Abstract: The hollow brick providing thermal insulation is a construction block having a relatively high R-value. The hollow brick providing thermal insulation includes a main brick body forming a substantially rectangular prism. The main brick body has opposed upper and lower surfaces, a pair of laterally opposed sidewalls and a pair of longitudinally opposed sidewalls. A plurality of open passages are formed through the main brick body and extend between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Each open passage defines upper and lower open ends formed through the upper and lower surfaces. The plurality of open passages are arrayed to form a plurality of laterally extending rows and a plurality of longitudinally extending columns. A longitudinal thickness between adjacent ones of the open passages in each longitudinally extending column is greater than a lateral thickness between adjacent ones of the open passages in each laterally extending row.

Abstract: Molded concrete building blocks consisting of three block walls and block webs so located as to provide an increased path through the width of the block to reduce transmission of thermal and acoustic energy. The blocks may incorporate features, e.g., male projections and female recesses or an offset inner wall, so that mortar may not be required for assembly. The blocks may be configured so that interior apertures may be vertically aligned when the blocks are assembled in courses, providing adaptability to structure enhancing reinforcement and insulation materials, and to interior wall installation of wiring and plumbing.

Abstract: A cementitious masonry block that exhibits the appearance of finished natural stone comprises at least two substantially parallel stacking sides operable to be installed on or over other blocks to form a block wall. At least one hollow cell is formed in the block to provide a void for structural reinforcing. One or more display faces each exhibits a finish applied by natural stone finishing techniques. The block is formed from a cementitious mixture that is substantially homogenous throughout the masonry block and that, when cured, is substantially matched in color or grain, or both, to the natural stone that is being replicated.

Abstract: A block having at least one front face, at least one back face, sides connecting the front and back faces, a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one cavity passing through the entire height of the block from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the cavity is positioned so that the centre of mass of the block lies closer to the back face than does the geometric centre of the block.

Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.

Abstract: Masonry units (10) are integrally assembled by tightening forces of bolts (60) and nuts (70), in a condition that interlayer metal plates (50) are interposed between the masonry units. A basic form (11) of the masonry unit is contained in a mold for forming the masonry unit. A space (98) for fluidic covering material, which is chargeable with the covering material, is defined between upper and lower faces of the form (11), and the fluidic covering material is charged in the space. The upper and lower faces of the masonry unit are covered with the solidified covering material (12). According to the present invention, high dimensional accuracy of the masonry unit can be ensured, and efficiency of the production process of the masonry units is promoted to improve productivity of the masonry units.

Abstract: A system for utilizing building blocks to build a corrugated structural section that incorporates continuous longitudinal reinforcement with an offset joint pattern. The system includes building blocks whose shapes include open-core units. The use of the system results in a corrugated structural section that is useful for construction of walls, screens, fences, floors, roofs, and other construction elements requiring corrugated structural panels.

Abstract: A stackable insulated unit for wall construction for forming a self-supporting wall structure consists of two side wooden planks spaced apart and secured to one another with an intermediate insulating layer bonded thereto, and a plurality of stud longitudinal sections transversely extending through the insulating layer and being secured thereby. The insulating layer ensures structural integrity of the stackable unit. The stud sections are preferably spaced from at least one of the side planks. The invention also includes the method of fabrication of stackable unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular elements made of insulating materials for constructions, provided with at least one network element in the interior; to a network obtained by connecting modular elements; to a supporting structure achieved by casting a hardening material in the network achieved by connecting the modular elements and joining them through the supporting structure, as well as to the process for obtaining thereof. The modular element has an interior network element made up of at least two main half joints and optionally it may have one or more secondary half-joints, connected through vertical and oblique channels. The network obtained by assembling the modular elements is made up of main and secondary joints, connected trough vertical, horizontal and oblique channels. The unitary supporting structure is obtained by casting a material that will be harden in the unitary network for the entire construction.

Abstract: Block made of solid wood or pressboard that is used in, construction on the same principle as masonry blocks by staggered stacking. It is provided with two flange on its upper portion, two grooves on its lower portion, and its end assembly is produced by using splined tongue and groove joints. Two countersunk holes are on its upper portion and in the two ends in a symmetrical way. These pilot holes allow the passage of a screw or a metal point so as to link the block to the initial support or to the lower block. The assembly of the right-angle quoins makes it necessary to grind flanges over the portion of assembly only. These blocks are used in the field of construction of buildings. They quickly enhance the value of and store accidental products such as fallen trees to improve the value of the scraps from the wood industry.

