Abstract: A connecting element for inserting into a wind power installation tower segment. A wind power installation tower section and a wind power installation tower. A wind power installation and methods for connecting partial ring segments. The connecting element comprises a first side wall with a first opening which can be penetrated by a fastening element, and a second side wall lying opposite the first side wall with a second opening which can be penetrated by a fastening element, an upper transverse wall with two upper openings which can each be penetrated by a mounting fastening element, and a lower transverse wall lying opposite the upper transverse wall with two lower openings which can each be penetrated by a mounting fastening element; wherein the upper and lower transverse wall are arranged substantially orthogonally to the first and second side wall and connect said side walls.

Abstract: A shear connector for use with insulated concrete panels. The shear connector comprises an elongated core member that includes a first end and a second end, and a flanged end-piece removably secured to one of the first end or the second end of the core member. At least a portion of the flanged end-piece includes a maximum diameter that is larger than a maximum diameter of the core member. The shear connector is configured to transfer shear forces.

Abstract: The insulating barrier of a panel including has a first stratum and a second stratum, each having a plurality of ridges that face each other, and run athwart of each other. Clearance between at least some adjacent pairs of the ridges provide a mechanical chase that reaches across at least most of the panel. A cladding overlaying at least one side of the insulating barrier is denser than the barrier. The mechanical chase is in the form of a groove through which a utility feed can be routed when the panel is to be mounted in a building.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure assembly includes a mounting bracket having a first aperture disposed therethrough. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a roof bow having a longitudinal body portion defining an inner channel. The longitudinal body portion includes a bottom wall having a second aperture axially aligned with the first aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes an insert block disposed within the inner channel of the roof bow. The insert block defines a third aperture disposed through a thickness of the insert block. The third aperture is axially aligned with the first aperture and the second aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a fastener disposed through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture to rigidly secure the roof bow to the mounting bracket, and to rigidly secure the insert block to the roof bow.

Abstract: A modular assembly is provided for detaining or retaining a liquid beneath a ground surface. The assembly featuring a plurality of substantially identical precast unitary concrete modules with each module having a deck portion with outer edges and a plurality of spaced apart legs extending from the deck portion. At least two of the legs of a module are spaced inwardly from the nearest outer edge of the deck portion of the same module so that a portions of the deck overhangs each of said legs. The legs and deck portions define flow paths within each module that are in fluid communication with each other with the flow paths being both outside the legs and between the legs. Each module in the assembly is further positioned with its deck adjacent to the deck of another module.

Abstract: The insulating barrier of a panel including has a first stratum and a second stratum, each having a plurality of ridges that face each other, and run athwart of each other. Clearance between at least some adjacent pairs of the ridges provide a mechanical chase that reaches across at least most of the panel. A cladding overlaying at least one side of the insulating barrier is denser than the barrier. The mechanical chase is in the form of a groove through which a utility feed can be routed when the panel is to be mounted in a building.

Abstract: A thermal control insert and a thermal resistant hollow block. The thermal resistant hollow block includes a hollow block having a cavity and an elongate member positioned within the cavity that has a generally spiral shaped pathway which forms a generally closed pathway to receive a heated fluid when the elongate member is positioned within the cavity of the hollow block. The generally spiral shaped pathway passes the heated fluid in a forward direction through the generally closed pathway toward a central open area at an inner end of the generally closed pathway of the elongate member. As fluid accumulates in the central open area, the fluid loses kinetic energy and becomes stagnant to provide a relatively high thermal resistance to heat transfer.

