Abstract: A masonry system in which specially shaped brick are dry-stacked and subsequently bonded by pouring mortar or grout into apertures in the brick to flow through the stacked structure to surround the individual brick leaving the front and rear faces exposed. The brick have alignment projections extending from the bottom bed faces which register with alignment grooves in the top bed faces of the lower brick to align the upper brick prior to bonding. The projections and grooves define a recess to admit mortar between adjacent brick faces. The brick also have recesses in the header faces to admit mortar between adjacent header faces. The front faces of the brick are contoured to create the appearance of mortar joints when the brick are stacked. The brick may be manufactured by extrusion, wire cutting and final shaping using suitable blades to achieve the desired finished shape. If desired, certain apertures through the brick may be covered over using a suitably shaped blade operating under appropriate conditions.

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.degree. 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 masonry fence system incorporates piers (1) placed at predetermined intervals along a desired fence line. Rigid foundation members (5) extend at grade level (8) between the piers (1) and are supported thereby while supporting courses of masonry block; vertically extending tensioning rods (15) are attached to the foundation members. The post tensioning rods (15) extend upwardly through voids in successive courses of masonry block and terminate in the next to top course of block. A plate (20) and nut (22) are utilized to permit the post tensioning of the rods to transmit compressive forces to the courses of masonry block below. The foundation members (5) may be formed in situ by using bond beam techniques, or may be preformed in predetermined lengths to be transported to the fence site and placed at grade level in contact with the piers (1) at the start of construction.

Abstract: In an assembly for constructing a multi-tiered retaining wall to support a backfilled embankment, at least one generally planar backfill retaining wall panel has opposed top and bottom edges, and opposed parallel side edges. Each wall panel spans between pairs of transversely spaced posts. Each post is in the form of a rigid elongate column having an upper end, a lower end and opposed side portions. An abutment forming a recessed area extends longitudinally along each side portion of the column for receiving the side edge of the wall panel. A pin element insertable into the column retains the wall panel in place between pairs of columns in the abutment prior to backfilling against a rear surface of the wall panel. A seat at the upper end of the column supports a wall panel of an adjacent higher tier. A saddle at the lower end of the column provides for free-standing support of the column on a wall panel on an adjacent lower tier prior to backfilling.

Abstract: A novel concrete block having six generally planar faces to provide a retaining wall for retaining a bank of earth. The retaining wall includes a lower tier of a plurality of separate abutting bottom blocks; an intermediate tier of a plurality of separate abutting intermediate blocks; and at least one upper tier of a plurality of separate abutting blocks. Each concrete block of each tier has six generally-planar faces, consisting of two planar end faces, a front planar face and a rear planar face, the front planar face and the rear planar face having a plurality of drainage ducts extending therebetween, an upper planar face and a lower planar face. Each upper planar face differs from the lower planar face of each block by a particular recited structure. As well, particularly defined locking interrelationships are provided between the individual blocks of the tiers of blocks.

Abstract: An inexpensive, yet beautiful retaining wall may be formed with architecturally pleasing, coordinating or matching materials such as marble, granite or the like. Architecturally pleasing, thin decorative facing panels are attached to masonry blocks. The retaining wall is formed from several rows of such masonry blocks with the blocks each including a top edge and a bottom edge and a front face having a masonry appearance extending between the top and bottom edges. The blocks in an upper row are stacked upon the blocks in an adjacent lower row below the upper row, with the bottom edges of the upper row blocks supported on adjacent lower row blocks. Decorative facing panels are provided which are substantially smaller in size than the masonry blocks and include a rear face attached to the front face of the masonry blocks to change the outward appearance of the front faces of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A method wherein structures can be assembled using blocks that form a lattice network which can be filled with a reinforcing material, said blocks being capable of serving as a permanent form that provides a finished exterior surface.

