Abstract: Building blocks include a tongue and groove on each block that allow the blocks to be placed in a way that interlocks the tongue and groove of one block with the corresponding groove and tongue, respectively, of another block facing the opposite direction. In a first embodiment, the same building block that has a decorative front face is used for both sides of the wall, resulting in a wall with opposed finished surfaces. In a second embodiment, a first plurality of blocks that have a decorative front face are used for one side of the wall, while a second plurality of blocks that have a thicker and non-decorative face are used for the other side of the wall, with the first and second plurality of blocks interlocking back-to-back via their respective tongues and grooves. Both types of blocks can be made using the same concrete form.

Abstract: Building blocks include a tongue and groove on each block that allow the blocks to be placed in a way that interlocks the tongue and groove of one block with the corresponding groove and tongue, respectively, of another block facing the opposite direction. In a first embodiment, the same building block that has a decorative front face is used for both sides of the wall, resulting in a wall with opposed finished surfaces. In a second embodiment, a first plurality of blocks that have a decorative front face are used for one side of the wall, while a second plurality of blocks that have a thicker and non-decorative face are used for the other side of the wall, with the first and second plurality of blocks interlocking back-to-back via their respective tongues and grooves. Both types of blocks can be made using the same concrete form.

Abstract: A block system includes a main block that has the lift and alignment devices positioned to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the main block, and has a defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front surface of the main block. The block system further includes extended blocks that each has the lift and alignment devices positioned not to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the extended block, but has the same defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front face of the extended block that exists on the main block. The recessed portions of the block may be larger than the lift and alignment devices, thereby allowing the blocks to be stacked in either a vertical wall or in a setback wall.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.