Abstract: A building block for erecting walls, houses or other buildings is provided. The block is made of a special mineral mixture and has at least two relatively parallel channel type hollow spaces passing therethrough. The hollow spaces of the building block are defined by can shaped metal or synthetic plastics profiles. Also a mold with longitudinal and face walls is provided, in particular for producing such a building block. The mold has a frame shaped construction of angle pieces and is arranged on a working plate.

Abstract: A very lightweight tubular building element for the construction of reinforced concrete floors and roofs; providing the formwork for the casting in place of the structural concrete and a high quality finished ceiling at the same time. It is a single component that can be installed easily and efficiently without heavy equipment or special craftsmanship; afterward the component is not removed, but stays permanently integrated in the concrete floor or roof. It forms a deck that is impervious, eliminating cumbersome cleaning during construction and leakage afterward, saving the common need of a costly waterproofing membrane over the slab. The formwork deck, composed of a plurality of the invention component, weighs less than four (4) pounds per square foot; and a single component for a common 15 feet span weighs less than 30 pounds, which can be easily handled by only one laborer.

Abstract: An ultra-lite modular composite building assembly system, comprising the lamination of rigid solid and expanded matrix materials, that can produce a functionally homogeneous composite structure capable of supporting over three hundred times its own weight. The rigid material, as the primary structure capable of sustained axial stress, is encapsulated within the body of the matrix material as a sheet or membrane that is bonded to and laterally braced by the matrix material. As a corrugated sheet or membrane, it may be either thermoformed or extruded and integrated into the body of the matrix composite in either a static or continuous foam molding process. The rigid material may be a solid polymer and the matrix material may be either an expanded polymer or any other structural foam matrix with similar characteristics. Further, extremities of the rigid material may be configured for tools-free interlock with adjacent building components.

Abstract: An insulated form assembly for a poured concrete wall includes a plurality of insulated forms. The wall is constructed from the insulated forms. The wall includes a cap fittingly retained on opposed edges of the forms and a band circumscribing the forms and the caps to pre-assemble the assembly. Each form assembly being made by connecting upper and lower ends of a plurality of interlocking form panels with the band circumscribing the resulting assembly to hold the form panels together. Ends of the circumscribing band being fashioned into a loop so as to form a handle.

Abstract: An insulated form assembly for a poured concrete wall includes a plurality of insulated forms. Each insulated form includes two generally planar opposing panels, and a plurality of interior segments interconnecting the panels and defining a plurality of passageways. Each panel includes a vertically extending attachment channel and an attachment member disposed within the attachment channel.

Abstract: A reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, concrete block facing elements connected by suitable connectors to reinforcing members which extend from the facing elements into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The connectors which affix the reinforcing members at their connecting ends to the facing elements comprise concrete poured into a part or all of certain of the void spaces within selective facing blocks, which concrete may or may not be reinforced and which concrete, when dry and cured, envelops and secures the connecting ends of the reinforcement members to their corresponding blocks and forms anchors thereat.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching an outer and inner facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an outer and inner wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture for filling with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the outer and inner block surface of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of outer and inner mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of outer and inner continuous wall grooves.

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: A form assemblage for making concrete and other building walls is disclosed. The form assemblage includes interlocking interior and exterior wall panels that are connected at a predetermined spacing with panel connectors that interlock with the interior wall panels and the exterior wall panels. The panel connectors have means for holding insulating foam panels at a position intermediate to the interior and exterior wall panels. Cavities between the insulating foam panels and the exterior and/or interior wall panels can be filled with concrete or other load-bearing materials. In certain aspects, the form assemblage can be used as a wall structure without the use of the load-bearing material.

Abstract: An interlocking and insulating form pattern assembly used in creating a wall structure for receiving a poured concrete. A first elongate form structure has a substantially rectangular configuration with a height, a length and a width. The first form structure includes a plurality of interiorly and arcuately formed walls which define in combination a first and second pluralities of interconnecting and vertically and longitudinally spaced and parallel extending concrete filling passageways. Tongue and groove portions are extend from first and second sides of each form structure and at least along selected oppositely facing surfaces so as to provide a stacking arrangement of a plurality of form structures to establish a desired height of the wall structure. The stacking arrangement sets upon a footing and receives a poured concrete to fill the vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways of the forms.

