Final answer:
The masonry bond with successive courses of stretchers aligned vertically is known as a stack bond (option a), as opposed to other types of bonds such as running bond, English bond, or Flemish bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of brickwork or masonry bond being described is a stack bond. In a stack bond, each course of stretchers (the longer face of the brick) is laid directly on top of the one below it so that all the vertical joints (head joints) line up in a straight column.
This is different from other bonds like the running bond, which typically offsets each course by half a brick to create a staggered effect; the English bond, which alternates courses of headers (the short end of the brick) and stretchers; and the Flemish bond, which alternates headers and stretchers within each course. The stack bond is known more for its aesthetic appeal rather than structural strength, as the lack of overlap can make the wall weaker. Therefore, it is more common in non-load-bearing situations or as a visual feature.