Abstract: A wall and an assembly for building the wall comprises building blocks and support blocks. Each building block comprises opposite first and second faces, both comprising a plurality of recesses arranged spaced from each other. Each support block comprises a body and a plurality of protrusions extending from opposite top and bottom sides of the body. Each recess comprises a recess support structure and each protrusion comprises a protrusion support structure. The recesses and protrusions are arranged in a matching pattern. Alternating layers of building and support blocks are stacked on top of each other wherein the protrusions of one layer are accommodated in the recesses of the adjacent layer, the respective support structures engage each other and position and support the respective higher block on the respective lower block, and relative movement of the respective blocks in two mutually perpendicular directions generally parallel to the layers is restricted.

Abstract: A new prefabricated wall panel is the basic unit of a new, more efficient and stronger wall system. The wall panel is manufactured from a plurality of foam sections sized to leave vertical and horizontal voids into which concrete is later poured, each foam section having an inner and outer surface and two sides; and a plurality of fastening strips. The fastening strips are longitudinal metal strips being situated between the sides of two foam sections. Each fastening strip has two longitudinal fastening strips projecting perpendicularly to the longitudinal fastening strip and the fastening strips being adjacent to the outer surface of the two foam sections.

Abstract: A structural assembly for use in building applications is disclosed. The assembly has spaced inner and outer face sheets, as well as one or more intermediate panels positioned between the inner and outer face sheets. The intermediate panels are parallel to the inner and outer face sheets, and are supported by alternating flanged web members that engage either the inner or outer face sheets. The assembly provides an enhanced ability to dissipate blast or projectile impact forces and to carry the forces throughout the assembly, thus maintaining sufficient structural integrity in the building to enable the occupants to evacuate, to enable contents to be evacuated, and to enable reuse of the building itself.

Abstract: In order to provide a drier module for a drier for a coating plant, in particular for a coating plant for vehicle bodies, wherein the drier comprises a drier working space for receiving the objects to be dried, which space is bounded by a drier floor, a drier ceiling and lateral boundary walls, which reduces the transport costs for transporting the drier components from the production site to the erection site, it is proposed that the drier module comprise at least one section of a lateral boundary wall of the drier working space and one section of the drier floor and/or one section of the drier ceiling, wherein the drier floor section and/or the drier ceiling section are/is connected to the boundary wall section so as to be pivotable relative to the boundary wall section.

Abstract: A stud frame comprising a first side member (14), a second side member (16) and a plurality of sets of interconnecting members (18) extending from the first 5 side member (14) to the second side member (16). Each set includes a first interconnecting member (34) having a second end (42) connected to the second side member (16) offset longitudinally from a first end (40) thereof in a first direction, a second interconnecting member (36) having a second end (42) connected to the second side member (16) offset longitudinally from the 10 first end (40) thereof in a second opposite direction and a third interconnecting member (38) extending from the first end (40) thereof on one longitudinal side of the first side member (14) to the second end (42) thereof on an opposite longitudinal side of the second side member (16).

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an interlocking masonry block including a rear face, a front face, at least one aperture extending vertically through said block for receiving a flowable concrete mixture used in core filling, and at least one generally vertical side being registerable with an opposing side of an abutting block to inhibit movement of said flowable concrete out through a vertical interface between said blocks.

Abstract: A construction component is described. The construction component may include: a) a permanent formwork constituted by a pair of separate semi-forms, facing each other and defining a hollow space between them; b) a construction setting material arranged inside the hollow space; and c) auxiliary installations, such as piping, wiring, or cabling. In one example, each semi-form includes a metal plate fitted with protuberances projecting from one side of the metal plate towards the construction setting material, and with slots housing the auxiliary installations. In another example, each semi-form includes a plastic plate, wherein one of the plastic plates is fitted with protuberances and the other plastic plate is fitted with slots. The example method may include arranging of the auxiliary installations in the slots; and arrangement of two semi-forms and subsequent filling with the construction material until it sets; and optionally connecting the systems and/or installing of the coating components.

