Abstract: A modular building block apparatus for the construction of a coastal or river bank erosion defence or protection structure includes a plurality of blocks arranged in stacked rows, the blocks in each row having cooperating formations whereby the blocks in each row are interconnected with one another. Apertures formed in each block extend perpendicular to the rows, and a plurality of connector members extend through aligned apertures in adjacent rows of the blocks to interlock the rows to one another.

Abstract: A building block system of a plurality of transportable, lightweight, and reusable hollow prefabricated non-masonry interlocking mortarless building blocks that have corresponding mating formations being protuberances and concavities that run vertically up the building blocks being joined together and when aligned in a staggered manner upwardly are held together with threaded reinforcement rods extending vertically between and connected to the top and bottom channels through connectable couplings and capped off with complementary cap attachments.

Abstract: Provided are plaster patching compositions including lime, sand, perlite and gypsum. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions to reproduce, preserve, and/or repair plaster, for example, historic plaster.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course. Each leveling block has a leveling plate that engages a lower surface of the leveling block and includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks.

Abstract: A concrete girder includes a pair of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) side form members, each having a lower flange and a web perpendicular thereto, extending in the longitudinal direction and being prepared with UHPC by using a precast, the pair of UHPC side form members being disposed in parallel so that lateral side surfaces of the lower flanges are successively positioned; and concrete placed in a space between the pair of UHPC side form members so that the placed concrete is integrated with the pair of UHPC side form members to form both traverse side surfaces thereof and the lower flange forms a lower flange thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the Soloarmar construction system comprising an original wall construction method, in which the cavities in the blocks are precisely aligned in the vertical axis. According to the invention, the blocks are assembled using an inner engagement device such that resistant masonry can be produced quickly and specially adapted for clay or concrete blocks using specific industrial templates, machines, nozzles and dies designed by Soloarmar. The appearance and characteristics obtained are similar to those obtained with standard masonry techniques, but with the mixture only being used to lay the first course instead of between all of the blocks.

Abstract: A block wall system includes a plurality of T-shaped blocks having a head defining projecting load shoulders and a shaft having a first end attached to the head and a second end. There is also provided a plurality of complementary blocks having a first end and a second end. Each of the complementary blocks is shaped to fit securely between a pair of adjacent T-shaped blocks with the first end of each complementary block abutting the load shoulders of the T-shaped blocks to limit relative movement in a first axial direction. The preferred form to have the shaft of the T-shaped blocks wedge shaped and for the complementary blocks is to be wedge blocks. The wedge engagement between the wedge shaped shaft and the wedge blocks limits movement in a second axial direction.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wall block. The wall block (1) comprises a first wall (11), a second wall (12), a third wall (13) and a rib (14), wherein the first wall (11) is in parallel with the second wall (12), the third wall (13) is securely connected between the two walls, at the two respective ends of the two walls; the rib (14) is connected fixedly between the first wall (11) and the second wall (12), and forms a hollow portion (17) with the third wall (13). With the technical solution, as the wall block has a hollow structure, a load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) may be arranged directly in the hollow structure of the wall block, unlike the traditional wall blocks which need to be piled up around the load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) at a large amount. Therefore, the wall block of the present invention can save time for piling up the same and improve construction efficiency.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for using building blocks for construction that does not require mortar, internal columns or additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. The block includes a removable face for allowing access to space for infrastructural elements like wires and pipes. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure.

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 multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that together form a vertically oriented hollow core bounded by the inner walls of the face unit and the anchor unit. Each face unit and anchor unit pair are interlocked by complementary connector elements.

Abstract: The invention is related to a building block for use in interlocking with a plurality of similar building blocks for constructing a building. The building block includes a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, a first end and a second end. The building block also includes at least one substantially vertical hollow (web) and at least one substantially horizontal channel, wherein the at least one horizontal channel is disposed along one of the upper face and the lower face. In addition, each of the first end and the second end includes at least one header face, wherein at least one the header face can be one of a substantially planar face, a male header face and a female header face. Each of the male header face and the female header face includes one or more patterns for interlocking.

Abstract: A wall construction block includes a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of webs extending between the front and rear surfaces to define at least one void. The front surface and back surface have first vertical ends and second vertical ends opposite the first vertical ends. The wall construction block further includes structures on the first vertical ends defining an interior protrusion and a shoulder, and structures on the second vertical ends defining an outer protrusion and a recess. The interior protrusions of the first vertical ends are adapted to interfit with the recesses on the second vertical ends of an adjacent wall construction block, and a channel is defined that extends in a height direction and is adapted to channel a fluid.

