Abstract: A dry-stackable masonry brick having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and opposing side surfaces. The brick is provided with a plurality of channels, which extend along the top, bottom and one side of the brick. The channels are configured and arranged so that they are able to receive a projection from one or more adjacent bricks in an interlocking relation. The brick may be positioned on either of the opposing sides in a vertical orientation, with the bottom side up, or even with the rear surface facing forwardly. The front and rear surfaces of the brick may be provided with different surface treatments to increase the number of differently configured walls that may be constructed. Moreover, the front and rear surfaces may be provided with marginal areas that are configured so that they are able to receive and retain filler material.

Abstract: A wall structure (10, 110) and method of construction. The wall structure (10, 110) comprises a plurality of preformed, lightweight blocks (12, 112) supported and interconnected by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, collateral support beams (16, 116). Preferably, the support beams (16, 116) are operatively connected to an appropriate substructure (62, 100) and the lightweight blocks (12, 112) are operatively connected to the support beams (16, 116). The blocks (12, 112) and support beams (16, 116) are configured so that when they are connected to each other, a space is formed between the wall structure (10, 110) and the substructure (62, 100). Thus, an assembled wall structure (10) may be setoff from a substructure and the substructure (62, 100) may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A wall structure (10) comprising concrete composite masonry blocks (12) supported and interconnected by elongate support beams (16) is disclosed. The blocks (12) are shaped to be stacked in vertically independent columns (14) and are held in place by the specially shaped, lightweight support beams (16) placed between the adjacent columns (14). The wall structure (10) may be adapted for use as a bearing or non-bearing wall.

Abstract: A fastening element for operatively connecting masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a body with a web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The projections are spaced apart from each other and configured to engage portions of masonry units therebetween in a constrained relation. The fastening element permits two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected together in variety of configurations without the use of mortar.

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a plurality of columns of preformed, lightweight, stacked blocks, with the columns of blocks connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. Preferably, the wall structure is operatively connected to a structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a wall engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the wall structure in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the bracket is positioned such that the wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned with the longitudinal axis of a support beam so that one surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation therewith and an opposing surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation with a block.

Abstract: A fastening element for operatively connecting masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a body with a web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The projections are spaced apart from each other and configured to engage portions of masonry units therebetween in a constrained relation. The fastening element permits two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected together in variety of configurations without the use of mortar.

Abstract: A mortarless wall structure comprising a plurality of preformed, stackable blocks with the blocks operatively connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. The blocks may include one or more channels that are configured and arranged to intercept moisture traversing from the front surface toward the rear face of the block, and to direct the moisture in a predetermined direction that does not intersect the rear face. The wall may be freestanding or operatively connected to a suitable support structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a support beam engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the support beam in a predetermined direction relative to the support structure. When used in conjunction with a support structure, the wall may be provided with a sealing element that prevents moisture and debris from being introduced between the wall and the support structure.

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a plurality of columns of preformed, lightweight, stacked blocks, with the columns of blocks connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. Preferably, the wall structure is operatively connected to a structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a wall engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the wall structure in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the bracket is positioned such that the wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned with the longitudinal axis of a support beam so that one surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation therewith and an opposing surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation with a block.

Abstract: A composite masonry block and wall system for skirting elevated structures. The block is shaped to be stacked in vertically independent columns, held in place by specially shaped, lightweight beams placed between adjacent columns, and also by synthetic U-shaped lateral supports which open downwardly and are attached to the bottom of the elevated structure.