Abstract: A masonry block wall system is disclosed comprising a plurality of piers positioned at predetermined intervals with a pilaster mounted on each of the piers. The pilasters are formed by vertically stacked masonry blocks that are attached to the pier by a reinforcing rod extending upwardly from the pier through a vertical mortarless void in the blocks. A plurality of courses of masonry blocks form block wall panels, each of the blocks in the panels having horizontal mortarless voids therein, the horizontal and vertical joints between adjacent courses being interlocking and mortarless. Selected courses of masonry blocks have a horizontal reinforcing rod attached to each block in the course without mortar or grout.

Abstract: Modular element for floor structures or crawl spaces used in self-supporting structures, the modular element including an upper surface (11) and supporting legs (13), the modular element defining, either alone or in combination with one or more identical modular elements (10) associated therewith, a seating (17) to position and anchor a structural reinforcement element, the seating (17) being sized in such a way as to accommodate a reinforcement element suitable to fulfil a static bearing function, the structural reinforcement elements, once installed and incorporated into the cast concrete, allowing to form a self-supporting reinforced structure.

Abstract: A dry wall building system comprises courses of building blocks where the building blocks are joined end to end by keys. Each of the blocks comprising sidewalls, endwalls and at least one vertical cavity or slot, at least one first channel in the upper surfaces of the endwalls and at least one second channel in the lower surfaces of the endwalls, the arrangement and construction being such that when blocks are laid one upon another the channels and the said at least one cavity or slot of the blocks can be aligned to provide an internal network of horizontal and vertical infill passages which can be filled with a settable material to seal joints between the blocks and to provide load bearing support between respective courses of blocks. A method of manufacturing blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an attached wooden 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 of the blocks.

Abstract: A building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls and roofs for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel. The prefabricated panels utilize miter-cuts when joined, form cores, interior and exterior walls, and roofs, when placed together. The walls are pre-formed, offsite according to the required size dimensions and then transported to the job site. The panels are made essentially of a expanded polystyrene panel having cores and channels. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are approximately 4 in. in diameter, spaced approximately 2 to 4 ft. apart, and receive poured concrete and steel rebar to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that protrude through the entire channel and coring system and are embedded in the slab, and which may be extended above the wall height to bend and overlap the roof for added structural support.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a novel process for making brick-faced block.

Abstract: A construction form for building an insulated concrete reinforced wall includes separable and independently usable lintel block and post block sections, made from injection molding Styrofoam. The lintel block section includes a channel extending horizontally and fully along its top portion. The channel includes multiple knock-out plugs within the bottom wall. The lintel block section also has multiple parallel and vertically spaced apertures with one end opened at a lower end, and extending upward to a closed end terminating at one plug within the bottom wall of the channel. The post block section is stackable with the lintel block section.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form wall building system includes a pair of spaced apart elongated expanded polystyrene sidewalls, each having opposed inner surfaces that are formed with longitudinally spaced apart vertically oriented ribs that terminate in substantially flat surfaces to abut against one another to serve as a concrete wall form. The ribs define channels for receiving concrete poured therein to form a composite polystyrene and concrete wall structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building comprising prefabricated components formed as wall and ceiling panels which are produced with a frame; the frame is an assembly of beam and angle parts which are held together and filled with a building material, such as mortar, concrete or Torcret, so as to form a flat panel.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an integrally-formed wooden 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 of the blocks.

Abstract: A construction wall system comprising, an inner rigid panel and an outer rigid panel of rectangular shape and defining length and breadth dimensions and defining side edges on either side and end edges on ends. The panels being spaced apart from one another with plurality of intermediate junction strips secured between the inner and outer panels, in parallel spaced apart relation, at spaced intervals. A plurality of end junction strips are secured between said inner and outer panels adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and spaced inwardly from the side edges to define junction channels along the side edges between the inner and outer panels. A plurality of spacer strips are secured between the inner and outer panels the spacer strips being spaced inwardly relative to the end edges of the panels to define end junction channels between the inner and outer panels.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a structure unit comprising a lightweight cellular resign block and plural bricks laid thereon. A cellular resign block 1 is integrally molded from suitable foamable resign so as to include vertical grooves 3 at the transversely opposite extremities, a vertical bar passage 5 at the transversely middle, and mortar wells 8 extending on the upper end of the block 1. Brick 20 is adhesively laid on surface of the block 1 using elastic mortar to form a structure unit A. Vertical reinforcing bars are inserted into vertical grooves 3 as well as into the middle vertical bar passage 5 and then mortal is poured into the mortar wells 8 to carry out work of masonry. For the blocks in every other stage, portions of vertical partitions 4 extending above the mortar wells 8 are broken away to form horizontal bar supports. Thus, a desired exterior structure such as wall, gatepost or the like in the same manner as with concrete blocks.

