Abstract: A facing element for at least partially covering a structure. The facing element has at least one pair of first and second rigid engagement connectors affixed to a rear surface of the facing element. Each of the first and second engagement connectors forms first and second apertures between the connectors and the rear surface of the facing element. The first and second apertures are coaxially located. The facing element also has at least one joining bar joining the first and second engagement connectors. The top portion of the facing element is hung to the structure by means of the first engagement connector. Contact of the bottom portion of the facing element with the structure is offset by the second engagement connector. A method for fabricating such a facing element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A segmented retaining wall block has one side wall that is rearwardly tapered so as to allow the block to turn a radius when placed in adjacent position with respect to another similar block. The block also has a rear wall provided with a protruding wing that projects laterally away from the tapered side wall. The rear wall is also provided with a bay that extends inwardly in the side wall that is opposite to the tapered side wall. The wing and bay have front edges designed as congruent arcs. The wing may be sized and shaped so as to protrude into the bay of an adjacent similar block to create a barrier when the adjacent blocks are in straight, convex or concave alignment for preventing infiltration of backfill material such as soil, into voids that exist between the backs of the blocks when installed.

Abstract: Disclosed is the combination of a structural block with a facing element. The facing element is hung to the structural block for at least partially covering its longitudinal face by means of a hanger affixed to the facing element. The hanger has a tab extending from the facing element for engaging the structural block. The tab and the block are engaged by means of at least one substantially vertical post and at least one aperture for receiving the at least one substantially vertical post. The at least one substantially vertical post is part of either the tab or the structural block, while the at least one aperture is part of the other.