Building Code Glossary
Running Bond: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define running bond, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Running bond is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length.” The IRC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Running Bond — IBC 2009, Masonry:
The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Running Bond, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Masonry | The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length. |
Where running bond is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Soils and Foundations | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about running bond, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Adobe units shall be laid with full head and bedjoints and in full running bond.
The terms running bond is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what running bond covers:
- Masonry — IBC 2009: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
- Offset — IRC 2009: A combination of fittings that makes two changes in direction bringing one section of the pipe out of line but into a line parallel with the other section.
Running Bond: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Masonry | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Soils and Foundations (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Offset | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of running bond?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on running bond?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Masonry in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What does running bond mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is the difference between CMU stack bond and running bond?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “The placement of masonry units such that headjoints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit length.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. It is not the same as Stack Bond, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “The placement of masonry units in a bond pattern is such that head joints in successive courses are vertically aligned. For the purpose of this code, requirements for stack bond shall apply to masonry laid …” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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