Abstract: Concrete form assemblies having insulating foam panels are created using locking members embedded within the insulating foam panels and ties each having a pair of side rails for coupling two insulating foam panels together at a predetermined distance apart, the locking members and side rails being adapted so that either side rail can be coupled to either locking member and either of the ends of the rails and locking members can be toward the top or bottom of the assembly when the rails are coupled to the locking members.

Abstract: Provided is a cabinet, which comprises a top cover, four tri-layer side walls and a tri-layer base. The top cover, the four tri-layer side walls and the tri-layer base are connected with and fixed to one another by aluminum extrusion fixing assemblies. The tri-layer structure includes an inner honeycomb panel, a middle strengthening assembly and an outer wall panel. The middle strengthening assembly is formed by a plurality of horizontal tension rods and a plurality of vertical tension rods intersecting. The inner honeycomb panel has a hexagonal-celled hollow geometric structure, which confers the panel with such properties as high pressure-endurable strength, light weight, excellent rigidity and high structural stability. In addition, the hexagonal hollow cells can also make the honeycomb panel capable of better thermal insulation by preventing the air flow.

Abstract: Concrete form assemblies having insulating foam panels are created using locking members embedded within the insulating foam panels and ties each having a pair of side rails for coupling two insulating foam panels together at a predetermined distance apart, the locking members and side rails being adapted so that either side rail can be coupled to either locking member and either of the ends of the rails and locking members can be toward the top or bottom of the assembly when the rails are coupled to the locking members.

Abstract: An L-shaped shear wall module including an L-shaped outer pattern plate, an L-shaped inner pattern plate, and connectors connected between the L-shaped outer pattern plate and the L-shaped inner pattern plate. The L-shaped outer pattern plate 100 and the L-shaped inner pattern plate 200 are arranged in parallel to each other. The L-shaped inner pattern plate includes a first inner pattern plate and a second inner pattern plate which are perpendicular to each other. A corner transition block is disposed at a corner of the L-shaped inner pattern plate. The corner transition block has a protruding surface protruding towards the L-shaped outer pattern plate. The protruding surface of the corner transition block and the inner surface of the L-shaped outer pattern plate jointly enclose a concreting cavity at the corners for concreting reinforced concrete. The present application also provides a shear wall and a construction method thereof.

Abstract: A thermal wall system may include a plurality of blocks configured to interconnect with each other forming a monolithic wall. The plurality of blocks form a series of vertical interior cavities that each extend from a top of the plurality of blocks to a bottom of the plurality of blocks, and tubing vertically extends through the series of vertical interior cavities.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in a cavity space to connect to a veneer tie that joins an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity space. In one embodiment, the wall anchor system for use in a cavity space to connect to a veneer tie that joins an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity space is disclosed. The wall anchor includes a straight elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis. The wall anchor also includes a first receiving space defined by a first curved section and a second receiving space defined by a second curved section that are both in the cavity space upon installation. A first end of the wall anchor fusibly attaches to the single location at an outward facing side of the wire element.

Abstract: A precast reinforced concrete heavy duty retaining wall comprises a precast concrete square face panel with integral four fins connected to the rear of facing and the end of each fin with integral regular octagon. A fin comprises a reinforced concrete slab and having a substantially plurality of horizontal holes along each fin panel, used for inserted horizontal rebars into each hole, and bonded the vertical rebars to the horizontal rebars in each vertical channel. Designed the rebars by professional engineer. The upper surface of regular octagon of outer left and outer right having protude male interlocking and the lower surface of regular octagon, having female interlocking, the center are substantially opposite. The upper surface of face panel having a noch male interlocking, and the lower surface having a groove female interlocking, the center are substantially opposite. The side view at both left and right having grooves.

Abstract: A bridge to construct a multi-stage wall is provided with a clip at each end. One of the clips is sized and shaped to fit snugly onto the wall of a standard concrete masonry unit (CMU), while the other is sized and shaped to fit onto a segmental wall system (SWS) unit. A retaining or stand-alone wall is constructed by laying a row of SWS units and a row of CMUs roughly parallel to each other, with bridges extending between them to fix the units. The hollow spaces in each unit and the space between the rows is filled with gravel, rock or other fill material as each course is laid. Additional courses of SWS units and CMUs are placed on top of the prior courses, with bridges added to each course. This process is repeated until the desired wall height is reached. Various sized and shaped clips and connector brackets are provided to allow spacing of the walls at different distances, with varying blocks.