Abstract: A building panel (1) has an upper edge (4) adapted to interlock with a lower edge (6) of a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1). The lower edge (6) of the panel (1) is adapted to interlock with a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1) or base (16). Side edges (8, 9) of the panel (1) are substantially planar to permit abutment of a side edge (8) of one panel (1) against a side edge (9) of a horizontally adjacent substantially identical panel (1). A continuous channel (11) extends the length of each side edge (8, 9) and a further continuous channel (10) extends along the upper edge (4). To construct a wall, a plurality of panels (1) are placed horizontally adjacent to each other to form a lower layer (15). A cementitious mix is poured onto the panels (1) to fill the channels (10, 11). Alternatively, structural members can be placed into the channels (10, 11).

Abstract: A horizontal diaphragm for the generation of floor and roof structures includes a plurality of construction units arranged in rows and integrated joists by clip ties, wherein a load transferring material fills spaces between adjacent construction units in a row, both transversely and longitudinally. Each construction unit includes a lip projecting toward an adjacent unit in the row and defining with the other construction unit a space for receiving the filler material. The clip ties are anchored in the joists and are movable from a position obstructing the placement of additional construction units on the joists to a position integrating the previous construction unit with the joists. The joists comprise U-shaped troughs filled with grout in which the clip ties are anchored at spaced locations. The structure defining the trough can be monolithic or can comprise a plurality of discrete units placed in alignment and connected by reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that receives and holds 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 of the blocks.

Abstract: A method wherein structures can be assembled using blocks that form a lattice network which can be filled with a reinforcing material, said blocks being capable of serving as a permanent form that provides a finished exterior surface.

Abstract: A double skin composite panel comprising two steel facing plates of thickness between 2 mm and 32 mm is joined together by cross-members. Each cross-member is aligned generally normal to the facing plates and is spaced from its neighboring members by a distance of between 10 and 80 times the thickness of the centers of the facing plates, the separation between the facing plates being between 30 mm and 800 mm. A filler material, e.g. concrete, is introduced into the spacing between the facing plates.

Abstract: A stack of expanded foam blocks form a wall and define interconnected vertical and horizontal internal cavities which receive reinforcing rods, and concrete is pumped into the cavities to form an internal grid of reinforced concrete posts and beams. A set of opposing frame sections or shells clamp the blocks around a rough window or door opening and cooperate to define a frame cavity which receives the concrete pumped into the internal cavities to form a concrete window or door frame integrally connected to the concrete grid. In one embodiment, the opposing window frame shells remain with the wall and form a smooth seat for a window unit, and in another embodiment, the window or door shells are removed from the wall to form a concrete seat for the window or door unit.

Abstract: A staircase of monocoque construction comprises a pair of stringers, a series of successive and alternating treads and risers and nosings which are all made of solid wood or of composite wood such as O.S.B., pyrock, plywood, particle board, etc. At locations where these various components are to be joined, the components define facing grooves with a tapered space being also defined between the components. A gap filling substance, such as a polyester resin reinforced with micro-glass fibers, injected in the large ends of the tapered spaces fills the grooves as well as the tapered spaces and adhesively joins when it hardens the treads and risers one to another in succession, and also adhesively joins the stringers and the nosings to the treads and risers. The hardened resin "welds" the wooden components one to another thereby acting as a welded mechanical key, whereby the assembled structure forms a monocoque staircase. A method is also suggested to produce a monocoque staircase.