Abstract: The invention provides blocks made of certain material, equipped with drainage and ventilation functions, and a side of the blocks formed with first interlocking part and second interlocking part in the opposite but corresponding side while other two sides without the interlocking part formed with ventilating channels penetrating the center of the block unit and other areas without first and second interlocking parts equipped with chamfered channels in certain length and width. The blocks of the invention are paved in multi-layers and equipped with numerous ventilation channels and longitudinal grooving. Thus, the multi-layer structure provides sound drainage of water and moisture while preventing subsidence of road via maximizing the maintenance period of the pavement.

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

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building block (2) comprising two side panels (6, 8) with at least one open side, the side panels spaced apart by two bridging parts (10, 12), a removable section (17) on at least one bridging part (10, 12), and a pair of recessed or protruding formations (20) on opposite inner faces of the open end of the side panels (6, 8) to enable building blocks to be interconnected. A location device (40) comprising two members (44) spaced apart by cross members (42), where the two members (44) extend beyond the cross members (42) to engage with formations (26) of one or more building blocks (2) is also disclosed. A wall constructed from building blocks (2) and utilising location devices (40) and a method of constructing such a wall are similarly disclosed.

Abstract: A building panel system includes a plurality of full size panels and half-size panels mountable to each other for building a wall. The panels each include a longitudinally extending rectangular parallelepiped elongate horizontal member. The full size and half-size panels have substantially equivalent height and depth dimensions. The full size panels each include a longitudinally spaced apart pair of vertically extending hollow pilaster columns formed on a rear face of the horizontal member. The pair is spaced apart so as to position each column of the pair towards opposite ends of the horizontal member. The half-size panels each include a single vertically extending hollow pilaster column formed on a rear face of the horizontal member. The pilaster columns extend vertically by the height dimension.

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

Abstract: The present building block has at least one load bearing surface, the load bearing surface of the block having mating interlocking portions comprising cores and protruding interlocks receivable in the cores. The blocks are configured so that each end of a block comprises a half interlock and adjacent ends of a pair of blocks in a course together define an interlock portion that interlocks with a mating full interlock portion carried by a block in an adjacent course of blocks. The basic building block has ends that are oblique such that rows having a preset radius can be formed or such that a linear row can be formed by placing one block front-to-back and an adjacent building block back-to-front. Disclosed are angle blocks with and without splitter wedges, stretcher blocks with and without splitter wedges, blocks for forming corners and posts, cap blocks, and blocks for capping posts.

Abstract: A mortarless interlocking building block for a building block system comprising a single light-weight block of the standard building block dimensions molded from plastic and configured to be separable into three-quarter, half and one-quarter sizes for accommodating prescribed wall dimension lengths and openings, including a feature for building interconnecting right-angle walls.

Abstract: In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection.

Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.

Abstract: A dry-stackable masonry brick having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and opposing side surfaces. The brick is provided with a plurality of channels, which extend along the top, bottom and one side of the brick. The channels are configured and arranged so that they are able to receive a projection from one or more adjacent bricks in an interlocking relation. The brick may be positioned on either of the opposing sides in a vertical orientation, with the bottom side up, or even with the rear surface facing forwardly. The front and rear surfaces of the brick may be provided with different surface treatments to increase the number of differently configured walls that may be constructed. Moreover, the front and rear surfaces may be provided with marginal areas that are configured so that they are able to receive and retain filler material.

Abstract: A concrete block for construction, the block having a front wall and a rear wall. The front and rear walls are spaced apart by a pair of transverse webs. Each of the front and rear walls comprises a middle portion and a pair of end portions, wherein the end portions have a uniform thickness that is greater than the thickness of the middle portion.

Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed of a series of courses of blocks, each of which includes a core. Engagement members are interposed between the blocks in adjacent courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks in adjacent courses. Each engagement member is mountable to the rear web of a lower block, and includes an upstanding projecting portion that engages the rear web of an upper block for preventing forward movement of the upper blocks relative to the lower blocks. The upstanding projecting portion engages the rear web of the upper block so that the front face of the upper block is located rearwardly of the front web of the lower block, to expose an upwardly open forward portion of the core of the lower block. The exposed portion of the lower block core may receive planting media, to enable plants to be planted in the exposed core of the lower block.

Abstract: A reusable modular block system includes a lightweight structural block having a top, a bottom, a first block end, a second block end, an insulating core, an inside facing and an outside facing wherein the structural block is configured to create internal vertical and horizontal raceways between adjacent blocks, a gasketing system connected to the structural block along a portion of the periphery of the structural block, and a fastening system within and that extends horizontally and vertically through the insulating core where the structural block, the gasketing system and the fastening system form a single, integral block component.

