During brick masonry wall construction, bricks are layered in rows, and cement mortar is used in between the bricks to form a bond. The type of bond formed is classified according to the bonding style and the type of bricklaying used. Let’s look at the types of bonds in brick masonry walls in Kenya.
The types of bonds include:
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Flemish bond
This type of bond is formed when alternate headers and stretchers are laid in the same row. every alternative course begins with the header at the corner. This type of bond is however difficult to form and requires more skill to place correctly. Flemish bonds are also weaker than the English bonds for loadbearing walls but are good for aesthetic pleasing when pointing is done to brick masonry walls, but if you are going to plaster the walls then an English bond is recommended.
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English bond
This type of bond in masonry wall construction is formed when there are two alternate courses of stretchers and headers. the headers are centered above the stretchers and each row is aligned vertically.
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Header bond
this bond is made by laying all bricks in a row as headings on the faces of walls. a header is the narrow square face of the brick that measures 90 mm by 9mm. header bonds are used to construct brick masonry walls with full brick thickness usually 180mm.in order to achieve this bonding type, three-quarter brickbats are used as quoins in alternative courses.
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Stretcher bond
a stretcher is the long face of the brick. A stretcher bond is formed when the bricks are layered in a manner that shows their stretchers. this type of bond is only used to construct half-brick thick walls because it does not bond effectively with the adjacent bricks hence forming a weak bond
COMMON TOOLS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRICK MASONRY WALLS IN KENYA
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Spirit level
This tool is one of the most important tools in bricklaying .you need a spirit level to ensure that the bricks have been placed correctly and accurately.
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Bolster chise
This type of chisel is used to cut bricks into the desired shape
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Cold chisel
This type of chisel is used to chip into brickwork, it allows one to cut into the brickwork when need be. it can also be used on stone, metal, or concrete
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Brick trowel
It is the most essential tool during the entire bricklaying process, it is used for spreading the mortar and setting the bricks
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Pointing trowel
This tool is used to add a finish to the brickwork because it is designed to get close and finish the bricks nicely.
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Brick hammer
A brick hammer helps to line the bricks properly, cut, set, and strike the brickwork in place.
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Brick jointer
This tool is used for smoothing and flattening standard brick mortar joints to provide a uniform and neat finish.
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Measuring tape
Used for measuring when measurements are provided in inches.
Materials necessary for the construction of a brick masonry wall in Kenya
Materials used in brick masonry wall construction include
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Cement
-cement is one of the materials used in masonry wall construction to make mortar.
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Sand
sand is used to mix with cement to make mortar for masonry wall construction.
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Masonry units
Masonry units like Concrete blocks, bricks, stones, and lightweight blocks are used in wall construction.
Conclusion
The construction industry has introduced a number of techniques for building construction that have enhanced durability and minimized maintenance costs and efforts, brick masonry happens to be the most popular one in building residential homes in Kenya.
