Brick Masonry: Types, Joints, and Construction Techniques

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Geology

Brick Masonry: Techniques and Terminology

In brick factories, bricks are placed, overlapping both longitudinally and transversely. The system adopted to interlock the whole structure is called “bonding,” and it is done with mortar. The horizontal layers of bricks are called “courses.” The lines of mortar are called “joints.” Specifically, vertical joints are called “perps,” and horizontal joints are called “beds.” The thickness of these joints is typically between 5 and 12mm.

Types of Joints

  1. Recessed: The mortar is recessed from the wall surface. Uniformity is achieved by grouting with a tool or using metal strips during execution.
  2. Extruding: The mortar extends beyond the brick face, either irregularly or with a uniform cut.
  3. Struck Joint: The mortar is tucked in, leaving a recess of about 3cm from the cladding, to allow for subsequent grouting or to promote the adherence of a coating.
  4. Flush: The joint and brick are in the same plane.
  5. Weather Struck Joint: The mortar is pressed with a trowel, crushing the upper edge.
  6. Concave Joint: The mortar is pressed with a trowel, tucking in the bottom edge. This is not recommended for exterior use.
  7. Concealed or Thin Joint: Bricks are arranged with very thin joints, less than 5mm.

Classification of Brick Walls by Thickness

  1. Partition Wall (Tabique): A thin wall made of thin bricks or tiles, with a thickness of 3 to 5mm.
  2. Thick Partition Wall (Tabicón): Made with double hollow bricks placed on edge, with a thickness of 7 to 9mm. It is required in wet areas.
  3. Half-Brick Wall (Cite): A wall with a thickness of “half a foot” (approximately 12cm), formed by bricks laid as stretchers (long side exposed).
  4. One-Brick Wall (Cited): A wall with a thickness of “one foot,” formed by bricks laid as headers (short end exposed).

Rules for Bricklaying

  1. Prevent the continuity of vertical joints (perps).
  2. Joints should be perpendicular to the wall surface and continuous throughout the wall’s thickness.
  3. Use the largest possible number of whole bricks.
  4. No brick overlap should be less than ¼ of its length.
  5. Normal overlaps are ½, ¼, and ¾ of the brick’s length. Special brick sizes (½ or ¾) are only necessary at the start of courses.
  6. Maintain vertical overlap to ensure structural integrity.

Brick Bonds

Definition: “Bond” refers to the different ways bricks are arranged, overlapping vertically and horizontally, to form the wall.

Variety of Bonds

  • Stretcher Bond: Formed by overlapping stretchers by ½ brick. This bond offers the best longitudinal resistance.
  • American Bond (Common Bond): A variation of stretcher bond, with a course of headers every 5 to 6 stretcher courses. The header course starts with a ¾ brick.
  • Header Bond: Formed by overlapping headers by ¼ brick. This bond works best in the transverse direction and is suitable for curved walls.
  • Flemish Garden Wall Bond (Sardinel): A decorative bond with no true vertical overlap. It is used for wall starts and cornices.
  • English Bond: Alternates courses of stretchers and headers. There are three types: English, English Cross, and Old English.