Abstract: An article of manufacture for building concrete structures from precast blocks and the process for making the structural system. The block comprises one or more annular tire wall stack units embedded in reinforced concrete. Prestressing and/or post-tensioning structural reinforcing techniques are used with assembled building blocks. The blocks are made by placing used tire stacks in a form that centralizes the stacks so that reinforced concrete can be placed around them while maintaining a hollow core through the stacks. Horizontal interlocking between blocks uses reinforcing bars and/or a tongue and groove configuration, and/or post-tension wire strand placed in a recess or post-tension tubes formed in the blocks and mortared in-place during construction. Vertical interlocking between blocks uses a tongue-and-groove interlock, shiplap splicing, and reinforcing bars. Post-tension wire strand, pipe, or H-piles are placed in and through the stacks and mortared in-place during construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel element comprising a use side, a counter draw opposite the use side, a first side having a tongue, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and which has a slot that is complementary to the tongue. The tongue has a connecting element, which extends essentially perpendicular to the use side and whose cross-section has a first flank and a second flank that is located opposite the first flank. The cross-section of the connecting element has a center line running perpendicular to the use surface. In a first section (45) of the connecting element (4), when viewing in the direction of the use side (11), the slope of the first flank (41) and of the second flank (42) points outward from the center line (44) and the slope of the second flank (42) points toward the center line (44). The distance between the first flank (41) and the second flank (42) decreases perpendicular to the center line (44).

Abstract: Walls and other structures can be made from blocks assembled from relatively light-weight standard panels that fit together like a puzzle. The blocks are held together without the use of mortar. Each block is formed of six rectangular panels fitted together by sliding capturable elements into cooperating receiving grooves. All of the panels have a common thickness and each panel has two parallel faces. Three types of panels are involved in making the block.

Abstract: An assembled DIY floor comprises a floor unit having an approximate rectangular shape; an upper side of the floor unit being formed with a groove which also has an approximate rectangular shape; the groove serving for receiving a floor plate; the floor plate being adhered to the groove by using a sticky layer; an upper lateral side of the groove having a buckle for buckling the floor plate to the floor unit; an assembly portion installed around the floor unit; the assembly portion including a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses. When assembling two floor units, the projections are buckled to the recesses so as to assembly two floor units. In assembly, two floor units are assembled; the projections of a floor unit are combined to the recesses of another floor unit; the floor plate being combined to the groove of the floor unit through the sticky layer; and the floor unit is adhered to ground.

Abstract: A modular building system wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.

Abstract: A foam block concrete form including a pair of opposing foam panels spaced parallel from each other, a plurality of ties positioned transverse to and between the pair of opposed panels for holding the panels in spaced apart parallel relationship to each other, a single row of alternating teeth and sockets positioned and located along opposing horizontal longitudinal edges of each panel to enable the panels to be removably engaged with either opposed horizontal longitudinal edge of an adjacent vertically positioned panel having a substantially identical array of teeth and sockets formed along its opposed horizontal longitudinal edges, and a substantially flat planar surface located adjacent the single row of alternating teeth and sockets thereby providing a mechanism for facilitating the removal of water and other debris which may accumulate within the sockets or spaces formed between the teeth.

Abstract: An Interlocking Stackable Modular Building Block plastic molded container is disclosed that is ideally suited for making barrier walls, slabs and emergency living quarters. The referred embodiment of the Block is a hollow container with extrusion tongue on the one end and insertion groove on the other end. The Blocks can be placed adjacent to each other in interlocking position by inserting the tongue of the first Block in to the groove of the adjacent Block. Blocks have narrow ledge on the top and wider extension on the bottom. The wider bottom fits snugly on the top narrow ledge when Blocks are placed on top of each other and are held tight with screws. Walls and slabs can be made out of Blocks when they are placed in adjacent interlocked position and stacked top and bottom position. Such walls and slabs are ideally suited for providing winterized insulated housing to people in remote areas and areas that are hit with natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting insulation panels of insulated concrete formwork. Each panel has opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first edge and female interconnecting means on a second edge. The device is a block with opposing edges wherein each opposing edge of the block has similar interconnecting means that mate with the interconnecting means on one of the edges of each of the panels.

