Brick closers — identify the piece cut through the centre of width In brick masonry terminology, what do you call the piece obtained by cutting a brick along the middle of its width so that its length remains equal to a full brick (used to maintain proper bonding at quoin joints)?

Introduction / Context:
Bonding in brick masonry requires occasional use of specially cut bricks known as closers. These ensure that vertical joints are staggered properly, especially at corners (quoins), to achieve structural integrity and aesthetic regularity. This question checks recognition of the correct closer produced by cutting a brick along the centre of its width while retaining the full length.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A standard rectangular brick is considered.
• The cut is made along the centre of the width (i.e., longitudinally).
• The resulting piece keeps the full brick length but has half the width.

Concept / Approach:
When a brick is cut longitudinally into two equal halves, the product is called a queen closer. Its dimensions become approximately L × (W/2) × H, where L is unchanged. Queen closers are typically placed next to quoin headers in English bond to avoid continuous vertical joints. This distinguishes them from king closers (which taper) and other special cuts used for specific bonding patterns.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard bonding diagrams in textbooks show queen closers immediately adjacent to quoin headers, providing the necessary break in vertical joints through successive courses.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• half brick: refers to a brick cut to half its length, not width.
• king closer: a triangular/tapered closer cut from corner to mid-point, not a simple half-width piece.
• bevelled closer: end is bevelled; not the described longitudinal halving.
• none of these: incorrect because queen closer fits exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “half brick” (half length) with “queen closer” (half width); mixing up king and queen closer shapes.

Final Answer:
queen closer