Abstract: A device is described for anchoring and inner wythe in a cavity wall to an outer wythe in order to secure and maintain the position of the inner wythe relative to the outer wythe, the device including a masonry reinforcement retained within the mortar joint of the inner wythe and a plurality of spaced apart brackets attached to the masonry reinforcement, the brackets being formed from a piece of rod stock with terminal end, where at least one eye formed as a turn of the rod stock is disposed between the terminal ends.

Abstract: A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure.

Abstract: The Construction Block Lock deals with a method to build block walls without the use of mortar by inserting a separate part between the bottom of a block and the top of the block it is resting on that fits the cores in the blocks locking the blocks in alignment. Assembly, disassembly and reassembly is clean and simple; essentially a stacking operation. For temporary assemblies and shipping no additional treatment would be necessary and in some cases for permanent assemblies may not be either.

Abstract: A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for erecting a building structure with construction elements, wherein the construction elements comprise block-shaped bags filled with filling material and having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a rear side, a right end surface and a left end surface, and wherein the block-shaped, bag-like construction elements of a first type are basic wall elements provided with connecting flaps at least close to the two end surfaces; the method comprising at least the steps of: —arranging at least two basic wall elements adjacently of each other on a ground surface, wherein the right end surface of the first basic wall element and the left end surface of the second basic wall element are placed close to each other; —placing against each other the connecting flaps of respectively the first and second basic wall elements situated close to the end surfaces placed closely together; and—mutually connecting the connecting flaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to the Soloarmar construction system comprising an original wall construction method, in which the cavities in the blocks are precisely aligned in the vertical axis. According to the invention, the blocks are assembled using an inner engagement device such that resistant masonry can be produced quickly and specially adapted for clay or concrete blocks using specific industrial templates, machines, nozzles and dies designed by Soloarmar. The appearance and characteristics obtained are similar to those obtained with standard masonry techniques, but with the mixture only being used to lay the first course instead of between all of the blocks.

Abstract: A block wall system includes a plurality of T-shaped blocks having a head defining projecting load shoulders and a shaft having a first end attached to the head and a second end. There is also provided a plurality of complementary blocks having a first end and a second end. Each of the complementary blocks is shaped to fit securely between a pair of adjacent T-shaped blocks with the first end of each complementary block abutting the load shoulders of the T-shaped blocks to limit relative movement in a first axial direction. The preferred form to have the shaft of the T-shaped blocks wedge shaped and for the complementary blocks is to be wedge blocks. The wedge engagement between the wedge shaped shaft and the wedge blocks limits movement in a second axial direction.

Abstract: A high-strength pullout resistant pintle veneer tie and anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The high-strength veneer tie utilizes modified ribbon pintles formed from a wire formative construct that is cold-worked, with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The veneer tie hereof, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with receptor portions of a wall anchor and is dimensioned to preclude significant veneer tie movement and pullout. The veneer tie is installed within the wall anchor through a swinging motion, fully securing the veneer tie within the anchor.

Abstract: Thermally-isolating veneer ties and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed. A ceramic based thermally-isolating coating is applied to the veneer tie, which is interconnected with a sheetmetal surface-mounted wall anchor. The thermally-isolating ceramic coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The ceramic coating maintains a thermal expansion similar to that of the underlying wire formative to prevent cracking. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.

Abstract: A segmental wall block system including one or more a face units and one or more anchoring units. The face units each have a front face and a rear face and one or more channels formed in the rear face, the channels extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the face unit along a face unit height. The anchoring units each have a first connector on a first end and a second connector on a second end. The first and second connectors are sized to slide into and be interlocked with the channels of the face unit. The distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the anchoring unit forms its height, which is approximately uniform and is approximately one half of the height of the face unit. The anchoring units may also include one or more grooves on the connectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall assembly including preformed building blocks and a trellis type support member for maintaining the building blocks in place in the desired orientation. The wall assembly further includes at least one support for holding the trellis upright. The individual blocks are connected to the supporting trellis for added stability. Although not every block in the wall need be connected to the trellis support member in order to achieve the desired added stability, it is preferred to connect each block in the wall to the trellis. Connectors are provided for connecting the blocks to the trellis. Each block preferably is connected to the trellis by at least one connector, most preferably by a pair of connectors. To accommodate relative movement or shifting of the blocks during installation and in situ, the connectors are preferably movably connected to the trellis or the block, or both.

Abstract: A channel anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a channel anchor and veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry construction veneer anchored to a steel stud frame or a masonry backup wall. The channel anchoring system secures both the veneer and the insulation to the framing or backup wall. The channel anchor includes a pocket compartment for the insulation that provides a non-invasive means for securing the insulation, thereby maintaining the insulation integrity.