Abstract: A masonry block wall system includes a plurality of brackets which establish a wall framework. Each bracket includes a plurality of fins adapted to receive and support at least one block member such that the fins establish a desired alignment of block members relative to one another.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks for construction preferably include an in-line block, a corner block, an offset block and end blocks. The in-line block includes a connector extension disposed on one end and a connector cavity formed on the opposite end thereof. The connector cavity is sized to receive the connector extension. First and second retention projections preferably extend from a face of the in-line block. The corner block preferably includes the connector extension formed on one end and the connector cavity formed in a side at the opposite end thereof. The offset block includes the connector extension formed on one side at one end and the connector cavity formed on the opposite side at the opposite end thereof. The end block includes a connector extension or a connector cavity disposed on one end. At least one cavity is formed through each block.

Abstract: A support structure for a log wall includes a plurality of logs extending horizontally in an axial direction and stacked vertically to form a wall, vertically adjacent ones of the plurality of logs having generally aligned end faces defining an edge surface of the wall; and a plurality of connectors positioned within the wall adjacent the edge surface and extending between vertically adjacent pairs of the plurality of logs, each pair of logs including a respective lower log and upper log generally situated on top of the lower log, each connector having a connector body with a lower and an upper log engagement portion, each lower log engagement portion engaging the respective lower log, and each upper log engagement portion engaging the respective upper log.

Abstract: A pier cap for a disposition atop a pier of support for a structure, such as a manufactured home generally comprises a rectangular body having a generally flat planar textured top and support webs including a peripheral, downward extending wall and a plurality of internal webs and an open interior in the body between the webs. The webs are designed to be supported by the upper surface of a concrete block having vertical cells. Coupling projections, connected to the body and rising above the top, couple with the webs of a stacked cap to prevent sliding. The pier caps can be arranged in stacked layers of multiple caps.

Abstract: A support assembly for receiving and maintaining one or more sections of an above-ground structure at a substantially upright position includes a base member having a protrusion connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction. The support assembly further includes a plurality of ancillary members having top and bottom end portions defining engaging and receiving portions respectively. One of the ancillary members is positionable onto the base member and receives another ancillary member thereon. The assembly also includes a top member with a top end portion that has a slot formed therein and for receiving a section of an above-ground structure so that same can be maintained at a secure position.

Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.

Abstract: A block used to construct a wall. The block has a front and rear surfaces, top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. The bottom surface of the block has a projection that extends downwardly therefrom and which is configured to engage one or more blocks in an adjacent course of blocks to prevent movement therebetween. Depending upon the configuration of the wall, the projection may engage a portion of the rear surface of an adjacent course of blocks, or may be received within one of two channels in the top surface of the adjacent course of blocks. By selecting the position of the projection relative to the adjacent course of blocks, differently configured walls may be constructed.

Abstract: Generally, the invention is a dry stack building block for constructing a masonry wall. The dry stack unit has a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The dry stack unit also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. Each pair of lugs may have a first lug offset from a second lug in an axis perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the front section and the back section.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a spectrally selective film laminate disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block and to establish an U-factor of 0.35 or less with a S.H.G.C. of 0.39 or less. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A building block that is releasably attachable to another block of compatible design by wedging the tongue of one block into the groove of another block, without the need for any intermediate adhesives, bonding materials or any other means of holding the blocks together. The block includes a body, an outwardly-extending tapered tongue, and two inner surfaces that form a tapered groove therebetween. The tongue and groove have substantially the same taper. The top of the tongue is wider than the bottom of the groove. The base of the tongue is wider than the opening of the groove. A tongue and groove joint is also disclosed as well as methods for forming a tongue and groove joint. A base which includes a plurality of spaced-apart tongues and grooves is provided for use in supporting a plurality of building blocks thereon.

