Abstract: A utility pole system that provides for easy temperature inspection of the fiberglass reinforced plastic utility pole. The system may include utility pole and a sleeve arranged around the pole, and a temperature sensor positioned underneath the sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pole shield for extending around a pole structure. The pole shield comprises one or more than one sheet of composite material forming a hollow structure having an open first end and an opposed open second end. The sheet or sheets of composite material comprise from about 50% to about 80% by weight of a reinforcement impregnated with about 20% to about 50% of a polyurethane resin composition comprising a combination of a polyol component and a polyisocyanate component. Two or more pole shields may be stacked one on top of the other to form a pole shield structure which extends the height of protection of the pole structure. The pole shield can be used for protecting a pole structure from damage, such as from fire, rain, wind, sand, ice, pests, moisture or electrical. The pole shield may also be used to provide structural support to a pole structure.

Abstract: Low-carbon monolithic refractories are provided. Methods of manufacturing glass employing low-carbon monolithic refractories are also provided. Methods and apparatuses for glass manufacture for reducing the formation of carbon dioxide blisters during glass manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Pre-filled mortar packages are positioned between masonry construction elements (such as stones, blocks or bricks) when forming a wall (such as a dry-stack stone wall). Each mortar package includes an outer covering with a porous outer surface, a mortar mixture covered by the outer covering, and (optionally) an adhesive incorporated onto or in the porous outer surface. Both the adhesive and the mortar mixture are activated by a liquid, such as water. The mortar packages may be pre-wetted and placed on masonry construction elements when stacking the masonry construction elements. Alternatively, the mortar packages may be dry when placed on masonry construction elements, and activated by applying water or by wetting from rain water. Mortar packages are more convenient and efficient than adhesives or mortar alone, and create walls and other structures with increased strength and improved aesthetics.

Abstract: A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block deck used as the interior or exterior material of a building. More specifically, disclosed is a block deck using concrete, wherein a hollow portion is formed inside and filled with concrete so as to exhibit superior strength. The present invention provides a block deck including: a frame member formed with a hollow portion inside; and filler formed of a concrete material so as to be filled in the hollow portion. At this time, the concrete may be foamed according to desired strength with a foaming rate in the range of 0-50%. The frame member may be formed of natural wood, synthetic wood and synthetic resin materials. And, the frame member may be formed integrally or divisionally into two or more so as to be coupled, wherein coupling is carried out by being fitted in a sliding manner.

Abstract: A plate product for finishing a floor or wall is disclosed. The plate product includes a natural-stone surface plate which has a predetermined thickness and is cut to have a predetermined length and width. A reinforcing plate is cut to have a length and width corresponding to those of the natural-stone surface plate and attached to the lower surface of the surface plate. A base plate is cut to have a length and width which are larger than those of the natural-stone surface plate and attached to the lower surface of the reinforcing plate. The upper layer part of the base plate having a predetermined thickness is pushed horizontally at one lengthwise side surface and one widthwise end surface, and the lower layer part having a remaining thickness is pushed horizontally at the other lengthwise side surface and the other widthwise end surface.

Abstract: A monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The raw materials include wood particles as well as granulated rubber.

Abstract: A method of forming a monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The method includes providing a sound absorbing layer that is a blended mixture of an aggregate, granulated rubber, chemically treated wood particles, cement, pozzolans, water, air entraining admixture, and water reducing mixture; placing the sound absorptive layer ingredients in a form mold; compressing the ingredients to a preset density; backing the compressed ingredients with reinforced structural concrete; and curing the backed and compressed ingredients.

Abstract: Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: A monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The raw materials include wood particles as well as granulated rubber.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding dry cast products having a textured side surface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an open compartment for receiving a dry concrete mixture and a plurality of walls laterally enclosing the compartment. At least one of the walls has a multilevel surface with a plurality of sections in an overhanging relationship with each other and transitional curvilinear steps bridging adjacent one of the sections to impart a textured side surface resembling a natural rockface and allowing stripping of the dry cast products from an open bottom side of the compartment.

Abstract: An easily-installed groutless wall tile plank backsplash system includes plural lower tile planks positioned edgewise spaced from each other in a horizontal direction of a wall in a lower plane. Plural upper tile planks have a decorative surface and edge finish, optionally three-dimensional, and are positioned edgewise spaced apart from each other in a second, upper plane. The lower and upper planks are configured such that facing inner edges of two nearest neighbor adjacent lower planks in the lower plane are covered by a single upper plank positioned over the inner edges of the adjacent lower planks in the upper plane. The planks are secured by an adhesive without mechanical fasteners, substantially reducing installation time. In order to custom fit a wall space, the spacing between adjacent upper planks and adjacent lower planks is variable. For emphasis, a lower tile plank can be a large decorative mural tile plank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing terrazzo tiles and tiles manufactured in accordance with the method is described. A resin, curing agent, filler, and pigment are poured into a mold. Stone chips are then poured into the mold to settle with the majority at the bottom of the mold. Thereafter, curing occurs to result in rough tiles which are ground and then polished with the upper surface being the resulting tile surface at which the majority of the stones settle. The tiles are assembled onto a floor with grout lines resulting from spacing of the tiles, one from another. Grout is then poured in and skived, and the floor polished to result in a sealed monolithic surface.

Abstract: A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent.

Abstract: A building composite panel including at least one longitudinal edge is made of a core of hydraulic cement and a multi-ply edge facing material covering and attached to at least one of the longitudinal edges. The facing material includes at least a first ply configured for attachment to the core as it sets and at least a second, water-impermeable ply.

