Brick bonds — identify the bond with alternate courses and a three-quarter bat starter Which bond lays headers and stretchers in alternate courses, with every stretcher course starting with a three-quarter brick bat at the quoin to maintain bond?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Dutch bond

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Brick bonds control strength, appearance, and joint stagger. Different bonds arrange headers and stretchers in specific sequences and use cut bricks (bats/closers) at ends to maintain proper overlap.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard modular bricks and typical course heights.
  • Correct use of three-quarter bats at quoins for certain bonds.
  • Focus on plan/elevation pattern rather than structural testing.


Concept / Approach:

Dutch bond uses alternate courses of headers and stretchers, with each stretcher course beginning with a three-quarter bat to keep vertical joints staggered. English cross bond maintains perpends in a different periodic manner; Monk bond uses two stretchers to one header in each course; Rat-trap bond turns bricks on edge to create a cavity, improving thermal performance but producing a different pattern altogether.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify bond requirement: alternate courses of headers and stretchers.Check starter piece: three-quarter bat in each stretcher course.This matches Dutch bond → select “Dutch bond”.


Verification / Alternative check:

Bond diagrams in masonry texts illustrate Dutch bond with the distinctive three-quarter bat at the start of stretcher courses to align perpends correctly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • English cross bond and Monk bond have different header-to-stretcher sequencing.
  • Rat-trap bond is a cavity bond with different geometry and purpose.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing the use of bats (length cuts) with closers (width cuts) at quoins.


Final Answer:

Dutch bond.

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