What are the various types of bonds used in brick masonry ?

 What are the various types of bonds used in brick masonry 

In this article, I discussed important types of bonds used in brick masonry in detail.

Name of bond	Descriptions	Image
Stretcher Bond	This is the simplest and most commonly used bond.  Bricks are laid lengthwise in a row, with each brick overlapping half of the brick below and above it.  It provides a strong and stable bond but is not suitable for curved or thick walls. This pattern is used only for wall which have thickness of half brick i.e, portion walls, sleeper walls, division walls or chimney stack.
Header Bond	In this bond, the bricks are laid in rows with their ends (headers) facing outward.  In order to break the alignment of vertical joints to fall in the same straight line three quarter bat is provided in every alternate course. Header bond is commonly used for thick walls, where the thickness of the wall is equal to the length of a brick.
English Bond	This bond alternates between courses (rows) of stretchers and headers.  In order to break the alignment of vertical joints to fall in same straight line queen closer half is providing next to quoin header. Each course starts with a header at one end and ends with a stretcher at the other end.  This provides a strong and stable structure with good load-bearing capacity.  English bond is commonly used in load-bearing walls.
Flemish Bond:	Similar to English bond, Flemish bond also alternates between stretchers and headers in each course. However, in Flemish bond, each header is centred on top of a stretcher in the course below, creating a more decorative pattern.  Flemish bond is commonly used for exposed brickwork and decorative purposes.
Rat Trap Bond	This bond is designed to reduce material consumption and improve thermal insulation. Bricks are laid on their edges, with the width of the brick facing outward.  The cavity created between the bricks resembles a rat trap, giving this bond its name.  Rat trap bond is commonly used for non-load bearing walls.
Garden Wall Bond	This bond is similar to the English bond but uses only stretchers.  Each course consists of alternating stretchers and slightly projecting bricks, creating a visually pleasing pattern.  Garden wall bond is commonly used in garden walls and non-load bearing structures.
English cross bond	English cross bond is a variation of the English bond.  It consists of alternate courses of headers and stretchers. However, in this bond, the headers in each course are placed at regular intervals, creating a pattern of crosses. The headers in one course are centred above the stretchers in the course below.  This bond provides a strong and visually appealing pattern, making it suitable for decorative purposes
Brick on edge bond/ Silver lock's bond /soldier's bond	These terms are used interchangeably to refer to a bond where the bricks are laid on their edges, with the narrow side facing outward.  The bricks are placed vertically, and each brick stands independently without overlapping.  This bond creates a thin and uniform joint pattern, often used for decorative purposes or in areas where the bond needs to be visually emphasised.
Dutch bond	Dutch bond is a variation of the Flemish bond.  It consists of alternate courses of stretchers and headers, similar to English bonds. However, in Dutch bond, each course has a double header at regular intervals.  The headers in one course are centred above the stretchers in the course below, creating a decorative pattern.  Dutch bond is commonly used for ornamental brickwork.
Raking bond	Raking bond is used when the brickwork needs to follow a sloping or curved surface, such as in the construction of arches or ramps. In this bond, the bricks are laid at an angle, following the slope or curve of the surface. The bricks are cut and shaped to fit the desired angle, creating a visually appealing and structurally sound bond.
Zig-zag Bond	Zig-zag bond, also known as herringbone bond, is a decorative bond that consists of a pattern of diagonal rows of bricks.  Each row consists of bricks laid at a 45-degree angle in opposite directions, forming a zig-zag pattern.  This bond is commonly used for decorative purposes, such as in flooring, pathways, or interior walls.

The choice of bond depends on factors such as the structural requirements, load-bearing capacity, aesthetics, and the purpose of the construction.