Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

ARH1207 Construction Technology I

Types of Bonds in Brick Masonry Wall Construction and their Uses

Types of bonds in brick masonry wall construction are classified based on laying and bonding style of
bricks in walls. The bonds in brick masonry is developed by the mortar filling between layers of bricks
and in grooves when bricks are laid adjacent to each other and in layers in walls.

Mostly used material for bonds in brick masonry is cement mortar. Lime mortar and mud mortar are
also used.

Types of Bonds in Brick Masonry Wall Construction :

The most commonly used types of bonds in brick masonry are:

 Stretcher bond
 Header bond
 English bond and
 Flemish bond

Other Types of bonds are:

 Facing bond
 Dutch bond
 English cross bond
 Brick on edge bond
 Raking bond
 Zigzag bond
 Garden wall bond

Stretcher bond

Longer narrow face of the brick is called as stretcher as shown in the elevation of figure below. Stretcher
bond, also called as running bond, is created when bricks are laid with only their stretchers showing,
overlapping midway with the courses of bricks below and above.

Stretcher bond in the brick is the simplest repeating pattern. But the limitation of stretcher bond is that
it cannot make effective bonding with adjacent bricks in full width thick brick walls. They are suitably
used only for one-half brick thick walls such as for the construction half brick thick partition wall.

Walls constructed with stretcher bonds are not stable enough to stand alone in case of longer span and
height. Thus they Then need supporting structure such as brick masonry columns at regular intervals.

Stretcher bonds are commonly used in the steel or reinforced concrete framed structures as the outer
facing. These are also used as the outer facing of cavity walls. Other common applications of such walls
are the boundary walls, gardens etc.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Header bond

Header is the shorter square face of the brick which measures 9cm x 9cm. Header bond is also known as
heading bond. In header bonds, all bricks in each course are placed as headers on the faces of the walls.
While Stretcher bond is used for the construction of walls of half brick thickness whereas header bond is
used for the construction of walls with full brick thickness which measures 18cm. In header bonds, the
overlap is kept equal to half width of the brick. To achieve this, three quarter brick bats are used in
alternate courses as quoins.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

English Bond
English bond in brick masonry has one course of stretcher only and a course of header above it, i.e. it
has two alternating courses of stretchers and headers. Headers are laid centered on the stretchers in
course below and each alternate row is vertically aligned.

To break the continuity of vertical joints, quoin closer is used in the beginning and end of a wall after
first header. A quoin close is a brick cut lengthwise into two halves and used at corners in brick walls.

Flemish Bond

For the breaking of vertical joints in the successive courses, closers are inserted in alternate courses next
to the quoin header. In walls having their thickness equal to odd number of half bricks, bats are
essentially used to achieve the bond.

Flemish bond, also known as Dutch bond, is created by laying alternate headers and stretchers in a
single course. The next course of brick is laid such that header lies in the middle of the stretcher in the
course below, i.e. the alternate headers of each course are centered on the stretcher of course below.
Every alternate course of Flemish bond starts with header at the corner.

The thickness of Flemish bond is minimum one full brick. The disadvantage of using Flemish bond is that
construction of Flemish bond is difficult and requires greater skill to lay it properly as all vertical mortar
joints need to be aligned vertically for best effects. For the breaking of vertical joints in the successive
courses, closers are inserted in alternate courses next to the quoin header. In walls having their
thickness equal to odd number of half bricks, bats are used to achieve the bond.

Flemish bonds have better appearance but are weaker than English bonds for load bearing wall
construction. Thus, if the pointing has to be done for brick masonry walls, then Flemish bond may be
used for better aesthetic view. If the walls have to be plastered, then it is better to use English bond.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Flemish bonds are classified as:

 Single Flemish Bond

 Double Flemish Bond

Single Flemish bond is a combination of English bond and Flemish bond. In this type of construction, the
front exposed surface of wall consists of Flemish bond and the back surface of the wall consists of
English bond in each course. Minimum thickness required for single Flemish bond is one and a half brick
thickness. The main purpose of using single Flemish bond is to provide greater aesthetic appearance on
the front surface with required strength in the brickwork with English bond.