Abstract: A structural unit includes a first face shell; a second face shell positioned opposite the first face shell; at least one central web connecting the first face shell to the second face shell; a first partial web forming a gap between an end of the first partial web and a first edge of the second face shell, and defining a first cavity; and a second partial web forming a gap between an end of the second partial web and a second edge of the second face shell, and defining a second cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing and using modular building blocks. The blocks may include two walls, a course, end conditions, a reinforcing assembly, and vertical and lateral retaining members. The walls may include lateral supports disposed lengthwise on a top and a bottom surface. Lateral retainer members may be disposed into the lateral supports. The walls may also include channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Vertical retainer members may be disposed into the channels. The course may be disposed between and coupled to the walls and characterized by one or more turns. The reinforcing assembly may be set inside the walls and the course. The reinforcing assembly may include wire mesh portions disposed to form interlocks, where the interlocks provide structural support for the channels. The modular building blocks may be coupled together with structurally complimentary end conditions.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a light fixture to a wall includes a mounting device having a flat plate with a leading edge, a trailing edge, and top and bottom planar surfaces extending between the leading and trailing edges. An elongated slot is formed in the flat plate and extends along the leading edge of the flat plate. The mounting device has a storage compartment underlying the flat plate for defining an enclosed area extending between the leading and trailing edges of the flat plate. The mounting system includes a conduit adapter coupled with the storage compartment. The conduit adapter has at least opening aligned with the rear opening of the storage compartment for providing access to the enclosed area of the storage compartment. A conduit, adapted to receive electrical wiring, is coupled with the at least one opening. Electrical wiring is passed through the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wall block. The wall block (1) comprises a first wall (11), a second wall (12), a third wall (13) and a rib (14), wherein the first wall (11) is in parallel with the second wall (12), the third wall (13) is securely connected between the two walls, at the two respective ends of the two walls; the rib (14) is connected fixedly between the first wall (11) and the second wall (12), and forms a hollow portion (17) with the third wall (13). With the technical solution, as the wall block has a hollow structure, a load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) may be arranged directly in the hollow structure of the wall block, unlike the traditional wall blocks which need to be piled up around the load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) at a large amount. Therefore, the wall block of the present invention can save time for piling up the same and improve construction efficiency.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course. Each leveling block has a leveling plate that engages a lower surface of the leveling block and includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks.

Abstract: A deck block adapted to be interconnected with other deck blocks to form an insulating deck for casting concrete. The deck block comprising a foam panel at least one hole extending into the panel from the one end toward an opposing end such that the hole has an open end and a closed end. At least one protrusion extends from the panel and the protrusion is matingly receivable in at least a portion of a hole of a like panel to interconnect the panels in an end-to-end relationship. The panel has a vertical groove extending from a bottom surface and intersecting the opening of the panel to provide a fluid flow channel from the opening to the bottom surface of the panel when the like panels are interconnected. The protrusion has a horizontal groove extending along a lower end thereof from a distal end of the protrusion to a proximal end thereof so as to intersect the vertical groove.

Abstract: A wall block, wall block system and method of making a wall block. The wall block including at least one core extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the at least one core having opposed front and rear surfaces and first and second side surfaces the wall block also including at least one pin hole opening onto the top surface of the block and extending at least a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one pin hole may open onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the at least one core. The block may be provided with channels; the pin hole, channels and core may all be formed in a mold box by a single forming member.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an interlocking masonry block including a rear face, a front face, at least one aperture extending vertically through said block for receiving a flowable concrete mixture used in core filling, and at least one generally vertical side being registerable with an opposing side of an abutting block to inhibit movement of said flowable concrete out through a vertical interface between said blocks.

Abstract: A structural element for use as a brick, construction block, panel, floor or suchlike in the building trade, comprises at least one part made of conglomerate material, such as concrete and suchlike, to which an insert made of insulating or filling material is constrained, to define peripherally at least a connection face for connection to another structural element, the connection face has visible a first surface of the insert and at least a connected second surface of the part made of conglomerate material. On the connection face one or more other structural elements are able to be combined, along a support plane (R, R1, R2) provided in correspondence with the connection face, so as to be laid and stably connected by means of a layer of binder material. The second surface has a seating made longitudinally and lowered with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2), on which seating the layer of binder material is located. The seating has a determinate depth (D), with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2).

