Abstract: A trench box which has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel.

Abstract: A built-up beam includes a pair of I-beams each having opposing flanges, a web that extends between the opposing flanges, a plurality of flange openings in each of the opposing flanges, a plurality of web openings in the web, and a plurality of bolt holes in one of the opposing flanges. The I-beams are stacked together flange-to-flange in a stacked beam configuration and a plurality of bolts extend through the plurality of bolt holes and secure the pair of I-beams together in the stacked beam configuration.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a precision dry-stack masonry unit made of two spaced-apart face shells and at least one connector joining the face shells. The connector has a top surface, a right surface and a left surface. The top surface of the connector and the face shells form a horizontal channel above the connector, and the right surface and the left surface of the connector and the face shells form vertical channels to each side of the connector. Each of the channels is configured to accommodate one or more reinforcement bars.

Abstract: A building system including a first water resistant layer secured to a building substrate, first and second building articles secured to the first water resistant layer and the building substrate such that sides of the building articles are positioned adjacent one another along an abutment line, and a second water resistant layer secured to portions of the first and second building articles along the abutment line to prevent liquid from traveling past the sides of the building articles to the first water resistant layer and the building substrate. In some embodiments, the building articles are fiber cement building articles. In some embodiments, the building articles include a plurality of integrally formed drainage channels and a plurality of spacer sections disposed between the drainage channels, each of the plurality of drainage channels defining an air gap comprising a liquid flow path.

Abstract: A trench box has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the ductility of a structural member, such as a reinforced concrete beam or column, by providing a region of increased compression yielding in the compression zone of the plastic hinge region or nearby. This can be achieved by forming a mechanism provided in the compression zone to provide the ductile compression zone.

Abstract: A concrete girder includes a pair of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) side form members, each having a lower flange and a web perpendicular thereto, extending in the longitudinal direction and being prepared with UHPC by using a precast, the pair of UHPC side form members being disposed in parallel so that lateral side surfaces of the lower flanges are successively positioned; and concrete placed in a space between the pair of UHPC side form members so that the placed concrete is integrated with the pair of UHPC side form members to form both traverse side surfaces thereof and the lower flange forms a lower flange thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: A modular building block assembly comprises a modular building block having a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The vertically aligned reinforcement rods each threadedly engage the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits within the recess and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.

Abstract: An assembly of at least two parts of blocks made of light weight concrete, wood, or rock separated by a channel void or filled with an insulating substance. Channels provide a sound barrier and insulation. Attachment of the blocks can be made by means of angular steel pins fixing blocks two by two, by means of adhesive fibre glass wrapping the blocks, by means of adhesive construction glue, or by means of crossed tie resisting to shear forces. Central channels in the blocks are dug to pass a metal rod to strengthen the whole assembly of blocks; a central passage pierced in a top face of a central block wherein a metal rod is inserted and continues through an end groove of an upper and a lower block. Or, channels are dug all along the periphery of the block, and horizontal and a vertical rods are affixed against the channel.

Abstract: A modular building block assembly comprises a modular building block having a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The vertically aligned reinforcement rods each threadedly engage the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits within the recess and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system of the present disclosure can be implemented as follows. A plurality of wall blocks are stacked to form at least a portion of a retaining wall, each wall block having an interior face, an exterior face; a top surface, and a bottom surface. The system further includes retaining means for securing at least one reinforcement member between stacked wall blocks, the retaining means including a pair of reinforcement member retaining bars that are positioned within a slot crossing the transverse length of the top surface of at least one wall block. A first of the retaining means secures the at least one reinforcement member against the bottom of the slot and a second of the retaining means secures the first retaining members against the side of the slot, such that the at least one reinforcement member is additionally secured between the pair of retaining means. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A modular building block has a first load-bearing surface with a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The reinforcement rod threadedly engages the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate sits on the shoulder and rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the ductility of a structural member, such as a reinforced concrete beam or column, by providing a region of increased compression yielding in the compression zone of the plastic hinge region or nearby. This can be achieved by using ductile compressive material in the compression zone, or by forming a mechanism provided in the compression zone to provide the ductile compression zone.