Abstract: Façade insulation with at least one support rail which is arranged on an outer wall of a building, and with a multiplicity of heat insulation panels which are supported by the support rail. The support rail is spaced from the outer wall by at least two spacers. To transfer the weight of the heat insulation panel to the outer wall, at least two tension brackets are provided which can each be fixed with a first end to the support rail and with a second end to the outer wall. A mounting kit holds heat insulation panels on an outer wall of a building. The mounting kit includes at least one support rail, at least two spacers, at least two tension brackets and at least one wall fixing element.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage tank includes a base plate and side wall extending upwardly. The base plate and side wall include an outer leaf enveloping an inner leaf. The outer leaf part of the base plate includes a lower, outer leaf concrete bottom plate on a substrate. The bottom plate is continuous with an outer leaf reinforced concrete layer of the outer side wall. An inward surface of the bottom plate and concrete layer of the outer leaf are lined with a continuous outer leaf metallic membrane. A bottom insulation layer is arranged above the outer leaf metallic membrane on the bottom plate. The inner leaf includes an inner leaf concrete bottom layer on the bottom insulation portion. The inner leaf metal membrane is lined with an inner leaf inner concrete layer. The outer leaf hoop stress reinforced outer concrete wall supporting an insulated dome structure.

Abstract: A load transfer device is provided to connect concrete elements including, but not limited to, sandwich and double wall panel wythes, roof, floor, balcony and canopy members, and pavement. The device may be used to connect and transfer loads between the components of sandwich and double wall panels. The device includes two load transfer members positioned at an angle with respect to one another. Additionally provided are a retention housing for retaining one or more load transfer members at their angled positions and a depth locating means for retaining one or more load transfer members at their proper depth. Also provided are sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the load transfer device and methods for manufacturing sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the disclosed load transfer device.

Abstract: A structural unit includes a first face shell; a second face shell positioned opposite the first face shell; at least one central web connecting the first face shell to the second face shell; a first partial web forming a gap between an end of the first partial web and a first edge of the second face shell, and defining a first cavity; and a second partial web forming a gap between an end of the second partial web and a second edge of the second face shell, and defining a second cavity.

Abstract: A construction method is disclosed. The method includes providing a bottom support between a plurality of structural members and using the bottom support to support a structural material in a plastic state. The method also includes using the bottom support to support the structural material as it hardens from a plastic state into a hardened state. The structural material remains attached to the bottom support after the structural material hardens. The bottom support is transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: A building block assembly is provided comprising a building block and a seal. In one embodiment, the building block comprises a first surface, and the first surface has a groove. The seal is movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the seal is retracted into the groove, and in the second position the seal is extended outside the groove. In another embodiment, the seal is connected to the building block, and the seal at least partially encases a fluid sealant.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel includes a core of thermally insulating material having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first skin coupled to the first side of the core, and a second skin coupled to the second side of the core. The first skin, the second skin, or both the first and second skins may include a sheet of reinforced concrete material. Each sheet of reinforced concrete material may include calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and a reinforcing material disposed in at least a portion of the CSA cement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block for construction formed by two outer plates of identical or different finish materials, between which there is included an intermediate core formed by one or several layers of insulating materials, said intermediate core being tucked in according to recesses with respect to the plates on at least one edge of the contour and projecting in a reciprocal manner according to projections on at least another edge of the contour.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying existing walls are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a masonry wall is constructed near an existing wall, and the cavity between the two walls is filled with a foamable, adhesive material. The foamable, adhesive material adheres to both walls, creating an adhesive connection between them. Certain embodiments create multiple layers of the foamable, adhesive material, allowing each layer to expand before the next is introduced. Certain embodiments utilize a brush device to reduce the amount of mortar left between the two walls. Certain embodiments utilize clips for temporarily securing the masonry wall to the existing wall.

Abstract: An assembly for constructing a concrete wall includes a first plurality of form panels defining a first wall plane, a second plurality of form panels defining a second wall plane and a first plurality of foam sheets. The first and second plurality of form panels are constructed of frames and webs. The webs are constructed of a web material. The first plurality of foam sheets define a first concrete interface plane. The first concrete interface plane is generally parallel to the first and second wall planes. The first plurality of foam sheets is secured to the first plurality of form panels by a screw. The first plurality of form panels, second plurality of form panels and first plurality of foam sheets are secured by a plurality of ties. The first concrete interface plane and the second wall plane define a wall cavity.