Abstract: A self-reinforced masonry block comprises a main body having opposed substantially parallel stacking surfaces and at least one tubular cell defined therethrough from one stacking surface to the other. At least one confining reinforcement is embedded in the main body to surrounding a corresponding cell. Each confining reinforcement extends substantially entirely along the longitudinal length of its corresponding cell and terminates inwardly of the stacking surfaces. The self-reinforced masonry blocks may be used in construction of a grout-filled, vertically reinforced masonry block wall, with the self-reinforced masonry blocks being used for those portions of the wall where the grouted cells are prone to crushing due to high levels of compressive stress, and conventional unreinforced masonry blocks being used for other portions of the wall. A method for making the self-reinforced masonry blocks is also described.

Abstract: A corner block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two spaced-apart side sections that jointly define a through-cavity that extends through the block from a top face thereof to a bottom face. Upper protrusions are provided on the top face of the block, and lower protrusions are provided inside the cavity at the bottom of the block. The upper and lower protrusions are configured and arranged relative to one another so that when two corner blocks are stacked one atop another with one block rotated 90 degrees relative to the other, the upper protrusions of the lower block interlock with the lower protrusions of the upper block to interlock the two blocks. The corner blocks are constructed in two variants, a corner block A and a corner block B, which are mirror images or opposite hands of each other. The corner blocks A and B are alternately stacked upon one another to construct a 90-degree corner of a segmental retaining wall or other wall structure.

Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.

Abstract: An engineered block for a landscape wall includes front and rear faces, first and second sidewalls, a top surface extending between upper ends of the front and rear faces, and a bottom surface extending between lower ends of the front and rear faces. A stepped cavity is formed in the top surface of the engineered block. The stepped cavity is located adjacent the front face of the engineered block and includes a first step having a first horizontal, and a shallower second step, adjacent the first step, having a second horizontal surface. A mounting device adapted to receive a light fixture is seated within the stepped cavity. The mounting device has a flat plate seated upon the second step and a storage compartment for wire seated upon the first step. A top planar surface of the flat plate is coplanar with the top surface of the engineered block.

Abstract: A systems for a permeable pavement system is described. The permeable pavement system includes blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The blocks may be unified together with the use of a cable inserted through each block to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The paving units may be moved with loops on the ends of the cables. Multiple paving units may be linked together with lock blocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved building block formed of recycled straw stalks, a mold for forming the block, and a method of forming the block. The improved block provides a moisture and pest resistant building block having high dimensional tolerances and being capable of long term use without structural degradation.

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: Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.

Abstract: A prefabricated building module made of multiple layers of plastic blocks or hollow plastic forms aligned between upper and lower sheet steel channels which are held together with circular steel bars extending vertically between and connected to the top and bottom channels, through guide conduit orifices in the plastic blocks or the hollow plastic forms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.

Abstract: A mold for making dry cast concrete blocks includes a pair of vertical shoulder forming sections, one along each of the opposite sides of the mold to form vertical front shoulders of a block. Each shoulder forming section has a shoulder roughening arrangement to result in molded, roughened shoulders of the block. Methods of making such blocks and the resulting block are included.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide unitary building units having a cultured stone face and the method and apparatus for making such building units.

Abstract: A building block assembly includes a block that has a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a front side and a back side. The block has a plurality of apertures therein extending into the top side and outwardly from the bottom side. Each of the apertures is defined by a perimeter wall. The perimeter walls of each of the apertures is cylindrically shaped and has threading grooves therein. The apertures are aligned with each other along a line orientated perpendicular to the front side and are equally spaced from the first and second lateral sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block useful in the construction of walls and structures that is shaped in the general form of a rectangular solid. A horizontal channel extends along the entire length dimension of the block, open coincident with the top of the block. An open vertical channel associated with each end faces outwards toward an adjacent masonry block end. A protruding portion extends from the flat bottom with the same width of the open channel on the top, so that an interlocking connection is formed. A protruding rectangular portion is optionally incorporated into the front face portion, and also optionally into the rear face portion, leaving a recess along one end, and along the top, so that when assembled into a wall, the recessed parts of the face portion give the appearance of mortar joints. Vertical and horizontal rebar may be set within the aligned channels of the blocks when assembled into a wall.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.

