American Bond is a type of masonry construction that has been widely used in the United States for centuries. It is characterized by the alternating placement of stretchers and headers in each course of masonry units, such as bricks or blocks. The stretchers are long, narrow units that run horizontally across the wall, while the headers are short, wide units that run perpendicular to the stretchers. This arrangement creates a strong and stable bond that is ideal for load-bearing walls in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. One of the key benefits of American Bond is its ease of construction. The alternating pattern of stretchers and headers is simple to lay and requires minimal cutting of the masonry units. This makes it a popular choice for builders who want to save time and money while still achieving a strong and durable structure. Another advantage of American Bond is its aesthetic appeal. The regular pattern of stretchers and headers creates a classic and timeless look that is well-suited to a wide range of architectural styles. It is often used in brick walls, arches, and other decorative features that add character and charm to buildings. Despite its many advantages, American Bond is not without its limitations. It is not as strong as some other types of masonry bonds, such as Flemish Bond or English Bond, which use more complex patterns to distribute weight and stress more evenly. Additionally, American Bond may not be suitable for buildings in areas with high seismic activity, as it may not provide enough resistance to earthquakes. In summary, American Bond is a popular and versatile type of masonry construction that has been used in the United States for centuries. Its alternating pattern of stretchers and headers creates a strong and stable bond that is easy to lay and aesthetically pleasing. While it may not be as strong as some other types of masonry bonds, it is well-suited to a wide range of architectural styles and is a popular choice for builders looking to save time and money.
masonry, construction, load-bearing walls, aesthetics, seismic activity
The American Bond is a style of brick masonry construction that is characterized by the regular and continuous placement of bricks in a stretcher course, which is a layer of horizontal bricks. This style of masonry utilizes the traditional stacking of bricks, where the stretcher course is composed of alternating headers and stretchers. The header bricks are placed in a header course, which is composed of vertical bricks, and the headers and stretchers are placed to form a running bond pattern. This type of brick masonry is often seen in brick walls and brick arches, which are commonly used in residential and commercial architecture. The American Bond is a classic brick masonry style that has been used in many iconic structures.
Brickwork, Masonry, Stretcher Course, Header Course, Running Bond.
CITATION : "Michael Adams. 'American Bond.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=232240 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
Masonry structures are an essential component of architecture, and the American Bond is a type of masonry that is widely used. The American Bond is an arrangement of masonry units, such as bricks, stones, and blocks, in which each course consists of alternate stretchers and headers. The stretchers are long, narrow masonry units that are laid in rows and extend from one side of the wall to the other, while the headers are short, wide masonry units that are placed perpendicular to the stretchers, forming the bond. This type of masonry is typically used in load-bearing walls, which can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Additionally, this type of bond has excellent load-bearing capacity and is relatively easy to construct, making it an ideal choice for a variety of architectural projects.
Masonry, Bonds, Laying, Stretchers, Headers
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