A raking bond is a specific pattern used when laying bricks, primarily within the core of a thick wall.
Understanding Raking Bond
Based on the provided reference, a raking bond is defined as:
This is a bond in brick in which the bonding bricks are laid at any angle other than zero or 90 degrees.
Essentially, instead of being laid parallel or perpendicular to the wall's face, the bricks within this bond are placed diagonally.
Why Use Raking Bond?
The reference highlights the key purpose of this diagonal arrangement:
This arrangement helps to increase the longitudinal stability of thick walls built in English bond.
When building thick walls, especially using bonds like English bond (which alternates courses of headers and stretchers), the internal section of the wall needs reinforcement to prevent it from splitting or losing stability along its length. The diagonal bricks in a raking bond tie the different parts of the wall core together more effectively than layers laid horizontally or vertically.
Practical Application
Raking bonds are typically not visible on the face of the wall but are incorporated into the inner courses or the core fill of very thick masonry structures.
- Purpose: To provide structural integrity and rigidity to the inner mass of the wall.
- Location: Found within the core of thick walls, not on the external or internal faces.
- Common Use Case: Often employed in conjunction with other bonds like English bond in substantial wall construction.
Using bricks laid at an angle creates a locking effect within the wall's thickness, significantly improving its resistance to forces acting along its length.
