Abstract: A system and method of forming differently sized and/or textured construction blocks from a single mold. The system includes a mold having a base and movable side walls that cooperate with the base to form a mold cavity, and one or more inserts that are configured to be positioned in the mold. The mold is arranged and oriented so that its side walls form the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of each block. The inserts may be used individually or grouped together into predetermined sets to form different blocks, such as interior and end blocks, as well as cap stones.

Abstract: A block used to construct a wall. The block has a front and rear surfaces, top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. The bottom surface of the block has a projection that extends downwardly therefrom and which is configured to engage one or more blocks in an adjacent course of blocks to prevent movement therebetween. Depending upon the configuration of the wall, the projection may engage a portion of the rear surface of an adjacent course of blocks, or may be received within one of two channels in the top surface of the adjacent course of blocks. By selecting the position of the projection relative to the adjacent course of blocks, differently configured walls may be constructed.

Abstract: A retaining wall block and a system and method for constructing a retaining wall with multiple blocks laid in successive courses. The system comprises a plurality of building blocks and a flexible anchor grid. Each block has top and bottom surfaces, front and rear surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and a downwardly extending engagement section. The downwardly extending engagement section is configured to be directly connected to a sheet of flexible, pliant anchoring material of the type having plurality of perforations. The sheet of anchoring material is laid over a course of blocks and extended into earth fill behind the wall. The downwardly extending engagement section is also configured to engage and position adjacent courses of blocks relative to each other in a predetermined, setback relation. Preferably, the engagement section has one or more teeth that are arranged in a linear row and which are constructed and arranged to project through apertures in the anchoring grid sheet.

Abstract: A block splitting tool having a splitting blade that is formed by edges of a plurality of smaller splitter segments. The splitter segments are arranged in a side-by-side relation such that the edges form a substantially continuous blade that is generally corrugated or jagged. The splitter segments may be operatively connected to a suitable support that, in turn, is attached to a block splitting machine. When the splitting blade of the tool engages and splits a block, the edges of the splitter segments form a plurality of fracture zones that are angled with respect to each other, which results in roughened facings on the newly cleaved smaller blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the splitter segments are removably attached to a support plate, so that they may be repositioned, replaced, and/or repaired.