Abstract: A construction block is disclosed along with a method of producing and assembling a plurality of the construction blocks where the blocks have internal cages around a central passage, said central passage opening to top, bottom or side openings in the blocks, and from which cage support rods extend to hook chain lifts to the blocks and to guide bottom openings of top blocks into predetermined alignment with the top opening of the bottom blocks. The casting technique allows not only for the novel lifting and alignment construction of the blocks, but also allows for novel external and internal features to be incorporated into the blocks, such as studs, mounting bolts for interior walls and bricks or brick facades for the exterior walls of the blocks.

Abstract: Interconnectable formwork elements for casting vertical concrete structures adapted to interconnect to one another along their longitudinal sides to create a formwork for casting concrete to form a wall other vertical structure.

Abstract: A mason wall cementitious building block system comprising two lightweight dry-stackable block units and methods of using such units, including a wall unit and a corner/end unit, connected one to another in an interlocking fashion by means of male posts and female sockets, and variants on each of said units for capping the uppermost course of an assembled wall. The male posts angle rearwardly to define partial apertures, such that adjoining blocks define an aperture which extends vertically between the adjoined blocks for placement of vertical reinforcement, electrical and plumbing chase, and for the introduction of mortar or cement. The top surface defines a recessed cavity for placement of rebar when stacked. The corner/end unit of the present invention interconnects with wall units also by means of posts and sockets and may function as either an end or a corner, requiring only the removal of a small portion of the block at prescored cut lines to alter functions.

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: A clear, permanent form, for steel reinforced concrete structures. Sections of the clear form, are to be factory extruded, from a clear polyvinyl chloride material, so as to make the assembly of the forms, the installation of the steel and utilities, and the inspections that are required, easier. The clear forms will protect the steel reinforced concrete structures from the elements that cause these structures to fail. The clear form consists of two factory extruded profiles, that are totally different in shape. The sections that make up the form, can be modified, cut to any length or angle and assembled on site. It takes two sections, of one profile, to form both vertical sides of the form, and two sections, of the other profile, are horizontally inserted, between the vertical side sections, to create an elongated empty container. The assembled clear form is 7⅝ inches wide and 8 inches high, and is open on four sides.

Abstract: A retaining wall made up of a plurality of blocks shaped to prevent the escape of material used to fill the cavities of the wall while allowing dissipation of pressures exerted on the wall by the retained earth and a method of constructing the wall taking advantage of the continuous, uninterrupted vertical cavities formed by the unique shape of the blocks. The shape of the blocks comprises a front portion interconnected to a rear portion which has ears on opposite sides which cooperate on adjacent blocks to create a tortuous path into a space created between two adjacent blocks. In a preferred embodiment the rear portion further comprises a cavity which, when pyramidally placed on top of two adjacent blocks, forms a continuous, uninterrupted vertical column which significantly increases the weight and strength of the wall when filled with a particulate filling material.

Abstract: A foam wall assembly including vertical passageways that guide wall support elements. The wall assembly includes a lower end and an upper support element that are affixed to the wall support elements. The foam wall includes inner and outer thermal barriers that thermally isolate the wall support elements.

Abstract: There are provided structure members by which ordinary workers other than technical workers can easily joint beams and beams, beams and pillars respectively made of concrete and also can construct buildings which can be extended. There are also provided methods of jointing the structure members. The structure member comprises a hollow tube made of concrete or a material similar thereto. Two or more structure members arch having irregular portions on an inner surface thereof are butt-joined with each other, then a filler is introduced into the hollow portion of each structure member to be solidified so as to joint the structure members. Reinforcing members etc. are put into the hollow portions of the structure members, or steel frames and bag bodies, etc. are fixed by a jointing frame and a filler is introduced therein. It is also possible to joint two or more structure members by way of a jointing member.

