Abstract: A system and method for constructing an insulated concrete form (ICF) wall are provided. Vertically-oriented pairs of ICF foam panels of an ICF structure are erected above a footing, with vertical panel supports located along opposed vertical edges of each set of adjacent vertically-oriented panel pairs. An internal brace support, extending longitudinally along the structure, is installed between the individual panels of the panel pairs. Concrete is poured between the erected vertically-oriented ICF foam panels to complete the ICF wall.

Abstract: A hollow prefabricated masonry wall panel is made at a fabrication site and is configured for transportation to a build site. The hollow prefabricated wall panel has a base row and an upper row formed of hollow blocks. A slit is formed in the top of each of the two side walls of the hollow blocks of the base row and upper row, the slit having a width no larger than 20% a width of a side wall. Provisional reinforcement is provided within each slit with a bonding material, a size of the slit and the provisional reinforcement configured to provide tensile strength during transportation of the hollow prefabricated wall panel from the fabrication site to the build site. At least one mid-row is laid between the base row and upper row so the hollow cavities are aligned to preserve hollow wall cavities that can accept code required reinforcement once transported to the build site.

Abstract: A spacer member for spacing boards or tiles includes a plurality of spacing wings extending from a core, where at least two of the spacing wings are movably connected to the core such that the spacer member has both a working configuration and a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

Abstract: The invention is related to a masonry reinforcement and to a dispenser therefore. The masonry reinforcement comprises a reinforcement strip that defines a strip plane and that is at least in one direction bendable. In the reinforcement strip multiple strip apertures are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the strip, each strip aperture comprising an aperture rim at the aperture rim or in the range of the aperture rim of some or all of the strip apertures rim serration members are arranged. The rim serration members are orientated inwardly. They can protrude out of the strip plane of the reinforcement strip in at least one direction.

Abstract: A wall block element (1, 2, 3) for building and/or landscaping purposes, such as for building a retaining wall (4), masonry wall (5) and/or a curb. The wall block element (1, 2, 3) comprises a first panel (6) and a second panel (7), at least said first panel (6) being a natural stone slab. At least two spacer elements (8, 9) made of steel are arranged at a distance from each other for placing and adjoining the first panel (6) and the second panel (7) together in parallel and at a distance in relation to each other. An inner space (10) is defined by the panels in-between the panels in which inner space a filling material (11), such as cast concrete, can be placed, said spacer elements each having connecting means (12) to attach at least the first panel to the spacer elements.

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 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: Disclosed is a pre-engineered brick panel formed of first and second adjacent bricks, spaced apart by a grout joint. The surface of the first brick is adjacent to a surface of the second brick. Each of the adjacent surfaces includes a grout channel and the grout channels in adjacent surfaces are aligned with one another. Grout is disposed in both of the grout joint and the aligned grout channels. Also disclosed are methods for making and installing such pre-engineered panels.

Abstract: A system for assembling two-sided walls on, through, and around a pre-installed structural steel grid. System wall units have an outer side and an inner side, the outer side being an outer wall surface, the inner side opposing an inner side of one or more wall units on an opposing side of the structural steel grid. Interlock elements extend through spaces in the structural steel grid and connect opposing wall units to prevent separation of the opposing wall units. Installed in courses, the wall units create a continuous void between opposing wall units, such that structural void fill material can be poured into the assembled wall at one or more openings, and the void fill material will fill the continuous void from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall. Plumbing, electrical, and other building systems can be installed on the steel grid prior to wall assembly.

Abstract: In a construction with walls, ceilings, and/or floors as parts of the building, especially for buildings protected against radiation, the parts of the building are made of reinforced concrete. One part of the building may be a sandwich design wherein one layer is made of a material that protects against radiation, and at least one layer is made of concrete.

Abstract: Stationary compacting, bagging machine comprising a structure intended to compact sorted or unsorted waste inside bags manufactured in laminated polypropylene adequate for this purpose, in which said equipment can perform high compaction of waste, extracting the liquid arising from compaction and eliminating empty spaces between the different kinds of materials, in such a manner that these bags can be deposited in proper landfills with no leaks into the atmosphere nor contamination of the groundwater.

