Abstract: An interlocking hollow body configured and arranged with integrally formed and partially laterally overlapped upper and lower generally rectangular sections which form (a) a central commons portion, (b) a cantilevered portion of the upper section projecting from a first side of the body, and (c) a cantilevered portion of the lower section projecting from a second side of the body. The body has (i) a decorative front surface on the upper and lower sections, (ii) a rear surface on the upper and lower sections, (iii) laterally offset first ends on the upper and lower sections, (iv) laterally offset second ends on the upper and lower sections, (v) an underside of the upper section between the laterally offset first ends on the upper and lower sections, and (vi) a top of the lower section between the laterally offset second ends on the upper and lower sections. A protrusion projects from either the underside of the upper section or the top of the lower section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

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: A concrete mixture may be introduced to a mold. A compression head compresses the concrete mixture in the mold and imparts a decorative front face on the block. The motion of the compression head also urges the mixture into a notched region of the mold cavity to form a protrusion on the block.

Abstract: 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. In another embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing a compound of the type which will contribute to corrosion resistance either through chloride ion sequestering or creating barriers around metal structural elements 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: 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: The present invention relates to a wall block for use in a segmental retaining wall system. The wall block comprises an interior face for forming an interior surface of a segmental retaining wall, an exterior face for forming an exterior surface of the segmental retaining wall, first and second sides that extend from the exterior face to the interior face, and a top surface and a bottom surface. Further provided in the wall block is a channel defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and an arcuate bottom surface. The channel extends across one of the faces and surfaces.

Abstract: A wall block, system, and method for creating a straight and/or curved wall such that the front and back sides of the wall will have generally the same appearance. The block is asymmetrical and is designed to abut the ends of like blocks that are upright or inverted relative thereto.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a multiple course retaining wall. The block has a substantially planar top surface, a front surface, wherein said front surface is of a substantially curvilinear shape, a rear surface, opposed side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a predetermined area and a non-planar portion, with the non-planar portion comprising a continuous area making up at least one-quarter of the bottom surface and creating a cavity between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when the block is placed on the top surface of the lower course of blocks. The cavity allows dirt and other foreign matter to exist between successive courses of blocks without creating instability between the block and the lower course of blocks.

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 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 modular construction unit including an assembly of a multiplicity of interlocking blocks, at least one of the blocks including, on at least one male end, a male element adapted to be introduced partially and held in place in a concave female element provided in another one of said blocks. The male element has at one end thereof, a first part having in section an essentially circular form of a selected diameter Z and a locking part having in section an essentially square form of larger section to create at longitudinal ends of the first part protruding planes S1 and S2, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part and. The female element has an opening having in section an essentially square form and creating a protruding plane P1, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part, as well as at least one cavity having a section larger than the section of the opening and creating a protruding plane P2.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.

Abstract: A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, main web openings through the web, a right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.

Abstract: An artificial stone flag is constructed having an artificial stone flag body molded from the mixture of polyester/acrylic resin, densified alumina, catalyst, and hardening agent, and a flexible stuffing material embedded in the artificial stone flag body.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of building and is applicable to retaining walls. The reinforcing element is characterized in that it consists in connecting the back face of the facing to the strong zone by means of a plurality of reinforcing elements (5) disposed substantially horizontally in superposed planes, and in selecting said elements in such a manner that each of them comprises an anchoring portion that is included in the strong zone and that is constituted by a mesh comprising more than two longitudinal bars, of which only some extend as far as the facing to define a portion that works in traction, which portion has an attachment part for connection to the facing at its end remote from the anchoring portion.

Abstract: In a process for obtaining a composite panel of natural stone and glass, after preparing a slab of natural stone (10) and a glass sheet (20), a layer of hardening resin (32) is spread over a surface (10a) of the stone slab (10), the glass sheet (20) is arranged on top of said stone slab (10) inside an environment under vacuum conditions so as to allow the layer (32) of resin which is situated in between to harden completely. The process may be continued by applying a second glass sheet (24) onto the other surface (10b) of the stone slab (10) using the same procedure and by finally cutting the panel thus formed (50) along the mid plane so as to obtain two panels, each of which comprises a stone slab (10) and a glass sheet (20, 24).

Abstract: An environmental building block has a storage container, a plurality of inner protruded ribs disposed on four side walls of the storage container, a through hole formed on the storage container, a garbage block disposed in the storage container, a shaft pin passing through the through hole of the storage container, a plurality of first U-shaped frames inserted in the garbage block, a plurality of second U-shaped frames inserted in the garbage block to bestride the first U-shaped frames, and a concrete poured into the storage container.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks that are “vertically aligned”, i.e., perpendicular to the ground when the block is laid flat. The straw is treated with a moisture inhibitor and/or a binder. Throughholes, which may have tubes associated therewith, are formed into the top and bottom walls of the culm block. A lath or external strapping sleeve is wrapped about the front, rear, and side walls of the block for added structural support. The method of manufacture may include sorting the stalks according to length, checking the stalks for moisture content, and drying the stalks depending upon their moisture content prior to compression and formation.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, the sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block.