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

Abstract: A one story high building block with the capability of having window or door openings, or a variety of other desirable features; pre-cast within the body of the building block itself. The building block can be colored and stamped or etched to provide an almost endless variety of visual effects. The building block can be connected to a number of other building blocks, each with their own variety of features, to create a dynamic building.

Abstract: The invention is a masonry block that is adapted to receive insulation and re-bar. The block has a number of cavities and recesses or grooves in various walls and webs so that re-bar may be laid along a row of blocks, may be inserted vertically through multiple courses of blocks, and may even be inserted diagonally through multiple courses of blocks. The cavities that have re-bar are filled with grout, the other cavities are filled with insulation, either in the form of a rigid foam core, batting, or spray foam.

Abstract: The invention is a masonry block that is adapted to receive insulation and re-bar. The block has a number of cavities and recesses or grooves in various walls and webs so that re-bar may be laid along a row of blocks, may be inserted vertically through multiple courses of blocks, and may even be inserted diagonally through multiple courses of blocks. The cavities that have re-bar are filled with grout, the other cavities are filled with insulation, either in the form of a rigid foam core, batting, or spray foam.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: A modular building block comprises a first load-bearing surface having a key. There is a recess in the key. The recess has a shoulder disposed therein and side walls extending from the shoulder to a mouth thereof. A reinforcement rod extends into the recess and a coupling for connecting vertically aligned reinforcement rods is disposed in the recess. The reinforcement rod threadedly engages the coupling. A locking plate engages the coupling to prevent the coupling from rotating relative to the locking plate. The locking plate is shaped to sit on the shoulder so that rotation of the locking plate within the recess is prevented by the side walls of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel modular building system exhibiting superior strength to withstand seismic activity

Abstract: A structural member for facilitating quick and economical construction of pre-cast building elements comprising entire or partial panels such as walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs by combining metal stud framing with thin concrete or similar material for light-weight, low-cost, structurally strong panels. An illustrative structural member for constructing such pre-cast building panels is a segmented member made of a rigid material, such as a metal, that is secured to a stud by pressing a member including tangs through a cavity, by the insertion of fasteners through apertures in structural member tabs, or by adhesion or coalescence. The member may include upper tabs and apertures permitting the flow of concrete for additional structural strength. Reinforcement bars can be also incorporated. To reduce heat transfer and promote environmentally responsible and resource-efficient building, a break may be left between the stud and the concrete, with the break possibly filled by an insulative material.

Abstract: An uniquely improved mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of concrete masonry units connected to each other by metal bars and metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a reinforcing skeletal system for the masonry to utilize a post tensioned structure. The unique system has been developed with full recessed channels in the masonry unit, anchor bars that fit into the channels and extend across a plurality of masonry units and bolts that act as the tendon for the post tensioning system. This is an improved, rapidly constructed building system that demountably couples each individual masonry unit by an extended bar and bolt system. This extended bar is more efficient and easier to build with as compared to other traditional masonry structures.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.

Abstract: An interlocking modular building block system for mortarless cavity wall construction having blocks configured such that upon grouting, the cavity is solidly filled in a unified mass. Four block configurations are provided, namely runner, half, corner, and end block units. The runner has a length two times its width, and the other blocks have the same width and length as the width of the runner. Common to all blocks is a pair of parallel offset solid walls forming the outside and inside walls while creating vertical and horizontal positive and negative alignment features. The offset walls also form flat horizontal and vertical surfaces where successive units meet upon alignment. These walls are connected by one or more transverse membranes, with the exception of the corner block, where the walls are joined end to end at right angles.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shearing force reinforced structure of an existing RC structure body that can simply and surely ensure a predetermined pulling-out rigidity.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: Composite structural system for floors or roofs comprising steel beams and reinforced concrete slab or shear walls comprising steel columns and reinforced concrete diaphragms. In both cases a steel plate with holes crossed with rebars is welded to the steel beam or to the steel column which performs the integral combination of the concrete, the structural element and the rebars.