Abstract: A shear panel for constructing underlayments for floors and roofs of buildings includes a first rectangular layer of fire-resistant material, such as cementitious board, bonded to a second rectangular layer of thin high-strength material, such as galvanized steel. The length of the second layer is longer than the length of the first layer. The additional length of the second layer forms a tab extending from one end of the panel. During construction, a first panel is attached to a set of beams (floor joists or roof rafters) with the tab spanning between adjacent beams. A second panel is positioned on the beams with at least a portion of the second panel overlapping the tab of the first panel. The overlapping portion of the second panel is fastened to the tab of the first panel to form a continuous shear diaphragm for the floor or roof.

Abstract: A shear panel for constructing underlayments for floors and roofs of buildings includes a first rectangular layer of fire-resistant material, such as cementitious board, bonded to a second rectangular layer of thin high-strength material, such as galvanized steel. The length of the second layer is longer than the length of the first layer. The additional length of the second layer forms a tab extending from one end of the panel. During construction, a first panel is attached to a set of beams (floor joists or roof rafters) with the tab spanning between adjacent beams. A second panel is positioned on the beams with at least a portion of the second panel overlapping the tab of the first panel. The overlapping portion of the second panel is fastened to the tab of the first panel to form a continuous shear diaphragm for the floor or roof.

Abstract: A modular building system formed of blocks supported around a loadbearing pipe frame. The blocks include half cylinder protruding portions located at opposing ends of the blocks wherein the protruding portions of adjacent blocks form cylindrical fastener portions. Horizontally adjacent blocks form courses, and horizontal courses of blocks are stacked to form walls. The fastener formed by the protruding portions of a lower course extend through an aperture in the lower portion of blocks forming an upper course, and a retainer member is engaged with the fastener formed by the protruding portions to thereby lock an upper course block to two lower adjacent blocks. The retainer member is formed with a through hole for receiving a vertical pipe member in sliding engagement wherein the vertical pipe members carry vertical loads without substantially transmitting vertical loads to the blocks.

Abstract: A method for fabricating foam cored items in which the foam core is tightly encased by an outer shell. The method is particularly suited for fabricating foam collars that are located above the chine of a boat and extend longitudinally along the sides of the boat to provide stabilization for the boat during high performance maneuvering and/or provide a fendering system.

Abstract: A tie bracket for supporting opposing synthetic foam insulating panels of a concrete receiving form, and a form utilizing such brackets. The tie bracket has intersecting horizontal and vertical members forming circumferentially closed openings therein. Most openings are arranged in horizontal series. An upwardly open trough is formed in each tie bracket. The horizontal members span and connect spaced apart parallel plates. The plates of each tie bracket are embedded in one foam insulating panel and are of height equal to that of the insulating panel. Each insulating panel has projections formed in its upper surface and cooperatively formed notches formed in its lower surface to enable interlocking and alignment of vertically stacked forms.

Abstract: An architectural construction assembly includes a plurality of construction units, each of which has opposite first and second surfaces and a plurality of side faces that are transverse to the first and second surfaces. At least one of the side faces of each of the construction units is formed with at least one protrusion which projects outwardly therefrom so as to be spaced apart from one of the side faces of one of the construction units which comes into contact with the protrusion.

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 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: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall system has a front wall and a partition wall formed backwards projecting from the front wall; wherein the partition wall is provided with a communicating hole extending vertically over the entire length thereof through and in which a reinforcing iron rod is disposed or inserted; the partition wall is provided on an upper surface with an upper depression such that the upper depression is enclosed with an upwardly raised peripheral edge portion having a top flat surface and an inner wall surface of the peripheral raised edge portion is gradually widened downwardly from the top surface edge toward the inside of the upper depression; the partition is further provided on a bottom surface with a lower depression such that the lower depression is enclosed with a downwardly reduced peripheral edge portion and an inner wall surface of the peripheral reduced edge portion is gradually narrowed downwardly from the bottom surface of the lower depression toward the bottom ed

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 composite building system includes a special joist having a lower flange in one embodiment and a special ladder reinforcement in another embodiment, a plurality of special masonry blocks defining a longitudinal trough, the blocks having mutually co-planar upper surfaces and at least one stepped upper edge, the stepped upper edges of the plurality of blocks running substantially transverse the trough in a grid-like pattern, a network of wire lateral reinforcement disposed in at least some of the stepped edges; and a flowable or fluid grout filling the stepped edges and the trough and, when cured, binding the joist or ladder reinforcement and the plurality of blocks to form an integral steel reinforced concrete structure having a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: For absorbing blast energy in a composite block and reinforced concrete wall construction, a hollow block formed of a mixture of mineralized wood shaving and concrete and having a density of no more than approximately 1 ton per cubic meter. The block has formed therein openings extending in mutually orthogonal directions for permitting the placement therethrough of reinforced concrete, and is operative to cooperate with the reinforced concrete so as to resist blast forces.