Abstract: The invention comprises connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a concrete form system that may include a first panel, a first connection assembly, a first retaining member, and a lath. The first panel may include a first plurality of apertures. The first connection assembly may include a first bearing structure on a first side of the first panel and a first plurality of cross members penetrating the first plurality of apertures. The first plurality of cross members may include a first plurality of retaining portions exposed on a second side of the first panel. The first retaining member may extend through the first plurality of retaining portions and the lath may be between the first retaining member and the first bearing structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: An anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a wall anchor and a high-strength veneer tie. The anchor includes nonconductive thermally-isolating components that maintain the insulation R-values. The anchor features seals located at insertion points in the layers of the interior wythe that stabilize the wall anchor and protect against the entry of liquids and vapor. The veneer tie utilizes a ribbon connector that is cold-worked with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the wall anchor and is dimensioned to preclude significant veneer tie movement and to preclude pullout.

Abstract: Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

Abstract: An anchor includes a barrel having a bore extending therethrough. First and second wings extend laterally from the barrel. Further, first and second grooves are provided within the first and second wings, respectively.

Abstract: A corner block and a wall block system with a corner block for forming in multiple courses a wall which includes first and second visible wall portions which meet at a corner and where the corner block has a front face and at least one side surface having a texture or pattern matching the texture or pattern of a front face of a first block of the wall system.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.

Abstract: An insulating concrete form foam block bi-directional system comprises a pair of opposed and parallel foam sidewall panels spaced using a plurality of plastic and metal band ties that act as a fire-break between the two exterior finished concrete wall surfaces. Each tie comprises nearly full sidewall height, plastic flanges which engage the sidewalls and a metal band cross-connecting vertical holders of the ties. The metal band forms a wide opening to enhance concrete flow. The tie results in a minimal downward stress impact on the tie during concrete placement. The top and bottom surfaces of each sidewall are formed with raised areas and non-raised areas which interlock with adjacent blocks. The side surfaces of each sidewall are formed with vertical tongues and grooves which interlock with like tongues and grooves of corner pieces which are adapted to form right or left-hand corners.

Abstract: A two-piece masonry anchor including a plate having opposing faces, an attachment feature extending from one of the faces, and a leg extending from the other of the faces having an insulation thickness guide and an elongate slot transverse to the extension direction of the leg, and an anchor adapted to attach to the leg of the plate and having first and second portions arranged to define a right angle therebetween. A seismic wall anchoring system including a plurality of masonry anchors interconnected by a rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for a concrete form of an insulated wall has opposed, spaced apart and parallel wall panels, each having an inner surface, upper edge surface and a lower edge surface. Plural retainers are secured within each of the panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors respectively engage upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together. Plural cross webs extends between the panels to tie them together, the cross webs being connection to the connecting portions of opposed retainers in the panels.

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

Abstract: A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block.

Abstract: A modular block apparatus including a block having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a generally cylindrical core passage extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a locking assembly received in the core passage including a core having a through-bore extending therethrough defining alternating core grooves and lands, a locking rod having an array of alternating rod grooves and lands complementary to the core grooves and lands, and a rod key positioned between the locking rod and the core for retaining the locking rod in engagement with the core.

Abstract: A corner block and a wall block system with a corner block for forming in multiple courses a wall which includes first and second visible wall portions which meet at a corner and where the corner block has a front face and at least one side surface having a texture or pattern matching the texture or pattern of a front face of a first block of the wall system.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in joining together a masonry wall structure and a supporting back wall structure wherein the back wall structure is preferably formed using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks each having a pair of opposed ICF panels associated therewith, the anchor assembly including an anchor member and a tie member. The anchor member includes an anchor portion adapted to penetrate one of the ICF panels and having at least one opening associated therewith so as to lie between the opposed ICF panels when attached thereto for allowing poured concrete to flow therethrough, and an attachment portion having a tab member positioned and located to overlay an ICF panel flange member when the anchor member is inserted within the ICF panel, the tab member being attachable to the ICF panel flange member.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method for constructing and reinforcing modular block construction comprising placing on one or more modular blocks a plurality of separators which are connected via one or more connectors, and aligning modular blocks placed in a layer above the connectors. Also a method and apparatus for constructing and reinforcing multiple concentric modular block walls.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall or floor panel includes a rectangular concrete section comprising a projection along one side, a recess along the other side, the recessing being complementary to the projection, a protrusion along one end, a trough along the other end, the trough being complementary to the protrusion, channels each having one end terminated at one end and the other end terminated at the other end, a first groove on each of one end and the other end extending from one side to the other side by passing the mouths of the channels, and a second groove on either side extending from one end to the other end; a rectangular surface board formed integrally with an outer surface of the concrete section; and an interconnection comprising a transverse part of and spaced longitudinal tubes each adapted to fit into the channel to connect two adjacent prefabricated components together.

