Abstract: The invention relates to a system for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means, comprising blocks having: ridges that fit into grooves, bases that fit into channels, cavities for the flow of adhesive, notches in which ducts for installations are located, perforations for reinforcing the wall with post-tensioned cable or rebar, provisions for building frames for doors or windows, and tunnels for housing piers, among other elements, which together allow a wall to be constructed without skilled labor, saving materials and reducing construction time.

Abstract: A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.

Abstract: A building material whereinside an accommodating space is formed is disclosed. The building material includes a first area whereon at least one protruding part and at least one sunken part are formed alternately in a first direction, and a second area whereon at least one protruding part and at least one sunken part are formed alternately in the first direction. The protruding part of the second area aligns with the corresponding sunken part of the first area in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the sunken part of the second area aligns with the corresponding protruding part of the first area in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a block having an elongated and hexagonal shape. A central void runs through the block. The block is formed of an elastomeric and water-repellant material. The hexagonal shape facilitates stacking of blocks having identical hexagon dimensions, although the elongated dimension, or length, of the blocks may be different. The central void of the block may be filled with one or more materials that impart additional characteristics to the block and the resulting structure.

Abstract: A housing structure comprising a plurality of hollow blocks having an interlocking opening at the top and bottom; an interlocking handle at the front face; and a receiving cut-out at the rear face, left side, or right side; and wherein the plurality hollow blocks are configured to be vertically stacked to a desirable height and horizontally interconnected to form the base of the housing structure. The housing structure further comprising a plurality of gutter-like sections having an interlocking nozzle at the bottom; and an interlocking system at the left and right ends; and wherein the plurality of gutter-like sections are configured to be interlocked to the top of the housing structure to trap rain water or fill the hollow blocks. A tent-like section can be assembled in the center of the housing structure for forming the roof of the housing structure and aiding in the collecting of rain water.

Abstract: A concrete form block for construction of a building includes first and second panel devices, each having inner and outer faces separated by ribs. Projecting connectors are disposed on the inner faces and each has a pin-receiving aperture. U-shaped couplers are used to connect the two panel devices together so that their inner faces are parallel. Each connector has first and second connecting pins and these are received in the apertures of the connectors of the panel devices, with each pin being pivotable in its aperture after insertion. The panel devices can be moved from a collapsed configuration having at least a reduced space between the inner faces and an in-use configuration with more space between these faces. There is also disclosed a panel structure having upper and lower channel forming frames connected to an outer wall portion thereof. These form a channel for receiving equipment for utilities.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener element for securing a curing blanket over the open upper end of a concrete form. The fastener element comprises a wire body including a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of the concrete form and a pair of attachment portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The attachment portions secure the fastener element to the outer walls of the concrete form.

Abstract: The modular construction block is a modular construction element for forming structures such as earth retaining walls, for example. A plurality of modular construction blocks are provided for the formation of the desired structures, with each block being hollow so as to fill the structure with concrete. Rather than acting as a removable form for the construction of a concrete wall, for example, the blocks are left in place, forming part of the permanent structure. Each modular construction block includes a hollow parallelepiped frame having first and second laterally opposed walls secured to a pair of laterally opposed ends of the hollow frame. The upper end, the lower end and a pair of longitudinally opposed ends of the hollow frame all remain open for receiving poured concrete. Both horizontally and vertically adjacent ones of the blocks are secured to one another to form the structure.

Abstract: An uniquely improved mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of concrete masonry units connected to each other by metal bars and metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a reinforcing skeletal system for the masonry to utilize a post tensioned structure. The unique system has been developed with full recessed channels in the masonry unit, anchor bars that fit into the channels and extend across a plurality of masonry units and bolts that act as the tendon for the post tensioning system. This is an improved, rapidly constructed building system that demountably couples each individual masonry unit by an extended bar and bolt system. This extended bar is more efficient and easier to build with as compared to other traditional masonry structures.

Abstract: Non-masonry building block components, including a standard hollow-bodied block component with horizontal and vertical locking capabilities which removes the need for bonding material such as glue, mortar or other adhesives. Modified dovetails on the upper and lower surface of the building components prevent vertical movement while resistance locks on each end of the block prevent horizontal movement. Typically, use of the non-masonry building components would allow for constructing permanent or temporary structures having vertical and horizontal channels in which to allow plumbing or electrical conduit. The incorporation of materials, such as sand or similar substance, would form a bullet-resistant barrier for use in military operations. Additionally, structures formed from the block components could easily be assembled or disassembled on site without the need for skilled labor, specialized tools, demolition and clean up.