Abstract: A fastening element for operatively connecting masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a body with a web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The projections are spaced apart from each other and configured to engage portions of masonry units therebetween in a constrained relation. The fastening element permits two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected together in variety of configurations without the use of mortar.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. This gap assists the block in resting on the lower course of blocks in a stable, level manner by providing a space where small amounts of rubble and dirt may exist without interfering with the stacking of the blocks. The non-planar, preferably concave, portion is also advantageous in that it reduces the unit weight of the block without significantly affecting the structural integrity of the block. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves which further reduce the weight of the block and provide additional clearance in the gap for larger stones.

Abstract: A cementations block for seating in adjacent and adjoining relation with a plurality of the cementations blocks to define a wall, with each block comprising a body having a top and an opposing bottom, opposing front and back faces, and a first and second opposing ends, with beveled edges along a bottom and side. The top defines a geometric protruding surface and the bottom defines a mating geometric surface, whereby two of the block stacked one on another matingly engage together. The first end defines a protrudence and the second end defines a recess conforming substantially in shape to the protrudence, whereby linearly adjacent blocks matingly engage for assembling a wall therewith, with the beveled surfaces simulating mortar joints between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.

Abstract: A revetment block for use forming an articulating revetment mat. The revetment block has first and second ends and first and second sidewalls. The sidewalls have a first lower vertical surface, first and second upper vertical surfaces, and transition surfaces between the upper and lower vertical surfaces. The sidewalls define interlocks which extend outward from the sidewalls and are either normal to the upper vertical surfaces or angled. The sidewalls also design corner spaces comprising a transition surface and at least on vertical surface for operably communicating with an interlock. The revetment block may also comprise a plurality of ducts extending therethrough as well as a dome extending from the top surface of the revetment block. The revetment block may also comprise at least one aperture extend vertically through the block. The aperture may have tapered walls.

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 spacer member in a furnace including an aluminum tube containing a ceramic material. The ceramic material provides high compressive strength and the composite product resists high temperature creep.

Abstract: In one implementation of the present invention, corrugated metal deck panels are attached to concrete structural beams to form a precast panel.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete retaining wall blocks. The blocks are cast in the form with a front face of the block down. A resilient face insert at the bottom of the form imparts an ornamental appearance to the front face of the block. The form has four sides which pivot at their bottom between a closed position for casting a block and an open position which permits removing the cast block from the form. Preferably, the cast block has parallel top and bottom surfaces and angled sides. Sides of the form form a groove in the bottom of the block which extends parallel to and spaced from the front face and form knobs which project above the top of the block for alignment with a grooves on adjacent stacked blocks forming a retaining wall. The block is formed with two lifting points, one for removal of the block from the form and one for moving the block when constructing a retaining wall.

Abstract: The invention concerns a component (1) for building wall elements or the like, comprising a cuboidal base element (2) that has one or more grooves (11) at least in one part of its periphery (5-10). A strip-shaped spring is used as connecting element (3, 4) in said grooves (11) to ensure positive-fit connection of adjacent base elements (2) to one another. This makes it possible to produce a groove-spring type of connection between adjacent components (1).

Abstract: A modular block comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side, the bottom side further comprising a primary score line, the primary score line for splitting the block into a pair of complimentary blocks with each of the complimentary blocks comprising a front split face surface and a pair of sides with the front split face surface and the side surfaces forming a triangular shaped block.

Abstract: A masonry block having indentations and rounded and recessed portions to facilitate the bundling and transport of a bundle of the masonry blocks using convention bundling straps. A bundle of masonry blocks is formed such that on the top row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing upward, and on the bottom row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing the ground. The masonry blocks are also positioned such that the external edges of the rows of the bundle comprise rounded and recessed portions of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A set of modular blocks for the construction of buildings in general, specially designed to meet different situations arising during work execution. It comprises a standard block and various supplementary blocks which show, on their external side faces, straight longitudinal grooves arranged centrally, extending from one end to the other, and matching with a pass-through duct defined in an equidistant central section; supplementary blocks meet the same constructive criteria and are characterized by the combination of side extensions—equivalent to the thickness of each block—with middle section cuts to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases (which eliminate two of the legs), and with the side extension of the shorter section, the set being completed by the inclusion of supplementary blocks to serve as closing covers and anchorage caps.

Abstract: A block for use in interlocking with other similar blocks in constructing a building has a block body having a top surface and a bottom surface with an outer block wall defining one side surface of the block body. A head portion extends from the outer block wall toward an opposed side surface. A connecting portion on respective sides of the head arranged to receive at least one correspondingly shaped connection portion of at least one second block in interlocking relationship therewith. Two abutment portions are arranged each at a respective end of the outer block wall and each defining a respective abutment shoulder.