Abstract: A retaining wall with a series of differently sized, pre-formed blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to connect and align adjacent courses in registry. Retaining walls made of horizontal blocks may be stacked in columnar fashion or running bond fashion. The location of the indexing surface on a projection relative to the viewable surface of the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A modular emergency shelter system includes a sleeping and storage module having a rectangular box-like structure with curved interior sidewalls defining a sleeping area, and exterior sidewalls extending to an opposing end defining a separate storage area. The box-like structure is preferably fabricated of molded plastic filled with fire resistant and sound dampening foam, and is watertight to keep out the rain and facilitate hosing out after use. Preferably the module includes electronic locking doors operable from inside or outside the module. The module is specially configured for securing together a number of similar structures including additional shelter modules stacked one atop another, or vertically-oriented modular utility units such as toilets, showers and a dressing rooms.

Abstract: The present building block has at least one inner core, a secondary or end core portion, and an interlock protruding from one face and forming a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner cores. When placed end to end and at the same level, building blocks of the present invention form a secondary core or seat for reception of the interlock. When a first row of building blocks placed end to end is staggered relative to a second row of building blocks placed end to end, the interlocks of one row of building blocks mate with the secondary or end core portions or relatively large inner cores of the other row of building blocks such that neighboring rows of building block interlock. The basic building block has ends that are oblique such that rows having a preset radius can be formed or such that a linear row can be formed by placing one block front-to-back and an adjacent building block back-to-front.

Abstract: A modular building system includes a plurality of extruded plastic beams that are stacked and interlocked using a tongue and groove interengagement. Plastic connecting components are provided for interlocking the horizontal beams to a vertical column.

Abstract: A concrete form unit includes opposing sidewalls which are preferably made of foamed plastic or other insulating material. Articulated spacers extend between and connect the sidewalls, and are capable of folding about themselves both at an elbow situated between the sidewalls, and also at their junctures with the sidewalls. The folding ability of the spacers allow the sidewalls to convert between a collapsed state wherein the sidewalls are in close adjacent relationship and the spacer links are oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially parallel to the sidewalls, and an expanded state wherein the sidewalls are in distant spaced relationship with the spacer links being oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls. The collapsed form unit therefore assumes an overall box-like shape, and therefore the collapsed form units are easily stored and shipped with minimal lost storage volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking masonry wall block having two spaced lugs or projections and a cooperating recess or channel that enable like-shaped blocks to be stacked in a staggered relation to form straight and serpentine walls that are particularly suited for landscaping applications. In one embodiment, the lugs are located proximal the sides of the block and extend from an upper surface of the block. The channel is formed in a lower surface of the block. In another embodiment, the lugs are located at the rear corners of the block and extend below the lower surface of the block. The recess is formed in the rear end of the block between the lugs. Like-shaped blocks are stacked in a staggered relation so that each block is stacked atop two immediately lower blocks. In each embodiment, the lugs and their cooperating channel or recess define a setback dimension.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.

Abstract: A building structure formed from modular building elements, which include first modular building elements (1,9) having socket beam interconnection means (2), second modular building elements (13,14,15) and socket beams (7, 11) having first modular building element interconnection means (6); whereby a socket beam (7,11) forms an interconnection with at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13, 14, 15) associates with a socket beam (7,11) and first modular building element interconnection, a socket beam (7,11) and at least one first modular building element (1,9) and at least one second modular building element (13,14,15) forming a configuration unit, the configuration unit being repeatable one atop the other, and being repeatable in a side-by-side fashion, a first modular building element associating or abutting with adjacent first modular building elements, a second modular building elements associating or abutting with adjacent second modular buildin

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of individual units. The interlocking prohibits access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the forming of the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes. Each unit is an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is scaled with a cover that has grooves formed therein. This structure gives lasting, beautiful and reverent surroundings for the deceased, and is kept safe from vandals and other intrudes.

