Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.

Abstract: A retaining component comprises first and second end walls and a third wall between the first and second end walls. The first and second end walls each have a first edge adjacent to the third wall and a second edge remote from the third wall. The first and second end walls extend to one side of the plane of the third wall. The retaining component has at least one lug projecting from the second edge of each of the first and second end walls. Each lug has a transverse hole whereby the retaining component can be connected to a like or similar component by passing an elongate member through aligned holes in lugs of the two components.

Abstract: A modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges that provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks. A positive retaining mechanism is also provided for attaching reinforcement fabrics to the retaining wall in between mating courses of wall blocks. This mechanism secures the reinforcement fabrics in place and permits the fabrics to extend along the entire contact area between adjacent stacked wall blocks to avoid an aggregate leaning effect. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining bar that is placed on top of the reinforcement fabric within the lock channel. The retaining bar holds the fabric against a wall of the lock channel in response to tensile loads applied to the fabric to prevent it from being pulled out of the retaining wall.

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 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. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area of adequate clearance when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.

Abstract: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trough-edge building panel used in the fabrication of panelized wall systems with elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The panels are preferably fiber cement. The front surface of each panel has a trough adjacent to an edge of the panel. Panels are fastened to a frame with the trough-edges adjacent to each other. A joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels such that the edges of the joint tape fall within the troughs of the adjacent panels. The wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the trough-edge panels.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.

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 predetermined shapes, front faces made from different material(s) than the remainder of the block, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are blocks useful in the construction of walls and other structures. The blocks include in their design features which render them to be interlocking, and which provide for a wall constructed from the blocks to include a plurality of horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receive reinforcing rods (“rebar”). Once a two-dimensional network of rebar is disposed in the interior of such a wall constructed from blocks according to a preferred form of the invention, a castable concrete may be poured into the wall and caused to exist in the spaces between the rebar and the blocks of the invention. By such construction, a wall comprising concrete in its interior that is reinforced in two dimensions is provided, wherein reinforcement in the third dimension is provided by the interlocking feature of the tops and bottom portions of blocks in adjacent rows with one another.

Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.

Abstract: A constructional brick, for use in the forming of a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads of both a uniform and cyclical character, exhibits a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration defining an xyz Cartesian coordinate system, an x-axis capable of defining a width axis of the wall structure, a y-axis defining the directionality of the wall structure, and a z-axis defining a vertical axis of the wall structure.

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

Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.

Abstract: Interlocking masonry components are described herein, including a first masonry block formed along a first axis, with first interlock surface on the first masonry block, formed at an oblique angle to the first axis. A second masonry block is formed along a second axis with a second interlock surface formed at an oblique angle to the second axis. The first and second interlock surfaces interfit and longitudinally interlock with the first and second axes in substantial alignment.

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

Abstract: A floor pad module is formed along its four edges with specially designed first and second dovetails and corresponding dovetail grooves, so that the floor pad module could be reversed without affecting its free connection to another floor pad module via engagement of the dovetails with the dovetail grooves. This enables the floor pad module to be manufactured with two different colors shown at a front and a reverse side thereof, and a consumer may connect a plurality of the floor pad modules to form a large area of floor pad showing differently colored patterns simply by reversing some of the floor pad modules in the same one pack without the need of purchasing two or more packs of monochromatic floor pad modules.

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

Abstract: In an assembly of predominantly concrete revetment, each revetment is a generally rectangular solid having two longitudinal margins and two transverse margins, having two expansive faces, and having an array of apertures, which extend through said revetment, between the expansive faces, and through which vegetation can grow. Each revetment has a grid of embedded reinforcing bars, which include a reinforcing bar extending within each of its longitudinal and transverse margins. Each revetment has, on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, one or more ribs extending between its expansive faces. At each rib on each of its longitudinal margins or at each rib on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, each revetment has a cable passage extending through such rib and through the longitudinal margins has such rib and opening into a near aperture of the array of apertures of said revetment.