Abstract: A set of building blocks useful for constructing model structures includes a plurality of building blocks comprising block bodies and block interconnecting structure. The block interconnecting structure releasably locks each block to one or more adjacent blocks by resisting the blocks being pulled apart from each other. The interconnecting structure does provide, however, a limited amount of lateral play between the blocks so that the interconnected blocks may be moved laterally with respect to each other. The interconnecting structure preferably comprises one or more connecting elements installed into respective apertures in the block bodies. Some blocks have connecting elements with both an inserting end that projects above an outer surface of the block body and a receiving end disposed within the aperture. Other blocks have connecting elements having only a receiving end.

Abstract: A retaining wall construction using courses of lightweight hollow timbers molded from plastic and having interfit portions and the adjacent bottom and top edges which seal the spaces between the courses. Vertical whaler posts connected to the rear face of the timbers and connecting bars extending to the rear of the wall equipped with deadman paddles stabilize the wall. Splicer pieces are received in each set of abutting ends of the timbers and are connected to the respective timbers.

Abstract: An educational set of amusement blocks includes a set of a plurality of pairs of mirror image multi-sided sided blocks. In each set, each block preferably includes seven sides, including various geometric shapes for each side. The blocks are stable, and can stand independently on five of the seven sides. The seven sides are distributed over the three dimensional surface of each block, so as to form structures having a wide base for weight distribution. Each block includes a cantilevered peak, to effect stability, and thereby enable the blocks to stand on five of its seven sides. Because of their stability, the blocks do not topple so easily, and therefore can be used for building intricate structures without the need for interlocking joints. Corresponding planes of one type of block and its mirror image are either painted the same color or in complementary colors, thereby forming patterns which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A concrete building block or panel contains at least one tightly wound bundle of used tire casing tread sections that have been separated from the two end wall sections and which have been joined together and wound into a tight spiral bundle. In one form of the invention, the side wall sections are stacked in axial alignment and a tread bundle is inserted into the stack before being mounted in the block or panel.

Abstract: An arcuate building structure containing at least three five-sided building blocks, at least three six-sided building blocks, and said five-sided and six-sided building blocks are independently able to provide means for connecting one of said five-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The top side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape, and is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the six-sided block. The front side of the six-sided block has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The right edge and the left edge have equal lengths and form equal angles with the bottom edge. The back side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape with at least two sides equal in length to each other.

Abstract: 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 lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning 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 blocks have back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block. A method of block molding and a mold assembly which may be used to make a block which may be stackable to form structures of varying setback is also explained.

Abstract: A building block for a wall enables the blocks to be mounted in offset and flush modes. The block has an extension portion on the bottom, making the bottom longer than the top. The rearward lug protrudes from the bottom at the extension portion. The forward lug protrudes from the bottom forward of the rearward lug. In the offset mode, the upper row of blocks rests on the lower row with the forward lug of the upper row engaging the rearward end of the lower row of blocks. In the flush mode, the forward lug is removed and the blocks positioned with the forward end substantially flush. The rearward lugs of the upper row will then engage the rearward ends of the lower row. Holes extend through the blocks for receiving pins for interlocking them together. Some of the holes are elongated. The pins have enlarged heads which locate in the elongated holes, but will not fit in the cylindrical holes.

Abstract: A form tie for joining the sidewalls of a polymeric concrete form comprises a pair of end trusses with an intermediate web truss. Each end truss comprises an interior vertical strut and a longer exterior strut with interior and exterior pairs of horizontal struts extending therebetween. Upper and lower rectangular trusses and an intermediate truss are formed within each truss and rigidified by diagonal struts extending between the ends of the exterior vertical strut and interior vertical strut. The exterior struts of each end truss are coplanar with the exterior sidewall surface with the interior strut of each end truss being coplanar with the interior sidewall surface. The coplanar relationship of the struts serve as a visual gauge that the form with tie has been properly manufactured and assures that the end trusses extend throughout the width of each sidewall. End ties having a height of one-half of the form sidewall are extended between the sidewalls at the ends of each form.

Abstract: 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 lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning 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 blocks have back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block. Also included is a method of block molding and a mold assembly which may be used to make a block which may be stackable to form structures of varying setback.

