Abstract: The present invention relates an integrated, post-tensioned building construction system that utilizes a rectangular array of interlocking block components for the shell of building structures. Internal tendons that pass through the interlocking blocks are affixed to beams at the base or foundation of the building walls and terminate above beams atop the building walls. The ends of tendons receive mechanical fasteners that are tightened to the beams and/or foundation. The tendons serve to maintain the integrity of the interlocking block components, which cannot come apart when the tendons are tightened. Build stops secured to tendons help to stabilize the interlocking block components during construction. With interlocking blocks fabricated from a compressible material, like concrete-and-aggregate, the tendons are tensioned to induce a compressive load on the material.

Abstract: A modular assembly for forming a shear wall includes a modular frame having a first side, and formwork. The formwork has a reinforcing bar cage and a first wall each coupled to the first side of the modular frame. The first wall is disposed between the reinforcing bar cage and the first side of the modular frame.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. Roof panels and roof panel tiles are disclosed, which can be used to form the roof of the structure. The roof panels and the building panels include a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and at least one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes ceramic material. In some embodiments the coating includes a first layer and a second layer. In some embodiments the coating is used to retrofit existing wall structures. The roof panel and the roof tile can be shaped, formed, and colored to look like traditional roof tiles such as shake roof tiles or Spanish roof tiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for securing a fence post to the top of a completed retaining wall. A wall system is provided that comprises interconnected wall blocks that define a wall structure. The wall structure includes at least one internal chamber that is defined between a front face and a back face. The retaining wall system may include a support structure that is positioned at least partially between the interconnected wall blocks. The retaining wall system also includes a post bracket that is securable to the top of the wall structure. The post bracket comprises a shank portion that is extendible through the top surface and into the at least one chamber. The post bracket further comprises a flange portion that abuts the top surface. The post bracket further comprises a receptacle that extends away from the top surface for receiving a post member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a wall structure that is adapted to be secured to roof structure. A wall cavity is formed that extends from a foundation to the top of the wall structure. A reinforcement member (e.g., rebar) is provided that extends continuously through the wall structure, where the reinforcement member is secured at one end within said foundation and at the other end to said roof structure. A first material (e.g., polystyrene or an admixture of coal-ash and concrete) is disposed within said wall cavity from the foundation to a location below (e.g., 10 inches below) the top of the wall structure. A second material (e.g., 3000 to 4000 PSI concrete) is disposed within the wall cavity from the location to the top of the wall structure. The wall structure may be formed from, for example, hollow-core concrete blocks or parallel sheets of fibrous wallboard (backer-board).

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the sidewalls. The base defines a hole therethrough disposed adjacent one bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges.

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: An improved, high strength construction system that uses post tensioning. It is comprised of a series of interconnected, super heavy duty hollow core blocks 102 with minimal ducts 103, a series of tendons 105, and a plurality of anchors or plates 104 with additional features. The system 101 is configured with the plurality of adjacent blocks 102 contiguous and touching one another and demountably coupled to each other by means of the tendons 105 and anchors 103. The unique features include a strong, durable full plate 104 and bolt 105 both of which may be treated for corrosion resistance. This new coupling results in a structure that is far stronger than an ordinary block structure built with mortar and standard reinforcing. The SYSTEM has more predictable and controlled strength which is stronger than most reinforced concrete systems.

Abstract: A building system includes a foundation block and a wall block. Each block has opposing first and second main surfaces, a first top end and an opposing second bottom end, and opposing first and second side surfaces extending between the first and second main surfaces and between the top and bottom ends. Portions of the first and second main surfaces of the foundation block proximate the top end thereof taper axially inwardly toward each other and toward an interior of the block to form a pair of inwardly tapered surfaces. The bottom end of the wall block includes a pair of outwardly tapered surfaces which extend axially outwardly away from each other and toward an exterior of the wall block. The pair of outwardly tapered surfaces of the wall block engage the pair of inwardly tapered surfaces of the foundation block in an assembled configuration to form a first vertical stack member.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the sidewalls.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.

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: A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs.

