Abstract: An enclosure member for a building structure comprising a planar laminate having a first facing layer; a layer of foam having a first face and a second opposing face; and a second facing layer; where the first facing layer is fastened to the first face of the layer of foam, and the second facing layer is fastened to the second opposing face of the layer of foam. An edge of the enclosure is provided with a perimeter structure that can perform one or more of a sealing function, an edge reinforcement function and a pivotable joining function with another enclosure, in accordance with the particular embodiment.

Abstract: A modular window assembly including a base frame, an interior frame cover, and an exterior frame cover. The base frame has a first complementary fastener located on an exterior face and a second complementary fastener located on an interior face. Each of the interior and exterior frame covers have a complementary fastener configured to releasably mate with the first and second complementary fasteners of the interior face and exterior face, respectively.

Abstract: Construction unit (1) for building up a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) comprises at least two girders (3a, 3b) and multiple uprights (4), wherein the construction unit (1) comprises a first construction profile (4), a second construction profile (5) and a third construction profile (6), wherein the first construction profile (4) is provided to serve as an upright (4) and the second and the third construction profile (5, 6) are each provided to be part of a respective girder (3a, 3b), wherein each construction unit (1) is provided to form only one upright (4) of a frame (2) and that multiple such construction units (1) are provided to be successively interconnected so that the first construction profiles (4) of successively construction units (1) extend at a distance from one another.

Abstract: A gap bridging device including two anchoring devices that anchor the gap bridging device at two building elements that are separated from each other by a gap; and a bridging device that is connected with one of the two anchoring devices respectively at longitudinal sides of the bridging device that are arranged opposite to each other, so that position changes of the building elements relative to each other are compensated by a shape-change of the bridging device, wherein the two anchoring devices respectively include a base element that is anchorable at one of the two building elements and a top element that is connected with the base element by a plurality of bolts in a force transferring manner and connected with the gap bridging device.

Abstract: Modular building methods and systems using lightweight foam modular panels. Each panel includes one or more channels formed through the length of the foam body, where the channels are configured to receive splines therein. The channels may include pairs of top and pairs of bottom channels, each channel being offset from the center of the foam body, so that the channels are oriented towards the respective panel faces. Splines may also be positioned along the top and bottom of the panel (such splines forming a web center portion of an I-beam). In combination with the splines in the top and bottom channels, these web center portion splines form horizontally extending I-beams at the top and bottom of each panel, so that stacked panels include a horizontally extending I-beam there between. Side-by-side panels include vertical posts there between, such that the system forms a post and beam construction system.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a device for coupling two vertical components, comprising a girder made of wood, in particular glued laminated timber, and a connector for each end face of the girder for connecting the end faces to one of the vertical components each. Each connector has two fittings, one of which is mounted via one side on the respective end face of the girder and the other of which can be mounted via one side on the associated vertical component and which fittings can be brought via their other sides into abutment against one another. Further, each connector has two tensioning jaws, which grasp the fittings at diametrical ends and can be tensioned against one another by means of at least one tensioning element running approximately parallel to said other sides. The girder has a bottom chord made of steel, which bottom chord is anchored at each end face of the girder to the fitting mounted thereon. At least one tensioning member is provided for tensioning the bottom chord.

Abstract: A weather resistant temporary wall system and method useful for forming a temporary barrier during building construction or renovation includes a series of modular wall panels that may be removably fit together in the size needed. The wall panels have complimentary shaped edge profiles that form a protective barrier against water penetration. The wall panels may be assembled on site in vertically stacked relationship between a pair of support posts which extend from floor to ceiling. The side edges of the wall panels have edge profiles that are complimentary in shape to the side edges of the support posts such that the panels may be removably attached to the support posts. The wall panels may further include a string reinforced polyethylene material for increased strength.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a connector assembly comprises a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel. The first side collector and second side collector can be configured to directly mate with each other to hold to panels together.

Abstract: Simplification of the manufacture of composite material fuselages for aircraft, as well as mass reduction of fuselage sections and space optimization inside such fuselage sections. To accomplish this, it is proposed to use stringers of a new type which have a closed transverse section, and which are thus able to be self-positioned relative to one another by being positioned edge-to-edge on a stringer supporting structure, such as the outer surface of a mandrel. The installation of the stringers in grooves of conjugate shape is by this means made unnecessary. The stringers have cut-outs located between circumferential frames, and are able to house utility systems.

