Abstract: A flat screen mesh element formed of metal or plastics material covers one or more core openings in a block of the next to topmost course in a foundation wall. When the topmost course of blocks is in place, mortar used to embed a foundation cap plate anchor bolt is placed in the core opening of a top course block which is in alignment with a locator tab carried by one end of the screen mesh element and extending beyond a surface of the foundation wall. The screen mesh element prevents the mortar from entering a core opening or openings of blocks below the topmost course. A large savings of mortar is achieved and the anchor bolts are installed at a uniform level on the foundation wall.

Abstract: Constructing building walls from concrete blocks having flattened rectangular facing members held in parallel spaced relation by integral transverse webs spaced from the ends of the block by a distance equal to one-half the distance between the webs and providing a pair of V-shaped reinforcing of receiving notches having straight sides inclined at an angle of substantially 45.degree.. The blocks are stacked in equally staggered courses to define the wall panel and are held in position by a bonding agent securing the confronting surfaces of the blocks to each other with substantially no space therebetween. Vertical reinforcing rods are positioned in the vertically extending openings provided by the aligned webs of the blocks, and horizontal reinforcing rods are supported in the V-shaped notches, with the shape of the notches causing the rods to settle into desired positions on opposite sides of the vertical reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A generally rectangular concrete building block of partially hollow construction with at least one large rectangular vertical opening extending therethrough and provided with a generally zig-zag shaped rod embedded in the interior walls and extending transversely of and formed with a transverse loop in the center of each hollow interior. In erecting a wall, a concrete footing is first poured and a plastic sheet having a row of prepunched openings is flatly arranged thereon with the openings so spaced to indicate the positions to be assumed by a series of reinforcing bars when inserted therethrough and embedded within the footing to project vertically therethrough in a row alignable with the hollow blocks.

Abstract: A plug adapted to be inserted into the open end of a channel of a concrete slab which is provided with a plug portion having a perimeter conforming to the cross section of the channel and of smaller diameter than the cross section of the channel, the plug being provided with outwardly extending fingers from the perimeter of the plug portion which are adapted to engage the surfaces of the channel, the fingers having arms extending therefrom which support a ring adapted to abut the exterior surface of the slab about the channel to accurately position the plug within the channel. The plug permits water to drain from the channels through slots between adjacent fingers and facilitates the use of mortar for joining the ends of adjacent slabs or the like.

Abstract: Method and means for constructing a cement block wall without mortar in which standard blocks can be used. Interengaging means, having rectangular flanges, engage cells of upper course blocks and cells of lower course blocks therebelow. Blocks can be abutted or separated by interposed members made of plastic or the like that extend to edges and have the appearance of mortar points, which are integrated with said interengaging means.

Abstract: Building brick for wall construction in which brick serves concurrently as integral form for poured concrete and also provides insulation. Brick has structure to produce voids in wall to reduce volume of concrete poured, voids producing further insulation. Brick has pair of plane rectangular spaced side members connected by plane rectangular connecting members, end portions of side members extending beyond connecting members. Upper edges of connecting members spaced below upper edges of side members and lower edges of connecting members are coplanar with lower edges of side members. Detachable cover plate rests on connecting members to form cavity within brick and when concrete is poured, cavity produces void in concrete between side members, connecting members and lower surface of brick.