Abstract: A insulating foamed polymer wall panel comprising a sheet of foamed polymer having sizable dimensions to form a substantial part of a wall when assembled. Adjacent wall panels are coupled using splines which, together with the side edges of the panels, form the sidewalls of a cement channel between the panels. The panel has connecting slots for receiving the splines and a plurality of edges, each top and side edge having a longitudinally extending groove to accommodate the fill of cement therein. The grooves provide tongue-and-groove connections between the cement post and adjacent wall panels once the cement has set, thus locking the latter into place.

Abstract: A building panel (10, 85) having a core (13, 85) between facing sheets (11, 12, 88, 89) with parallel channels through the core (13, 85) which are used for structural framework (23, 26) of the building. Either of framing such as timber and steel, or concrete (87) can be interacted with the channels in construction of a building. The panels can be used as formwork for floors (131), ceilings, roofs and walls (102, 103, 109, 118) using concrete as the structural element.

Abstract: A block wall system is presented for use in building construction whereby a foundation wall can be quickly and economically prepared for a metal or other type building. A unique top wall block which has a notched face section and a laterally offset horizontal support section for retaining floor joists or concrete slabs form the upper row of the wall.

Abstract: A construction panel comprises two plates spaced from one another by a predetermined distance, and a plurality of strips extending transversely to one another and between the plates and connected with the plates so as to form a plurality of cells between the strips and the plates inside the panel.

Abstract: Shuttering floor slab for the two-phase construction of level concrete plates, which is thin and rectangular or polygonal in shape and contains the bending reinforcement of the final slab, used to form a level monolithic structure by assembly and embedded bonding of an upper layer to conform the final slab, characterized in that its body contains multiple parallel longitudinal passages connected to its upper surface by symetrically located slots placed on the longitudinal parallel axes of the passages, and having interrupted continuity, thus creating an intimate connection between the poured upper layer and the shuttering floor slab, through the material of the upper layer itself when this material enters into the longitudinal passages of the slotted floor slab through the slots in the upper face of said slab.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a double-walled hollow lost casing for use in the production of marine engineering civil works having inner and outer walls each made of pre-cut plates of such size and shape that the lost casing has a polygonal cross-section throughout its height. The method includes the steps of assembling a jig by interconnecting a plurality of standard frames stacked upon each other to a desired height which together present an outer surface generally corresponding to a wall of a lost casing to be produced, assembling on and releasably attaching the pre-cut plates to the outer surface of the jig and seamlessly joining the assembled plates, and then releasing the completed wall from the jig.

Abstract: A relatively simple, inexpensive building block for use in self-supporting walls includes a rectangular parallelepipedic body formed of a mixture of three parts by weight cement to two parts by weight wood fiber. Vertically extending grooves and in some cases cylindrical holes are provided in the blocks for defining vertical passages extending the height of the wall for receiving reinforcing rods and/or concrete for strengthening the wall.

Abstract: A reinforcing apparatus (8) is fitted in each n-th bed joint (4). The horizontal reinforement (10) of the reinforcing apparatus is embedded in a mortar layer (20) of the bed joint (4). Vertical reinforcing elements (16, 18) of adjacent reinforcing apparatuses (8) are arranged two by two in the vertical recesses (22) of the building stones (2) overlapping each other at least in part and embedded in a mortar mass (26). This way, a horizontally and vertically reinforced masonry wall is obtained, which can be constructed in practice in accordance with the usual method of construction.

Abstract: This invention is a method and casing (1) for constructing a rigid structure upon the bottom of the water. The casing to be used is a lost pillar casing of particular shape. It is larger at the bottom than at a higher level and preferably is composed of flat plates formed into a polygonal cross sectional shape with similarity to a multiple sided pyramid. It can be combined with wall casings slit into recesses of the pillar casings. The wall casings can be double wall casings in which case concrete is filled therein and bulk stoney material is filled into the interior of the pillar casings or between the casings.