Abstract: For abating noise along a highway, along a railway, or along another noise-generating way, a wall having an anterior face and a posterior face comprises, across each face, concrete modules stacked in an upper tier, at least one intermediate tier, and a lower tier. Each module is plantable and has a batten. Across each face, the modules are spaced laterally from one another in courses, one course in each tier, so that modules of each course straddle modules of the next course above or below said course. In each of alternate ones of the tiers, a geogrid strip is deployed around the battens of the modules along the anterior face and around the battens of the modules along the posterior face, in a zig-zag pattern, so as to tie the modules along the anterior face to the modules along the posterior face.

Abstract: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.

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 block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. The length of a block face may be a multiple of its height, and the blocks otherwise are formed such that blocks may be stacked with the top surface of one block in abutment with a bottom surface of a vertically adjacent block or, optionally, with the top or bottom surface of one block in abutment with a side surface of a vertically adjacent block. The blocks may be manufactured in different sizes, such that their faces are of different lengths and heights, thereby enabling the construction of walls or fences of highly variable appearances.

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

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: The invention relates to a ground covering element for making a ground gutter, with an upper side where a groove portion is provided, a lower side, two oppositely disposed longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, a first face supporting a first registration section of the groove portion, and, in opposed relation, a second face supporting a second registration section of the groove portion, such that the faces each provide at least one projecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, and at least one receptive portion shaped at recess in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, in which projecting portion can be brought into engagement with a recessed portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, and each recessed portion can be brought into engagement with a projecting portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, such that an edge formed between the lower side and the first face has a configuration which is essential

Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction kit made of concrete paving stones comprising substantially prismatic stone bodies of a uniform height and upright lateral surfaces. A plurality of stone paving stones (2) arranged in rows and having the same width in addition to the same or different lengths can be placed manually or placed by means of a machine with continuous or offset joints in said joint areas. A plurality of rows of paving stones that are arranged next to each other in a parallel position is used to form a rectangular or square packet that can be placed using a machine. The paving stones (2) have side surfaces (4) which have head pieces (2′) that are defined by a wavy line along part of their height and base pieces (2″) in sections, comprising domed areas (5) or projections jutting out laterally in relation to the head pieces (2′) extending along another part of their height.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

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

Abstract: A sound barrier wall system for reducing the transmission of noise into residential and commercially sensitive areas. The sound barrier wall system includes a partition member having a plurality of rib members and a rear wall, and a plurality of support members positioned about the distal ends of the partition member. The partition member includes an upper slot and a lower tongue for allowing interlocking with adjacent partition members. The plurality of rib members extending from the rear wall form a sound dampening surface that breaks up the sound waves and deflects the sound waves away from a residential area. A plurality of cavities preferably extend into the inner surface of the rear wall of the partition member for further increasing the sound dampening capabilities.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a middle armor block for a coastal structure and a method of placement of its block with a hydraulic stability of a slope surface and an economical construction cost. The middle armor block of the half-loc comprises a body forming an octagon column with a rectangle side and a perforated hole at the center, a leg integrally formed and attached to alternatively each side of the body and a protruding foot at a lower portion of the leg and each corner of the leg and the foot is chamfered. For a placement type of the blocks, the middle armor block of the half-loc are tilted with a certain angle and each side portion of the leg of the block is contacted to the other side portion of the leg of neighbor block all around directions in series.

Abstract: A block having a semicircular male lobe and a semicircular female recess on opposing sides thereof. On other opposing sides of the block, there is formed a side edge shape such that when neighboring blocks are placed together, a circuitous water channel is formed between the blocks. The block includes cable channels formed therethrough, with the cable channels opening at the side edges into cable cavities. The cable cavities facilitate access to ends of the cables when the blocks are placed side by side.

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: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided with a core, pin receiving cavities, and pin holes. The pin receiving cavities and pin holes are arranged on the block symmetrically on the block and substantially outside of block corner segments, thus resulting in a stronger block and permitting optimal alignment of the wall block cores when constructing a retaining wall. Retaining walls made using the block have increased strength.