Abstract: A retaining wall construction comprises modular facing blocks connected by fasteners to anchoring blocks positioned behind the facing blocks. The facing blocks are arranged in courses which overlap one another. The facing blocks, as well as the anchor blocks, have hollow, vertical throughbores. This enables interconnection of the back wall of the facing block with the anchor block by means of various types of fasteners. The retaining wall construction is especially useful in the construction of low height, gravity type walls.

Abstract: A refractory brick that has a rear portion with a geometrical concavity on one side and a corresponding convex projection on the other side, the concavity and projection being matched so that the concavity mates with the corresponding projection of a similar refractory brick when the two are disposed in side-by-side relationship. Extending perpendicular from the base portion is a generally rectangular projection such that when a plurality of bricks are disposed in a side-by-side array, they are locked together by the mating concavities and projections, and the generally rectangular projections extend inwardly to form a thicker lining to withstand the force of a tap stream of molten metal for a longer duration.

Abstract: 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 lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning 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 blocks of the invention comprise back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A freestanding form module for receiving flowable materials includes a pair of form members, preferably made of styrofoam, joined together by molded plastic rib members. The rib members may be monolithic or formed from plural components. Bearing plates and stabilizing plates are employed to support forces applied to the form module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially shaped structural components for use in the construction of furnaces, foundries, and similar applications. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved flue wall in a high temperature furnace. The improved flue wall is constructed of specially shaped bricks to improve the tensile strength of the wall, increase the shear transfer capacity of the wall, and thus improve the flue wall life. The flue wall is constructed of specially designed refractory bricks joined together by air and/or heat-set mortar and arranged in courses, and comprises two parallel face walls parallel to the chambers wherein the carbon blocks are positioned and enclosing a flue chamber, two side walls generally perpendicular to the face walls enclosing the lower portion of the flue chamber, and baffle bricks and tie bricks arranged in a number of noncontinuous columns throughout the flue wall.

Abstract: The construction block has a projection approximately centered on its top surface. The construction block also has a groove at each of the opposite ends on its bottom surface, each groove being approximately centered about the longitudinal axis. The construction block further has at least one slot defining an end piece, transverse to the longitudinal axis, on the top surface or the bottom surface, located approximately halfway between the center point and one of the opposite ends. The block may be stacked on two identical blocks having their opposite ends facing each other, with the block resting on half of each of the two identical blocks, so that the groove at one of the opposite ends of the block is located above half of the projection of one of the identical blocks and the groove at the other opposite end is located above half of the projection of the other identical block, thus staggering the blocks.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is constructed in several distinct layers. Each layer is formed of a side-by-side arrangement of I-shaped subassemblies with backfill cheers defined between each pair of subassemblies. Each subassembly is constructed of generally planar elongated concrete blocks which interconnect to laterally secure the blocks to one another. Interconnections are provided by dovetail joints in which a tongue is vertically slid into a groove to prevent lateral separation. The dovetail elements extend only partially across the face of each block so that the block defining the groove is not excessively weakened by the groove.

Abstract: A building system has interlocking frame members which interengage to form a rectilinear frame. To prevent the interengaged frame members from disengaging, a lock element is associated with a joint between frame members. This lock element is a rotary lock with a trilobal locking surface. Additional locking capability can be provided by a lock ring or collar which surrounds a joint between two frame members and prevents unintentional disengagement.

Abstract: There is provided a building block (10) comprising a rectangular parallelepiped having three pairs of opposing surfaces (12 and 14, 16 and 18 and 20 and 22), each pair of opposing surfaces being provided with one or more identical pairs of interlocking formations (24 and 26), whereby two such building blocks (10) may be arranged with one of a pair of opposing surfaces of a first of the blocks in interlocking engagement with one of any of the three pairs of opposing surfaces of the other of the blocks. There is also provided a corner block (100) for use with a building block (10) of the type previously described, the corner block (100) subtending in included angle and being provided with one or more formations (118) on each of its surfaces (102-116) whereby the corner block (100) may be arranged with one of its surfaces (102-116) in interlocking engagement with one of at least one of each pair of opposing surfaces (12 and 14, 16 and 18 or 20 and 22) of said building block (10).