Abstract: This invention is a method and casing (1) for constructing a rigid structure upon the bottom of the water. The casing to be used is a lost pillar casing of particular shape. It is larger at the bottom than at a higher level and preferably is composed of flat plates formed into a polygonal cross sectional shape with similarity to a multiple sided pyramid. It can be combined with wall casings slit into recesses of the pillar casings. The wall casings can be double wall casings in which case concrete is filled therein and bulk stoney material is filled into the interior of the pillar casings or between the casings.

Abstract: There is described a building block, notably shuttering blocks to be laid dry, having at the one end thereof a fork and at the other end thereof, adjacent the side edges thereof, recesses wherein the free fork ends from another block substantially of the same type, can enter, in which the depth of the one said recesses along the block length direction, is deeper than the corresponding depth of the other recess.

Abstract: A box-type masonry block comprising a quadrangular or H-type concrete block body provided at the interior thereof with a space. The block also includes an engaging step formed at inner upper surface of said block body, an engaging protrusion formed at lower surface of said block body, and a fixing rod-receiving hole formed at each corner of said block body.

Abstract: A structural system and components for housing or other structures and their methods of production. Panel members serve as structural elements or as filler members or both, and in some applications can be removed. The panel members are provided with mesh on one or both sides of a heat insulation core member with the mesh being welded or otherwise affixed to I-beams or reinforced concrete reinforcing steel to form a continuous structural solution. Roof panels are provided which are similar to that of the vertical walls, and the mesh on the upper surface is firmly affixed to both the columns and the reinforced concrete perimeter beam, affording a finished structure of great structural integrity. In all cases, the panels allow pouring of concrete around previously installed, reinforcing steel, allowing a final reinforced concrete structure similar to that constructed conventionally, but eliminating the extensive forming labor connected therewith.

Abstract: Hollow-core construction blocks are superposed without intervening mortar. The hollow-core construction blocks are provided with vertical, longitudinally spaced cylindrical apertures. Vertical slots having the same spaced relationship are interposed between the vertical apertures. Both the vertical apertures and the vertical slots open at one side of the block in a longitudinal channel having an at least approximately semi-circular cross-section. These building components permit forming arbitrarily high walls by the "dry", i.e. without mortar, superposition of the construction blocks and pouring concrete into the cylindrical vertical apertures of an upper row of blocks. The concrete flows downward, perhaps with the aid of a vibrator, and spreads out in lateral direction through the longitudinal channels. The vertical slots provide a means of escape for the displaced air.

Abstract: A wall constructed to function as a passive thermal mass for energy storage permits enhanced solar heating and nocturnal cooling of the interior of a building using walls as disclosed. Use of an expansive insulating material, foamed in place, seals the wall to make it waterproof. Concrete masonry units having inner and outer cells are stacked to form the wall. A hardenable material poured into the inner cells of the masonry units moves both vertically and horizontally within the wall to form a rigid wall structure. Introducing insulation in fluid form into the outer cells adjacent to those containing the hardenable material disposes the insulation to lie essentially adjacent the thermal mass of the rigid inner wall structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to shuttering or sheathing elements of hard expanded plastics material for construction of buildings by the concrete casing method, of the kind comprising two mutually parallel panels or slabs having a tongued and grooved form at their edges and webs interconnecting the panels. According to the invention the panel forming the outer casing is considerably thicker than the panel of the element forming the inner casing.

Abstract: In a mortarless interlocking concrete block system, general purpose intersection blocks have parallel grooves formed on their bottom surfaces; but each has mating ridges on the upper surface of its inner end only. The top surface of its corner end portion is flat, to permit an overlying course to fit thereon either at right angles or in linear alignment. The corner end portion has, in each of its two opposite side faces and in its outer end face, parallel vertical grooves matable with tongues on the system's stretcher blocks, to provide interengagement at both left and right corners and T-shaped and crossing-wall intersections. For bond beam courses, a bond beam intersection block with similarly groove corner end faces, has at its inner end portion a closed-bottom channel with saddle-like webs extending between the channel sides, to open through to its corner core and support horizontal reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A building construction includes load-supporting walls made up of precast modular members, each member being an elongated member having a web and channel-shaped ends such that when they are laid in vertical rows with adjacent rows abutting end to end, the channel members form closed vertical pillar chambers adapted to receive concrete poured in situ and cured to form pillars. Cladding is attached directly to the so-formed walls and floor members including elongated reinforced precast channels are laid side to side with concrete poured in situ about the channels and over them to form an integral floor.