Double Flemish Bond has the same appearance both in the front and back elevations, i.e. each course
consists of alternate header and stretcher. This type of bonding is comparatively weaker than English
bond.

Mortar
Mortar is a workable paste, which dries to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete
masonry units, to fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, and sometimes to add decorative colors
or patterns to masonry walls. In its broadest sense, mortar includes pitch, asphalt, and soft mud or clay,
as used between mud bricks.

Different types of mortars used in masonry construction based on application, binding material, density
and purposes. Mortar is a workable paste prepared by adding water to a mixture of binding material and
fine aggregate.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Types of Mortars Used in Masonry Construction

Following are the types of mortars based on different factors:

 Based on Applications
 Based on Binding Materials
 Based on Bulk Density
 Based on Strength (ASTM C270)
 Based on Special Purpose of Mortars
 Based on Application

Bricklaying or Stone Laying Mortar

This type of mortar used to bind bricks and stones in masonry construction. The proportions of
ingredients for bricklaying or stone laying mortar is decided based on kind of binding material used.

Finishing Mortar
Finishing mortar is used for pointing and plastering works. It is also used for architectural effects of
building to give aesthetic appearances. The mortar used for ornamental finishing should have great
strength, mobility and resistance against atmospheric action like rain, wind, etc.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Cement Mortar
Cement is used as a binding material in this type of mortar and sand is employed as aggregate. The
proportion of cement and sand is decided based on the specified durability and working conditions.

Cement mortar will give high strength and resistance against water. The proportion of cement to sand
may varies from 1:2 to 1:6.

Lime Mortar

In this case, lime is used as binding material. There are two types of limes namely fat lime and hydraulic
lime. Fat lime in lime mortar requires 2 to 3 times of sand and it is used for dry work.

Hydraulic lime and sand in 1:2 ratios will give good results in damp conditions and also suitable for water
logged areas.

Finally, the lime mortar has a high plasticity so it can be placed easily. The pyramids at Giza are plastered
with lime mortar.

Gypsum Mortar
Gypsum mortar consists of plaster and soft sand as binding material and fine aggregate. Commonly, it
has low durability in damp conditions.

Gauged Mortar
In gauge mortar combination of lime and cement is employed as a binder material, and sand used as
fine aggregate. Gauge mortar is, essentially, lime mortar which its strength increased by adding cement.

Consequently, the mortar will have high plasticity of the lime and high strength of the cement. The ratio
of cement to lime ranges from 1:6 to 1:9, and it is cost effective.

Surkhi Mortar
In surkhi mortar, lime is used as binder material and surkhi is employed as fine aggregate. The surkhi is
finely-powdered burnt clay which provides more strength than sand and cheaply available in the
market.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Aerated Cement Mortar

Basically, it is cement mortar to which air entraining agent is added to increase plasticity and
workability. The resulted mortar is termed as aerated cement mortar.

Mud mortar
In this type of mortar, mud is used as binding material and saw dust, rice husk or cow-dung is used as
fine aggregate. Mud mortar is useful where lime or cement is not available.

The use of mud mortars in the Middle-East and central Asia, and American cultures of the south-western
USA is well documented.

Heavy Mortar

If the mortar having bulk density of 15 KN/m3 or more then it is called as heavy mortar. Generally heavy
quartzes are used as fine aggregate in this type of mortars.

Lightweight Mortar

If the mortar having bulk density of less than 15 KN/m3 then it is called as light mortar. Lightweight
mortar is prepared by mixing lime or cement as binder, sand, and saw dust, rice husk, jute fibres, coirs,
or asbestos fibres. Cinder mortar is a variety of light-weight mortars. Lightweight mortar is generally
used in the soundproof and heat proof constructions.

Based on Strength (ASTM C 270)

Type M Mortar

It is the highest strength mortar minimum 17.2 MPa (2500 psi). It is used for exterior masonry work and
at or below grade application where substantial gravity or lateral loads are exerted. load bearing wall,
footing, retaining wall are examples of below grade applications.

