Brick Bonds – Identify the incorrect statement about English and Flemish bonds Consider the following statements about common brick bonds used in wall construction. Which statement is incorrect with respect to standard definitions and coursing practice?
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AIn Flemish bond, headers and stretchers are laid alternately within the same course.
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BIn Flemish bond, every header in each course lies centrally over a stretcher of the course below (with closers at quoins).
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CIn English bond, stretchers are laid in every course.
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DIn English bond, courses of headers and courses of stretchers alternate through the height.
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: In English bond, stretchers are laid in every course.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Bonding patterns control strength, appearance, and joint distribution in brick masonry. English and Flemish bonds are the most cited in examinations and practice. Understanding their coursing rules avoids errors at site and during quantity takeoff.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Standard one-brick-thick walls with proper closers at quoins.
- Terminology: header shows the end face; stretcher shows the long face.
- Conventional coursing as per handbooks and codes.
Concept / Approach:
English bond is defined by alternate courses—one entire course of headers followed by one entire course of stretchers. Flemish bond alternates header and stretcher within the same course, repeating across the wall length, with queen closers at returns to maintain bond. Therefore, any statement that claims “English bond has stretchers in every course” contradicts the definition.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Check Option A: Correct—Flemish alternates within each course.Check Option B: Correct—Flemish positioning centers headers over stretchers below with closers at corners.Check Option C: Incorrect—English alternates full courses of headers and stretchers, not stretchers in every course.Check Option D: Correct—this is the defining rule of English bond.Verification / Alternative check:
Standard diagrams in masonry texts and IS code illustrations confirm the coursing and the need for closers in both bonds to maintain lap at quoins.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options A, B, and D are consistent with standard practice; Option E (“None”) is therefore false.
Common Pitfalls:
Omitting queen closers at corners; confusing elevation appearance with plan bond; miscounting course sequence while drafting.
Final Answer:
In English bond, stretchers are laid in every course.