Abstract: A wall block (10) comprises a substantially rectangular core (11) of substantially rigid insulating material which forms structural load bearing elements in a constructed wall. The block (10) has cladding (12) bonded to its lateral surfaces. The cladding (12) is offset from the lateral surfaces with tie cladding (12) overhanging from the lower lateral edges, the overhanging portion abutting against the core (11) of the blocks (10) on the lower course. The core (11) has a longitudinal void (14) provided in the lower surface along its whole length and al least one vertically extending void (15), extending from the longitudinal void (14) to the upper surface of the core. Furthermore, recesses (21) are formed in the vertical edges of the core (11) and being adapted to receive elongated joint seals (22) to affect scaling of the joints between adjacent blocks (10).

Abstract: A method of constructing an adobe building from adobe bricks, at least some having a hollow core therethrough, includes assembling adobe bricks atop one another to form a vertical wall structure, so that the hollow cores align to form a vertical channel. An extended reinforcing member is inserted through the channel, and a building material is poured into and set in the vertical channel. Electrical, plumbing, and other service systems can be formed into the wall. If desired, a substantially planar reinforcing structure can be placed between layers of bricks, resulting in a horizontally reinforced wall structure. A method of forming a scaffolding is also provided, wherein the scaffold supports are inserted into depressions in some of the bricks.

Abstract: A method for planning the construction of a brick wall, a brick allocating program, and a brick allocating system for allocating bricks, metal plates, and bolts and nuts in a DUP construction method is provided, in which a grid pattern XY coordinate system forming square grids is specified, and odd number layer tightening grids (?) and even number layer tightening grids (?) are alternately set in X- and Y-directions. The brick (10) of an end part of the wall is positioned on a reference grid (?) so that a first square half part of the brick having a bolt hole (30) matches the odd or even number layer tightening grid. The bricks of the odd or even number layer are successively arrayed from the reference grid, and the metal plates are disposed in such a manner that at least one bolt hole (53) of the metal plate (50) is located on the odd or even number layer tightening grids.

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

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having constant stiffness material layers and variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers. The variable modulus material layers have a material with a changeable elastic modulus in response to an applied energy field so as to allow reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The constant stiffness material layers may include segmented portions. The constant stiffness material layers may have segmented portions arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers have overlapping segmented portions. The variable modulus material layers may have shaped structures, for example, corrugation, pillars, striations, tubular, or honeycomb configurations.

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: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method of constructing walls of framed block assemblies including both exterior and interior partition walls which are assembled through an interlocking structure having dovetail tongues interlocked with dovetail channels. Includes are a plain wall, a wall with mortar for ornamentation, and a wall applied with straight longitudinal blocks.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion, which is oriented generally horizontally when atop a foundation portion of the wall, and an upper flashing portion, which is oriented generally vertically within the cavity of the wall. A plurality of weep tabs are positioned on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies are positioned on the upper flashing portion. Each of the plurality of porous bodies have a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough, each of the plurality of porous bodies being positioned to protect a corresponding one of the plurality of weep tabs.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion and an upper flashing portion. The system includes a water permeable body disposed on the flashing member including a plurality of weep tabs extending on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies positioned on the upper flashing portion. The water permeable body has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A block having at least one front face, at least one back face, sides connecting the front and back faces, a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one cavity passing through the entire height of the block from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the cavity is positioned so that the centre of mass of the block lies closer to the back face than does the geometric centre of the block.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved building block formed of recycled straw stalks, a mold for forming the block, and a method of forming the block. The improved block provides a moisture and pest resistant building block having high dimensional tolerances and being capable of long term use without structural degradation.

Abstract: A constructional system comprises a plurality of building blocks and one or more connectors. In order to propose an improved constructional system, the building block (1) is characterized by a square assembly opening (2) which is surrounded by an assembly funnel (3)(FIG. 1).