Abstract: A spacer for use in the wall construction for a building or the like. The wall generally comprises a plurality of blocks arranged in at least first and second layers spaced one above the other by a predetermined distance, each block having first and second sides, an exterior face, and interior face, a top and a bottom, and a pair of cutouts extending through the block between the top and bottom. The tops of adjacent blocks in each layer are adapted to be located in a common plane. According to the preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises: a base including a medial portion, first and second opposed ends and a pair of opposed edges, at least one planar body attached to the medial portion of the base along an opposed edge thereof and extending perpendicularly upwards from the base, the planar body having a first and second tabs at opposed ends and first and second V-shaped supports located at and extending transversely from the first and second opposed ends of the base, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting structure of concrete blocks and a method for connecting the concrete blocks in which a special structure for use in connecting the concrete blocks is not required, a rigid connection can be carried out with a simple connecting structure, a removal of the connector is eliminated, a workability is remarkably improved, a productivity of buildings is improved and at the same time it has a superior anti-disaster effect. The connecting structure is comprised of either a hollow rod-like connection member, a plurality of concrete blocks, a pair of connecting holes bored at abutting surfaces between concrete blocks, and adhesive agent poured at one end of the connector flowed out the opposite end and thus filled between the exterior surface of said connector and circumferential walls of said connecting holes.

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 building block comprises a transverse groove (12) in each end face (10b, 10c), an opening (15) extending from the first (10e) to the second bearing face (10d) in which a longitudinal groove (13, 14) is also provided. The block is further provided with reference and positioning structure comprising a pair of longitudinal seats on the first bearing face and a pair of projections, each divided into three projection portions, on the second bearing face. When a building structure is constructed, the blocks 10 are superposed dry and in a staggered arrangement in superposed rows, such that the longitudinal seats of each block engage the projections on the blocks of the underlying row. The apertures and the grooves in the blocks constituting the building structure form a grid of intersecting vertical and horizontal channels which extend over the entire building structure, and in which a binder is poured and solidifies, ensuring that the building structure is stable and resistant over time.

Abstract: An improved structural framing system and associated method for constructing same wherein a specially configured dissymetric steel beam is horizontally disposed and supported between adjacent vertical columns erected on conventional foundations. The dissymetric beam is fabricated having a compressed, block-like top flange formed opposite a substantially flattened bottom flange and integrally connected thereto by an intermediate web. Standard hollow core sections of precast, prestressed concrete plank spanning perpendicular to the dissymetric beam are disposed on either side of the beam and together assembled thereto so that the web of the beam is disposed centrally between facing edges of the plank sections with the bottom flange of the beam supporting the lower surface of the plank and the top flange substantially aligned with the upper plank surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a precast concrete wall consisting of a plurality of precast concrete, retaining wall segments used as a retaining wall, used to buttress against earth forces, used to abate noises, and a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from the precast wall segments which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. Each of the wall segments is capable of being varied in height, width or length, but having a generally similar cross-section. The wall segments also have members which form a stay-in-place form when two wall segments are placed end to end. Cast-in-place concrete is poured into the form and, upon hardening, becomes an integral structural support column for the wall.

Abstract: A concrete form tie comprises a pair of laterally displaced sidewall support assemblies with a reinforcing web extending therebetween. The support assemblies bite into the exterior sidewall surfaces as positioned thereat by the web transversely extending between the support assemblies. The web comprises a pair of brackets as formed by a support strut extending through a notch at the top of the form sidewall with a hanger element depending therefrom. A bridge extends between the depending hangers and across a vertical cavity formed between the sidewalls. The tie resists pressures acting on the sidewalls to preclude blow out along the horizontal joints of form courses as well as lateral displacement of the sidewalls. A starter tie is disclosed for respectively securing the lower end of the first course of sidewalls to a footing. A finish tie is disclosed for maintaining the displacement of the sidewalls of the top course of forms.