Abstract: The present invention is a masonry unit, masonry system and method of constructing a structure using the system. In its most basic form, the masonry unit of the present invention includes substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel a front and back surfaces, and substantially parallel right and left surfaces. A locking ridge is disposed upon the top surface and extends along the top surface in substantially parallel relation to the front and back surfaces. A locking channel is disposed with in the bottom surface and is dimensioned to mate with locking ridge on the top surface of an adjoining masonry unit. The locking channel is disposed inward from the bottom surface a distance that is a slightly larger than the distance from the top surface to the top of the ridge. The system includes a primary masonry unit and at least one corner masonry unit.

Abstract: A block for use in construction has opposed front and rear surfaces, opposed top and bottom surfaces, and a pair of opposed ends. The top and bottom surfaces are complementarity profiled to mutually interfit. The end surfaces are shaped to permit a plurality of blocks to be laid in a course with no mortar in between blocks in a course.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate wooden brick and a method for making it. The brick is formed as a lamination of boards that have been staggered in a predetermined manner. Each brick has complemental couplings on its edges and ends to securely engage adjacent bricks; however, these couplings are not machined into the bricks, but are instead the result of staggering the constituent boards in the predetermined manner.

Abstract: A building set with building elements, having coupling means in the form of projecting studs and corresponding cavities for interconnection of building elements, consists of building elements with U-shaped edges and single row of studs and cavities allowing construction of flexible angle structures with pivoting parts.

Abstract: A Dyligomer is disclosed. The Dyligomer has the structure where B is a chemical moiety formed by reactions involving the NCO groups of a diisocyanate having the formulas OCN—B—NCO and the active hydrogens of OH groups of compounds having the formulas A—OH and D—OH, and A and D are chemical moieties formed by the reactions which formed B, and wherein A and D include, in their structures, at least two active hydrogens which are parts of OH groups and at least one ethylenic double bond. Also disclosed are polymerizable compositions comprising Dyligomers and their use to produce structural panels that are admirably suited for use as floors in refrigerated trucks and trailers, and in roofs, sidewalls and load bearing walls for homes and commercial buildings. Blocks which can be used to produce buildings are also disclosed, as is the use of Dyligomers to produce the blocks, and the use of the blocks to produce building structures.

Abstract: A block system that includes a block with slanted walls on its edges forming longitudinal grooves to receive cement without introducing separations or spaces between abutting blocks. A base alignment tool is used to guide the blocks of the first row to ensure proper alignment. The base alignment includes a longitudinal extending sheet with spaced apart lateral walls for receiving the blocks inbetween. A row leveling tool is used to keep in alignment two blocks in different contiguous rows and separated. An elongated rigid member interconnects two bracing members attached to separated blocks in contiguous row.

Abstract: A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block has vertical and horizontal interlocking structures with mating surfaces (11, 15, 16, 17). The main block, has a stabilizing slot. Metal reinforcement tendons are inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals and connected to the wall at the top and bottom. Corner blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are used in alternating configurations to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. This is also done with the main blocks. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the reenforcing tendons permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass.

Abstract: An adjustable height corner fitting for a shipping container including a substantially hollow rectangularly shaped block having a bottom wall, end walls and side walls is disclosed. An elongated aperture is located in the bottom wall and is adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism in order to lock the shipping container to the platform of a vehicle. Also provided is a substantially rectangularly shaped plate that is complementary to the bottom wall and is adapted to be temporarily attached thereto in order to increase the height of the block. The plate also has an elongated aperture therein which is complementary to the aperture in the bottom wall. When the plate is attached, the apertures in the plate and in the bottom wall are in alignment, but the plate causes the corner fitting to extend downwardly approximately a half an inch below the container for shipment on a truck, boat or rail car.

Abstract: Disclosed are wood pieces for use to manufacture wood panels. Each of these wood pieces has an upper surface, a lower surface and two opposite sidewalls. Tongues and grooves or hooks and notches are provided on the opposite sidewalls of each of the wood pieces in such a way that (1) there is at least one tongue or hook on each sidewall and at least one corresponding groove or notch on the other sidewall and (2) the tongues or hooks on the tongues or hooks on the opposite sidewalls are positioned at a same height between the upper and lower surfaces of each wood piece, and the grooves or notches are positioned at another same height selected as a function of the one where stand the tongues or hooks.