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: An interlocking building component which comprises a generally rectangular hollow main body having operatively top and bottom surfaces and in which the operatively top surface has one or more upwardly extending projections and the operatively bottom surface includes recesses adapted and positioned to receive the projections of a like component in an operatively stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A method for building a wall out of lime and hemp, prefabricated blocks made of hemp and lime for the use of the method and a device for molding such prefabricated blocks.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a block for building construction is provided. The block includes: a molded body formed of an inorganic material, wherein the molded body defines (a) a rectangular-box shape; (b) non-linear thermal paths of the body material across the block by offsetting and restricting the cross webbing of the block; and (c) at least two cavities in the block. According to another aspect, a block for building construction is provided, wherein the block includes: a molded body formed of an inorganic material, wherein the molded body defines (a) a rectangular-box shape; (b) at least two cavities in the block; and wherein the block has nominal dimensions of 6?×6?×24?.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a front surface, a rear surface, side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each side surface comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, with the sections configured and arranged to allow a plurality of blocks to be arranged in a convex wall structure. The retaining wall block includes a projection that is configured to abuttingly engage a portion of a vertically adjacent block in a wall structure. Preferably, the block has a width/depth ratio in the range of about 1.87 to 2.67. The retaining wall block may be combined with an earth anchor for use in multi-course walls.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, among others, can be implemented as follows. A modular wall block system includes a plurality of wall blocks comprising first wall blocks of a first shape and second wall blocks of a second shape and at least one continuous passageway running from a top of a wall to a bottom of the wall formed from the plurality of wall blocks. The wall blocks are configured such that the at least one continuous passageway is formed when a plurality of blocks are laid side by side in a tier and stacked one atop of another to form an additional tier. In a further embodiment, the wall blocks also include third wall blocks of a third shape. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Molded concrete building blocks consisting of three block walls and block webs so located as to provide an increased path through the width of the block to reduce transmission of thermal and acoustic energy. The blocks may incorporate features, e.g., male projections and female recesses or an offset inner wall, so that mortar may not be required for assembly. The blocks may be configured so that interior apertures may be vertically aligned when the blocks are assembled in courses, providing adaptability to structure enhancing reinforcement and insulation materials, and to interior wall installation of wiring and plumbing.

Abstract: The invention is to make a mold that will make a square 12×8×12 block that when split makes a full 6×8×12 and a half block that will be used in a construction system based on the combined use of split-face mortar less blocks designed to lock together. There are two basic blocks, the full, and half block, with which any desirable structure can be built. The full block has protruding ears and grooves. The half block also has protruding ears and grooves. There are standard measurements between groove face in all blocks and standard measurements between ears in the full block which correspond to the measurement of the groove faces. This provides for a wide array of interlocking positions.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks for construction preferably include an in-line block, a corner block, an offset block and end blocks. The in-line block includes a connector extension disposed on one end and a connector cavity formed on the opposite end thereof. The connector cavity is sized to receive the connector extension. First and second retention projections preferably extend from a face of the in-line block. The corner block preferably includes the connector extension formed on one end and the connector cavity formed in a side at the opposite end thereof. The offset block includes the connector extension formed on one side at one end and the connector cavity formed on the opposite side at the opposite end thereof. The end block includes a connector extension or a connector cavity disposed on one end. At least one cavity is formed through each block.

Abstract: A drainage system comprises an elongate flashing member having a width similar to width of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. A layer of water permeable material is attached to an upper surface of the flashing member. The water permeable material includes a longitudinal portion extending longitudinally adjacent a rear edge of the flashing member and a plurality of transverse portions extending transversely from the longitudinal portion to a front edge of the flashing member. A plurality of blocks of water permeable material are provided, each being positioned above the layer of water permeable material and extending upwardly into cavities of CMUs, in use. The water permeable material of the layer and the blocks has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough so that water in cavities of the CMUs drains through the transverse portions.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall and comprising a body having a central cavity extending vertically there through and defining front, rear, and side walls. The side walls diverge rearwardly from the front of the block to the rear. Stabilizing wings extending outwardly at the rear of the side walls. Positioning wedges extend from the bottom surface and include flat forward surfaces for positioning the block with respect to the blocks in a lower tier of blocks. The flat forward surfaces of the positioning wedges are located nearer the front surface of the block than is the inner surface of the front wall, thereby enabling a retaining wall created from the blocks to have each successive higher tier offset from the adjacent lower tier by a set distance. The block of the present invention provides a stable block having a large coverage area at a low weight.

Abstract: Concrete molded fence blocks are provided having cores for receiving mortar or aggregate, and pin openings for receiving pins that interlock and align abutting courses of blocks in a fence block system. Groups of a column of blocks form a column support. Standard blocks are provided as spans between the column supports. Column blocks provide additional structural integrity to the fence system, and are larger in comparison to the standard blocks. The leading and trailing edges of the standard blocks have complimentary shapes to provide further interlocking capability between individual blocks. Various types of column blocks are provided for managing the layout of a particular fence system.