North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

To increase the strength of a wall, which bond type is generally recommended?

1. Stack Bond

2. Running Bond

3. Common Bond

4. Flemish Bond

The correct answer is: Common Bond

Common Bond is generally recommended to increase the strength of a wall because it alternates layers of stretchers (the long face of the brick) and headers (the end face of the brick) in a systematic pattern. This configuration enhances the overall structure's stability and bond strength between the bricks. By incorporating headers in every several courses, the wall achieves greater interlocking, distributing loads more efficiently and reinforcing the structure against lateral pressures and potential weaknesses. In construction, the choice of bond type significantly impacts the wall's performance characteristics. For example, while Flemish Bond provides aesthetic appeal and is strong, it can be more complex to construct and may not provide the same degree of interlock as Common Bond. Running Bond is straightforward and provides decent strength, but it lacks the additional reinforcement that comes from the headers in Common Bond. Stack Bond, although simple, tends to be the weakest due to its reliance on vertical alignment alone, which does not adequately distribute loads across the wall. Thus, due to its mix of both stretching and header bricks that enhances interlock and strength, Common Bond is the preferred choice for increased wall strength.