Abstract: To reduce the weight of a staircase block so as to be manually carried and installed, prevent adjacent blocks from being displaced from each other after installation, and prevent the blocks from being raised and separated from each other due to heating and cooling by conquering problems with the staircase blocks related to publicly known technologies. In this precast concrete block for building a staircase, large recesses (2) and (9) are formed in the rise surface (1) and the rear surface (8) of the block to reduce the weight, and displacement prevention grooves (7) for connecting the adjacent blocks to each other with mortar are formed in the side faces of the block, and round parts (partially cylindrical recessed surfaces) (10) with a specified radius are formed at the inner corner parts of the recess (9) in the rear surface so that an acute angle part preventing the adhesive mortar from being filled therein is not produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for manufacturing a slab of extruded material, with a die relief, in which an outlet is arranged, of which the outlet edge determines an outlet cross-section with a given shape and size, wherein at least one peripheral portion of the outlet edge is arranged in a manner displaceable inwards and outwards transversely to the axis of the outlet and can be adjusted inwards and outwards by an adjustment device.

Abstract: Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively.

Abstract: A siding member having longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers material extending substantially the entire length of the member contained therein, and an optional meshed reinforcement material contained therein and/or an optional foam insert at least partially enveloped by a cementitious shell. The siding member is molded from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture, or a hydraulic cement. An amount of the slurry is added onto a bottom mold surface portion to a desired depth and/or weight, along with the longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers and the optional meshed reinforcement material and/or any optional foam insert. After sufficient curing, the siding member is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing. Alternatively, a continuous method is also provided for producing relatively long lengths of the siding that can be cut to an appropriate size, without the need to produce individual siding members of limited size.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel way of building walls using lightweight lava blocks without mortar in a three step procedure, fabricating the light weight lava block, setting the block and then filling the block with a lava and cement mixture or slurry.

Abstract: A method of making a structural component (and such a structural component) comprising mixing together wood pulp, water, bentonite clay, and calcium chloride and forming the mixture into the structural component.

Abstract: A multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that together form a vertically oriented hollow core bounded by the inner walls of the face unit and the anchor unit. Each face unit and anchor unit pair are interlocked by complementary connector elements.

Abstract: A wall system includes a bracket assembly and at least one block member. The bracket assembly establishes a self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member is supported on the self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member includes an outer face, an inner face, and a top face extending between said outer face and said inner face. The top face locates the at least one block member on the self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: A brick assembly may include a molded brick having a planar surface and at least one magnetic attachment for magnetically securing the brick assembly to a ferromagnetic surface. A mold assembly for manufacturing a brick assembly may include a mold chamber and at least one magnetic attachment seat or a hinged metal door. A method for manufacturing a brick assembly may include using a mold assembly, a mold material, and at least one magnetic attachment.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially parallelepiped vacuum panel which has, in an outwardly gas-tight manner in a sleeve or envelope, a filling made of granular or powdered degassed support elements, preferably silica particles, the interior of the sleeve being evacuated and the support elements being moved closely together and being enclosed by the sleeve, the sleeve comprising an encapsulation by injection-molding or overmolding of a plastic material. For forming two sides of the sleeve remote from one another, metal plates are provided, between which the support elements are arranged. The peripheral rims of the metal plates are positively and non-positively embedded by the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Additionally, a permeation barrier layer may be provided on at least the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Moreover, getter materials may be provided between the support elements.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: This light wall building construction element with insulation is to be used in the building of the internal and external walls of buildings and in the ceiling asmolen application. The objective is to provide heat, sound and water insulation with a single product without using additional insulation materials and to reduce the load of the building by a considerable degree. Polystyrene strapor or polyurethane materials used as insulation materials in the construction sector are used in the production of the external unit (1) of the product. Foam concrete which holds a special place as a construction material, or light concrete made of light aggregate with pores is manufactured as an internal unit (7) and is installed to the empty volume of the external unit (1) in sufficient quantities while it is still wet. When the concrete inside the internal unit (7) gets hard, the production process of the product is completed.

