Abstract: A method of forming a structure comprising reinforced concrete filled masonry units is provided. A hollow masonry unit is laid in a first course. The hollow interior of the masonry unit is filled with reinforced concrete so that the concrete overflows and is spread out across the upper surface of the masonry unit to form a bed joint. A further masonry unit may be laid upon the bed joint to form a second course. A header end of the masonry unit may be vertically slotted to allow the unit to be threaded transversely over pre-installed elongate reinforcements such as rebars.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure comprising reinforced concrete filled masonry units is provided. A hollow masonry unit is laid in a first course. The hollow interior of the masonry unit is filled with reinforced concrete so that the concrete overflows and is spread out across the upper surface of the masonry unit to form a bed joint. A further masonry unit may be laid upon the bed joint to form a second course. A header end of the masonry unit may be vertically slotted to allow the unit to be threaded transversely over pre-installed elongate reinforcements such as rebars.

Abstract: A method of constructing a masonry infill in a load bearing structure comprises the steps of: laying one or more courses of masonry (7) in the infill space; partitioning off a casting space having as its base the then uppermost course of masonry (22); the casting space extending from one side of the infill space to the other; positioning reinforcing material (14) in the casting space; securing an end of the reinforcing material to the load bearing structure; filling the casting space with concrete (20), and laying one or more further courses of masonry on top of the filled casting space. The reinforced concrete forms a bond beam which strengthens the masonry. The reinforcing material may be rebar, secured to a load-bearing frame of the building by a cleat (16) having pockets (12) for reception of the rebar ends. Optionally the reinforcement may be tensioned, to pre-stress the bond beam.

Abstract: A bracket (60) for securing a first kickboard (62) transversely of a second kickboard (54) comprises a socket (64) for receiving an end of the first kickboard and a clip (70) for securing the bracket to the second kickboard, the clip comprising a lateral extension (76) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second kickboard for stabilizing the bracket thereon. Also disclosed are (1) a telescopic rail (46) for use in forming a guard or safety barrier for builders' trestles, staging, scaffolding or the like, comprising inner and outer telescopic parts (80, 82), in which the inner part is prevented from sliding free of the outer part in use; (2) a brace for stabilizing adjacent trestles; (3) a ladder support bracket; (4) removable safety rail components and (5) a longitudinal kickboard bracket attached to a trestle crossmember.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement 10e is provided for a cleat 30a or other body for receiving the ends of elongate reinforcements (e.g. rebars 40a, 40b) in a bond beam in a masonry panel 66. The mounting arrangement 10e secures the cleat to a further reinforcement (e.g. rebar 38a) and surrounding cementitious material in a hollow masonry block encased, reinforced cementitious material column 64. An expansion joint 70 may be provided between the column 64 and the panel 66. Connections between the head and foot of the column and pre-existing load bearing structures are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a masonry wall reinforcing bracket (2) comprising an elongate inter-course shear transfer member (4), the shear transfer member (4) comprising a rebar cradling feature (6). The shear transfer member (4) may further comprise a plate (5) operative to be located within at least a perpend (22) of a masonry wall (10). The bracket may further comprise a supporting member (28) that protrudes perpendicularly from the length of the shear transfer member (4). The supporting member (28) may comprises a plate operative to be located within a bed joint (24) of the masonry wall (10). The supporting member (28) may be a stabilising foot. The rebars and brackets are used in a bond beam (10) system incorporated within the wall (10).

Abstract: A masonry infill in a load bearing structure (18), comprises courses of hollow masonry units (1) arranged to define a cavity (3) extending therethrough filled with reinforced cementitious material e.g. reinforced concrete. A lower end of the concrete reinforcement (2) is secured to a load bearing support (16, FIG. 3). A body (6) is secured to the load bearing structure and receives an upper end of the concrete reinforcement so as to permit longitudinal sliding movement of the reinforcement upper end in the body, whilst constraining movement of the concrete reinforcement in a direction transversely of the infill The lower end of the reinforcement (2) may be built into the support, or slidably received in a further body (5, FIG. 3). Alternatively one or both ends of the reinforcement (2) may terminate in a bond beam. Brackets (9, 9a) may be embedded in the concrete in the cavity (3) to transfer shear forces between the adjacent blockwork and the concrete.

Abstract: A method of constructing a masonry infill in a load bearing structure comprises the steps of: laying one or more courses of masonry (7) in the infill space; partitioning off a casting space having as its base the then uppermost course of masonry (22); the casting space extending from one side of the infill space to the other; positioning reinforcing material (14) in the casting space; securing an end of the reinforcing material to the load bearing structure; filling the casting space with concrete (20), and laying one or more further courses of masonry on top of the filled casting space. The reinforced concrete forms a bond beam which strengthens the masonry. The reinforcing material may be rebar, secured to a load-bearing frame of the building by a cleat (16) having pockets (12) for reception of the rebar ends. Optionally the reinforcement may be tensioned, to pre-stress the bond beam.

Abstract: A bracket (60) for securing a first kickboard (62) transversely of a second kickboard (54) comprises a socket (64) for receiving an end of the first kickboard and a clip (70) for securing the bracket to the second kickboard, the clip comprising a lateral extension (76) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second kickboard for stabilising the bracket thereon. Also disclosed are (1) a telescopic rail (46) for use in forming a guard or safety barrier for builders' trestles, staging, scaffolding or the like, comprising inner and outer telescopic parts (80, 82), in which the inner part is prevented from sliding free of the outer part in use; (2) a brace for stabilising adjacent trestles; (3) a ladder support bracket; (4) removable safety rail components and (5) a longitudinal kickboard bracket attached to a trestle crossmember.