Abstract: A building block and masonry wall constructed therefrom are provided wherein the building block has a pair of spaced opposite generally parallel side walls, spaced top and bottom faces and a pair of end spaces, a pair of spaced apart ribs on said top face, a pair of mating recesses on said bottom face, an intermediate generally centrally extending horizontal groove in each of the top and bottom faces, a pair of narrower grooves, one on either side of said centrally extending groove on each of said top and bottom faces, a pair of spaced ribs on one end, a pair of mating grooves on the other end, an intermediate vertical passage in said block corresponding in width to the widest portion of the central grooves on said top and bottom faces, a pair of vertical passages on each side of said intermediate vertical passage connecting the pair of top and bottom narrower grooves, and a vertical recess in each end intermediate the side walls and having a cross section substantially equal to one half of said intermediate

Abstract: A substantially crack-free load-bearing wall of prefabricated building elements and method of producing the same comprising a plurality of pre-fabricated building elements made of light-weight concrete each having a modulus of elasticity less than 8,000 kg/cm.sup.2. The elements are substantially rectangular in shape and have longitudinal grooves on their respective longitudinal edges. The elements are first shrunk by steam hardening or by storage for a pre-selected period of time and then arranged side by side with their lateral side edges in abutting relationship so that the grooves of the respective adjacent elements form vertical channels therebetween. The channels are filled with heavy concrete which provides a tensile-resistant bond between the elements and which also forms pillars which carry the major part of any load applied to the wall.

Abstract: The wall structure is comprised of a building panel which includes U-shaped side members each having a web portion and outwardly disposed spaced apart flange members with a plurality of sheet members extending between the web portions of the side members. The sheet members dwell in the same plane and the adjacent edges of the sheet members may be spaced from each other. Pairs of stiffener members extend between the side members on opposite sides of the sheet members and cover the adjacent edges of adjacent sheet members. The stiffener members have a beveled outer surface so that particulate material will not lodge thereon when the panel is in a vertical position. The stiffener members form an enclosed compartment along the adjacent edges of adjacent sheet members.

Abstract: A foundation for pre-engineered buildings in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes concrete footings provided at spaced-apart locations along the perimeter of the building to be erected. Light weight precast reinforced concrete grade beams are set in place with the end of each beam bearing on adjacent footings. Adjacent ends of grade beams extending in a straight line relative to each other are formed with channel configurations forming a keyway and adjacent ends of grade beams extending at a right angle to each other are formed with an interlocking configuration. One of these latter grade beams is formed with a keyway adjacent its interlocking configuration and its associated footing. A light weight disposable form is secured to the top of each footing and is generally U-shaped in plan view including a pair of parallel side walls and a connecting wall.

Abstract: A construction block of generally rectangular form having parallel upper and lower faces between which extend, through the block, one or more wide apertures and a plurality of narrow holes; the end faces of the block have wide grooves which cooperate, in a wall structure constructed from a plurality of horizontal courses of such blocks, to provide chambers between adjacent blocks of a course, the wide apertures in the blocks of adjacent courses cooperating to form vertically extending channels, the narrow holes house locating pins for holding the blocks of adjacent courses together until they are joined by concrete cast into the said vertical channels; the said upper and lower parallel faces have central depressions which form, between adjacent courses of blocks, horizontal channels linking the vertical channels so that the concrete cast into the vertical channels can also flow into and fill the horizontal channels to form an interlinked network giving great strength to the wall.

Abstract: A roofing system comprising a fire resistant rigid class A fire rated board as a substrate having bonded thereto a sheet of foamed, insulating resin and having a tough weather resistant membrane bonded to the upper surface. A ledge of substrate about 1/2 inch wide protrudes beyond the formed sheet to enable the composite to be fastened to a steel roof or the like by mechanical fasteners. The channel formed by the abutting roofing panels is filled with insulating foam and covered with a membrane strip which is attached at its edges to the membrane surface of the roofing panel.