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 mausoleum and method of constructing a mausoleum. The mausoleum may include plurality of vertically extending walls supportable on a surface, wherein at least one vertically extending wall has a plurality of cells integrally formed therein. At least one cell is substantially filled with a filler material. A roof is supported on the vertically extending walls and cooperates with those walls to define at least one crypt niche having at least one open end. A closure panel corresponding to each open end of each crypt niche is provided. One or more cells within the walls may be unfilled to serve as drain and/or vent passages for each niche. Shelf assemblies may be supported within each niche to form chambers for receiving caskets therein. Each shelf may have open cells formed therein which can communicate with open cells within the walls. A lawn crypt manufactured from similar materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular precast construction block system (10) with a wall subsystem (12) and a foundation subsystem (14). The wall subsystem (12) has a number of wall units (16) having cavities (40) and prestressed tension cables (58) cast therein. The wall units (16) are vertically stacked with alignment channels (42) in the top surface (28) of one wall unit (16) receiving the key portion in the bottom surface (30) of the wall unit (16) above, to form walls (26) with vertically aligned cavities (40). Threaded wall bars (24) and extension bars (74) are threaded through the cavities with a wall tensioning assembly (22) applying downward force on the wall units (16) and providing structural strength to the wall. The foundation subsystem (14) includes a variety of precast foundation members including T footing members (126), pier members (128), grade beam members (130), and column members (132).

Abstract: A transportable form structure for use in making a building. In accordance with the invention modular interlocking form blocks are stacked on a base frame and then secured so that the blocks do not become dislodged when encountering stresses during transport. Preferably the blocks are securing by applying a vertically directed compression force to the walls of the structure about the periphery thereof. When the form structure is completed, it is both strong and light weight. It can be lifted onto a vehicle and transported to a location of installation. At an installation location, the form structure is secured to a foundation, and filled with a filler material such as concrete.

Abstract: A cementitious structural building panel includes two facings made of a mesh reinforced lightweight aggregate core, the facings separated by a plurality of transverse ribs made of the same material and glued to the interior surfaces of the two facings. In use, H-shaped clips are secured to the extending facing edges of each panel so that adjacent panels may be erected and held side-by-side. A flowable material, such as a cementitious fly ash mixture, is poured into the spaces between the ribs and the facings and between the edges of the adjacent panels to form a strong load-bearing multiple panel wall. Once the walls with the panels are erected, the H-shaped clips, which are preferably made of plastic, can be trimmed or shaved off, thereby leaving a smooth or prefinished interior and exterior wall surface which can be readily further finished if desired by the application of paints, stuccos or other facing treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prefabricated concrete formwork module that may be assembled with others similar modules in the manner of a brick wall to form a mold into which concrete is poured. The formwork module has a reinforcing structure preferably made of parallel grids connected by transverse tie-rods. It also has a pair of opposite panels forming spaced apart longitudinal side-walls. It further has arms defining a bridge for providing stability between adjacent modules when assembled to form a wall. Preferably, the panels are made of an insulating material.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit especially suited for use in soil reinforced retaining walls is provided. The reinforced retaining wall is comprised of precast, concrete block masonry unit facing elements connected by suitable connectors to reinforcing members which extend from the facing elements into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The connectors which affix the reinforcing members at their connecting ends to the facing elements comprise concrete poured into a part or all of certain of the void spaces within selective facing blocks, which concrete may or may not be reinforced and which concrete, when dry and cured, envelops and secures the connecting ends of the reinforcement members to their corresponding blocks and forms anchors thereat. The novel masonry unit disclosed herein effectively provides maximum facing area per unit volume (weight) of block, always exceeding 4.0 m.sup.2 /m.sup.

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: A construction block is disclosed along with a method of producing and assembling a plurality of the construction blocks where the blocks have internal cages around a central passage, said central passage opening to top, bottom or side openings in the blocks, and from which cage support rods extend to hook chain lifts to the blocks and to guide bottom openings of top blocks into predetermined alignment with the top opening of the bottom blocks. The casting technique allows not only for the novel lifting and alignment construction of the blocks, but also allows for novel external and internal features to be incorporated into the blocks, such as mounting bolts for interior walls and bricks or brick facades for the exterior walls of the blocks.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching a facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an inner and outer wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture being filled with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the one of the inner and outer block surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of continuous wall grooves. Fastening devices fix the plurality of mounting strip within the plurality of continuous wall grooves to provide a mounting for attaching the facing material to the wall.