Abstract: An adobe that a group of which can be placed on one another without using a mediator and by means of a vibrator is capable of changing the imposed forces into vibration and finally dissipating them.

Abstract: A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a slab roof for interlocked mortarless masonry wall systems. In a method of providing a mortarless construction system, a wall foundation including foundation tendon rods is constructed and a first set of mechanical fastening is attached to the foundation tendon rods. A first set of tendon rods is attached to the first set of mechanical fastening. A wall structure is created by vertically stacking a plurality of wall units onto the threaded tendon rods and affixing the wall units using the mechanical fastening.

Abstract: A car wall arrangement for an elevator car having a first car wall, on whose outside is arranged at least one first joining element with a first flange that projects beyond a first end-face of the first car wall and is angled from the outside by a joining angle that is greater than 180° and less than 360°. A second car wall is provided on whose outside is arranged at least a second joining element with a second flange that projects beyond a second end-face of the second car wall. The second flange is turned away from the outside of the second car wall by the same joining angle ? so that in the installed state the first flange rests against the outside of the second car wall and the second flange against the outside of the first car wall.

Abstract: Molded concrete building blocks consisting of three block walls and block webs so located as to provide an increased path through the width of the block to reduce transmission of thermal and acoustic energy. The blocks may incorporate features, e.g., male projections and female recesses or an offset inner wall, so that mortar may not be required for assembly. The blocks may be configured so that interior apertures may be vertically aligned when the blocks are assembled in courses, providing adaptability to structure enhancing reinforcement and insulation materials, and to interior wall installation of wiring and plumbing.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: An insulated building block having a three-section configuration wherein a first cementitious segment containing the internal core hole of the block is interlocked with second cementitious segment by a serpentine configured insulated insert. The insulation insert is operatively arranged to have multiple lips that mate with various indented ledges on each of the other segments in a location proximate to the surface of the cementitious segments. The insulating insert is also configured with wedge holes that accommodate wedges which press into the installation to maintain continuity of the block. The insulation insert has groves that in combination with the other segments form a trough in fluid communication with weep holes which extend through the insulation insert which allows for condensation and seepage of water to drain from the block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural element comprising of a rigid, hollow body having upper and lower, essentially parallel sides and interjacent side sections and configured in such a way that it can be positioned above a similarly configured structural element, and that it is locked to prevent movement orthogonally in relation to a subjacent, similarly configured structural element by such positioning, and that the structural element comprises one filling orifice (3) on the upper side of the structural element and one drain orifice (4) on the lower edge of one of the side sections of the structural element.

Abstract: The modular construction block is a modular construction element for forming structures such as earth retaining walls, for example. A plurality of modular construction blocks are provided for the formation of the desired structures, with each block being hollow so as to fill the structure with concrete. Rather than acting as a removable form for the construction of a concrete wall, for example, the blocks are left in place, forming part of the permanent structure. Each modular construction block includes a hollow parallelepiped frame having first and second laterally opposed walls secured to a pair of laterally opposed ends of the hollow frame. The upper end, the lower end and a pair of longitudinally opposed ends of the hollow frame all remain open for receiving poured concrete. Both horizontally and vertically adjacent ones of the blocks are secured to one another to form the structure.

Abstract: Surface facing materials structured for facing indoor and outdoor surfaces, consisting of facing sections having interdigitating connectors on opposing first and second surfaces so as to securely connect a long connecting-side of a section to a long connecting-side of an adjacent section and/or interdigitating connectors on each end so as to securely connect each section end to an end of an adjacent section, so as to provide light weight, moisture resistant, sound and heat insulating facing. One style of the facing section comprises a single row of thin-bricks positioned short end to short end securely adhered to an elongate, lightweight, insulating backing-panel having interdigitating connectors sized so as to accept a single row of bricks so as to result in a thin-bricked panel. In one preferred embodiment, from 2 to 10 thin-bricks are adhered end to end to a backing-panel forming an elongated row of thin-bricks on a backing panel.

Abstract: A mortarless interlocking building block for a building block system comprising a single light-weight block of the standard building block dimensions molded from plastic and configured to be separable into three-quarter, half and one-quarter sizes for accommodating prescribed wall dimension lengths and openings, including a feature for building interconnecting right-angle walls.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method of constructing walls of framed block assemblies including both exterior and interior partition walls which are assembled through an interlocking structure having dovetail tongues interlocked with dovetail channels. Includes are a plain wall, a wall with mortar for ornamentation, and a wall applied with straight longitudinal blocks.

