Masonry is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of construction, dating back to ancient civilizations that built monumental structures still standing today. It involves the assembly of individual units—such as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks—bound together by mortar to create robust and lasting edifices. For construction professionals, understanding the specific terminology associated with masonry is crucial. It not only facilitates clear communication on the job site but also ensures the correct application of techniques essential for the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of masonry works.
Key Masonry Terms
1. Course in Masonry
A course refers to a horizontal layer of masonry units (bricks or stones) laid consecutively one upon another. Each course is bedded in mortar, and the proper alignment and leveling of courses are vital for the stability and appearance of the wall. Courses can vary in thickness depending on the size of the masonry units used and the design requirements of the structure.
Example: In a standard brick wall, courses are typically laid with each brick offset from the one below it, creating a pattern known as bonding.
2. Bed in Masonry
The bed is the horizontal surface on which a masonry unit lies. It is the bottom side of the brick or stone that comes into direct contact with the mortar bed of the course below. The bed must be properly prepared and leveled to distribute loads evenly and ensure the wall’s stability.
Importance: A well-prepared bed allows for uniform load distribution and prevents cracking or uneven settling of the wall.
3. Back and Backing in Masonry
- Back: The back is the inner surface of a masonry wall that is not exposed to the elements. It is the side facing the interior of the building or the side that is concealed after construction.
- Backing: The backing refers to the material or masonry units used to construct the back of the wall. It often differs from the facing material and may not have the same aesthetic requirements.
Application: In cavity wall construction, the backing provides structural support and may house insulation or other utilities.
4. Face and Facing in Masonry
- Face: The face is the exterior surface of a masonry wall that is exposed to view. It is the side that contributes to the building’s aesthetic appearance.
- Facing: The facing involves the selection and arrangement of masonry units on the face of the wall. Materials used for facing are often chosen for their visual appeal and weather resistance.
Considerations: High-quality or decorative bricks and stones are typically used for facing to enhance the building’s curb appeal.
5. Hearting in Masonry
Hearting refers to the inner portion of a masonry wall between the backing and the facing. It is filled with masonry units or rubble and mortar to ensure solidity and strength within the wall’s core.
Function: Proper hearting prevents voids within the wall, which can compromise structural integrity and insulation properties.
6. Stretcher in Masonry
A stretcher is a masonry unit laid with its length running parallel to the face of the wall. Stretchers are the most common orientation for bricks in a wall and form the majority of the wall’s surface area.
- Stretcher Bond: A pattern where all bricks are laid as stretchers. It is commonly used in half-brick thick walls.
Visual Effect: The stretcher bond creates a uniform appearance and is efficient for walls that do not require significant load-bearing capacity.
7. Header in Masonry
A header is a brick laid with its end (width) facing the wall’s exterior, spanning the width of the wall. Headers tie multiple wythes (vertical layers) of bricks together, enhancing the wall’s structural strength.
Structural Role: Incorporating headers at regular intervals ensures that the wall acts as a single unit, improving its load-bearing capacity.
8. Soldiers in Masonry
Soldiers are bricks laid vertically on their ends with the longer sides perpendicular to the ground. A soldier course is a row of soldiers used as a decorative element or to align with openings like doors and windows.
Design Use: Soldier courses add visual interest and can accentuate architectural features.
9. Arrises in Brick Masonry
Arrises are the sharp edges formed by the intersection of two surfaces of a brick or stone. In masonry, maintaining clean and undamaged arrises is essential for tight joints and a professional finish.
Quality Control: Damaged arrises can lead to uneven joints and gaps, affecting both aesthetics and weatherproofing.
10. Perpends in Brick Masonry
Perpends are the vertical joints between masonry units. They play a critical role in the wall’s structural integrity and appearance.
- Alignment: Ensuring perpends are vertically aligned in alternate courses (also known as plumb) enhances the wall’s strength and load distribution.
Best Practice: Staggering perpends prevents the formation of continuous vertical joints, which can act as weak points.
Additional Masonry Components
11. Lap in Brick Masonry
Lap refers to the horizontal distance between the vertical joints of bricks in successive courses. A good lap ensures that the vertical joints do not align, which enhances the wall’s stability.
