Brick Masonry – Practices that ensure good bonding Which single practice listed below most directly promotes good bonding in brick masonry work?

Introduction / Context:
Bonding in brick masonry ensures that loads are distributed properly and that the wall behaves as a single, interlocked unit. Good bond patterns prevent vertical cracks and improve shear transfer between adjacent bricks and courses.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Masonry with standard modular bricks.
• Mortar joints properly proportioned and workable.
• Objective: identify the practice that most directly improves bonding.

Concept / Approach:
Bond is achieved by breaking vertical joints between successive courses so that perpends are staggered. This interlocking is the fundamental goal of English, Flemish, and other standard bonds. Material quality and careful use of closers or bats support bonding, but aligning vertical joints defeats it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define bonding: overlap units to avoid continuous joints.Apply to practice: stagger vertical joints across courses.Reject practices that align joints or use poor-quality units.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook bond diagrams show a minimum half-brick overlap and deliberate staggering of joints. Specifications often limit the maximum deviation from intended bonding to maintain structural performance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Keeping joints in one plumb line produces planes of weakness.
• Indiscriminate use of bats disrupts bond and aesthetics.
• Poor-quality bricks increase absorption and reduce mortar bond strength.
• Unfilled perpends compromise shear transfer and weather-tightness.

Common Pitfalls:
Overusing bats instead of proper closers, or laying too dry bricks that suck water from the mortar and weaken adhesion.

Final Answer:
Stagger vertical joints so they do not align in continuous plumb lines