Abstract: A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.

Abstract: A retaining wall with a series of differently sized, pre-formed blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to connect and align adjacent courses in registry. Retaining walls made of horizontal blocks may be stacked in columnar fashion or running bond fashion. The location of the indexing surface on a projection relative to the viewable surface of the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A palisade comprises visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides and intermediate end faces. One of the end faces is provided with a projecting convex head, while the other end face comprises a correspondingly formed concave receptacle for the head. When forming a palisade wall, the head of a palisade can engage in the receptacle of a neighboring palisade such that the head substantially completely fills the receptacle. To be able to bend neighboring palisades relative to one another over a large angle and to increase the design possibilities of a palisade wall, the head and the receptacle are disposed eccentrically on the respective end face and preferably in the corner region between the end face and the associated visible or wall surface.

Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disengageable interconnecting flooring system for use in forming a temporary or permanent flooring surface on top of a support structure from individual flooring panels. The system includes two or more flooring panels comprising a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with the support structure. The panels have at least three edges and all edges have recesses formed therein. The system further comprises a connector having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base. The projection extending from the base is shaped to be received in a disengageable vertical connected fashion into the recesses of the panels. Preferably, the connector is comprised of a base having a projection extending the entire length thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the connector and panels further comprise means for connecting the panels in a disengageable horizontal fashion.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of construction of a wall (40) from first, second and end modules (10, 20, 30) each forming part of the wall. The method includes assembly of two modules being first, end or first and end modules (10, 30) having portions forming part of the wall (40) by aligning these modules (10) in a desired alignment and connecting them together with connection means (50) to form a supporting structure (200) for second modules (20). The connection means (50) has a tie portion (51) generally extending in the direction of the alignment. The tie portion (51) has a portion corresponding with connection portions (26) of a second module (20) and cooperation of the corresponding tie portion (58), extending between guides (56) formed as part of the tie portion (51), with the connection portions (26) connects the second module (20) to the supporting structure (200). In such manner, a portion of a wall (40) may be constructed.

Abstract: Provided herein are blocks useful in the construction of walls and other structures. The blocks include in their design features which render them to be interlocking, and which provide for a wall constructed from the blocks to include a plurality of horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receive reinforcing rods (“rebar”). Once a two-dimensional network of rebar is disposed in the interior of such a wall constructed from blocks according to a preferred form of the invention, a castable concrete may be poured into the wall and caused to exist in the spaces between the rebar and the blocks of the invention. By such construction, a wall comprising concrete in its interior that is reinforced in two dimensions is provided, wherein reinforcement in the third dimension is provided by the interlocking feature of the tops and bottom portions of blocks in adjacent rows with one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disengageable interconnecting flooring system for use in forming a temporary or permanent flooring surface on top of a support structure from individual flooring panels. The system includes two or more flooring panels comprising a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with the support structure. The panels have at least three edges and all edges have recesses formed therein. The system further comprises a connector having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base. The projection extending from the base is shaped to be received in a disengageable vertical connected fashion into the recesses of the panels. Preferably, the connector is comprised of a base having a projection extending the entire length thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the connector and panels further comprise means for connecting the panels in a disengageable horizontal fashion.

Abstract: A connector for assembling and sealing laminate flooring panels which are separate from the connector, the connector comprising: a base; an extension attached to the base and having a mating member for mating with a flooring panel; and a seal attached to a member selected from the base and the extension. A method for manufacturing a connector for assembling and sealing laminate flooring panels which are separate from the connector, the method comprising: extruding a connector having a base and an extension attached to the base, wherein the extension has a mating member for mating with a flooring panel; and attaching a seal to the connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disengageable interconnecting flooring system for use in forming a temporary or permanent flooring surface on top of a support structure from individual flooring panels. The system includes two or more flooring panels comprising a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with the support structure. The panels have at least three edges and all edges have recesses formed therein. The system further comprises a connector having a base and a projection extending vertically from the base. The projection extending from the base is shaped to be received in a disengageable vertical connected fashion into the recesses of the panels. Preferably the connector is comprised of a base having a projection extending the entire length thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the connector and panels further comprise means for connecting the panels in a disengageable horizontal fashion.

