Abstract: A structural unit includes a first face shell; a second face shell positioned opposite the first face shell; at least one central web connecting the first face shell to the second face shell; a first partial web forming a gap between an end of the first partial web and a first edge of the second face shell, and defining a first cavity; and a second partial web forming a gap between an end of the second partial web and a second edge of the second face shell, and defining a second cavity.

Abstract: A structural unit includes a first face shell; a second face shell positioned opposite the first face shell; at least one central web connecting the first face shell to the second face shell; a first partial web forming a gap between an end of the first partial web and a first edge of the second face shell, and defining a first cavity; and a second partial web forming a gap between an end of the second partial web and a second edge of the second face shell, and defining a second cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural unit includes the steps of: (a) engaging a carrier within at least a portion of a mold, the carrier in operative communication with a face having at least one design portion extending into or out of an inner cavity of the mold; (b) placing material into the inner cavity of the mold, such that at least a portion of at least one side of the inner cavity comprises the face; (c) at least one of compacting, consolidating and condensing the material, thereby forming the structural unit; and (d) removing the structural unit and the carrier from the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insert apparatus for a mold for manufacturing structural units. The insert apparatus includes a carrier for operatively engaging a portion of the mold, and is in communication with a face or an object having an engagement design portion thereon. The face is in operative communication with the carrier, and the engagement design portion extends into or out of the cavity of the mold. Methods of manufacturing such a structural unit, methods of retrofitting an existing mold for manufacturing such a unit and novel and improved structural units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallurgical addition agent, especially an agent comprising silicon carbide fines, comprises a first step of forming a mix of at least 30% fines, cement and at least 20% water. The next step comprises pressing the wet mix in a mold while squeezing out excess water but leaving sufficient water for hydration of the cement. The pressed shapes are cured at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A solid grouted wall is formed of layers of block with spaces being formed within the block or between block to accommodate rebar and concrete. A rebar support comprising two parallel and laterally spaced longitudinally extending rods and a plurality of cross rod members positioned therebetween are positioned on the face shells of the block so the cross rod members extend in the aforementioned spaces. Cross rod members each include at least one and preferably two substantially U-shaped troughs which extend below the plane of the longitudinally extending rods a predetermined distance and which accommodate the horizontally extending rebar. In addition, the respective cross rod members of the rebar supports can be aligned vertically from layer to layer so as to offer support for vertical rebars.