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: A wall block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. A three-block system for constructing walls includes a small, medium, and large block, each having two differently sized faces that can serve as the exposed face on one side of a wall. The small, medium, and large blocks can be manufactured using a single mold that is configured to provide a roughened texture resembling natural stone on two opposing faces of each block.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods for constructing a dry-stacked retaining wall that is reinforced to increase the sliding resistance of the wall. In particular embodiments, a concrete footing or base is formed in trench below the lowermost course of retaining wall blocks and extends upwardly into voids in the lowermost course of the wall. The voids can be, for example, chambers or openings defined between adjacent blocks or vertically extending cores formed in the blocks.

Abstract: A wall block includes an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. The length of a block face may be a multiple of its height, and the blocks otherwise are formed such that blocks may be stacked with the top surface of one block in abutment with a bottom surface of a vertically adjacent block or, optionally, with the top or bottom surface of one block in abutment with a side surface of a vertically adjacent block. The blocks may be manufactured in different sizes, such that their faces are of different lengths and heights, thereby enabling the construction of walls or fences of highly variable appearances.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for making masonry blocks with one or more surfaces having a roughened texture resembling that of a split block or natural stone. In one embodiment, a mold comprises a plurality of walls defining at least one mold cavity adapted to receive block-forming material. The mold defines an opening through which a formed, uncured block may be removed from the mold. At least one wall of the mold has a plurality of projections extending into the mold cavity so as to contact an adjacent surface of the uncured block in the mold cavity. The projections are positioned such that when the uncured block is removed from the mold, the projections texture the adjacent surface of the uncured block.