Abstract: Generally large, typically eight feet by two inches by ten or sixteen or twenty-four inches, sidewalls for modular concrete forms are easily, efficiently and economically produced by cutting and by routing sheet-type polymeric material, preferably polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam. Metal connecting members are produced in standard sizes by cutting and bending sheet steel and/or wire. The sidewalls and connecting members are transported to a building site tightly and compactly in pieces, and then flexibly assembled into precision wall forms at the site with good efficiency at any scale. The wall forms so assembled define a cavity into which reinforcing steel rod, electrical and/or communications conduit, plumbing, etc., may be entered. Concrete is poured into the cavity to create a wall having the form sidewalls as its permanent surfaces.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.

Abstract: A clear, permanent form, for steel reinforced concrete structures. Sections of the clear form, are to be factory extruded, from a clear polyvinyl chloride material, so as to make the assembly of the forms, the installation of the steel and utilities, and the inspections that are required, easier. The clear forms will protect the steel reinforced concrete structures from the elements that cause these structures to fail. The clear form consists of two factory extruded profiles, that are totally different in shape. The sections that make up the form, can be modified, cut to any length or angle and assembled on site. It takes two sections, of one profile, to form both vertical sides of the form, and two sections, of the other profile, are horizontally inserted, between the vertical side sections, to create an elongated empty container. The assembled clear form is 7⅝ inches wide and 8 inches high, and is open on four sides.

Abstract: A brick with, preferably, two or three cylindrical passageways running from top to bottom, a cylindrical passageway running from one end to the opposite end, two linear grooves at one end and two linear projections at the other end which are of identical shape, and annular projections centered around the bores at top and annular grooves centered around the bores at the other side which are of identical shape. These passageways intersect, the linear grooves are slightly larger than the linear projections, and the annular grooves are slightly larger than the annular projections. The linear projections and grooves are spaced apart from the end-to-end cylindrical passageway, run from top to bottom and are preferably designed with a break for ease of assembly. When a group of bricks of are assembled into a wall, they will interlock in two different planes and will include interconnecting passageways in two planes. The bricks of this invention can be reinforced with rods or posts or filled with concrete or both.

Abstract: The dockboard in one embodiment includes three upper members and two lower members which can be stored and shipped unassembled and readily assembled in the field for use. Each of the members includes a plurality of spaced apart locking members extending from one side between opposite side edges. The locking members are spaced apart from each other between opposite support edges. The five members are assembled to form a dockboard by engaging selected locking members of the two lower members with selected locking members of the center upper member such that the center upper member overlaps adjacent support edges of the two lower members and sliding the center upper member and the two lower members together. Selected locking members of the two outer end upper members are engaged with the outer locking members of the two lower members and the two outer end upper members are slid onto the assembly to form the dockboard.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks are provided which are light in weight, and which may be assembled without use of mortar or other binding agent. Because the interlocking block is light in weight, it may be of a larger size than conventional blocks. Each interlocking block employs a number of projections and corresponding notches positioned and dimensioned to couple with adjacent interlocking block's projections and corresponding notches. A series of such interlocking blocks may then be assembled to form gravity retaining walls or any other rigid structures. The interlocking blocks are structurally strong enough to be used as form-work and may also be filled with insulating material, sound-proofing material, reinforcing material or any other advantageous material. The interlocking blocks may also be quickly assembled or disassembled in individualized constructions, may be pre-assembled into wall sections on or off a construction site.

Abstract: A concrete block is provided having half dovetail sections at opposite ends of the block arranged so that when placed together the dovetailed sections on adjoining blocks form a full dovetailed section which is just large enough to be received within a dovetail groove in the central portion of an adjacent identical block. The concrete blocks are provided with upper and lower longitudinal grooves for longitudinal members having the same exterior shape. In one form of the invention one side of the block may be made into a plant receptacle by providing a hollowed out section oriented upwardly. Insulating concrete blocks may also be combined with blocks formed of structural concrete to provide an interlocked wall having a portion of the wall made from insulated concrete material and another portion of the wall made from structural concrete material.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly for use with forms for forming a wall of pourable, curable material. Each assembly has a rod having opposite threaded ends and two spacers. Each of the spacers has a first conical section having a recessed opening at an apex region of a concave conical guide surface and a hexagonal recess surrounding the apex region, and a second conical section having a threaded bore communicating with the apex opening. The threaded bore has a coil thread nut integrated with the conical second section. The concave conical guide presents a target for directing a remotely inserted bolt towards the apex region for engagement with the coil thread nut.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is constructed in several distinct layers. Each layer is formed of a side-by-side arrangement of I-shaped subassemblies with backfill cheers defined between each pair of subassemblies. Each subassembly is constructed of generally planar elongated concrete blocks which interconnect to laterally secure the blocks to one another. Interconnections are provided by dovetail joints in which a tongue is vertically slid into a groove to prevent lateral separation. The dovetail elements extend only partially across the face of each block so that the block defining the groove is not excessively weakened by the groove.