Abstract: Siding attachment system is disclosed having a base and an attachment member. The base has an engaging wall extending from a back plate. The engaging wall has a plurality of base teeth. The back plate is configured to attach to a support wall. The attachment member has a receiving wall extending from a mounting plate. The receiving wall has a receiving opening configured to receive the engaging wall. The receiving wall comprises two interior walls adjacent the receiving opening. Each interior wall comprises one or more receiving teeth extending into the receiving opening to engage one or more of the base teeth to releasably join the attachment member to the base. The mounting plate comprises a surface for supporting siding.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: An insulated enclosure includes a plurality of walls, each of the walls comprising structural insulated panels joined to adjoining structural insulated panels by joints. Each of the structural insulated panels includes a frame having a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame member, a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and siding members disposed on opposing sides of the frame to define a cavity therebetween. The vertical frame members define, on an outwardly disposed surface thereof, a plurality of vertical recesses and projections. The joints between the plurality of structural insulated panels are butyl-free and include butyl-free compressible seals disposed between opposing recesses and projections in adjoining structural insulated panels. Insulation is disposed within the structural insulated panels and within at least a portion of at least one structural insulated panel vertical frame member.

Abstract: A deck plank has at least one base, a top board and two reinforcing ribs. The at least one base includes a carrier board and a plurality of support columns. The support columns extend from a bottom surface of the carrier board. The top board is mounted on a top of the at least one base and has two receiving cavities therein for receiving the reinforcing ribs. To construct a deck, a plurality of deck planks are placed side by side on the ground. The top boards are spaced from the ground by the support columns of the base such that the moisture from the ground does not penetrate the top board to cause the top board to become damp and rot. In addition, the top board is structurally reinforced by the reinforcing ribs to prevent deformation.

Abstract: A fastening system for use with a modular panel assembly having at least two panels includes one or more securing apertures formed through a first panel and one or more engaging projections provided on a second panel, each one of the engaging projections being sized and positioned to be engageable with a corresponding one of the securing apertures on the first panel. Panels for use in forming a modular panel assembly, modular containers, and methods of constructing modular containers are provided.

Abstract: An insulated panel arrangement includes hook assemblies and pin assemblies to secure two panels together. The skin of at least one panel extends beyond the end face of the panel and is received in a recess in the skin of the adjacent panel so the two panels can be welded together to form a flat, continuous planar skin.

Abstract: A panel comprised of at least one connector that facilitates connection with an adjacent panel. An exemplary embodiment of a panel may be comprised of a female connector and a male connector such that the male connector may be inserted in a female connector of an adjacent, substantially similar panel. The female connector may include a ridge, and the male connector may include a flange. An exemplary embodiment of a panel assembly may be formed when a male connector of one panel is inserted in a female connector of another panel such that the flange of the male connector slides over the ridge of the female connector to interlock the panels.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, all three sheets being parallel in plane; a first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the top, the middle, and the bottom sheets; an upper plenum defined by a spacing between the top sheet and the middle sheet; a lower plenum defined by a spacing between the middle sheet and the bottom sheet; a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created in each plenum for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel.

Abstract: A thermally reflective panel assembly for use in a structure, the roof panel assembly comprising an exterior panel having opposing outer and inner surfaces separated by exterior panel edge surfaces; an interior panel having opposing outer and inner surfaces separated by interior panel edge surfaces that are aligned with the exterior panel edge surfaces; an intermediate section fixed to the inner surfaces of the exterior panel and the interior panel to define compartments between the exterior and interior panels; and at least one layer of metallic material fixed to at least one surface of the compartments.

Abstract: A deck surfacing system is installed over an existing surface. The deck surfacing system comprises a plurality of planks. Spacers are located between at least some of the planks. The planks have top, bottom, and side surfaces. The side surfaces of the planks have side recesses. When installed, portions of the spacers are embedded in the side recesses of the planks. In addition to spacing the planks horizontally, the spacers can resist vertical and/or lengthwise movement of adjacent planks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints, and window flange, coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One of more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: An insulated panel arrangement includes pin support members and rod support members having end surfaces that bear against the end faces of the panel skins, with at least a portion of the end surfaces of the pin support members lying directly opposite the end surfaces of the rod support members.