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: A pre-cast panel has forms mounted thereon for forming post-like flanges and a footing. Upon erection of an array of panels, the flanges and footing may all be cast on-site, with appropriate reinforcing/coupling means present within the form core volumes, by filling such forms with binder material such as concrete. Optionally, an upper beam may also be formed in a similar manner, the pre-cast panel being provided with an upper beam form which is attached to the wall portion of the panel and interconnected to the previously described forms.

Abstract: A modular foundation system comprising prefabricated foundation sections each comprising stems and bases. In some embodiments, the base of each section is configured to have complimentary ends adapted to selectively engage in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, each base and/or each stem of each section can include coupling openings adapted to receive engagement reinforcing adapted to engage adjacent sections. Each section includes a clamping bracket adapted to selectively couple with an alignment rod adapted to draw adjacent sections together and align said adjacent sections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: The basement wall reinforcement system comprises carbon fiber materials securely mounted to the wall being reinforced as well as to structural components at both the top and bottom of the wall. These additional connections at the top and bottom of the wall increase the capacity of the carbon fiber to prevent bowing and cracking by transferring lateral forces from the wall to these structural components. Such structural components can include foundations, basement floors, sill plates, rim joists and floor joists. The carbon fiber can be connected to these structural components by pins, epoxies and specially designed brackets.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.

Abstract: A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs.

Abstract: An assembly of precast concrete units matingly assembled on top of one another to form a whole deck footing, capable of supporting a deck, shed, porch, addition or other structure. The individual units are of manageable weight and can be moved by one person, not unlike a bag of unmixed cement. The units interlock to prevent shifting, separating, frost damage by water infiltration and heaving when placed under ground.

Abstract: Tie beam formation apparatus includes parallel opposed sidewalls defining a channel constructed to receive concrete for the formation of a tie beam. The sidewalls are disposed to become a fixed part of the tie beam. The apparatus further includes mounting structure attached to the sidewalls for holding the sidewalls in the channel defining position. The mounting structure is designed to hold the sidewalls on an upper surface of a block wall and to engage the sidewalls with the block wall at regular intervals. The mounting structure is further designed to allow a flow of concrete into openings in the block wall at spaced apart regular intervals.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing an existing basement wall includes a wall stabilizing system including a first wall anchoring device installed on a surface of the existing basement wall. The first wall anchoring device may further include a first anchoring plate fastened to a surface of the existing basement wall tethered via a substantially rigid rod to a second anchoring plate embedded underground outside the existing basement wall at a distance away from the existing basement wall. The system may include a first layer of sprayable concrete material applied over the existing basement wall. System may further include a third anchoring plate installed on a surface of the first layer of sprayable concrete material. The system may also include a second layer of sprayable concrete material applied over the first layer of sprayable concrete material.

Abstract: A foundation, particularly a foundation of a wind turbine, is provided. The foundation includes a central foundation member and a plurality of foundation segments which are segments of a circular, ring shaped or polygonal foundation element and which are connected to the central foundation member using a plurality of locking elements.

Abstract: The modular building structure has reinforced column and wall panel components to form walls of a building. A foundation of concrete may have rods embedded according to a building floor plan. Concrete blocks with hollow cores may be stacked at specified column locations with at least one rod bracket device positioned in a joint and at least one rod extending upwardly through the hollow core. An attachment rod may be inserted in at least one channel of each rod bracket device. A wall panel may be positioned on the foundation to span the space between adjacent columns. Each wall panel may have at least one embedded rod extending through a lower horizontal member to be attached with a fastener. A wall holding bracket may also engage an outside stud member of adjacent wall panels at each column with the wall holding bracket attached to the rod bracket device.

Abstract: A reinforcing shape member for a concrete block wall, and system of construction using same, including a wall engagement portion having an integral top end engaging wall portion and an integral bottom end engaging wall portion where the top end engaging wall portion and the bottom end engage and embed into the concrete wall at various depths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.

Abstract: A mortarless masonry structure comprising a plurality of regular masonry blocks and/or bricks connected to each other by a plurality of metal bars and a plurality of standard metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a post tensioned structure. Preferably, the blocks are operatively connected to each other as a structure by simple mechanical tools. Each interconnection results in a unitized post tensioned member that, when interconnected to the adjacent members, forms a comparatively higher strength structure than systems made of mortar and reinforced mortar. The method used to create this structure is a simple, waterless, mortarless interconnection process that is completed by a series of simple individual steps of fastening the blocks and bars into a strong and durable structure. Once connected the structure is strong and durable. If desired, the structure may be disassembled and the components re-used.

Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.

Abstract: A building foundation is provided. The building foundation includes a footing and a foundation wall supported by the footing. The foundation wall has a plurality of cells arranged to define a set of aligned cell cavities. The plurality of cells are arranged to define a top row of cells. At least some of the cells of the top row of cells have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as at least some of the cells of a lower row of cells of the foundation wall. A sill anchor is at least partially located in the set of aligned cell cavities of the foundation wall. Grout is disposed in the set of aligned cell cavities between the sill anchor and the footing. The sill anchor is configured for attachment to a sill.

Abstract: A retaining wall block for an engineered block retaining wall system having an integrally formed head, neck and body, in which one generally planar front face of the body forms a visible part of the wall, the body having two pin holes, two clean out holes, and two pin receiving openings, the pin receiving openings being configured to receive a free end of a lock pin provided in a pin hole of a block placed there under so as to interlock the blocks with a predetermined setback. The pin holes and pin receiving openings being positioned such that a plane extending perpendicular to the generally planar front face passes through one, and only one, of said pin holes or said pin receiving openings.

Abstract: A base connection is provided for supporting a concrete wall panel on an underlying support structure. The base connection comprises a generally vertical mounting plate, a wall plate, a pair of slips, and a cover plate secured to and extending upwardly from the support structure. The mounting plate includes one or more generally vertically-elongated slots. The wall plate is embedded within the concrete wall panel toward a lower end defined by the concrete wall panel. The cover plate is located outwardly of the mounting plate. An inner slip plate is located between the mounting plate and the wall plate, and an outer slip plate is located between the cover plate and the mounting plate. Threaded connectors extend interconnect the cover plate and the embedded wall plate, extending through openings in the slip plates and through one of the generally vertically aligned slots in the mounting plate.

Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.

Abstract: A wall system or structure includes a lintel supported wall and footings for locating the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend upwardly from each footing for directly engaging an end of the wall and for securing a post to the footing, which post includes a slot for engaging the vertical edge of the wall. A plate resting on each footing may be used to support an end of the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend vertically from within the lintel upwardly into the wall.

Abstract: A construction block system that includes a block with slanted edges that coact with contiguous blacks to define spaces or grooves for receiving cementitious substances. Cooperatively aligned channels in the upper and lower edges coact with longitudinally extending walls perpendicularly mounted to a base assembly. An adjustable mechanism provides for leveling of the base assembly to ensure proper installation of the lowermost row of blocks. Subsequently rows are aligned and leveled with a leveling tool assembly that is also partially received within the cooperative channels.

Abstract: A wall system or structure includes a lintel supported wall and footings for locating the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend upwardly from each footing for directly engaging an end of the wall or for securing a post to the footing, which post includes a slot for engaging the vertical edge of the wall. A plate resting on each footing may be used to support an end of the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend vertically from within the lintel upwardly into the wall.

Abstract: An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other. A surface covering comprises a multiplicity of units assembled to form a continuous surface without overlap between units and without substantial gaps between units. A structure, such as a wall or column can be formed of building units of the invention.

Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.

Abstract: A cementitious masonry block that exhibits the appearance of finished natural stone comprises at least two substantially parallel stacking sides operable to be installed on or over other blocks to form a block wall. At least one hollow cell is formed in the block to provide a void for structural reinforcing. One or more display faces each exhibits a finish applied by natural stone finishing techniques. The block is formed from a cementitious mixture that is substantially homogenous throughout the masonry block and that, when cured, is substantially matched in color or grain, or both, to the natural stone that is being replicated.

Abstract: A masonry block includes a set of block members each having opposing end faces, an outer face and an inner face opposite of the outer face, a top face and a slot that includes a first portion at least partially coextensive with the top face and a second portion transverse to the first portion which is at least partially coextensive with the opposing end faces of the set of block members. The set of block members are supported on a self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: A masonry block (10) has a rearwardly extending portion (18) which includes a vertical channel (24). In use, soil stabilising members (46) are passed through channels of aligned masonry blocks (10) and extended rearwardly behind a retaining wall (40).