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: A building element for a constructional building set having coupling means for coupling to other building elements included in the building set by cooperation with their coupling studs arranged with mutual modular measures, said coupling means comprising flanges whose side faces are adapted to engage a plurality of the coupling studs on the other building element in a first number of orientations of the building element with respect to the other building element, said flanges being divided into sections so as to form edge faces which serve as engagement faces with the coupling studs in a second number of orientations of the building element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat insulation covering for a spherical storage tank such as an LNG tank or the like for storing an extremely low temperature liquid. The covering is constructed by using elongated panel-like heat insulating panels. A plurality of slit parts having a U-shaped cross section are formed along the longitudinal direction of a foam-resin heat insulating panel formed in an elongated panel-like configuration. In the slit part, a heat insulating material is inserted. The material has a sufficient expandability under extremely low temperatures. The heat insulating panel can be deformed along the curvature of the surface of the spherical tank. The heat insulation covering of the spherical tank is formed of the heat insulating panels which have an elongated configuration. With such a structure, only a few kinds of heat insulating panels need be prepared, which is favorable in terms of cost.

Abstract: A concrete building block (10) having a top (12), a bottom (14), substantially identical first and second end portions (16, 18) and a central portion (20). First and second end portions (16, 18) each have a connector pin (28, 34) and a complementary connector socket (30, 36), where each connector pin and connector socket generate about a vertical axis of generation (A1, A2). The block (10) also includes a lifting eye (46) that projects upwardly from a well (50) and a decorative surface (56) of vertical ridges and valleys on at least the first side (22), and a first and second end surfaces (26, 32). An alternate block (11) includes a circular top (58), a circular bottom (60), and a sidewall (62). Block (11) also includes a connector pin (64), a complementary connector socket (66) and a vertical axis of generation A3, of which connector pin (64) and connector socket (66) generate about, and a means for engaging block 11 with a lifting device.

Abstract: A generally rectangular structural block has a central ridge which extends along the top of the block and stops short of its end faces. In the bottom face are two grooves, one aligned with the ridge, the other at a right angle and intersecting in the middle of the bottom face. The groove aligned with the ridge extends from end-to-end of the block, the intersecting groove stops short of one side face of the block. The grooves are dimensioned so as to mate with a ridge dimensioned like that on the top face. Two or more such blocks can be made as a permanently joined unit, their ridges in line with each other, and the side faces at which the intersecting grooves stop short located on the same side of the unit. Single-block and multi-block units are laid up to form walls with the ridges in a given course interlocking with the grooves in the next higher course of blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical, refractory, hollow brick having tapered wall surfaces in the corner region.

Abstract: This invention provides an interlocking ground covering element, the shape of which is an abstraction of the shape of the state of Texas. The interlocking of multiple adjacent elements is obtained by the inherent projections and recesses comprising the element's shape. The elements can be used to cover horizontal surfaces as in paving or vertical surfaces as seen in retaining walls.

Abstract: Interlocking stackable block structures for use in erecting a shock-resistant wall array and including block structures in both fence block and post block configurations. The top surface of each of the blocks has a pair of parallelly disposed upwardly protruding laterally extending ridge projections which mate and interlock with projections formed on the bottom surface of the block. The block configuration is further provided with cores for drainage and load reduction purposes, but the upper and lower mating faces of the block have a load-bearing web which supports a superimposed stacked block thereon. The cores of the post block contain a reinforcing rod held in grout so as to provide strength and stability. Also, the post block structures are provided with recesses for lockingly receiving fence block therein, thereby providing an arrangement where the fence block array floats within the recesses and is thereby provided with a greater degree of stability.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks are disclosed, which are trapezoidal in shape and have a positive interlock. These blocks can be used to construct walls, especially garden walls, that are strong and either straight or serpentine, with concave or convex surfaces. More particularly, the blocks, thanks to their structure, can be used to construct tree rings or wells, patio walls with or without corners, straight walls with curved ends, serpentine feature walls, L-shaped walls, lawn and driveway edgings, small steps, free-form shallow ponds, planter boxes, window wells and the like. Advantageously, they can be produced in the form of units comprising blocks of the same or different type, e.g. of the stacking, coping or corner type, which can be assembled in the form of very light bundles easy to store and transport.