Abstract: Retaining walls are formed from one or more tiers of concrete blocks. Top projections on all except the uppermost tier of blocks are received in recesses in the bottom of blocks in an adjacent upper tier. The top of the retaining wall may be finished with blocks which have a surface portion recessed below an upper edge of the face of the block for extending top soil or other material up to the block face. Alternately, the top blocks may form a drainage ditch which extends along at least a portion of the top of the retaining wall. Blocks used in tiers below the uppermost tier may have troughs suitable for filling with soil and plants. The exposed faces of the blocks are textured and, optionally, may be colored to simulate the appearance of stone or rocks.

Abstract: A support module for interconnecting to like support modules serves to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining a first cutout and a second cutout. Each cutout has an arc shape, such that the cutouts from different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. The frame has extending portions with connection elements that connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The extending portions are located about the periphery of the frame so that they are able to connect to other support modules in four orthogonal directions.

Abstract: The invention is a self-aligning cementitious block and a wall system of such blocks stacked and joined by mortar to form a vertically oriented wall structure, where the block comprises alignment means which correctly align the block relative to the blocks upon which it is stacked such that the side walls are parallel to the side walls of the lower blocks. The alignment means comprise tongue members and groove members of corresponding configuration, where the tongue members preferably extend downward from the two end walls and the middle wall a distance below the lower edges of the side walls, and where the groove members are positioned on the tops of the end walls and middle wall, the groove members of inferior or lower blocks receiving the tongue members of a superior or upper block stacked thereupon. Starter blocks with a flat underside and corner blocks are also provided.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a tapered end and a channel end, a removable anchor tab and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface which fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position a cover with attached riser section on a concrete form wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising panels molded from a closed cell foam plastic, with a facing material attached to the outside surface of panels adding substantial strength to panels during material handling and construction, providing a substrate for finish materials and adding UV resistance to panel surfaces. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relationship. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud has a flange and groove connected with a web. Spreaders slide vertically into the grooves of studs in opposing panels creating a form with a cavity between panels. Each spreader has opposing flanges connected by horizontal members, horizontal members having multiple formations, thus when spreaders are stacked the formations compliment each other allowing wall reinforcing to be locked in any preferred location. A chase way is provided in panels to accommodate electrical wiring.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

Abstract: A brick is made of refractory material, preferably for use in a furnace for calcining carbon bodies, wherein at least one surface of the brick that is facing towards an adjacent brick is provided with mating elements such as recesses and projections. The mating elements are rotationally symmetric about an axis that is perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A system for modular construction provided by interconnectable and stackable polymeric blocks having end and side walls connected to a top wall, and exterior and interior cylinders. The exterior cylinders are matable with the interior cylinders of a connecting block, and apertures in the top wall allow for re-bar, conduit or installation of insulation. Raised ribs located adjacent to the top wall contact the connecting block to further enhance stability of the erected structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Abstract: A modular construction system for reducing costs and improving the long term structural integrity of buildings. The modular construction system includes a plurality of lateral members which are stackable and couplable end-to-end with other lateral members, a plurality of anchor members which are couplable to a foundation of a building and include an eye portion, a plurality of anchor segments which include a hook portion for engaging the eye portion of the anchor member and are positionable through a bore of the lateral members for securing the lateral members to the foundation, and a plurality of fastener members which are each couplable to an associated one of the anchor segments to prevent the lateral members from being lifted away from the foundation.

Abstract: Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Abstract: A constructional component for a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads, both uniform and cyclical, is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry, complemental to the positive geometry of the opposite end. Deep key interlocks also exist between opposing horizontal block surface. As partition between vertical cavities of the block may define a Z-shape in horizontal cross-section. There is resultingly created a substantially rigid and load-resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complemental surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.