Abstract: A building foundation is provided. The building foundation includes a footing and a foundation wall supported by the footing. The foundation wall has a plurality of cells arranged to define a set of aligned cell cavities. The plurality of cells are arranged to define a top row of cells. At least some of the cells of the top row of cells have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as at least some of the cells of a lower row of cells of the foundation wall. A sill anchor is at least partially located in the set of aligned cell cavities of the foundation wall. Grout is disposed in the set of aligned cell cavities between the sill anchor and the footing. The sill anchor is configured for attachment to a sill.

Abstract: A metal half wall is provided, with the wall including a lower track, an upper track and a series of spaced apart studs extending between the two tracks. A connector is disposed adjacent each stud for connecting the stud to the lower track and to a support structure lying underneath the lower track. Each connector includes an elongated member having opposite end portions. One end portion includes a turned end plate that extends generally perpendicular with respect to the elongated member. In the half wall, a connector is disposed directly adjacent a respective stud. So disposed, the elongated member extends upwardly next to an adjacent stud and the end plate extends over the lower track. A series of fasteners are connected between the elongated member and the adjacent stud, and between the end plate and the underlying lower track and support structure.

Abstract: A post tensioned wall includes accessible clamping plates at the ends of selected tensioning rods. Each post of a fence section is welded to a corresponding clamping plate to mechanically attach the post to the tensioning rod extending from a footing or foundation and through the wall.

Abstract: A building structure formed from modular building elements, which include first modular building elements (1,9) having socket beam interconnection means (2), second modular building elements (13,14,15) and socket beams (7, 11) having first modular building element interconnection means (6); whereby a socket beam (7,11) forms an interconnection with at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13, 14, 15) associates with a socket beam (7,11) and first modular building element interconnection, a socket beam (7,11) and at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13,14,15) forming a configuration unit, the configuration unit being repeatable one atop the other, and being repeatable in a side-by-side fashion, a first modular building element associating or abutting with adjacent first modular building elements, a second modular building elements associating or abutting with adjacent second modular buildin

Abstract: Lightweight, reinforced, non-biodegradable, tubular plastic footing form members and assemblies which may contain stake-engaging bores and/or are nailable to each other and/or to supporting stakes. The form members are water-repellant to resist absorbing and bonding to wet concrete compositions so that they can be removed and cleaned for repeated reuse. Alternatively they can be left in place, since they are inexpensive and non-biodegradable, and can support a porous drain conduit adjacent the formed footing.

Abstract: A method of load reduction on buried culvert using an EPS block is disclosed. A culvert foundation is constructed at a place where a culvert will be buried, and the culvert is put on the foundation, and then, both sides of the culvert are banked with filling earth. EPS blocks are paved in multiple layers on the top surface of the culvert, or geosynthetics and an ESP block are paved on the culvert, and then, filling earth is banked on the geosynthetics or the ESP block and a final ground level is compacted. As a result, compression occurs from the EPS block, deformation of the inside earth is caused artificially, and arching is generated. Accordingly, the method has vertical earth pressure reduction effect, thereby preventing an increase in the section of the culvert due to overburden of the banked earth and an increase in vertical load due to a settlement amount of the culvert buried on the weak ground and a relative settlement difference of surrounding earth, and improving durability of the buried culvert.

Abstract: A retaining wall, supported by a footer, foundation or conventional retaining wall, includes a plurality of post-tensioning rods anchored in the underlying support and extending through the cells of blocks forming the courses of the retaining wall. An elongated apertured plate or a plurality of individual plates rest upon the next to last course to penetrably receive the threaded ends of each of the rods. Nuts engage the threaded ends of the rods to draw the rods to the plate and place them in tension. The top course rests upon the plate or plates and may be constructed as a bond beam. The rods extending from the support may be located adjacent the said side of the retaining wall and bent away therefrom to penetrate the plate or plates at the lateral midpoint of the plate or plates and thereafter extend essentially vertically upwardly. To add an extended wall supported on the bond beam, couplings may be threadedly engaged with the rod ends. Further rods threadedly engage the couplings and extend upwardly.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.