Abstract: A wall construction includes a plurality of shaped bricks for dry attachment to one another. Each said brick has a first bearing surface which includes a groove formed with a recess, and a second bearing surface in substantially parallel relationship to the first bearing surface and provided with a key which is formed with a projection, wherein the projection and the recess are complementarily shaped and positioned such that the projection of a first brick is engageable with the recess of a second brick when the second brick is stacked on the first brick for restraining displacement in a longitudinal direction of the second brick relative to the first brick. The bricks are formed with chases extending perpendicular to the first and second bearing surfaces and including a central channel and semitubular channels formed at opposing end faces of the brick.

Abstract: A wall form structure comprises modular components, wherein individual components are fitted together to construct residential or commercial wall structures. The wall form structure has prefabricated inner and outer walls, a connecting member which is positioned between the walls, and column members to hold the walls against the connecting member. The column member is equipped with perpendicular connectors which are inserted into openings of the prefabricated walls. The connectors are sufficiently longer than the thickness of the wall and engage onto the connecting member. The connecting member includes a mesh area to restrict the flow of concrete poured into cavities defined by two walls and a plurality of connecting members. Concrete may be poured into all or selective cavities depending on the use and purpose of the wall structure. The prefabricated wall may comprise a base wall, a mesh, a screen, a brace, an insulation, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A prefabricated panel for buildings and constructions adapted to be interconnected by mortise-and-tenon coupling with other panels, comprising on at least one of its faces a series of projections (2, 7) followed by tenon couplings (3, 8) and/or mortise couplings (4, 9) in form of protuberances and recesses, at least one of the walls of said protuberances or recesses being resilient and thus facilitating a snug force fit between them when conveniently opposing the faces of two panels, the height of said projections (2, 7) being such that it determines a separation between the opposite faces of the two panels which forms a hollow chamber. The projections (2, 7) with tenon couplings (3, 8) and the mortise couplings (4, 9) are distributed at such a distance to each other that they offer interstitial gaps (11) through the free hollow space between panels. The interstitial gaps (11) of said hollow chamber allow to arrange therethrough different ductings and wirings in all directions.

Abstract: An adjustable erosion control wall includes a plurality of individual panels, each panel having a tongue projecting from one end and a groove formed in the opposing end. The panels of the retaining wall are pivotally and vertically slidably connected with the tongue of one panel engaged within the groove of an adjacent panel. Preferably, the tongue and groove have a generally cylindrical shape, and the panels have perforations therethrough of a diameter to permit water to flow therethrough but prevent the passage of soil therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete structures and methods for making walls and the like from precast concrete structures. Certain embodiments include an outer wall, and inner wall, and define a region between the walls into which reinforcing concrete may be added.

Abstract: Lightweight foam building blocks simplify the interlocking of the blocks when the blocks are being stacked, increase the resistance of the blocks to rotational forces which twist one block with respect to another, and decrease the passage of air and light intermediate interlocking block pairs.

Abstract: A fitting is intended for mounting and joining horizontal tongue-and-grooved panels to form an inner wall and an outer wall respectively in a timber building structure. The fitting includes two parts which can be moved linearly in relation to one another in the directions of arrows A and B. Each of the two fitting-parts includes a flanged dowel which is intended for insertion into holes pre-drilled in respective inner and outer panels. The fitting also includes two upper dowels which are intended to be firmly screwed onto the lower dowels. Further inner and outer panels are mounted on the upper dowels with the aid of the pre-drilled holes. This building method results in two free-standing walls, i.e., the inner and outer walls respectively.

Abstract: A concrete building block (2) has complementary projections (10) and recesses (12) to cause it to interlock with other blocks (2). A T-shaped channel (16, 26) on the top surface (4) receives an anchor member (32). A projecting end (36) of the member (32) may be secured to an anchor cable (104). The ends of a metal cable (22) are embedded in the block (2) with an eye portion (24) projecting into an increased depth channel portion (20). The lower surface (6) of the block (2) has parallel channels (28) for receiving the tines of a forklift. The channels (16, 28) have breakaway walls (18, 30) at their outer ends, which are not broken away unless the channels (16, 28) are to be used. The walls (18, 30) prevent concrete from flowing out of the channels (16, 28) when reinforcing concrete is poured through vertical openings (14) in the block (2). In molding the block (2), slugs (86) are releasably attached to opposite mold walls to form the openings (14).