Abstract: A method of making a wall block and a mold box therefore. The wall block design maximizes the use of the mold box. The method produces wall blocks having a large surface area front face compared to the front face size of prior art blocks. The blocks have about one third more front surface area. This results in faster construction of walls and a faster construction sequence. The method of making the blocks makes efficient use of mold space and material, resulting in higher production yields and/or higher total daily production square footage.

Abstract: A brick assembly includes multiple bricks and each brick has at least one rib and at least one slot respectively on two sides thereof so as to be connected side-by-side. Each brick includes multiple passages defined through the top surface and the bottom surface thereof and multiple first recesses are defined in the top surface and multiple second recesses are defined in the bottom surface of the brick. Each of the first and second recesses communicates with two passages. A U-shaped reinforcement bar extends through the two passages and the connection portion connected between two ends of the two legs is engaged with the second recess and a plate is engaged with the first recess. The two legs extend through the plate and are securely connected with two nuts.

Abstract: A concrete revetment block having interlocking arms and sockets and an array of vegetation holes. Two arms and two sockets are formed in the block to provide interlocking capabilities with neighbor blocks of a mat. One arm of the block is constructed with a partial thickness and one socket is constructed with a partial depth, thereby providing vertical interlocking capabilities with the neighbor blocks. An array of holes is formed through the block to allow vegetation to grow therethrough. Various holes are located in the block to allow easy grasping of the block by a workman for lifting the same. The holes are formed in the core square of the block, with respective diameters related to the thickness of the block to maximize the hydraulic stability of the block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building block (2) comprising embedded light transmitting fibres (6) in a cast material (4), where the fibers are arranged in the cast material from a first lateral surface (8) of the building block to an opposite second lateral surface (10) of the same, whereby a fiber end, respectively, is arranged to end up at a respective position (12) on the first lateral surface (8), and the other end of the fiber is arranged to end up at a respective position (14) on the second lateral surface, whereby the fibers (6), respectively, permits transfer of light through the building block emitted from a light source arranged behind either of the lateral surfaces (8, 10), that the cast material (4) and the embedded fibers (6) therein constitute a building block (2) with a homogeneous structure that can receive load and further that a plurality of fibers (6) are evenly distributed over substantially the whole lateral surface (8, 10), respectively, whereby light can be emitted from the evenly

Abstract: An improved dry stack insulated building block and block wall system, the block having a first and a second side wall, a central web interposed between the side walls, a pair of end transverse webs, and a pair of intermediate transverse webs. The side walls, central web, and transverse webs define a first, a second, and a third cell. A first cell core, second cell core, and a pair of third cell cores of insulative material are inserted in the respective cells. The cell cores have trapezoidal shaped ear members which matingly fit in notches in the transverse webs, the trapezoidal shaped ear members providing for the creation of a notch gap between the base of the ear members and the notch bottom of the respective notches, thereby accommodating crumbing in the notch bottom.

Abstract: In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection.

Abstract: A system for constructing masonry block walls having spaced-apart pilasters and panels supported by and extending between the pilasters. In certain embodiments, the pilasters are constructed from stacks of pilaster blocks which are secured together using at least one vertical, post-tensioned reinforcing member, without the use of grout to connect the reinforcing members to the pilaster blocks. The pilasters are constructed from at least two laterally spaced-apart stacks of pilaster blocks positioned on opposite sides of the wall. The panels are constructed from courses of panel blocks, and do not require the use of mortar to connect adjacent blocks. The pilasters provide an arrangement in which a panel can supported in an upright position by virtue of one end portion being positioned between two stacks of blocks of a first pilaster and the opposite end portion of the panel being positioned between two stacks of blocks of a second pilaster.

Abstract: Concrete wall blocks are described with features facilitating use of the wall blocks to construct each of: a wall section with set back; and, a vertical wall without set back. Wall blocks, kits or sets of wall blocks, and wall sections with various sized blocks are described. Further methods of assembly and use are described. Also, features selectively usable in various types of wall blocks are described.

Abstract: An interlocking modular building block system for mortarless cavity wall construction having blocks configured such that upon grouting, the cavity is solidly filled in a unified mass. Four block configurations are provided, namely runner, half, corner, and end block units. The runner has a length two times its width, and the other blocks have the same width and length as the width of the runner. Common to all blocks is a pair of parallel offset solid walls forming the outside and inside walls while creating vertical and horizontal positive and negative alignment features. The offset walls also form flat horizontal and vertical surfaces where successive units meet upon alignment. These walls are connected by one or more transverse membranes, with the exception of the corner block, where the walls are joined end to end at right angles.