Rat Trap Bond Method in Construction

Rat trap bond is a brick masonry method of wall construction, in which bricks are placed in vertical position instead of conventional horizontal position and thus creating a cavity (hollow space) within the wall. Architect Laurie Baker introduced it in Kerala in the 1970s and used it extensively for its lower construction cost, reduced material requirement and better thermal efficiency than conventional masonry wall, without compromising strength of the wall.

ADVANTAGES OF USING RAT TRAP BOND
Requires approximately 25% less bricks and 40% less mortar than traditional masonry
Reduced material requirement results in considerable cost saving
Strength of wall is not compromised, it remains same as traditional masonry wall.
Cavity induced in wall provides better thermal insulation, resulting in cooler interiors during summer and warmer interiors during winter.
All vertical and horizontal reinforced bands, lintels (for standard size openings), electrical conduits are hidden inside wall, resulting in better aesthetic appearance without plastering (exposed brickwork).

Rat Trap Bond Method in Construction

image by: architectureadmirers.com