Which type of bond involves using head joints centered over stretchers in the course below?

The correct answer is running bond. In a running bond, the masonry units, typically bricks, are laid in such a way that each course is offset by half a unit from the course below it. This means that the head joints (the vertical joints between bricks) line up with the center of the stretchers (the longer, horizontal face of the brick) in the course below.

This pattern is not just aesthetically pleasing but also provides strength to the wall by distributing the weight effectively. The running bond is one of the simplest and most widely used methods of laying brick and is characterized by its straightforward pattern, allowing for efficient construction.

In contrast, common bond typically incorporates a header course every few rows, creating a different joint configuration. Flemish bond alternates between headers and stretchers in the same course, which contrasts with the running bond's consistent use of stretchers only. English bond features alternating rows of headers and stretchers, which also differs from the purely stretcher approach in the running bond. Understanding the differences in these bonding patterns is crucial in masonry construction, as each type serves specific aesthetic and structural purposes.