Understanding Brick Joints in Masonry

In masonry construction, particularly with bricks, the joints are the spaces between individual bricks that are filled with mortar. These joints are crucial for the structural integrity and appearance of the wall. They are typically categorized based on their orientation: horizontal joints and vertical joints.

Types of Brick Joints Explained

Let's break down the different types of joints mentioned in the context of brickwork:

• Bed Joints: These are the horizontal layers of mortar that run between the courses (layers) of bricks. They support the weight of the bricks above.
• Vertical Joints: These are the joints that run vertically between bricks, either along the length of the wall (longitudinal) or across the width (cross).
• Cross Joints: This term specifically refers to the vertical joints that occur at the ends of bricks where they meet other bricks in the same course, typically running across the thickness of the wall.
• Backing: This refers to the inner part or rear portion of a wall, which might be constructed differently from the facing or outer layer. It is not a type of joint.

Identifying Vertical Joints: Perpends

The question asks for the specific term used for the vertical joints between bricks, whether they occur in the longitudinal or cross directions. The correct technical term for these vertical joints in brickwork is Perpends.

A Perpend is essentially a vertical joint that runs from the top surface (bed) of one brick to the bottom surface (bed) of the brick directly above it, or between adjacent bricks in the same course.

Why Perpends is the Correct Term

Comparing the options:

• Cross Joints: While a vertical joint can be oriented as a cross joint, "Cross Joints" isn't the universal term for all vertical joints.
• Bed Joints: These are horizontal, not vertical.
• Perpends: This term specifically and accurately refers to the vertical joints between bricks in any direction.
• Backing: This relates to the wall structure, not joints.

Therefore, the term that specifically defines the vertical joints between bricks, regardless of their specific alignment across the wall's thickness, is Perpends.