Abstract: Method for erecting walls, in particular exterior walls, of a building, by means of form elements with insulating inlays. The interior of the form blocks or of form elements is thereby divided in the longitudinal direction of the walls into two regions by a layer of heat-insulating material. A layer of readily heat-conducting material is inserted in the region towards the exterior surface of the wall and a layer of heat-retaining material is inserted in the region towards the interior of the wall. A pipe is disposed in the layer of heat-retaining material for conducting a carrier medium for selectively heating and cooling. Another pipe may be placed in the layer of heat-conducting material.

Abstract: This invention relates to both a concrete wall having a series of slanted deflection surfaces to spread the force of impacting vehicles, to buttress against earth forces, and to abate noises and to a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from precast concrete elements which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. The wall is comprised of a series of panels which are stable and self-supporting when placed on a prepared foundation due to the Z-shape of the panels. Stable connection between the panels is provided by cast-in-place concrete, structural support columns. The legs of the Z-shaped panels form a stay-in-place form for the cast-in-place concrete when two Z-shaped panels are placed end to end. The cast-in-place concrete hardens and becomes integral structural support columns for the wall.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for reinforcing a cement block structure having a plurality of vertical cavities therein comprising:providing an access to at least one vertical cavity in the cement block structure large enough to insert a fiber reinforcing element;inserting a fiber reinforcing element through the access such that the element fills the cavity;introducing a slurry of cementitious material into the cavity through the access so that the slurry of cementitious material fills the cavity and infiltrates and encapsulates the fiber reinforcing element; andcuring the cementitious material.

Abstract: This invention relates to both concrete wall having a series of slanted deflection surfaces to spread the force of impacting vehicles, to buttress against earth forces, and to abate noises and to a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from precast concrete elements which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. The wall is comprised of a series of panels which are stable and self-supporting when placed on a prepared foundation due to the Z-shape of the panels. Stable connection between the panels is provided by cast-in-place concrete, structural support columns. The legs of the Z-shaped panels form a stay-in-place form for the cast-in-place concrete when two Z-shaped panels are placed end to end. The cast-in-place concrete hardens and becomes integral structural support columns for the wall.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique wall construction and spacer for use by unskilled labor in such construction. The wall comprises a plurality of blocks arranged in layers one above the other, each of the blocks having first and second sides, an exterior face, an interior face, a top and a bottom, and at least one cutout extending through the block between the top and bottom. The tops of adjacent blocks in each layer are adapted to be located in a common plane and each block is adapted to be separated from an adjacent block in the layer by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique wall construction and spacer for use by unskilled labor in such construction. The wall comprises a plurality of blocks arranged in layers one above the other, each of the blocks having first and second sides, an exterior face, an interior face, a top and a bottom, and at least one cutout extending through the block between the top and bottom. The tops of adjacent blocks in each layer are adapted to be located in a common plane and each block is adapted to be separated from an adjacent block in the layer by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The spacer for the construction of walls from superimposed blocks which have at least one opening on their horizontal sides is provided with a supporting member consisting of four spacing members which are radially symmetrically attached to a holding ring and which are located outside the opening of the block when laid, and with centering means consisting of centering tabs attached to the holding ring. In the case of the spacer for the construction of dry walls, the spacing members are attached to a connecting ring which is linked to the holding ring, the two rings together having a T-shaped cross-section. The centering tabs are each provided with a reinforcement tab extending inwards, which has a T-shaped cross-section together with the centering tab.Such a spacer enables a safe, motionless and torsionally stiff support of the wall blocks and is well suited for mass production.

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 glass modular construction block is provided with a form-fitting frame of an integral foam material, and wherein the frame on the impact surface is provided with projections and recesses, which permit a firm plug-in connection. Along the narrow sides, the frame includes sealing projections. The space between the sealing projection serves for the insertion of reinforcement bars made of flat sections, which are provided with through-going openings for the plug-in projections. Setting of the glass modular construction blocks is accomplished without any additional adhesive means, so that a wall or wall portions constructed from such glass modular construction blocks can be disassembled, and so that the glass modular construction blocks are reusable.

Abstract: A building structure, especially an air raid shelter is formed from prefabricated tubular concrete elements (10) and end wall elements (11), the tubular concrete elements (10) being clamped between the end wall elements (11) with the aid of prestressed prestressing means or ties (12). The tubular concrete elements (10) have at least one stiffening beam (17, 18) extending all around them and at least the interstices between successive stiffening beams are filled with in situ cast concrete (13) reinforced by means of a crossbar (24), which in situ cast concrete encloses the prestressed prestressing means or ties (12). Two or more rows of tubular concrete elements (10) with end wall elements (11) can be placed beside each other to form a large building structure, especially an air raid shelter in which the stiffening beams (17) on the adjoining tubular concrete elements (10) engage each other in a comb-like manner and constitute columns.

