Comparative Performance of Masonry Bond Patterns ,

Abstract

Ahstr.rct: In order to make the houses aesthetically more appealing, different bond patterns are used ill 1'()IIJcJ m,lsonry. This is mainly done in brick masonry. In some cases, walls are left unplastered to ""pns(' the brickwork bonded with different patterns. This paper covers a detailed study on the l'l"Ifonn.\lIce of commonly used bond patterns in Sri Lanka such as English, Flemish and Rat-trap. Tht' main parameters covered are the vertical load carrying capacity and the indoor thermal 1"'rf0rt11MKCof different bond pat terns. The vertical load carrying capacity was assessed by testing \V,1I1 P,lI1eiS and found that the Flemish bond can give a better carrying capacity. Indoor thermal performance of different bond patterns was assessed by measuring indoor and outdoor temperature using physical models. Rat-trap bond shows better thermal performance -orn par ed to the others. With all these findings, now the house builders, architects and engineers can <elect the masonry bond pattern suitable for their structures with the proper understanding of its performance.