Abstract: A method for building an earth-retaining barrier from standard open-celled construction blocks includes a plurality of hangers. Each hanger contains a hook portion for spanning a rim of the block and also contains a shoulder portion projecting laterally from the hook portion and having a top ledge for contacting or supporting the rim of a vertically adjoining block.. Thus, each block is supported by a block beneath it as well as by the top ledge of the hanger secured upon the lower block. The barrier thus created has an offset of approximately 15.degree..

Abstract: A fitting structure of a plurality of rectangular parallelopipedal blocks comprising concavo-convexities formed on the surfaces of each of the blocks. The concavo-convexities are formed on each surface of the block on the basis of a figure which is in symmetry of rotation per 90.degree. round the center of a regular square or is in symmetry of rotation per 180.degree. round the center of a rectangle, and is complementarily in symmetry of axis with respect to a center of the rectangle line passing through the center and being in parallel with a side of the regular square or rectangle. Predetermined congruence is imparted to the figures on the surfaces depending on various shapes of the blocks. Fitting of the concavo-convexities of the surfaces of the adjacent blocks is always ensured when each block is aligned so that its thickness and its length are in conformity. The surfaces of adjacent blocks can be connected without the necessity of considering the direction of each block.

Abstract: The border blocks of the invention include a plurality of hollow plastic blocks fillable through push-cap openable holes at their top with sand and employing various tongue-and-groove interlocks extending from the left and right sides thereof to join with similar adjacent blocks--whether linear or curved--and with the individual blocks also being provided with apertures at their bottom to mate with projections as part of the push-cap openable holes so as to stack one atop the other in forming several courses of block and in which the blocks forming the bottom course incorporate a tie-down arrangement for securement to the ground.

Abstract: A cast concrete block that is cast on its side and can be separated into at least three construction blocks to be used in constructing a retaining wall system. The cast concrete block has a top face and a bottom face. The block is bounded by an elongate base side, two elongate edge sides and an elongate top side. First and second elongate splitting grooves are formed in at least one of the top face and bottom face. The splitting grooves extend between the top side and the base side. The splitting grooves are spaced inwardly from the opposite first and second edge sides. Preferably, each of the splitting grooves are paired with a corresponding secondary groove in an opposite face of the block so that each splitting groove and its corresponding secondary groove are parallel with each other and lie in a common plane that is substantially perpendicular to the broad faces of the block.

Abstract: A trench structure for a drain or chase is presented which can be quickly and economically constructed. A unique cap block, which has a notched face section for accepting a drain grate or trench cover and a laterally offset horizontal support section for retaining a paving member, forms the top rows of the trench side walls.

Abstract: An interlocking lock system for mortarless wall or other structure assembly in which a plurality of blocks are laid up in courses in a staggered relationship. Only two different block configurations are required, the first, or long, blocks having a length at least twice the block height and the second, or short, blocks having a length up to half the length of the first blocks. Each of the blocks has a pair of upright sidewalls having flat top and bottom surfaces and generally parallel outermost side surfaces and has at least two spaced transverse walls. Protrusions on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls extend from a base generally coplanar with the block bottom surface to a tip extending above the block top surface and configured so that the tips and bases interlock when the blocks are laid up in staggered courses. Further interlock arrangements are provided so that the long blocks will interlock when positioned either parallel along walls or perpendicular at corners.

Abstract: A design and construction module comprised of nine cells each having substantially equal lengths, widths and heights and longitudinally opposed ends. Two of the cells form the base of the module and are located side-by-side with their ends terminating adjacent and flush with one another. Three of the cells form an intermediate level of cells located above the base cells. Two of these intermediate cells correspond with the two base cells and are located immediately thereabove, but longitudinally offset. In this way these two intermediate cells extend a predetermined distance beyond the one end of the base cells in an overhang. Opposite the overhang, the third cell of the intermediate cells extends transversely with respect to the two other intermediate cells and the base cells. A portion of the third intermediate cell therefore laterally extends beyond the side of the base cells. Three additional cells define a common top surface of the module.