Abstract: A wooden building element for producing planar constructions, especially for constructing the upright walls of a building. Also, a corner building element adapted to the wooden building element and to a building constructed using the elements. The wooden building elements have two approximately rectangular support bases and two wall panels that are approximately equal in area. The support bases are maintained at a distance from each other by a plurality of supports that are aligned vertically in relation to the finished building and that delimit an interior compartment for the insertion of insulating material and building installations. The wall panels are fastened to the outer surfaces of the support bases and are set off therefrom in relation to longitudinal edges that are aligned approximately horizontally to the finished building and high edges that are aligned approximately vertically.

Abstract: A retaining wall block including a body having a front face, a rear face, opposing side faces, a top face, and a bottom face, and an elongated channel located in a surface of the bottom face preferably extending substantially between the opposing side faces. At least one pin aperture is located in a surface of the top face. A retaining pin is located in the pin aperture, extending vertically a predetermined distance above the surface of the top face. The block includes a cut-out portion defining a hollow extending from the top face through the body to the bottom face. The cut-out is located in the top face between the pin aperture and the front face and in the bottom face between the channel and the front face. A hand grip is provided within the forward upper portion of the cut-out.

Abstract: A system for setting tiles uses a number of tile assemblies and joining elements (21a) interconnecting adjacent tile assemblies. Each tile assembly—has a tile member (3a) and a support member. The support member is connected to the underside of the tile member, and is provided with recesses for accommodating parts of the joining elements. The support member has a number of openings and/or projections (12a) extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the tile member. The joining element has an elongate strip-like member provided with openings (30a) and/or projections fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing and using modular building blocks. The blocks may include two walls, a course, end conditions, a reinforcing assembly, and vertical and lateral retaining members. The walls may include lateral supports disposed lengthwise on a top and a bottom surface. Lateral retainer members may be disposed into the lateral supports. The walls may also include channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Vertical retainer members may be disposed into the channels. The course may be disposed between and coupled to the walls and characterized by one or more turns. The reinforcing assembly may be set inside the walls and the course. The reinforcing assembly may include wire mesh portions disposed to form interlocks, where the interlocks provide structural support for the channels. The modular building blocks may be coupled together with structurally complimentary end conditions.

Abstract: An improved device for use in a cavity-wall construction includes a water-permeable body yielding a first-average opening size that is large enough to permit water to pass therethrough, but small enough to substantially prevent mortar and other debris from passing therethrough. The device includes a water-permeable material likewise adapted to permit water to pass therethrough, but also forms a barrier to insects which are of an effective size that is much smaller than the first-average opening size.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing a wall is disclosed. The masonry unit includes at least three substantially vertical parallel partitions. Each of the partitions connects to an adjacent partition by a web thereby defining a pair of oppositely-facing open-ended recesses on either side of the web. Each of the webs connecting the partitions is offset from any adjacent webs in the masonry unit. A plurality of separated continuous vertical cavities extending through multiple layers of stacked masonry units are formed within the wall when positioning the multiple layers of stacked masonry units on top of each other in a horizontally offset and vertically inverted manner.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a concrete form for an insulated wall. The apparatus comprises first and second wall panels arranged in opposed spaced apart parallel relationship, each panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge surface, a lower edge surface and end surfaces. A plurality of retainers are secured within each of said first and second panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors are adapted to respectively engage the upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together.

Abstract: A facing element for at least partially covering a structure. The facing element has at least one pair of first and second rigid engagement connectors affixed to a rear surface of the facing element. Each of the first and second engagement connectors forms first and second apertures between the connectors and the rear surface of the facing element. The first and second apertures are coaxially located. The facing element also has at least one joining bar joining the first and second engagement connectors. The top portion of the facing element is hung to the structure by means of the first engagement connector. Contact of the bottom portion of the facing element with the structure is offset by the second engagement connector. A method for fabricating such a facing element is also disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: A thermal wall system may include a plurality of blocks configured to interconnect with each other forming a monolithic wall. The plurality of blocks form a series of vertical interior cavities that each extend from a top of the plurality of blocks to a bottom of the plurality of blocks, and tubing vertically extends through the series of vertical interior cavities.