Brick masonry is a crucial element in construction, providing strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Among the various brick masonry patterns, English bond and Flemish bond are the two most commonly used. These patterns differ in their design, structural properties, and appearance. This article provides an in-depth look at these two bonds, their features, and how they compare.
1. Introduction
Brick masonry patterns dictate the arrangement of bricks in a wall, impacting its strength, durability, and visual appeal. Two prominent patterns are the English bond and the Flemish bond.
- An English bond is characterized by alternating courses of bricks laid as stretchers (lengthwise) and headers (widthwise).
- A Flemish bond alternates stretchers and headers in each course, creating a visually intricate pattern.
This article explores the features, applications, and differences between these bonds to help builders and architects make informed decisions.
2. English Bond
Overview
The English bond is one of the oldest and strongest masonry patterns, suitable for walls of various thicknesses. It consists of alternating courses of stretchers and headers, ensuring optimal strength and stability.
Features
- No Continuous Vertical Joints: Vertical joints in consecutive courses are offset to prevent weakness.
- Distinct Courses: In elevation, alternate courses feature only headers or only stretchers.
- Central Alignment: Each header in a course is centrally aligned over the joint formed by two stretchers in the course below.
- Overlap for Strength: Stretchers overlap headers by at least one-fourth of their length.
- Appearance: For walls with even brick multiples, both faces appear identical. For walls with odd multiples, one face shows stretchers while the other shows headers.
- Header Placement: The middle section of thicker walls is composed of headers for added stability.
- Queen Closer Usage: A queen closer (a brick cut lengthwise into two equal halves) is used in header courses to break joints but not in stretcher courses.
- Thinner Joints: Joints in header courses are thinner than those in stretcher courses.
Applications
The English bond is versatile and can be used for walls of varying thicknesses, making it a popular choice for structural walls that demand high strength.
Illustrations
- Walls of one and one-and-a-half brick thickness (Figure 2).
- Walls of two and two-and-a-half brick thickness (Figure 3).
3. Flemish Bond
The Flemish bond, known for its decorative pattern, consists of alternate stretchers and headers in each course. Quoin closers are strategically placed next to quoin headers to maintain face lap and pattern integrity.
Types of Flemish Bonds
Double Flemish Bond
- Headers and stretchers alternate in each course.
- Both front and back faces of the wall exhibit a uniform appearance, enhancing visual appeal.
- For walls with odd brick multiples, half bats and three-quarter bats are used.
- Even multiple brick walls do not require bats.
Single Flemish Bond
- Combines the strength of the English bond with the aesthetics of the double Flemish bond.
- The facing uses the double Flemish bond with high-quality bricks, while the backing employs the English bond with cheaper bricks.
- Suitable for walls with a minimum thickness of one-and-a-half bricks.
Features of Double Flemish Bond
- Each course alternates between headers and stretchers.
- Uniform appearance on both faces of the wall.
- Quoin closers are placed next to quoin headers in alternate courses.
- Bats are required for odd multiple brick walls but not for even multiple walls.
4. Comparison: English Bond vs. Flemish Bond
| Aspect | English Bond | Flemish Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Pattern | Alternating courses of headers and stretchers | Headers and stretchers alternate in each course |
| Strength | Strongest, ideal for walls >1.5 bricks thick | Less strong and compact |
| Appearance | Less visually appealing | More attractive and intricate |
| Cost | More expensive | More economical |
| Skill Required | Minimal supervision needed | Requires skilled labor and supervision |
Conclusion
Both English and Flemish bonds have unique strengths and applications. The English bond is the strongest and is ideal for structural walls where strength is paramount. In contrast, the Flemish bond offers superior visual appeal and is suitable for walls where aesthetics are a priority.
Builders and architects can choose between these patterns based on the project’s structural requirements, budget, and design preferences. With careful planning and execution, either bond can result in a durable and visually satisfying construction.