Bricklaying — name of a brick laid with its length parallel to the wall face In brick masonry, what do we call a brick that is placed so that its longer dimension runs parallel to and appears on the exposed face of the wall?
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AHeader
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BStretcher
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CCloser
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DNone of these
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E—
Answer
Correct Answer: Stretcher
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Bond patterns in brickwork, such as stretcher and header courses, rely on the orientation of bricks. Correct terminology ensures proper specification, quantity take-off, and construction sequencing.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Standard rectangular bricks are used.
- Face of the wall shows either the long face (stretcher) or the short face (header).
- Closer bricks are used only to adjust bond at ends.
Concept / Approach:
A stretcher is a brick laid so that its longer face is visible on the wall face; a header shows the short face. The distinction underpins English, Flemish, and other bonds where courses alternate or mix stretcher and header orientations for structural interlocking.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify orientation: length parallel to wall face → stretcher.Eliminate alternatives: header is the short face; closer is a cut brick used near quoins for bond.Verification / Alternative check:
Any masonry handbook illustrates stretcher vs. header clearly in bond diagrams.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Header exposes the short face, not the long one.
- Closer is not an orientation but a cut piece to maintain bonding.
Common Pitfalls:
- Confusing modular sizes with face orientation; names depend on orientation, not absolute dimensions.
Final Answer:
Stretcher.