Abstract: There is provided a block (100) comprising a front wall (110); a rear wall (130); first side wall (115); second side wall (120) opposed to said first side wall (115); an upper block planar surface (140); a lower block planar surface (141); wherein said first side wall (115) and said second side wall (120) extend from said front wall (110) to said rear wall (130) to define a central through core (150) extending through the block (100) from said upper block surface (140) to said lower block surface (141), said core (150) having a front upper rim and a first front corner at the plane of said upper block surface, proximate intersection of said first side wall and said front wall; a first lug which extends downwardly from said lower block surface adjacent said first side wall, and has (i) a flat side portion flush with said first side wall and (ii) a front portion which joint said first lug side surface at an angle of 90° or less.

Abstract: A modular retaining wall system uses a plurality of different sized masonry blocks to form uniform sized modules for constructing a segmented retaining wall. Each module has the same overall dimensions of height, width and depth, while the masonry blocks used to define the module vary in size and shape. Walls or structure faces have vertical or vertically set back surfaces are possible, using interlocking pins, channels and pin holes. A pin having an adjustable length is provided to accommodate masonry blocks of varying height.

Abstract: A top block for modular precast retaining wall system wherein beveled surfaces of a horizontal component of the top block form a cast-in-place key integrated with cast-in-place column formed in the construction of the retaining wall using modular block units. The top block provides an aesthetically pleasing front surface the upper edge of which may be rectilinear or contoured to fit various applications and appearance requirements.

Abstract: A system of modular, hollow interlocking building elements which can absorb large horizontal or vertical pressures, and thus eradicate or minimize the effects of active pressure. The elements can be connected along each face and stacked one upon the other to form a stable, continuous, multi-directional structure, requiring no cement or other stabilizing material. The system comprises a plurality of base elements, having on slits on the vertical faces, and a plurality of interlocking elements to form layers above the base, having a slit in each of two, three or four vertical faces. The elements are arranged so that the faces having no slit form the outer surface, thus forming a structure having a smooth, continuous outer surface. The elements can be filled with any required filling material. The elements may be used in construction of structures in which active pressure is a factor, such as retaining walls, bridge abutments, ramps and the like.

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 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: The invention concerns a modular wall or double wall element (S) for dry assembly characterized in that some at least (1a, 1b, 31a, 31b) of its faces arranged to co-operate with adjacent modular elements have contact parts (2a, 2b; 32a, 32a, ′ 32b, 32b′) designed to be pressed against said adjacent modular elements, and separating parts (3a, 3a′, 3b, 3b′ 33a′, 33b) arranged to remain separated by a clearance of said adjacent modular elements, said clearance being sufficiently large to limit, even eliminate, infiltration of water by capillary action. The invention is applicable to the field of construction building.

Abstract: Provided herein are blocks useful in the construction of walls and other structures. The blocks include in their design features which render them to be interlocking, and which provide for a wall constructed from the blocks to include a plurality of horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receive reinforcing rods (“rebar”). Once a two-dimensional network of rebar is disposed in the interior of such a wall constructed from blocks according to a preferred form of the invention, a castable concrete may be poured into the wall and caused to exist in the spaces between the rebar and the blocks of the invention. By such construction, a wall comprising concrete in its interior that is reinforced in two dimensions is provided, wherein reinforcement in the third dimension is provided by the interlocking feature of the tops and bottom portions of blocks in adjacent rows with one another.

Abstract: An interlocking segmental retaining wall. The wall includes a plurality of blocks stacked upon each other. Each block includes a void filled with aggregate. In addition, each block includes an extension and slot for interlocking the blocks together to form the retaining wall. Each block also includes a plurality of lugs and an indentation for aligning and stacking the blocks on each other. The blocks may also be stacked to form a curved retaining wall. In an alternate embodiment, the blocks may have tabs located on an upper portion of each block. Each block is laterally positioned by centering the block upon the top of two lower blocks.

Abstract: Building block systems are provided. An embodiment of a building block system includes a first preformed, monolithic block exhibiting indicia of media and mortar about at least a portion of the exterior of the monolithic block. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A building block for forming a masonry structure comprises at least two stone members disposed one above the other and connected firmly to each other, each of which having a wide section at one end and a narrow section at the opposite end. The sections map into each other via an intermediate section and the stone members are disposed relative to each other in such a manner that, in each case, the wide section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the narrow section of the respective stone member lying beneath same and the narrow section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the wide section of the stone member lying beneath same.