Abstract: A structural unit includes a first face shell; a second face shell positioned opposite the first face shell; at least one central web connecting the first face shell to the second face shell; a first partial web forming a gap between an end of the first partial web and a first edge of the second face shell, and defining a first cavity; and a second partial web forming a gap between an end of the second partial web and a second edge of the second face shell, and defining a second cavity.

Abstract: A thermally insulated building brick (1) and a method for production thereof, wherein the brick comprises a structural body (2) with at least one cavity (8) and an insulating filling (3) arranged in the cavity. To provide a brick with high insulation value suited for mass production, the insulating filling comprises an insulating material arranged in a leading-in sheath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prefabricated element (1) for a dwelling unit that is notable in that it comprises: a vertical wall (2) of approximately constant thickness comprising a front face (3), a rear face (4) and a peripheral face (5); a first lip (6) along each horizontal edge of said front face (3); a second lip (7) down each vertical edge of said front face (3); first and second ribs (8, 9) forming with the first and second lips (6, 7) a grid of cells (10) suitable for filling with insulating materials (11) and accepting an interior trim (14) to mask the entire grid; a peripheral edging (23) creating at least one bearing face and a barrier buffer; and at least first and second fixing members (20, 21) for connecting the prefabricated elements (1) to each other.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: A masonry unit wall support system and method for supporting one or more pipes within a masonry unit wall includes a compressible support structure containing one or more holes for one or more pipes. The compressible support structure is compressively inserted into a hollow core cavity of a masonry unit to create a relatively immovable support for one or more pipes inserted through one or more holes that may be formed in the support structure either before or after the support structure is compressively inserted into the hollow core cavity.

Abstract: A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling.

Abstract: A composite wall panel is provided. The composite wall panel comprises a first layer of molded structural material and a second layer of molded structural material. An insulating foam layer is disposed between the first and second molded structural layers. The foam layer includes a first major side in contact with the first layer of molded structural material and a second major side in contact with the second layer of molded structural material. The first and second major sides of the insulating foam layer each have at least one groove. Each groove has at least one groove shoulder. At least one connector is configured to anchor the first and second layers of structural material to the insulating foam layer. The first and second layers of molded structural material extend into the grooves and under the groove shoulders to form a mechanical engagement between the insulating foam layer and the first and second layers of molded structural material.

Abstract: An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45 psi water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code's definition of a true fire wall 16.

Abstract: This invention relates to building materials and methods. A building assembly for constructing a building includes load bearing structural panels joined and finished with a non-load bearing panels. The load bearing panels comprise a structural concrete insulating panel (SCIP) comprising a pair of wire mesh members sandwiching a middle member comprising polystyrene, wherein each of said wire mesh members defines two outwardly projecting screed ridges. The non-load bearing panels comprise a pair of fiber cement boards sandwiching a polystyrene core. The load bearing SCIP panel is placed in position and then the non-load bearing panel is positioned in a desirous location abutting the SCIP. The SCIP then receives a layer of cementitious material that is cut flat using the screed ridges. The assembled SCIP and non-load bearing composite is then finished with a final finishing layer so that the entire assembly has the same outer appearance.

Abstract: The convection baffle for hollow blocks increases the R-value of a hollow block when one or more convection dampers are received within passages defined through the hollow block. The convection baffle includes an upper wall having laterally opposed first and second side edges, a lower wall having laterally opposed first and second side edges, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls, and a central wall having opposed upper and lower edges. The convection baffle is substantially G-shaped. The convection baffle decreases convection current flow within the passage of the hollow block to increase the overall R-value of the hollow block.

Abstract: A series of parallel V-grooves are formed on the top surface of a new or existing top coat of lightweight insulating concrete of a roof deck. A slurry coat of formulated concrete is then applied to the top coat of lightweight insulating concrete at locations in between the parallel V-grooves, to repair cracks and holes and attach a base ply roof membrane, thereby eliminating the need for a base sheet and mechanical fasteners when installing a roof membrane system on the lightweight concrete deck of a roof structure. The formulated concrete slurry comprises a mixture of Portland cement (type I), cellulose, poly vinyl alcohol, and water. A base ply (modified or single ply) roof membrane having a sanded or fleece bottom side is set into a ¼ inch thick slurry coat of the formulated concrete to effectively attach the base ply roof membrane to the lightweight concrete deck.