Abstract: A cinder block construction system employs a cinder block component with top and side surfaces and cavities extending downwardly from the top surface. Solid body inserts are located in the cavities and are permanently bonded to the cavities' sidewalls. The inserts are composed of material specifically adapted to allow penetration into the body by a connector element. The connector element secures the cinder block component to a construction member such as a sill plate or door or window jamb. The cinder block component can be prepared with its insert in advance, or the insert material dispensed to the cinder block component at the worksite to convert a standard cinder block to one which can readily be connected to a separate construction member.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, Class C type, are combined with various aggregates either ground wood and/or chips, having maybe a small amount of Portland cement added thereto, moisturized, and then either molded, extruded or compressed in a press into the configuration of a block. A plasticizer, wetting agent and surfactant solution may be added to the composition. Boron as a mold retardant and an insecticide, may be added to the composition, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a mold or hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped. In one preferred embodiment all six sides are irregularly shaped, images of each other and comprise mid-point rotations. As a result, any side of any unit can mate with any other side of any other unit. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other.

Abstract: A structural element for use as a brick, construction block, panel, floor or suchlike in the building trade, comprises at least one part made of conglomerate material, such as concrete and suchlike, to which an insert made of insulating or filling material is constrained, to define peripherally at least a connection face for connection to another structural element, the connection face has visible a first surface of the insert and at least a connected second surface of the part made of conglomerate material. On the connection face one or more other structural elements are able to be combined, along a support plane (R, R1, R2) provided in correspondence with the connection face, so as to be laid and stably connected by means of a layer of binder material. The second surface has a seating made longitudinally and lowered with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2), on which seating the layer of binder material is located. The seating has a determinate depth (D), with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2).

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. Pre-determined front faces can include front faces having pre-determined patterns and textures, front faces having pre-determined shapes, front faces made from different material(s) than the remainder of the block, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a masonry block employing a mold assembly having a plurality liner plates each having a major surface that together form a mold cavity having an open top and an open bottom, wherein at least one liner plate is moveable between a retracted position and a desired extended position within the mold cavity. The method includes providing a negative of a desired texture on the major surface of the moveable liner plate, moving the moveable liner plate to a retracted position, closing the bottom of the mold cavity by positioning a pallet below the mold assembly, filling the mold cavity with dry cast concrete via the open top, vibrating the mold assembly and dry cast concrete therein, and moving the moveable liner plate to a desired extended position during the vibrating.

Abstract: A block having a top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a front surface, a rear surface opposing the front surface, the front and rear surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a first side surface, a second side surface opposing the first side surface, the first and second side surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces, and a set of at least three leveling pads extending from the rear surface.

Abstract: A composite masonry building block (1) that has an inner core (20) of lighter density than an outer face and includes upper most protrusions (4, 73) and matching lowermost cavities (5, 76) to have an interlocking arrangement with other like blocks. Also disclosed is an inner lighter density material which includes an expanded plastic such as polystyrene with a cement binder. The upper (2) surface of the block (1) may include a plurality of protrusions and lower (3) may have a plurality of cavities (5). The arrangement of the protrusions (4) in relation to the upper surface (2) and the arrangement of cavities (5) in relation to lower surface (3) are such that the protrusions (4) will locate within and interlock with the consistently aligned and placed cavities of the adjacent block.

Abstract: A building block having a body with three sets of opposing outer sides defining thereby a generally rectangular outer shape, the body having at least one passageway having an upper open end at a top of the block and an open lower end at a bottom of the block. An inner part of the block is comprised of a first material, and a second different material surrounds the inner part providing thereby an at least substantially continuous outer surface of said second material. A one side of a one of the sets of opposing sides having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from a planar surface of the side, and at least one cavity in the further opposed side of the same set of opposed sides in a position and of a size to receive and effect an alignment of a further block having the same shape and size of this first defined block, by receiving a or the protrusions into the cavity or cavities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wall system comprising a building wall with an insulating layer, said building wall being the facade wall of a building or an inner wall, said insulating layer comprising insulation panels each insulation panel having first and second substantially parallel major surfaces. The second major surface is facing the building wall, and the insulation panel has at least three, preferably four, minor surfaces, where a slit is made in a minor surface and extending substantially parallel with the major surfaces. The insulation panel is positioned between at least two profiles, each profile having a base portion substantially parallel with and in contact with a part of one minor edge surface of the insulation panel and a flange portion substantially parallel with the major surfaces of the insulation panel and extending into said slit in the minor surface of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, either of the Class C type, is combined with either ground or pulverized wood chips, or with fine sand, and a plasticizer, and accelerator, then moisturized, and lastly either extruded or compressed in a mold into the configuration of a block. The block lacks a binder, except Portland cement for select military applications. A mold retardant may be added to the mixture, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: A concrete product is provided having a body including an ornamental surface layer, an intermediate strengthening layer and a concrete substrate layer. The intermediate strengthening layer functions as a buffer between any air bubbles remaining in the concrete substrate layer and the ornamental facing layer following curing of the product.