Abstract: Brick material building element and method of building with the element, wherein the brick material building element includes a base having a length, a first side, a second side, an inner surface, and an outer surface, whereby a width is defined by a distance between the first side and the second side. A longitudinal protrusion is formed on the first side of the base. A longitudinal recess is formed on the second side of the base. A main protrusion extends from the base. The main protrusion has a surface which is shorter than the length of the base. At least one longitudinal through opening is disposed in at least one of the base and the main protrusion. The longitudinal protrusion includes an external shape which is complementary to and adapted to fit within the longitudinal recess of another brick material building element.

Abstract: New and improved interlocking sidewalk block system. The system incorporates a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each having parallel top and bottom surfaces, parallel left length and right length side surfaces and parallel first end width and second end width surfaces. The first end width and second end width surfaces having a continuous channel running along the full width, said continuous channels being formed with lips at the first end width and second end width surfaces that create an internal height that is greater than the height at the surfaces. The system includes a plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped to have a cross section that fits simultaneously within two continuous channels when two sidewalk blocks are placed with a first end width surface of one block abutting the second end width surface of the second block and sliding a coupler into the continuous channels.

Abstract: A (modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of like blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block includes a front face and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A locking shear key extends outwardly from either of the top or bottom of the wall block, and is adapted for residing between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course to anchor the wall block in position. A severable area is formed with the shear key for being removed to accommodate placement and orientation of the wall block between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course.

Abstract: A concrete block having comparatively light weight and capable of being manufactured easily and used in various fields of application; a block joint for the concrete blocks, capable of carrying out the arrangement of the concrete blocks simply and retaining the arranged concrete blocks in good order; and a structure made by using the concrete blocks and the block joints.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete panels that are reinforced by spiral metal bars. In a reinforced concrete panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, where the longitudinal axis defines the length of the concrete panel, the spiral metal bars are located parallel to the longitudinal axis. The spiral metal bars are parallel to each other, such that the bars do not touch each other. Additionally, the bars are perpendicular to the transverse axis. During formation of the reinforced concrete panel, the bars are lowered into a mold to which concrete mix is added. The bars are lowered by a hanger assembly that releasably secures the spiral metal bars and maintains their parallel relationship. After the viscosity of the mix is sufficiently reduced, the hanger assembly releases the bars into the concrete mix, and is removed from the mold. The reinforced concrete panel is then removed from the mold, and cut as necessary to make smaller individual reinforced concrete panels.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for the manufacture improved structural panel with synthetic ingredients, such as vermiculite and fibers. The improved structural panel achieves enhanced lateral and surface integrity by the use of fibers within the core of the structural panel and adhesives and smooth materials (such as foil) as a surface coating. The method is particularly suited for manufacture of the structural panel at low cost and high efficiency.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

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

Abstract: A plurality of concrete building units including blocks, stepping stones, wall structures and the like comprise a plurality of spaced-apart golf balls that are externally visible. The golf balls are entrapped within the concrete structure, buried to a distance exceeding ½ their diameter. In the manner they are permanently captivated.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an attached wooden attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: A pre-cast building system includes a plurality of modular, pre-cast components. There is an elongate footing component having an upwardly facing longitudinal channel and a longitudinal first keyway section formed therein. One end of the footing component carries a pocket and the opposite end carries an insertion member for interengaging the pocket of an adjacent, aligned footing component. An elongate foundation component is received in the channel. A lower edge of the foundation component includes a second, complementary keyway section that faces the first keyway section to form an elongate keyway that receives a bonding adhesive. An exterior wall component is interengaged with the opposite upper edge of the foundation wall component. A pair of opposing receptacles are formed respectively in the upper edge of the foundation component and the lower edge of the exterior wall component.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a first building construction block with a substantially parallelepipedal shape and a second building construction block with a substantially parallelepipedal shape, said first and second blocks being able to fit together by mortice and tenon, each block comprising a first opening in the form of a splayed U on each of the transverse sides of the parallelepiped and a second opening extending over at least part of the surface of the longitudinal side, the first and second openings being joined together in the top part of the splayed U, at least one edge forming the junction between the longitudinal side and the top part of the legs of the splayed U of the first block forming a recess intended to receive a predetermined quantity of mortar binder and the second block comprising at least one protuberance situated at the base of the splayed U enabling the construction block to nest and slide, the protuberance on the second block coming into contact with the mortar binder and participating

Abstract: Cementitious building panels are connected together using a connector plate made of a composite material of carbon fibers embedded in an organic matrix. The interconnection is made by removing cementitious material to form recesses in the building panels, applying an adhesive material into the recesses prior to placing the connector plate into the recesses, and thereafter affixing the connector plate to the first-panel face and to the second-panel face in the recesses and extending across the gap between the first-panel edge and the second-panel edge.

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 wall component, in particular a palisade, has visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides, and intermediate end faces, wherein a projecting head is formed on one of the end faces and a receptacle is formed on the other end face. The head and the receptacle engage with a receptacle and a head of a neighboring wall component when forming a wall. The wall component is characterized in that a depression is formed on a first visible or wall surface which extends through the entire length of the wall component. The peripheral surface of the head extends into the depression and the opposing second visible or wall surface is substantially flat and maps smoothly into the peripheral surface of the head.