Abstract: Displacers are used in production of concrete surfaces. The displacers are embodied, for example, as plastic balls or plastic shells and are locked in lattices that are open on one side, preferably downwardly. The modules can then be pressed into a first or second concrete layer that can already contain a first reinforcement mesh. The thus produced semi-finished product can then be covered with a concrete mass during the subsequent finishing process.

Abstract: High-wind load wall anchors and high-wind load wall anchoring systems for cavity walls are described which utilize double-walled anchor constructs with interengaging wire formative veneer ties. The high wind load anchors are mounted upon an interior cavity wall and the veneer ties are embedded within joints of an exterior cavity wall. The anchors have an aperture, for threading the veneer ties therethrough and restricting undesired movement, coupled with a double-walled wing structure to resist anchor deformation by high-wind forces. For resistance against seismic forces, the high-wind load wall anchoring system has a reinforcement wire which snaps into contoured veneer ties.

Abstract: A concrete material, particularly for concrete compression elements transmitting compressive forces, to be used in a structural element as the thermal insulation in structural engineering, made of a high-strength concrete in the strength class C55 or higher, with the concrete being embodied as a thermally insulating, load-bearing material including titanium minerals as additives. Additionally, a structural element for thermal insulation and a brick-shaped thermally insulating element, each using said concrete material, are provided.

Abstract: A structural configuration for rapidly assembling walls and linings of insulating firebricks and prefabricated insulating modules that aligns the bricks or modules during assembly with grooves and inserts, minimizes the amount of through joints in the completed structure, and allows the full height of each brick or module to be utilized in the completed structure is provided.

Abstract: A construction block for use in the construction of elemental structures, including a body having a bottom surface, a top surface, end surfaces, an outer surface which forms part of an outer surface of a structure and an inner face. At least one formation on or in at least the inner face and/or at least one of the end faces receives and retains at least one insulating element. The insulating element provides thermal insulation for the structure formed from such construction blocks.

Abstract: A structural system includes a plurality of pre-cast structural elements. Each of the elements includes an interior layer, and an exterior layer cast of a cementitious material, an insulating layer lies between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The pre-cast structural elements are stacked adjacent one another to form a wall. A respective cushion is placed between adjacent structural elements. The cushions create airspaces such that there is no direct surface contact between adjacent structural elements. Poured grout sleeves tie one structural element to another creating a structural composite. Grout from the sleeves form bearing pads between adjacent elements and allow for load transfer within the structural composite. The exterior layers of the structural elements can be provided with simulative exterior surfaces, for example, with exterior surfaces simulating the appearance of structural logs.

Abstract: An insulated building block having a three-section configuration wherein a first cementitious segment containing the internal core hole of the block is interlocked with second cementitious segment by a serpentine configured insulated insert. The insulation insert is operatively arranged to have multiple lips that mate with various indented ledges on each of the other segments in a location proximate to the surface of the cementitious segments. The insulating insert is also configured with wedge holes that accommodate wedges which press into the installation to maintain continuity of the block. The insulation insert has groves that in combination with the other segments form a trough in fluid communication with weep holes which extend through the insulation insert which allows for condensation and seepage of water to drain from the block.

Abstract: A method for calculating using a digital computer an approximation of properties of a concrete sandwich panel. The method allows for a manufacturer of concrete sandwich panels to design sandwich panels using a range of available components to meet architectural specifications.

Abstract: A structural building system including an improved, structural-load-bearing, building component, such as a building panel, having front and back sections, an insulating core, integral symmetrical joinery, a thermal break, and at least one shear resistance connector The panel is asymmetrical about one axis, and is designed to be directionally positioned with respect to the maximum anticipated force. A shear resistance connector array may be positioned between the front and back sections or may be integral to the front or back section. A face sheet may span one or more than one building panel, and provides structural support to the building system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.