Abstract: Elongated extruded thermoplastic hollows structural components of rectilinear cross section formed for interlocking assembly for use in erecting a modular building on a supporting base, characterized in that each said component being a coextraction of a substrate including reprocessed plastic material and a thin smooth protecting thermoplastic skin covering wall surfaces of said component which are exposed when same is interlocking assembled with mating components, each said component being cored to provide a predetermined pattern of spaced holes along the length of the walls thereof which become internal walls when same in interlockingly assembled with mating components and the holes of mating components being in registration to provide internal flow passages therebetween with the corings providing a source of substrate reprocessed plastic feed stock.

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: An insulated concrete form system for constructing the walls of a structure including a multiplicity of insulated concrete form units. Each insulated concrete form unit includes a body, a tenon and a mortise positioned at opposing ends of the body, and at least one opening extending substantially vertically through the body. Each insulated concrete form unit may further include at least one cavity extending through the body for receiving concrete. Each insulated concrete form unit is stacked vertically on one another to form a column. Thus, an insulated form system features a series of adjacent columns that are joined together to form the walls of a desired structure. In particular, adjacent columns are joined by offsetting the vertical height of one column relative to an adjoining column. Accordingly, each mortise and tenon from one insulated concrete form unit of one column joins in an offset manner with the mortises and tenons of at least two concrete form units from an adjacent column.

Abstract: A modular construction system (10), the preferred embodiment of which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).

Abstract: A component of lightweight structural material to be utilized in the construction of a sturdy wall, the component being elongate and generally in the configuration of a rectangular solid whose height is approximately three to four times its width. The component involves a pair of elongate sidewalls, a pair of end portions, a bottom section, and an upper section. An elongate, trough-like recess is located along the upper section between the elongate sidewalls, and a plurality of elongate, generally vertically disposed apertures are disposed in an essentially parallel relationship below the trough-like recess. The upper end of each of the elongate apertures is directly below the trough-like recess, with the trough-like recess being adapted to receive and contain molten concrete, with some of such concrete being able to flow into and fill the vertically disposed apertures.

Abstract: A building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls, roofs, and floors for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel made essentially of a plastic foam core with a thin coating of plastic resin or acrylic and portland cement applied on each side for structural rigidity, the building panel having a standardized semicircular recess disposed about its perimeter for receiving pre-sized, cylindrical connectors also made of foam with a coating, and half-round connectors that connect the panel to a slab, and that also fit in the horizontal perimeter recesses of each panel. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are 4 in. in diameter, spaced 2 to 4 ft. apart, that receive poured concrete or rigid piping to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that are tied to the slab and are used to tie to the roof. The building panels may be used for walls and are 24 ft. long, 4 ft.

Abstract: A brick wall is constructed on spaced piers (11). The bottom courses (13, 14) of bricks in the brick wall are of opposed channel section and form a longitudinal bore therebetween. Steel reinforcing is located in the bore before it is filled with grout to form a composite brick bond beam spanning between adjacent piers (11). The bond beam provides a support for successive courses of bricks (19) laid thereon. The brick wall can be used as cladding for an existing wall (10). The bricks in the upper courses (19) may be of narrower width than those used to form the composite brick bond beams. The courses (19) may be secured to the external panels (21) of the existing wall by wall ties (20). Single skin walls may also be constructed according to this method.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form system including two longitudinally-extending side panels, each side panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface of one side panel faces the interior surface of the other side panel and wherein the interior surfaces are laterally spaced apart from each other so that a cavity is formed therebetween, a longitudinally-extending wire re-bar disposed in the cavity formed between the side panels, and at least two connector members. The wire re-bar acts both as a bridging element between the two side panels and as the horizontal structural reinforcement of the concrete (or similar material) placed into the cavity between the side panels. A portion of each connector member is integrally formed within a portion of one side panel so that one connector member is formed within a portion of each of the side panels.

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: An improved stabilizing system for a poured concrete wall utilizing interlocking foam blocks disposed on a foundation. The improved stabilizing system comprises a plurality of reinforcement members. The first ends of the reinforcement members are secured within the foundation to extend in a vertical orientation through internal cavities within the plurality of courses of the interlocking foam blocks. A plurality of retainers are disposed on the upper surface of the interlocking foam blocks. A plurality of binders secure the plurality of retainers to the plurality of reinforcement members for stabilizing the wall during the process of pouring a concrete material within the internal cavities of the interlocking foam blocks.

Abstract: Foam blocks including vertical passageways are aligned by a block alignment element having first and second edge alignment surfaces for simultaneously engaging the internal block passageways at angularly spaced apart intervals to align one block relative to another block.

Abstract: An interlocking and insulated form pattern assembly for creating a wall construction for receiving a poured concrete. A plurality of form structures each are constructed in a substantially rectangular fashion with a height, length and width and include pluralities of arcuately shaped inner walls which define both vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways. The forms are interlockingly arranged according to a desired stacking arrangement so that the vertically and longitudinally filling passageways extending continuously throughout the erected wall structure. Moisture drainage channels likewise extend in interconnected fashion both horizontally and vertically within the form structures and are arranged in alignment with identical channels in succeeding form structures to provide internal drainage capabilities to the form assembly.

Abstract: The present modular foundation construction includes a plurality of interconnectable extruded modular forms configured to be selectively arranged and interconnected in the shape of a customized building foundation. The plurality of forms, when the shape of the customized foundation, define a series of interconnected first cavities extending around the shape for receiving poured concrete and further include a series of second cavities extending along the first cavities filled with insulation to form a substantially continuous insulative layer around the shape. Male and female connectors on the end wall sections of the forms provide a secure interconnection.

Abstract: Thermoplastic structural components utilized within building construction as permanent formwork. The components formed with openings along a length which serve to allow concrete to flow from one form to adjacent forms. Thus, filling the components forming a surrounding wall of a building. The openings allow for air circulation within components forming a roof assembly. The components are co-extruded with a protective skin along outer surfaces thereof. Grooves are provided along the length of the component for mating with interlocking flanges of a box connector. Planar spaced walls are provided within each component and have a series of openings along a length thereof.

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: A formwork constructed of prefabricated elements, preferably for building a concrete wall. The formwork has two parallel walls that define a space that is filled with concrete laden with water, sand and large aggregates. An inner wall of the formwork has a lattice or perforated structure to filter and pass water and small aggregates from the space that is filled with concrete. An outer wall also has a lattice or perforated structure to filter additional water and smaller aggregates from the space that is filled with concrete. This invention also includes a concrete heating wall that may be constructed from formwork.

Abstract: A modular construction system (10) which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).

Abstract: There is disclosed a monolithic unit having spaced apart panels for concrete walls in which the unit includes in one embodiment tie members having a chemically similar polymeric composition to that of the panels but differing in a physical form. The result is a fusibly connected integral unit.

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: A projection is formed on the back of the bed of an architectural panel used as a fence, a gate or a wall of a building, and a groove is formed in the same direction as the projection. The projection of one face member is fitted in the groove of another face member which makes a pair with the former face member. This prevents the projection from being broken during transportation or the like.

Abstract: A curved block formwork element for use in forming structures such as curved cornices, lintels and window sills. The curved block formwork element comprises a substantially rectangular shaped block having two oppositely disposed side walls and two oppositely disposed end walls creating a hollow cavity inside, wherein a first of the side walls comprises a flat surface and a second of the side walls comprises a curved surface; means for vertically interlocking the block with a plurality of rectangular block formwork elements along a top and bottom surface of the block; and means for horizontally interlocking the blocks.

Abstract: A one-piece, durable plastic block for forming concrete structures wherein uncured concrete is poured into the block which has been laid in brick-like fashion with a plurality of similar blocks, and where the block becomes an integral part of the resulting concrete structure providing strength thereto. The block has a generally rectangular shaped housing with an open top and bottom. Lateral tensive strengthening is provided by a plurality of cross straps disposed across the open top and bottom of the block and include a connecting device to attach to overlying or underlying blocks. Each end wall of the block has a connecting device for attaching it to the end wall of an adjacently placed block. There is also a notch at the top and bottom of each end wall providing for the continuity of concrete between blocks and to allow the installation of reinforcing bars across this interface.