall’s length.

Key points:

• High strength and durability
• Suitable for load-bearing walls
• Requires skilled labor for proper construction

4. Flemish Bond

In this bond, each course contains alternate header and stretcher bricks. The pattern gives a better appearance but requires more care and skill. Flemish bonds can be of two types: single Flemish bond and double Flemish bond.

Key points:

• Decorative appearance
• Moderate strength
• More complex to build than English bond

5. Rat-trap Bond

This bond creates a cavity within the wall by placing bricks on edge. It saves bricks and improves thermal insulation. It is eco-friendly and is gaining popularity in sustainable construction.

Key points:

• Saves materials and cost
• Provides insulation
• Needs skilled workmanship

6. Other Bonds (less commonly used)

• Stack bond – Bricks are placed one above the other in the same direction, used for decoration.
• Garden wall bond – Combination of header and stretcher rows used in boundary walls.
• Diagonal bond – Used in flooring or paving for visual effect.

Each bond has its unique features and is selected based on the purpose of the wall, load requirements, and desired appearance.

Conclusion:

The types of bonds in brick masonry include stretcher bond, header bond, English bond, Flemish bond, and rat-trap bond. Each type has a specific pattern and use depending on the wall’s strength, thickness, and look. A proper bond pattern improves the durability, stability, and appearance of a brick wall.