Abstract: A vibration-inhibiting flooring structure for use in a facility housing vibration sensitive equipment includes a perforated bearing floor which includes a number of openings configured to inhibit the propagation of vibrations across the floor. Such a flooring structure may be used, for example, in connection with advanced clean-room facilities, where a facilities room and one or more plenums are provided in conjunction with the vibration-inhibiting floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular building blocks with the minimal possible number of types which can be used for construction of buildings or other structures. The block has cellular structure defined by through openings made in the block body. The number of cells depends on the number of through holes. Each block has an upper and inner insert made of a heat/cold-insulation material and inserted into through openings of the hollow block. The inserts, in turn, have through holes and recesses arranged so that after the blocks with inserts are assembled into a building or a structure, the openings and the recesses in the inserts form a continuous lattice-like space suitable for pouring concrete or another hardenable material which after curing form a load-carrying lattice-like framework of the building or the structure. Thus, the inserts are used as formwork-elements for pouring the concrete.

Abstract: A composite building block with a connective structure between the inner and outer wall units is presented. The wall units can be made of cement, clay brick, or similar materials. The connective structure is made of a material different than the wall units and may be integrally formed per the requirements of a particular wall construction project. In one embodiment, the connective structure comprises a center form, and one or more arms have connectors that connect to corresponding connectors integrally formed on the wall units. The center form may partition the cavity between the inner and outer wall units into two or more cavities, which may then be partially filled with, for example, insulative material or load-bearing materials, such as concrete.

Abstract: A thermal insulating cover is presented. The cover includes a top, a plurality of sides extending from the top and a wide base perimeter extending from the plurality of sides. The device may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be provided in two or more sections which are easily assembled together. A piece of foam, acting as a gasket may be affixed to the base perimeter.

Abstract: An insulated load bearing building wall structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart stud members, each stud member comprising an exterior bar member, an interior bar member, and a plurality of wall ties connected there between. Interstitial blocks comprising a generally self-supporting insulating material are disposed between adjacent pairs of stud members. A surface coating material is disposed along the exterior and interior faces of the wall structure and in contact with the interstitial blocks. The wall ties each comprise a composite material that is resistant to heat transfer, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred between the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall structure.

Abstract: A drainage system for use in concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall construction comprises a tray unit of a size corresponding to size of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. The tray unit comprises opposite side flanges to abut a superjacent CMU and supporting a pan therebelow. A strip of water permeable material is attached to an upper surface of the pan and extends transversely beyond a front edge of the pan. A block of water permeable material is positioned above the pan and extends upwardly into a hollow core of a CMU. The water permeable material of the strip and the block has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass there through but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass there through so that water in a hollow core of a CMU drains through the strip.

Abstract: Connectors configured for providing composite wall structures with high composite action. In one embodiment, the connectors comprise a body having two spaced-apart sidewalls and a web portion extending therebetween, having a thickness that is less than the diameter or width of the sidewalls in the same dimension. The body also includes a tapered end comprising a single elongate edge or a plurality of spaced-apart edges or pointed ends at one end for facilitating penetration of the connector through layers of the composite wall during manufacture. An orienting protrusion orients the connector at a predetermined depth within the layers of the composite wall during manufacture. One or more structures anchoring anchor the connectors of the invention to layers of structural material placed on opposing sides of an insulation layer of the composite wall.

Abstract: A structural system includes a plurality of structural elements. Each of the elements includes an interior layer, an exterior layer, and an insulating layer between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The structural elements are stacked adjacent to one another to form a wall. A respective cushion is placed between adjacent structural elements. The cushions create airspaces such that there is no direct surface contact between adjacent structural elements. The exterior layers of the structural elements can be fabricated from cast concrete material, and can be provided with simulative exterior surfaces, for example, with exterior surfaces simulating the appearance of structural logs.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer.