This bond is used in thick walls. In this type of bond, the bonding bricks are kept at an inclination to the direction of the wall. Due to this, the longitudinal stability of thick wall built in English bond is very much increased. This bond is introduced at certain intervals along the height of the wall.
The bricks are arranged in inclined direction in the space between the external stretchers of the wall.
The raking or inclination should be in opposite direction in alternate course of raking bond.
Raking bond is not provided in successive courses. It is provided at a regular interval of four to eight course in the height of a wall.
The raking course is generally provided between the two stretcher courses of the wall having thickness equal to even multiple of half-brick, to make the bond more effective.
Raking bonds are two types
Diagonal Bond: In this type of bond, bricks are arranged at 450 in such a way that extreme corners of the series remain in contact with the external line of stretchers. Bricks cut to triangular shapes and of suitable sizes are packed in the small triangular spaces at the ends. This bond is best suited for walls which are 2 to 4 bricks thick. The bond is introduced at regular vertical interval, generally at every fifth or seventh course. In every alternate course of the bond, the direction of bricks is reversed.
Herring – Bone Bond: This bond is more suitable for walls which are thicker than four bricks thick. Bricks are arranged at 450 in two opposite directions from the centre of the wall thickness. The bond is introduced in the wall at regular vertical interval. In every alternate course, the directions of bricks are changed. The bond is also used for ornamental finish to the face work, and also for brick flooring.
xtreme corners of the series remain in contact with the external line of stretchers. 
than four 
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