Abstract: A surround for a fire comprises a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density material to which is secured a relatively high density fascia material.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present disclosure concerns embodiments of an apparatus and method for making a wall block, such as for constructing retaining walls or fences, that has at least one surface formed with a pattern resembling the faces of multiple blocks. In particular embodiments, the surface of the wall block has a plurality of discrete surface portions that are separated by one or more vertically elongated recessed surface portions or scores such that each surface portion resembles the face of a separate block. At least one surface portion of a block is offset from another surface portion of the block in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the wall. The surface portions can be provided with roughened surface textures resembling the surface of a split block, which can be formed by roughening or texturing the uncured block as it is removed from a mold.

Abstract: An engineered brick having a plastic shell having a shape that resembles a conventional brick; and an aggregate layer embedded into the surface of the plastic shell.

Abstract: A paving brick assembly includes: a plurality of polygonal main bricks, each of which has a plurality of first lateral sides and a plurality of second lateral sides that are alternately disposed with the first lateral sides, each of the first lateral sides being formed with a vertical protrusion, each of the second lateral sides being formed with a vertical groove and a horizontal groove; and a plurality of polygonal connecting bricks, each of which has a pair of opposite connecting lateral sides and a pair of opposite coupling lateral sides. Each of the connecting lateral sides is formed with a connecting protrusion. Each of the coupling lateral sides is formed with a coupling groove.

Abstract: A method of forming an exterior wall of a building, including the wall, includes the step of mounting a fiber-reinforced panel to the building. The panel has a plurality of masonry units protruding from the face thereof that are spaced from one another with a groove between each of the masonry units. The method includes mounting a second, similar panel to the building spaced from the first panel with a groove therebetween, and injecting mortar into the grooves between the masonry units and the groove between the panels. The mortar covers the grooves between masonry units and the groove between panels to look the same, thereby making it difficult to distinguish the repeat pattern.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing stones for use in construction such that the manufactured stones may be easily used in conjunction and alongside compressed earth blocks. The manufactured stones have a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the surfaces includes a simulated-stone appearance and a length and/or height which are determined based on dimension equations derived at least in part from compatibility factors, which may be based on the dimensions of a compressed earth block.

Abstract: A masonry system having masonry elements which can be laid one on top of the other. Each masonry element has at least one spacer to which two panels are fastened.

Abstract: A light weight brick includes foaming elements centrally located in and surrounded by cement, decorative slates securely attached to an outer periphery of the cement and at least one through hole defined through the cement.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block is provided. The dry-cast concrete block comprises a surface to be exposed, at least a portion of the surface having a cast texture with a natural stone appearance. The cast texture may have a surface level difference of greater than 4 mm. In one example of implementation, the dry-cast concrete block may be a paving unit, in which case the surface level difference may be greater than 6 mm, such as between 6 mm and 12 mm. In another example of implementation, the dry-cast concrete block may be a wall construction unit, in which case the surface level difference may be greater than 15 mm, such as between 15 mm and 25 mm. Each of a plurality of points of the cast texture may define a respective texture angle between 75° and 90°. The cast texture may comprise at least one valley each having a respective depth greater than 4 mm. A process for manufacturing such a concrete block is also provided.

