raking bond
C1/C2 (Technical)Technical / Architectural
Definition
Meaning
A bricklaying pattern where bricks are laid in rows with their long sides exposed, with a distinctive vertical joint arrangement.
A masonry technique (specifically in brickwork) where courses of stretchers are laid with staggered joints, and headers are inserted at regular intervals to tie the wall together, creating a strong and visually distinctive bond.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly specific to architecture, construction, and historic building conservation. It is not used metaphorically. 'Raking' refers to the sloping or staggered alignment of the joints.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and highly technical in both varieties. Spelling of related terms (e.g., 'colour' vs 'color') may differ.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. May imply traditional or historic craftsmanship.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively by architects, builders, masons, and conservationists.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [wall/chimney] was built in raking bond.They used raking bond for the [gable/parapet].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in architectural history and construction engineering papers to describe historic building techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in bricklaying, masonry specifications, and building conservation reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The raking bond chimney stack is a distinctive feature of the Tudor farmhouse.
- They specified a raking bond pattern for the infill.
American English
- The gable end features a raking bond pattern.
- Raking bond construction was noted in the architectural survey.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old garden wall has a interesting brick pattern called raking bond.
- Raking bond is one type of brickwork you might see on historic buildings.
- The conservation report recommended repairing the 18th-century wall using matching bricks laid in the original raking bond.
- Raking bond, while visually striking, requires skilled craftsmanship to execute correctly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'raking' leaves into a pile – the lines of bricks are 'raked' or slanted in a diagonal pattern, creating a strong 'bond' in the wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A FABRIC (the bond 'ties' the wall together).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'bond' as 'связь' (connection). In this context, it's 'перевязка' or specifically 'кирпичная кладка "в раскос"'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'racking' (a structural deformation).
- Using 'raking' as a verb (e.g., 'They were raking the bond').
- Misspelling as 'racking bond'.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'raking bond'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct patterns. English bond alternates full courses of headers and stretchers, while raking bond uses only stretchers in a staggered, diagonal arrangement.
It is rare in modern construction due to cost and skill requirements, but it is sometimes used for aesthetic effect in contemporary designs seeking a traditional or textured look.
To distribute loads evenly throughout the wall and tie individual bricks together into a single, strong structural unit, preventing vertical cracks.
Indirectly. Both derive from the concept of gathering or moving things into a line or at an angle. Here, it describes the slanted alignment of the vertical joints.