- Standard Lap: Typically, a lap of one-quarter to one-half the length of a brick is considered effective.
Purpose: Proper lapping distributes loads and reduces the risk of cracks along vertical joints.
12. Closer in Brick Masonry
A closer is a cut piece of brick used to complete the bond pattern at the ends of courses, preventing the alignment of vertical joints.
- Function: Closers help maintain the bond pattern and structural integrity at corners and openings.
Types of Closers: Various types include queen closers, king closers, and bevelled closers, each serving specific bonding needs.
Special Types of Closers
13. Queen Closer
A queen closer is a brick cut longitudinally into two equal halves. It is placed next to the quoin header (corner brick) to maintain the bond and prevent vertical joint alignment.
Advantages:
- Reduces waste by utilizing standard bricks.
- Simplifies bonding at corners.
Application: Commonly used in Flemish and English bonds to achieve the desired pattern.
14. King Closer
A king closer is a brick cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite long edge, resulting in a triangular piece.
Usage:
- Placed adjacent to a header at corners or openings.
- Provides a half header and half stretcher face, aiding in the bond pattern.
Benefit: Enhances the aesthetic and structural quality near openings like doors and windows.
15. Bat in Brick Masonry
A bat is a portion of a brick cut across its width.
- Half Bat: A brick cut into two equal halves across its length.
- Three-Quarter Bat: A brick where one-quarter is removed, leaving a piece that is three-quarters of the full length.
Purpose: Bats are used to adjust the length of courses and maintain the bond pattern without cutting special shapes.
Structural and Decorative Features in Masonry
16. Plinth
The plinth is a horizontal projection at the base of a wall or column. It often extends beyond the wall face and may be constructed from stone, brick, or concrete.
Functions:
- Distributes the weight of the wall over a wider area.
- Protects the wall from ground moisture and splash erosion.
- Enhances the building’s appearance by providing a defined base.
17. Bond
Bond refers to the arrangement of masonry units to ensure the solidity and strength of the structure. Proper bonding avoids continuous vertical joints and distributes loads evenly.
- Types of Bonds:
- Stretcher Bond
- Header Bond
- English Bond
- Flemish Bond
Significance: The choice of bond affects the wall’s strength, thickness, and appearance.
18. Quoin
A quoin is the external corner or angle of a masonry wall.
- Visual Role: Often highlighted with larger or contrasting stones or bricks for aesthetic emphasis.
- Structural Role: Provides strength and stability at the corners of the building.
Techniques: Quoin stones may be laid in alternating lengths to interlock the adjoining walls effectively.
19. Cornice
A cornice is a projecting ornamental molding along the top edge of a building or wall.
Functions:
- Protects the wall by throwing rainwater away from the building’s face.
- Adds decorative appeal and defines the building’s profile.
Materials: Can be constructed from stone, brick, wood, or molded concrete.
20. Sill in Masonry Construction
A sill is the horizontal member at the base of a window or door opening.
Purpose:
- Supports the vertical members (jambs) of the window or door.
- Acts as a barrier against water ingress.
- Can be sloped to facilitate water runoff.
Materials: Commonly made from stone, brick, concrete, or treated wood.
21. Corbel
A corbel is a structural piece of stone, wood, or brick projecting from a wall to support a weight above it.
Uses:
- Supports balconies, arches, or overhanging structures.
- Adds architectural interest to the building.
Design Considerations: Corbels must be designed to handle the imposed loads and are often arranged in successive courses that extend progressively further from the wall face.
Conclusion
Understanding masonry terminology is essential for anyone involved in the construction industry. These terms are not just jargon but represent critical components and techniques that ensure the strength, durability, and beauty of masonry structures. From the basic units like courses and beds to specialized elements like corbels and cornices, each term encapsulates a concept that contributes to the building’s overall performance.
By mastering these terms, construction professionals can communicate more effectively, execute designs more accurately, and contribute to the creation of structures that stand the test of time—much like the ancient masonry works that continue to inspire us today.