Abstract: In a method of splitting a base block to form brick, block or paver units, a cementitious or stone base block having a first side, an opposed second side and a plurality of perforations is provided. Each perforation extends through the base block from the first side to the opposed second side, the plurality of perforations creating a splitting path in the base block. The splitting path has a cross-section consisting of from 70-50% by area of perforated regions and from 30-50% by area of unperforated regions. The base block may be split along the splitting path by a light shock to produce the brick, block or paver units. A wide variety of consistent and reproducible facing surfaces on brick, block and paver units may be produced that integrate texture, pattern, configuration and shape.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is comprised of a plurality of courses of side-by-side parallelogram front face patterns, each parallelogram front face pattern formed by first and second rows of a plurality of quadrilateral face patterns. The first and second rows of the plurality of quadrilateral face patterns have the same width and collectively define a height of the parallelogram front face pattern, with each of the parallelogram front face patterns having the same height. The quadrilateral face patterns in the first row have a width different than that of the quadrilateral face patterns in the second row. Each parallelogram front face pattern in a first course overlies two parallelogram front face patterns in an immediately adjacent course. The combination of off-sets of the quadrilateral face patterns in each parallelogram front face pattern and overlapping of parallelogram face patterns in adjacent courses creates a retaining wall having a non-uniform appearance of a natural stone wall.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion of metal elements in concrete is provided. It includes introducing into concrete containing metal elements, at least one combination compound capable of sequestering chloride ions having the formula 3Me(II)O.(R,R?)2O3.Me(II)(anion)2.nH2O, where R and R? are different and are independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Cr; anion is selected from the group consisting of NO2, NO3 and OH, n is 0 to 24, and Me(II) is a cation and is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ba, Sr, Mn, Zn and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing the combination compound, with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, alternate sources of aluminum or calcium are provided in various ways including the desired compounds. The further object of the present invention contemplate in situ creation of the compound in interest in fresh concrete and as a slurry which can be employed in remediation of existing concrete structures. A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds.

Abstract: A method for producing purpose-made blocks (10). According to said method, several purpose-made blocks (10) are produced in a mold (37) in such a way that the blocks (10) are arranged in at least one row (28) of purpose-made blocks in the mold (37) and respective adjacent blocks (10) of a block row (28) are interconnected in a zone of at least one predetermined breaking point (30). The purpose-made blocks (10) of a block row (28) are removed together from the mold (37) and the blocks (10) are separated from one another in the zone of the predetermined breaking point (30). According to the invention, adjacent purpose-made blocks (10) of one or each block row (28) are produced in the mold (37) in such a way that axes of the purpose-made blocks (10) deviate at least partially in the longitudinal direction (32) of each block row (28) from the longitudinal axis (32) of each block row (28) and that lateral pressure is exerted on the or each molded block row (28) to separate the predetermined breaking points (30).

Abstract: Concrete blocks configured for use in forming retaining walls that require the use of rebar and grout to structurally anchor a retaining wall to a foundation. The blocks include first and second core openings extending through the blocks. The core openings are configured so that when the blocks are stacked into courses with other blocks, the core openings of the blocks line up in a manner that allow rebar to extend through the core openings from the foundation to the top of the retaining wall. Further, the core openings facilitate pouring of the grout down through the aligned core openings. In addition, the core openings are configured so that the core openings do not overhang joints between blocks or overhang block edges that would allow grout to leak out as grout is being poured down the core openings.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of masonry article comprises a contoured first header, a contoured second header, a contoured front face, a back face, a contoured lower base and an upper base. The plurality of masonry articles has a plurality of holes extending from the lower base to the upper base. The contoured first header couples to the contoured second header of another plurality of masonry articles and the contoured lower base couples to the upper base of the other plurality of masonry articles so that an outward face of a portion of a wall assembled with the plurality of masonry articles has a mortar-like vertically oriented gap and a mortar-like horizontally oriented gap. A plurality of corner masonry article and plurality of alternative corner masonry articles similar to the plurality of masonry articles permit assembly of a portion of a corner section of the wall.

