Geometry and Bonding Rules Position Analysis in the Formation of Traditional Iranian Architectural Brick Facades

Abstract

Over time, architectural ornaments have had a variety of forms that are created from a combination of different types of materials and factors. Brick decorations are one such example, a type of ornament that is often formed on the exterior façade of buildings. Investigating covert rules and brick bonds geometry can reveal a part of the ancient architectural secrets and ways used to reduce the ravages upon new brick façades. Shaped bricks in traditional Iranian architecture directly affect the placement, size and brick arrangement rules. This article is the first attempt to study the effects of geometry and the principal rules of arrangement that help to shape the formation of brick façades specifically, as well as analysing the samples of brick façades taken from monuments, field recordings and discussion with the workmen themselves. The analysis has revealed that permanent rules govern the bonding of brick façades, along with the size and dimensions of the brick effects, which shape the final look of the decoration.

Comparative and contrast study of Karbandie’s Masonry ribs brick arrangements

“…There have been researchers, who had studied stability of masonry buttresses of non-rectangular geometries under horizontal forces [6]. From among the Iranian researchers, some of them have proceeded on studying geometry and bricks arrangement in different vaults and domes [2,9,10]. Moreover, some of the foreign researchers have investigated Iranian masonry ribs and vaults relying on the technical and historical approach [11][12][13][14].…”

Prospects for the use of extraordinary brick bond types

“…Thus, some articles pay more attention to the decorative aspect of brickwork raising the question about priority of the brickwork colour over the pattern made up from using certain bond system [6] or describing the principles of using a rectangle shape to design a harmonious masonry pattern [7]. Looking for unique façades that decorate buildings, researchers create articles on masonry made up from whole bricks, three-quarter closures, bats and quarter closures [8]. A vast majority of articles is devoted to the technical side of the issue, especially the shear resistance and cross breaking strength of bonds [9] and the influence of masonry geometry on the strength of uniaxial compression [10] are being studied.…”