What is Running Bond?
Definition of Running Bond in Construction
In masonry construction whether it be vertical, or horizontal, the running bond is the pattern and sequence of installation for a CMU ( concrete masonry unit ), brick, stone, etc., in a running fashion with each course, either 1/3 , 1/2 or 1/4 further than the adjacent course.
In this manner the joints never line up and are either at the 1/3 , 1/2, or 1/4 point of the course above and the course below. The running bond is probably the most common type of bond that is used in masonry construction and is normally what you will observe when looking at the facade of a structure. The term running bond is also used in the application of any hard surface that consists of similar building units such as ceramic tile, bluestone, granite tiles, etc. The concept is the same and the sequencing of the material is intended not to allow the jointing to line up. The accuracy of the running bond as well as its appearance relies on the ability of the mason to provide accurate and even jointing. The pattern can run away from the mason quite easily, if the joint width is not kept consistent and even.