Abstract: An architectural concrete structure and a wall system formed with a plurality of architectural concrete structure wherein each block has first and second cement sections spaced apart and joined together with steel reinforcing bars and tubular members filled with cement. The first and second sections have parallel outer wall surfaces and inner wall surfaces which taper outwardly in an upward direction. Foam insulation is secured to each of the tapering wall surfaces, which insulation members define a tapered passageway extending through the length of the structure.

Abstract: A structural element for the construction of any type of buildings, comprising a first “C”-shaped element with equidistant cavities at least on one of its faces and a second element in the shape of a continuous strip with equidistant angular folds, whereby once both structural elements are assembled to each other, the angular folds of the metallic strip are projected through the cavities of the “C”-shaped structural element.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for protecting a coupling that is disposable within a concrete structure. In one aspect, a cap for engaging a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. The cap includes a body having an engagement portion and a back portion, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage the coupling of the cement coupler bar. Additionally, the cap includes a flexible tail having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the back portion of the body. In another aspect, a method of using a protective cap with a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. In a further aspect, a coupler bar assembly for use in reinforcing a cement structure is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall reinforcement system, in particular for tying a veneer wall (21) to a back up wall (22). The system can protect a building against adverse seismic or wind loading conditions. A helical wall tie (1) is driven into a back-up wall (22) using a percussion tool. A connector (10) is then placed over the end of the wall tie, the connector engaging with the helical fins to prevent its removal without unscrewing the connector (10). A reinforcement wire (20), which preferably extends around a building, is then threaded through a hole in the connector to lock the rotation of the connector (10). The reinforcement wire is used to link a series of connectors together. The wire is then encased in mortar (24) within the bed joint between two courses of bricks. In preferred embodiments, more than two reinforcement wires extend in parallel along the bed joint.

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: One embodiment of a system of the present disclosure can be implemented as follows. A plurality of wall blocks are stacked to form at least a portion of a retaining wall, each wall block having an interior face, an exterior face; a top surface, and a bottom surface. The system further includes retaining means for securing at least one reinforcement member between stacked wall blocks, the retaining means including a pair of reinforcement member retaining bars that are positioned within a slot crossing the transverse length of the top surface of at least one wall block. A first of the retaining means secures the at least one reinforcement member against the bottom of the slot and a second of the retaining means secures the first retaining members against the side of the slot, such that the at least one reinforcement member is additionally secured between the pair of retaining means. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reinforcement for concrete elements, comprising at least one elongated string formed of a smaller number of single fibre filaments which, when embedded in a matrix, form a fibre string, the exterior surface of which being coated with a particle shaped material, such as for example sand. The reinforcement comprises at least one or more loops, formed by repeatedly winding of said fibre string and that said loop(s) preferably are closed or laid in a continuous wind, the ends of the loops or the wind function as an end anchor for the reinforcement in the concrete element. The invention relates also to a reinforcement system based on the reinforcement described above. In addition, the invention relates to a method for fabricating such reinforcement system and a method for using such reinforcement system.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.

Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a system of brick and rod for the construction of inclined walls, with great rigidity and lateral resistance, and great resistance to extreme uniform, cyclic, and gravitational forces. The brick of this system is a block with horizontal and vertical protuberances and cavities which permits horizontal and vertical interlocks with the adjacent bricks of the wall. The brick is also perforated by holes that are aligned with the holes of the vertically adjacent bricks of the wall, thus forming continuous holes which go throughout the entire height of the wall. The rods of the system cross the bricks through the continuous holes of the wall. This system allows the construction of an inclined wall made of bricks reinforced with a skeleton of rods. The resulting wall is suitable for retaining walls.

Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a system of brick and rod for the construction of walls with high resistance to extreme gravitational, lateral, and cyclic forces. This system allows the construction of a wall made of bricks reinforced with a skeleton of rods. The brick of this system is a rectangular block with horizontal and vertical protuberances and cavities which permits horizontal and vertical interlocks with the adjacent bricks of the wall. The brick is also perforated by holes which are aligned with the holes of the vertically adjacent bricks of the wall, thus forming a continuous vertical hole that goes throughout the entire height of the wall. The rod of the system crosses the bricks through the continuous hole of the wall.