Type S Mortar

It is a medium-strength mortar minimum 12.4 MPa (1800 psi) with high bonding ability. it is used for
grade applications with normal to moderate loading.

Type S mortar has great durability that is why it is highly suitable for locations where the masonry is in
contact with the ground, such as paving or shallow retaining walls.

Type N Mortar

It is medium strength with minimum 5.2 MPa (750 psi) and most common type of mortar. Type N mortar
used for reinforced interior and above-grade exterior load-bearing walls on which normal loads are
imposed.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Type O Mortar

It is a low strength mortar with minimum 2.5 MPa (350 psi). Type O mortar employed for interior non-
load-bearing applications with very limited exterior use. Added to that, it used for repointing where the

Fire Resistant Mortar

Fire resistant mortar is prepared by mixing aluminous cement to the fine powder of fire bricks. If there
are any fire warnings to the structures in a particular zone, then fire resistant mortar will be used which
acts as fireproof shield.

Packing Mortar

The constituents of packing mortars are generally cement-sand, cement-loam or sometimes cement-
sand-loam. This type of mortar is used to pack the oil wells. Packing mortar should be of high
homogeneity, water resistance and high strength.

Sound Absorbing Mortar

In sound absorbing mortar, cement, lime, gypsum, or slag used as binding materials and pumice, cinders
as fine aggregate. It is used to reduce the noise level and acts as sound proof layer.

X-ray Shielding Mortar

To provide protection against ill effects of X-rays, the X-ray room walls and ceilings are plastered by X-
ray shielding mortar. This is heavy type mortar with bulk density around 22KN/m3. Fine aggregates from
heavy rock and suitable admixtures are used to prepare this type of mortar.

Chemical Resistant Mortar

It is generally used where there is a chance of chemical attack on the structures. There are so many
types of chemical resistant mortars can be prepared but the selection of mortar is dependent on
expected damage by particular chemical or group of chemicals.

The additives added may not resist all the chemical attacks. For example, silicate type chemical mortar
resists nitric, chromic, Sulphuric or any acidic damages but it cannot prevent the structure against
damage by alkalies of any concentration.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Jointing and Pointing in Masonry Construction

The words jointing and pointing are commonly loosely used. Jointing is the operation of finishing off a
mortar joint as the brickwork is raised, whereas pointing is the operation of filling the joint with a
specially selected material for the sake of appearance or as weather protection to old lime mortar.

Types of Brick Mortar Joints in Masonry Construction

The brick mortar joints form the space between the bricks blocks which are filled by mortar or a grout
mixture. The type of mortar joint chosen in the masonry construction will govern the overall aesthetics
of the surface, if there is no plan to plaster.

Different mortar joint patterns not only provide different look but also ensure watertight properties and
maintain the structural integrity of free standing walls.

Types of Brick Mortar Joints

Mentioned below are the most common types of mortar joints used in brick masonry construction.

 Struck Joint
 Concave Joint
 Weathered Joint
 Raked Joint
 V Joint
 Flush Joint
 Extruded Joint

Fig.1: Sectional View of different Types of Brick Mortar Joints

Struck Mortar Joint

The struck mortar joint is employed for horizontal joints. Due to water seepage issues from the lower
edges, these are not recommended for exterior masonry wall joints. As shown in the figure-1 above, the
bottom edge is recessed. The top edge of the joint will be finished flat with the brick edge.

The slope provided in this joint will pull the water and hold water in the brick. So it is best employed for
interior walls.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Concave Mortar Joint

Concave joint is made with the help of a curved steel jointing tool. This is a popular mortar joint type
practiced due to its high resistance to rain water penetration and tight sealing property. The tool used in
this work will let the mortar remain tight. A properly placed mortar joint will help to resist the water
penetration efficiently.

Weathered Mortar Joint

The weathered joint is most employed for horizontal joints. This joint will let the water shed from the
joint. If the placed mortar in the joint is not adhered properly, there are chances of water movement
through the underside of the joint. This can result in shrinkage cracks along the bond line.

