King closers are related to
🧱 Understanding Brick Closers
In brickwork, a "closer" is a portion of a brick, cut to a specific shape, that is used to close up the bond at the end of a brick course. The primary purpose of using closers is to prevent vertical joints from aligning in successive courses, which would create a weak, continuous line of failure in the wall. By using closers, masons create the necessary "lap" between bricks to ensure a strong, interlocking bond.
🔬 Detailed Analysis of the Options
D. Brick Masonry
This is the correct answer. A King Closer is a specific type of closer used exclusively in brick masonry. It is created by cutting off the corner of a brick, removing a triangle that extends from the center of one header face to the center of one stretcher face. The resulting shape is wider than a half-brick and is essential for creating strong bonds at the corners and openings in walls, particularly in English Bond and Flemish Bond.
A. Doors and windows
This is incorrect. While king closers are often used next to the openings for doors and windows to maintain the bond, they are a component of the brickwork itself, not the door or window fixture. A "door closer" is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door, which is a completely different item.
B. King post truss & C. Queen post truss
These are types of timber or steel roof trusses. A "king post" is the central vertical member in a king post truss, and "queen posts" are the two vertical members in a queen post truss. The use of the word "king" is a coincidence; these structural elements have no relation to brick masonry or king closers.
📊 Summary: Common Types of Brick Closers
| Closer Type | Description | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| King Closer | A brick with one corner cut off to form a half-header and half-stretcher on the cut face. | Wider than a half-brick. |
| Queen Closer | A brick cut in half lengthwise. | A long, thin piece (half the width of a normal brick). |
| Bat | A brick cut across its width. A "half bat" is a half-brick. | A portion of a brick's length. |
💡 Study Tips
- Closer = Closing the Bond: Remember that a "closer" in masonry is used to "close" the end of a course correctly.
- King of the Corner: Think of the King Closer as the special brick used to build a strong "kingdom" or wall, especially at the corners.
- Don't Confuse the Kings: Be aware that "King Post" (in a roof) and "King Closer" (in a wall) are two completely different construction terms.