Abstract: A palisade comprises visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides and intermediate end faces. One of the end faces is provided with a projecting convex head, while the other end face comprises a correspondingly formed concave receptacle for the head. When forming a palisade wall, the head of a palisade can engage in the receptacle of a neighboring palisade such that the head substantially completely fills the receptacle. To be able to bend neighboring palisades relative to one another over a large angle and to increase the design possibilities of a palisade wall, the head and the receptacle are disposed eccentrically on the respective end face and preferably in the corner region between the end face and the associated visible or wall surface.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated warped pavement slab and a forming system for making the slabs. The forming system includes a plurality of forming sections which can be adjusted so as to form a warped-plane pavement slab. Also disclosed are methods for making the pavement slab and forming system. Also disclosed is a method for installing the warped pavement slab.

Abstract: Molded composite polymer construction blocks are made that are easily assembled, using alinement pins and apertures, with channels for insertion of sealant and vertical passageways for pipes, wires, etc. Stud supporting cavities in one side of the block extend into the ribs or end walls. The cavities can be provided with a protective metal insert. Studs or wooden blocks can be inserted into the cavities. The wooden studs or wooden blocks of various lengths provide spacing for insulation and/or drywall installation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a product and the relative manufacturing process, said product, including at least a precast support (2) of expanded material and at least a layer (3) of agglomerated stone material in form of granulates bound by a binding phase, over at least one surface of said expanded support (2). According to suitability, the product (1) is made by a sandwich structure with an intermediate layer of expanded material and two surface coatings of stone material. The product (1) can also have a complex or modular shape, from which it is possible to cut and eventually to work finished pieces of predetermined dimensions. The main advantage of the invention consists in obtaining a finished product (1, 10, 100) lighter than a product made of agglomerated stones homogeneous in the thickness.

Abstract: A plurality of building blocks (1) form a retaining wall (300), which may be curved, with respective side edges (6, 7) providing pivot points and a stepped base (5) of an upper block (1) being positionable on the upper surface (4) of a lower block (1). The gaps between the blocks 1, and their permeability, being made from permeable concrete, can avoid hydrostatic build up behind the wall (300). The permeability of the concrete used for the blocks (1) is in the range of 10?2 m/s to 10?4 m/s and may be in the region of 6.00×10?3 m/s.

Abstract: A cast concrete block for use in a vertical retaining wall. The block has a generally vertical front face which is visible when the block is stacked in a retaining wall. A pocket is formed in the block to project from a portion of the visible face of the block. The pocket has an upwardly directed opening which is exposed for receiving soil and plants when the block is located in a vertical retaining wall. The opening may extend through the block to a rear of the block.

Abstract: A device for surface-treating, coating or producing construction elements in a continuous process has production chambers arranged successively closely adjacent to one another in a direction of transport of the construction elements through the device. Each production chamber has opposed ends with through openings and is connectable to a vacuum source. Each production chamber has a stationary chamber part of reinforced concrete and a detachable chamber part of reinforced concrete connected to the stationary chamber part, wherein the stationary chamber parts have first edge areas and the detachable chamber parts have second edge areas, wherein the first and second edge areas have sealing surfaces sealing the stationary and detachable chamber parts relative to one another. Each production chamber has walls defining a hollow interior, wherein the walls consist of a metallic skin anchored in the stationary and detachable chamber parts, respectively.

Abstract: There has been disclosed a cast stone (1) for securing traffic areas outdoors, with the stone (1) bearing at least one pair consisting of a protrusion (9) and an adjacent recess (10) substantially matching the form of the protrusion of the adjoining laid stone (1). It is provided that the tip of the protrusion (9) and the bottom (13) of the recess (10) have an integrally moulded layer (12) of material facing away from the associated lateral face (3, 4).

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete blocks for constructing freestanding walls. The form includes a base and four side panels which are mounted on the base to pivot between a first position for casting a block and a second position for removing a cast block from the form. An insert is secured to the base for forming one end surface on the block and inserts are attached to the side panels for forming sides, top and bottom surfaces of the block. The inserts which form exposed sides of the block are textured to simulate natural stone. The inserts which form the top and bottom of the blocks form an interlocking connection which prevents stacked blocks from moving in a horizontal plane. Optionally, inserts used to form the top surface of blocks which will define the top of the wall may form a trough which is sufficiently deep to receive soil and plants.