Abstract: A wall which is energy conserving, particularly useful for a prison or other types of buildings, has a security inner structural element structure which may be formed of concrete blocks, the outer facings of which are formed with vertical sockets shaped as mortise grooves. Spaced outwardly from the inner structural element is a decorative weatherskin element, the inner faces of which are also formed with vertical sockets. Horizontal spacers interconnect the inner and the outer elements so that there is a space therebetween. The spacers have enlarged heads at either end which are received in the sockets, then twisted and hold the two elements a given distance apart. The space between the two walls is filled by pouring insulating material such as polyurethane foam. Alternatively the outer structural element may be formed of clay bricks or other facing materials, one end of the spacers being paddle shaped to fit into the mortar joint between courses of bricks.

Abstract: In general, a block and retaining wall formed by a number of such blocks are interconnected between courses by a plurality of Z-shaped anchor elements having an upper and lower body part of substantially rectangular cross-section as viewed in plan. The upper body part is offset from the lower body part. The offset of one course of blocks relative to the course beneath will be a predetermined fixed amount determined by the offset of the body parts of the interlocking Z-shaped anchor elements. A tie-back arrangement includes means for attaching a sheet of geo-synthetic material to the embedded end of a block so as to leave the open cells within and those formed between the blocks unobstructed from above and available for filling with pea gravel or other drainage fill material.

Abstract: In general, a block and retaining wall formed by a number of such blocks are interconnected between courses by a plurality of Z-shaped anchor elements having an upper and lower body part of substantially rectangular cross-section as viewed in plan. The upper body part is offset from the lower body part. The offset of one course of blocks relative to the course beneath will be a predetermined fixed amount determined by the offset of the body parts of the interlocking Z-shaped anchor elements. A tie-back arrangement includes means for attaching a sheet of geosynthetic material to the embedded end of a block so as to leave the open cells within and those formed between the blocks unobstructed from above and available for filling with pea gravel or other drainage fill material.

Abstract: A wall constructed to function as a passive thermal mass for energy storage permits enhanced solar heating and nocturnal cooling of the interior of a building using walls as disclosed. Use of an expansive insulating material, foamed in place, seals the wall to make it waterproof. Concrete masonry units having inner and outer cells are stacked to form the wall. A hardenable material poured into the inner cells of the masonry units moves both vertically and horizontally within the wall to form a rigid wall structure. Introducing insulation in fluid form into the outer cells adjacent to those containing the hardenable material disposes the insulation to lie essentially adjacent the thermal mass of the rigid inner wall structure.