---
title: "Types of bands in masonry structures"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 11
key: "semester_6/building_technology:bands-masonry"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/bands-masonry
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Types of bands in masonry structures

Building Technology · Chapter 11: Earthquake protection & Retrofitting in building

- Asked in: 2078 Chaitra, 5 marks
- Video: [Concrete Bands in Brick Walls Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcFqTeLgMSI) — Engineering Academy
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/bands-masonry
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-11

## Question

What are the types of Bands used in masonry structures?

## Short answer

Types of bands in masonry structures are plinth band (at plinth level), lintel band (at lintel level, most important), roof band (at top of walls), gable band (along gable ends), and optional sill band. They are continuous RC elements tying walls together, typically 75 mm thick with two 8–12 mm bars and 6 mm stirrups at 150 mm c/c.

## Answer

#### Bands (ring beams) in masonry
A **band** is a continuous horizontal reinforced element (RC, reinforced brick or timber) running around all walls of a building at a given level. It ties walls together so they act as a box, and reduces bending of walls out of plane.

#### Types of bands (NBC 202 / IS 4326)
1. **Plinth band:** at plinth level, over the foundation wall. Needed when soil is soft or likely to settle unevenly; it also acts as a damp-proof course base and reduces differential settlement.
2. **Lintel band:** at lintel level of doors/windows; most important band. It ties walls together and carries lintel loads. Lintels can be merged in this band.
3. **Roof band (eaves band):** at the top of walls under the roof. Needed where roof is of sloping/flexible type (sheeting, timber, trusses) to anchor the roof.
4. **Gable band:** a band running along the top of gable-end triangular walls to hold the gable.
5. **Sill band (optional):** at window sill level, for extra stiffness in tall wall areas.

**Details:** thickness of RC band at least 75 mm; width equal to wall thickness; concrete M15 or richer; two bars of 8-12 mm diameter depending on the span (about 8 mm for spans up to 5 m, larger for longer spans) with 6 mm stirrups at 150 mm c/c. Corners and junctions must have continuous reinforcement lap, and the band must be continuous around the building.

```text
   ____ roof band ______
  |  []   []   []   | <- lintel band (ring)
  |__|__|__|__|__|__|
  |                  | <- plinth band
  ======== foundation
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a band in masonry?
   A. A vertical bar at each corner
   B. A gap between two blocks
   C. A continuous horizontal reinforced element running around all walls at a level
   D. A damp-proof layer only at the plinth
   Answer: C. A band (ring beam) is continuous and horizontal, tying walls so they act as a box. (Key point: Definition of a band)

2. Which band is described as the most important?
   A. Lintel band
   B. Sill band
   C. Gable band
   D. Plinth band
   Answer: A. The lintel band ties walls together and also carries lintel loads; lintels can be merged in it. (Key point: Lintel band)

3. When is a roof (eaves) band especially needed?
   A. Only when the soil is soft
   B. When the roof is sloping/flexible (sheeting, timber, trusses) and must be anchored
   C. Only for windows with sills
   D. Only on single-room buildings
   Answer: B. The roof band anchors flexible sloping roofs to the walls. (Key point: Roof band)

4. Which is a correct detail for an RC band?
   A. 25 mm thick, narrower than the wall, M5 concrete
   B. Discontinuous at corners to allow movement
   C. Thickness 300 mm with no steel
   D. At least 75 mm thick, width equal to wall thickness, M15 or richer concrete, continuous around the building
   Answer: D. The band must be at least 75 mm thick, as wide as the wall, M15 or richer, with continuous reinforcement. (Key point: Band details)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Why temporary structures are used](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Awhy-temp-structures) — Building Technology, chapter 8
- [Types of bonds in brick masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Abrick-bonds-types) — Building Technology, chapter 3

## Related in other subjects

- [Seismic bands and vertical reinforcement in masonry](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Aseismic-bands-and-vertical-reinforcement) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7
- [Uses and scope of masonry structures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Amasonry-uses-scope) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 7, asked 5×
- [Advantages of masonry structures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Amasonry-advantages) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 7
- [Seismic strengthening techniques for masonry buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Astrengthening-retrofitting-masonry-buildings) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 7