Abstract: An insulated enclosure includes a plurality of walls, each of the walls comprising structural insulated panels joined to adjoining structural insulated panels by joints. Each of the structural insulated panels includes a frame having a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame member, a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and siding members disposed on opposing sides of the frame to define a cavity therebetween. The vertical frame members define, on an outwardly disposed surface thereof, a plurality of vertical recesses and projections. The joints between the plurality of structural insulated panels are butyl-free and include butyl-free compressible seals disposed between opposing recesses and projections in adjoining structural insulated panels. Insulation is disposed within the structural insulated panels and within at least a portion of at least one structural insulated panel vertical frame member.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a construction kit for small structures that can be built without tools and used as a shelter for animals, or an amusement device for people. In one embodiment, the kit includes two sizes of wall pieces and two sizes of corner pieces that connect to create a solid structure capable of withstanding the elements of nature. The wall and corner pieces have cavities that are arranged on the top, bottom and sides of the pieces. The pieces connect to each other using common connectors that fit snugly into the cavities. The pieces can be used to create a variety of differently sized and shaped structures. The preferred embodiment further comprises pieces that are used to create a roof structure and a floor structure that connect to the wall and corner pieces using connectors and said cavities. In the preferred embodiment the pieces are made of plastic using plastic-injection manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An armor component includes a plurality of tiles disposed on a rigid support. At least one spacer is disposed between the adjacent edges of the tiles to establish a minimum gap between the adjacent edges. The gap is filled with a gap filling material, which optionally includes a reinforcement additive. The spacers can be in the form of a spacer tray having a plurality of spacer segments and a plurality of tile cut-outs, with the tile cut-outs separated from adjacent tile cut-outs by a spacer segment, and tiles disposed one to each tile cut-out in the spacer tray. The armor component is in some embodiments placed between two fabric layers and fed into a pultruder, where it is impregnated with resin and heated to cure the resin to form a laminate armor.

Abstract: The invention provides snap fit pultrusion housing elements for joining structurally insulated panels suitable for housing and shelter construction. The housing elements include a pultruded panel body member having at least one edge, and a pultruded snap lock fitting on the edge adapted for fastenerless engagement with a complementary fitting on an adjacent panel body member.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A wall element includes a substantially rectangular shape with a first and a second side substantially parallel to each other, and a third side extending between the first and second side. In at least one embodiment, the wall element includes a first continuous layer of high performance concrete; a second continuous layer of high performance concrete, the second layer is substantially parallel to the first layer; a first elongated load bearing element; a second elongated load bearing element; and a transverse load bearing beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to a construction element (1) which is suitable for cladding the walls of buildings. The element (1) is made of synthetic plastics material, has a generally planar exterior decorable face (2) and a hollow interior face opposite the exterior face, and is preferably fire resistant, fibre reinforced, UV-stabilized, biocidal and formed by moulding. The exterior face (2) is decorated with a decorable finish which is in the form of a sprayable mixture of a polymer or resin and any one or more of a has formations (5, 7, 9) located within the hollow which facilitate securemtne of the element to a wall.

Abstract: A panel (10) for making a building construction includes a panel body (12) made from an insulating material manufactured from a plastic material preferably expanded polystyrene, which has projecting elements (26, 28, 30) which extend from a face (16) of the panel and which define elements for spacing the panel at a distance apart from a counteropposing panel.

Abstract: Spacers and a spacing strip for use in an outer wall of a building between the outer vertical surface of its underlying structure and the inner surface of siding through which the siding is nailed to the underlying structure to provide a ventilation space between the rear surface of the siding and the outer surface of the underlying structure. Ventilation channels can be provided at both the lower and upper ends of the ventilation space to facilitate movement of air to the atmosphere from such a ventilation space.

Abstract: An insulated building panel includes a male connector configuration as well as a female connector configuration that are both formed of generally bent surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of an insulating foam core so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge into a generally U shaped configuration with the outer edge of the U bent downwardly towards the interior of the panel. The female connector is bent back almost towards itself and terminates in a curvilinear gutter portion. The female portion includes a detent edge that defines a shallow receptacle into which a male detent edge is inserted so as to lock the male and female connectors in a nested position, thereby securing two panels together.

Abstract: A partition system may include one or more panels. A panel may be constructed using blow-molded plastic. A panel may include one or more depressions, which may be aligned with one or more depressions on an opposing side of the panel. The depressions may provide additional structural integrity for a panel. The depressions on opposing sides of the panel may extend toward and engage each other. The panels may include patterns with which one or more depressions may intersect. The panels may include symmetric patterns on opposing sides. The partition system may include one or more connectors adapted to receive a portion of one or more panels. The partition system may include one or more feet that may be attached to one or more panels. The panels may include one or more reinforcing members of various shapes disposed proximate one or more edges of a panel.

