Abstract: This invention relates to a wall element for use in constructing walls, and a wall system constructed of two parallel rows of a plurality of the wall elements laid in courses in interconnecting relationship, the wall system being used as construction forms for retaining fluid concrete poured into the space therebetween, whereby the two walls remain as a permanent part of the completed wall system, and a method of constructing the described wall system from the wall elements and accessory parts. The invention includes a wall element for use in association with other similar wall elements in the construction of a wall. The wall element has a top, a bottom, two side and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom surface thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite top or bottom surface thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top surface of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A footing is poured with an inner row and an outer row of upwardly projecting tie legs set therein. An inner course and an outer course of blocks having appropriate downwardly opening sockets are respectively placed on the footing, with the tie legs being received in those sockets. The blocks also have upwardly opening sockets. Downwardly projecting legs of H-shaped ties are mounted in those sockets, each tie uniting an inner block and an outer block in the same course. The upwardly projecting legs of these H-shaped ties then receive the downwardly opening sockets of the next upper inner and outer courses of blocks, and so on until the desired number of block courses are in place. No mortar is used in setting the first course on the foundation or in setting each succeeding course. However, when the courses are in place, concrete or equivalent settable composition is poured in the space between the inner and outer block rows to fill the space and thus create an integral wall.