Abstract: The formwork element of brick size is intended to form horizontal wall projections on which e.g. an outer clinker masonry can be bricked up. The formwork element comprises an inner wall (10), an outer wall (12) connected therewith via stems (42,44,45) and an outwardly projecting formwork part (14). The cavity of the latter, via one or several breaks (24,26) provided in the outer wall (12), is in communication with the interspace between the latter and the inner wall (10). In order to adjust the load-bearing part of the inner wall (10) to the part (28,30,32) of reduced load-bearing capacity of outer wall (12) and to avoid a sloping position of the wall, inner wall (10) at least on the upper side in the area (60,62) opposite break (24,26) of the outer wall (12) is depressed, with the close tongue-grooving engagement (16,20) being maintained. The protruding form-locking part (14), on the bottom side, is formed in a manner rising in oblique upward direction.

Abstract: A method of achieving earthquake reinforcement in existing buildings by piling hourglass-shaped concrete blocks within a beam pillar frame structure of a wall. The blocks are piled by staggering by half one pitch of the layer of concrete blocks and by filling the whole area within the beam pillar frame. The blocks are provided with stud plates that are welded to supporting bands which are in turn connected to the frame.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quickly and easily forming a load bearing, insulated wall comprising self-aligning, load bearing insulated building components. In specific embodiments, the building components define a wall having internal vertical cores which communicate with horizontal canals at the interfaces between rows of the building components. In specific embodiments, the cores and canals are filled with bonding material, for example, by the pumping of mortar therein, to define the completed wall. The individual building components are adaptable in design to increase or decrease their insulative values or strength to accommodate various construction conditions and climates.

Abstract: The frame comprises two uprights having a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and two rails. The upper rail has a U-section and the lower rail constitutes a solid beam which is capable of fitting in the U-section of the upper rail of a subjacent frame and of being rendered rigid with the latter and with adjacent flooring slabs by the pouring of a binder such as a high-early-strength concrete or a concrete containing resin. The upper rail of the subjacent frame defines with the corresponding upright a tongue which is capable of fitting in a groove defined between the lower rail and the corresponding upright of the upper frame.

Abstract: A system is described for erecting an apartment house or dwelling house from prefabricated components of concrete or other self-hardening materials, the components comprising wall panels, floor panels and reinforcing rods which are grouted together with the reinforcing rods to form joints which result in a finished building structure. The components used in the system and a method for erection of the structure are also described.

Abstract: A method of construction is disclosed employing reinforced concrete building block modules which are assembled into load bearing walls. The modules are configured as hollow rectangles with each of the corners beveled and with reinforcing rods extending through each of the top, bottom and sides of the rectangle and into the bevel spaces. After assembling the modules into wall structures, the adjacent reinforcing rods are joined to each other and the bevel spaces filled in with concrete. The modules are optionally provided with attached or integrally formed exterior and/or interior facing panels and the hollow space within each module is adapted to be filled with foam insulation. In the resulting wall structure, the sides of each of the modules act as load bearing columns supporting the building floors, with the weight thereof transmitted into the columns by the top of each module acting as an arch.

Abstract: Window frame members are joined by an arrangement comprising a pair of frame strip members having in cross section a U-shaped receptor. Each of the arms of the receptor have laterally inwardly directed projections. A connecting strip is provided having in cross section a central portion and a catch lug at each end for entry within the receptor. The catch lug is provided with outwardly directed projections on each of its lateral sides which cooperate with the inner edge of the inwardly directed projections on the receptor. The catch lug and the receptor are formed so that a cavity is defined within the receptor, which cavity can be filled with a hardenable filler.

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, an intermediate generally centrally extending horizontal groove in said top face, a pair of narrower grooves, one on either side of said centrally extending groove on said top face, an intermediate vertical passage of generally keyhole shape in said block corresponding in width to the widest portion of the central grooves on said top face, a pair of vertical passages on each side of said intermediate vertical passage extending from the top narrower grooves, and at least one vertical recess in each end intermediate the side walls and having a cross section substantially equal to one half of said intermediate vertical passage.