Abstract: A roof curb is shipped in a disassembled state to an installer who assembles, sizes, locates and configures the curb to accommodate slope on any roof without welding or metal cutting. The curb includes an aluminum walls, each having a channel for receiving the bottom edge of a board, which may be taper cut according to the pitch of the roof to provide a level surface for supporting an appliance. Methods of making and installing the roof curb also are disclosed.

Abstract: A double-walled panel for building includes a double-walled main body defining an inner space and two opposite open sides, and being internally provided with a plurality of spacing boards to divide the inner space into a plurality of chambers, and each of the chambers having two opposite open ends at the two open sides of the main body; a working liquid stored in the chambers in the main body; and at least two sealing covers for sealing the two open sides of the main body as well as the two open ends of each of the chambers. The double-walled panel may be used as a ceiling panel or a partition panel. The working liquid stored in the chambers not only helps in lowering indoor temperature in normal use conditions, but also helps in putting out fire when the building is on fire.

Abstract: The wall is formed by stacking hollow plastic modular elements (1), with dovetailing on their upper and lower faces, from a lower metal channel (2) up to another, upper metal channel (3), the structure being stiffened by means of vertical (1) via vertical conduits in the modules that extend from the lower channel (2) to the upper channel (3).

Abstract: A protective wall (1) for shielding against laser beams, in particular those stemming from welding machines, wherein the protective wall (1) contains light-alloy shaped sections (10-13) that are essentially rectangular and incorporates chambers that are formed by interior walls (2), and profilings that are formed on the front and/or side, wherein the light-alloy shaped sections (10-14) are lined up and connected side wall to side wall in an individually removable manner to form the protective wall (20, 22; 21, 23; 24, 25) in such a way that the profiling on the side is implemented step-like from a front wall (26) to a back wall (27).

Abstract: A mate line closure and aesthetic structural embellishment for structures, included modular buildings. A pair of elongated modular elements, forming part of a modular unit, are provided, having junction ends proximate one another when assembled as the modular unit. A key joins the modular elements at the junction ends, the key forming a finished union with opposite side plates and a bottom plate. The modular unit is installed in portions in a building, such as at a mate line, and is preferably secured to an under support installed before the elements of the modular unit are then installed.

Abstract: A modular building panel having an inner frame, an exterior planar surface, an interior planar surface parallel with but separated from the exterior planar surface by the frame, a generally hollow core disposed between the exterior and interior surfaces, a first side with a longitudinally aligned incurvate aperture, a second side parallel to the first side with a lateral projection congruent with the incurvate aperture, the first and second sides being configured to form an interlocking joint when a lateral projection is coupled with an incurvate aperture and one or more weather seals longitudinally disposed along at least a portion of the interlocking joint. The modular panels may be configured as either wall or roofing panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel and a locking system for panels with edge profiles provided on at least two opposite edges of the panels for the positive connection of similar panels, including an edge profile designed as a groove profile, with an upper groove wall and a lower groove wall, and an edge profile designed as a tongue profile, with a notch projection on the underside of the tongue that engages a notch recess in a the lower groove wall on an adjacent panel in the assembled state, where the engaged edge profiles form an articulated joint that acts to restore the panels to their installation plane when deflected either up or down, where the upper groove wall has a flank on the inside that opens towards the free end of the groove wall.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly for a sports flooring system includes a plurality of sub-floor panel components each formed of a plastic material and each having a formed channel wherein the formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components are linearly aligned. A first strip of anchoring material is disposed within the linearly aligned formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components and is used to attach a plurality of flooring strips to the sub-floor panel components.

Abstract: A building product which includes a hollow extrudate, unitary reinforcing ribs resisting collapse of the hollow extrudate and, in an embodiment, an exterior surface comprises a low gloss, textured pattern having a gloss level of less than about 50 on a 60° glossmeter, in which the textured pattern extends for about 2-20 feet. Methods and an apparatus for manufacturing such products are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A trailer wall construction having reduced weight. A trailer wall construction includes a spherical shaped corner at a juncture of three walls. Each of the walls includes at least one panel having spaced apart inner and outer shells. Another trailer wall construction includes a generally vertically extending front or side wall and a floor. The floor and front or side wall each includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells. A curved connector connects a lower edge of the front or side wall to an edge of the floor. Yet another trailer wall construction includes a wall with panels attached to one another along opposing edges of the panels, each of the panels including spaced apart inner and outer shells. One connector is attached to each of the panels along a third edge. Another connector is attached to each of the panels along a fourth edge.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a spectrally selective film laminate disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block and to establish an U-factor of 0.35 or less with a S.H.G.C. of 0.39 or less. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.