Raked Mortar Joint

Raked joint like struck joints are not used for exterior wall construction. This is because of the ledge that
is formed in the joint, which lets the snow, ice or water to stay on the top of the brick.

This joint has less space between the mortar joint and the top of the brick unit as shown in the figure-1.
This space is created where the core exists and let the entry of water thus penetrating into the wall.
Hence this joint is best used for interior walls.

V-Joint
The v-joint does not provide any form of water penetration protection due to its geometry. The v-joints
in brick masonry construction must be tooled properly so that no water gets accumulated within the
groove created. Proper tooling of v-joint helps to prevent water accumulation and the penetration into
the brick.

Flush Mortar Joint

Flush joints are used in brick wall construction, when the surface requires plastering and final finishing.
Thus the flush joints will be hidden. The construction of flush joint takes more time and work to make it
watertight and water resistant.

If the flush joints are created such that it stands out of the brick, there are chances for water to sit on its
top. Here, the mortar is not compressed into the joint so it is difficult to maintain a consistent bond with
the brick is difficult.

Extruded Joint
The extruded joint type does not require any kind of tooling. Here, the mortar present in excess in the
joint will naturally squeeze out and forms an extrusion between the bricks. The extruded joints are
subjected to degradation when subjected to different weather conditions.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Types of Pointing in Brick Masonry Construction

Pointing is the finishing of mortar joints in brick or stone masonry construction. Pointing is the
implementing of joints to a depth of 10 mm to 20 mm and filling it with better quality mortar in desired
shape. It is done for cement mortar and lime mortar joints.

In exposed masonry, joints are considered to be the weakest and most vulnerable spots from which
rainwater or dampness can enter.

Mortar for Pointing Work

Lime mortar of 1:2 ( 1 fat lime : 2 sand or surkhi)

Cement mortar of 1:3 ( 1 cement : 3 sand)

Preparation of Surface for Pointing

All the joints in masonry are raked down to a depth of 20mm while the mortar is still soft. The joints and
surface are cleaned and then thoroughly wetted.

Methods of Pointing
After preparing the surface as mentioned above, mortar is carefully placed in joints using a small trowel.
The placed mortar should be of desired shape. Whenever the fresh mortar is placed in the joints it
should be pressed hardly to gain strong bond with old interior mortar.

Care should be taken while using ashlar or 1st class brick work otherwise the mortar does not cover the
face edges. The pointed surface is kept wet for at least a week or till it sets after application.

Types of Pointing

Flush Pointing
In this type, mortar is pressed hard in the raked joints and by finishing off flush with the edge of
masonry units. The edges are neatly trimmed with trowel and straight edge. It does not give good
appearance. But, flush pointing is more durable because of resisting the provision of space for dust,
water etc., due to this reason, this method is extensively used.

Recessed Pointing
In this case, mortar is pressing back by 5mm or more from the edges. During placing of mortar the face
of the pointing is kept vertical, by a suitable tool. This type gives very good appearance.

Beaded Pointing
It is formed by a steel or ironed with a concave edge. It gives good appearance, but it will damage easily
when compared to other types.

Struck Pointing
This is a modification of flush pointing in which the face the pointing is kept inclined, with its upper edge
pressed inside the face by 10mm which drains water easily.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Rubbed, Keyed or Grooved Pointing

This is also a modification of flush pointing in which groove is formed at its mid height, by a pointing
tool. It gives good appearance.

Tuck Pointing
In this case mortar is pressed in the raked joint first and finishing flush with the face.

While the pressed mortar is green, groove or narrow channel is cut in the centre of groove which is
having 5mm width and 3mm depth. This groove is then filled with white cement putty, kept projecting
beyond the face of the joint by 3 mm. if projection is done in mortar, it is called bastard pointing or half
tuck pointing.

V- Pointing

This is formed by forming V-groove in the flush-finishing face.

Weathered Pointing

This is made by making a projection in the form of V-shape.