Abstract: A concrete stud wall system includes elongated mounting strips having mounting brackets that are pressure inserted through longitudinally spaced slots in the outer flanges of the studs and tracks for attaching a reinforcing mesh and encapsulated by a poured concrete panel.

Abstract: A wall system employing channel-reinforced lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab, a pair of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel metallic side channels, and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel metallic attachment channels. The side channels and attachment channels are partially embedded in the slab and extend substantially perpendicular to one another. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the attachment channels at locations where the framing members and attachment channels cross.

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: A bricklaying structure, a bricklaying method and a brick manufacturing method that is adaptable to a variety of architectural details. Each brick is provided with a bolt hole and through-holes. The bolt hole has a diameter which allows a bolt to extend therethrough and the through-hole has a diameter for containing a nut. The bolt hole and through-holes are arranged on a longitudinal center line of the brick, and a center of the bolt hole, centers of the through-holes and respective end faces of the brick are spaced apart an equal distance from each other in a longitudinal direction of the brick. The bricks and metallic plates are vertically stacked and the bricks are integrally connected under pre-stress with each other by tightening the bolts extending through the vertical bolt holes.

Abstract: A system for walls and structural slabs is disclosed. It consists of units of a pre-case reinforced concrete element has a special form design, fabrication methods and utilisation. The element has a circular section, variable lengths and flat surface on the top and bottom sides (2). It has a sectional area of 4170 sq mm. The optimum preferred dimensions of the cross section are 64 mm high and 75 mm wide (1). The element has an optimum shape that reduces the materials used yet provides the structural performance required. When stacked vertically between two structural framing columns, the elements form non-load-bearing walls system(3). The elements form structural diaphragm when horizontally laid side by side in a butt-jointed manner, supported on both ends by means of structural framing beams. Plain concrete topping to the necessary thickness is cast over the diaphragm/elements, forming an integral reinforced concrete structural slab system (4). The elements are fabricated mechanically or manually.

Abstract: Earthquake resistant blocks or discrete structures are manufactured using pieces of low quality construction materials such as slag, concrete waste, chipped stone, Sirasu, etc. The pieces are placed in a mold and arranged in the mold so that they are in intimate contact with the mold sides and with each other throughout the mold. Once positioned, mortar or other concrete binding material is poured in to retain the low quality construction materials in contact with each other. When the blocks or discrete structures are placed adjacent to each other, such as when constructing arches, they absorb or dissipate the shock and vibration energies by having the sides of the blocks, and in particular the low quality materials within the blocks, in firm frictional contact. The amount of concrete used is greatly reduced and local and normally scrap material can be used and recycled.

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: Disclosed is a building structure (1) formed with a living space available for our daily life therein, comprising a partition wall (25) partitioning the living space into a plurality of living sections (24); a wall assembly (20) including inner wall members made of transparent material, closing an outer circumference of the living space and meeting each living section (24), and outer wall members forming predetermined scene-production spaces (23), spacedly positioned relative to the inner wall members, corresponding to each living section (24); a supplying means for supplying a predetermined scene-producing object to inside of each scene-production space; and a controller (81) for activating and deactivating the supplying means so as to allow each of inner scene-production spaces to be produced independently.

Abstract: A self-supporting construction element (1, 101) of expanded plastics, in particular for manufacturing floor elements and walls of buildings in general comprises: (1) a central body (2), substantially parallelepipedic in shape and having two opposite faces (6, 7); at least one reinforcing section bar (8,9) transversally extending across the central body (2) between the faces (6,7) thereof and embedded in the expanded plastics; a lath (16) for supporting at least one layer (17) of a suitable covering material, associated to a fin (11,12) of the reinforcing section bar (8,9) lying flush with and substantially parallel to at least one of the faces (6,7) of the construction element (1,101).