Abstract: Concrete modules stacked in courses are used in making a retaining wall. Each module has unitary front, lateral, and bottom walls. The front wall may extend above the lateral walls. Each lateral wall has front ribs extending outwardly and inwardly and adjoining the front wall. Each lateral wall has back ribs extending outwardly and inwardly. In each intermediate course, the front and back ribs of each module partly support modules of the next course above and are partly supported by the front and back ribs of modules of the next course below. For post-tensioning of the retaining wall, plural elongate tensioning members are employed, each extending through an aperture of the bottom wall of one module of a lower course, between two modules of every other one of the intermediate courses, through an aperture of the wall of one module of an upper course.

Abstract: A building structure which contains a hexagonal building unit and a pentagonal building unit joined together by a plug. There are six triangularly-shaped building blocks in the hexagonal unit, and the base angles of these building blocks is from about 60.6 to about 60.8 degrees. There are five triangularly-shaped building blocks in the pentagonal unit, and the base angles of these building blocks is from about 54.5 to about 54.7 degrees.

Abstract: Stackable construction blocks include generally parallel first and second faces and recess means on said first face including a central socket adapted to receive and support the end of a post and a channel means adapted to receive and support the end of a beam, and on the second face one or more channels adapted to receive and support a portion of a beam.

Abstract: All elements are designed in a modular manner on the base of a unitary length. They include elements comprising more than one square having side lengths a and a camfered edge b at an angle of 45.degree.. The elements, which can be produced in the form of paving stones, or thin ceramics tiles, or trough stones and can be laid out to create floor or wall coverings, allow to lay out all letters, numbers or common symbols, as well as a great variety of other figures, and to provide them with straight-lined borderings without the need of breaking, grinding or otherwise altering a single element. It is understood that said elements can be differently colored in order to emphasize them.

Abstract: An erosion control block of octagonal shape, having a pair of arms extending from a peripheral side edge thereof, and a pair of cavities formed in the block with openings to the peripheral side edge. The block interlocks with other similar blocks and provides an effective interlocked matrix of such blocks. The arms have enlarged ends that loosely fit within the cavities, thereby allowing rotation about a vertical axis of one block with regard to another block. When two blocks are interlocked and rotated to the fullest extent, peripheral edges of the blocks abut, thereby placing a radial tension strain on the neck of the arm, rather than a lateral strain, thereby reducing the possibility of breakage of the arms.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel sound collecting blocks and their use, in conjunction with novel connector blocks, to build inexpensive, decorative sound walls. This invention also deals with retaining walls which are constructed from the novel connector block, and other non-sound absorbing solid blocks.

Abstract: A composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitered stretcher is provided.Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: A set of masonry blocks comprises a rectangular basic block having a basic length dimension L, a width B and a height H and including lateral end sides comprising a joining portion including a recess which defines a portion of a first cylinder, and being adapted to contact adjacent masonry blocks at matching joining portions thereof. The set further includes rectangular end blocks one lateral end side of which comprises a joining portion identical to the joining portion of the basic block, and another lateral end side of which comprises a closed masonry-wall termination surface.

Abstract: A plurality of individual modules including individual support platforms for cylindrical hollow core risers are installed in side-by-side interlocked relationship to construct a semi-permeable barrier that is oriented in load distributing relationship approximately parallel to the shoreline. This semi-permeable barrier forms a hollow core and high profile breakwater that is intended to dissipate the energy of incoming waves before they reach the shoreline. Gaps between modules, and between high profile sections of the breakwater allow free flow of water between the landward and seaward sides of the barrier to prevent elevated water levels behind the barrier. An upper riser section of each module is partially submerged at high tide and emerged at low tide. The seaward facing lower section of the module has an inclined ramp that absorbs reflected wave energy and inhibits toe scour. Precast wafers of concrete can be added or removed from the modules as required for ballast.