Abstract: A plate product for finishing a floor or wall is disclosed. The plate product includes a natural-stone surface plate which has a predetermined thickness and is cut to have a predetermined length and width. A reinforcing plate is cut to have a length and width corresponding to those of the natural-stone surface plate and attached to the lower surface of the surface plate. A base plate is cut to have a length and width which are larger than those of the natural-stone surface plate and attached to the lower surface of the reinforcing plate. The upper layer part of the base plate having a predetermined thickness is pushed horizontally at one lengthwise side surface and one widthwise end surface, and the lower layer part having a remaining thickness is pushed horizontally at the other lengthwise side surface and the other widthwise end surface.

Abstract: A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall.

Abstract: Simulated stone, masonry, and brick textured products such as siding having a foam backing or with the hollow parts injected with foam or molded with foam in one or more steps, obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via molding techniques. The foam backing is applied to the product in either a one or two step process. The foam backing may be used on panels, wall structures, and other products that may have contoured and textured surfaces and may simulate the appearance of conventional building and construction materials including, but not limited to, stone, brick, masonry, concrete, stucco, wood, other conventional building materials, and combinations of any of these materials are disclosed. The foam backing provides improves thermal insulation, improved sound reduction, improved rigidity, and improved dimensional stability.

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: An apparatus for at least one of providing a decorative shelf, decorative framing, decorative shelving, decorative paneling and a decorative member for supporting and hanging preselected articles. The apparatus comprises a panel member formed with a brick like design adjacent an outer surface thereof and having each of a first predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness and at least one of an opening, having a second predetermined shape, formed in the panel member to provide a frame like member for at least one of a mirror and a picture and a means formed in the brick like design for supporting at least one of a shelf and a bracket for supporting and hanging such preselected articles.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is comprised of a plurality of courses of side-by-side parallelogram front face patterns, each parallelogram front face pattern formed by first and second rows of a plurality of quadrilateral face patterns. The first and second rows of the plurality of quadrilateral face patterns have the same width and collectively define a height of the parallelogram front face pattern, with each of the parallelogram front face patterns having the same height. The quadrilateral face patterns in the first row have a width different than that of the quadrilateral face patterns in the second row. Each parallelogram front face pattern in a first course overlies two parallelogram front face patterns in an immediately adjacent course. The combination of off-sets of the quadrilateral face patterns in each parallelogram front face pattern and overlapping of parallelogram face patterns in adjacent courses creates a retaining wall having a non-uniform appearance of a natural stone wall.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is comprised of a plurality of courses of side-by-side parallelogram front face patterns, each parallelogram front face pattern formed by first and second rows of a plurality of quadrilateral face patterns. The first and second rows of the plurality of quadrilateral face patterns have the same width and collectively define a height of the parallelogram front face pattern, with each of the parallelogram front face patterns having the same height. The quadrilateral face patterns in the first row have a width different than that of the quadrilateral face patterns in the second row. Each parallelogram front face pattern in a first course overlies two parallelogram front face patterns in an immediately adjacent course. The combination of off-sets of the quadrilateral face patterns in each parallelogram front face pattern and overlapping of parallelogram face patterns in adjacent courses creates a retaining wall having a non-uniform appearance of a natural stone wall.

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 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: The invention concerns a product and the relative manufacturing process, said product, including at least a precast support (2) of expanded material and at least a layer (3) of agglomerated stone material in form of granulates bound by a binding phase, over at least one surface of said expanded support (2). According to suitability, the product (1) is made by a sandwich structure with an intermediate layer of expanded material and two surface coatings of stone material. The product (1) can also have a complex or modular shape, from which it is possible to cut and eventually to work finished pieces of predetermined dimensions. The main advantage of the invention consists in obtaining a finished product (1, 10, 100) lighter than a product made of agglomerated stones homogeneous in the thickness.

Abstract: A device for surface-treating, coating or producing construction elements in a continuous process has production chambers arranged successively closely adjacent to one another in a direction of transport of the construction elements through the device. Each production chamber has opposed ends with through openings and is connectable to a vacuum source. Each production chamber has a stationary chamber part of reinforced concrete and a detachable chamber part of reinforced concrete connected to the stationary chamber part, wherein the stationary chamber parts have first edge areas and the detachable chamber parts have second edge areas, wherein the first and second edge areas have sealing surfaces sealing the stationary and detachable chamber parts relative to one another. Each production chamber has walls defining a hollow interior, wherein the walls consist of a metallic skin anchored in the stationary and detachable chamber parts, respectively.

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

Abstract: A composite floor tile is disclosed which can be installed without bonding it to a floor foundation or an existing floor. This composite tile comprises a base member of a metal material which is bonded on its top to a slab of a stone material and is bonded on its bottom to at least one rest member intended for ground contact. 14. A composite tile according to either claim 10 or 11, wherein the material from which said rests (7) are formed is selected from a group comprising architectural- or industrial-grade rubber, soft polyvinylchloride (PVC), pressed felt, latex, and silicone.

Abstract: The present invention is a masonry unit, masonry system and method of constructing a structure using the system. In its most basic form, the masonry unit of the present invention includes substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel a front and back surfaces, and substantially parallel right and left surfaces. A locking ridge is disposed upon the top surface and extends along the top surface in substantially parallel relation to the front and back surfaces. A locking channel is disposed with in the bottom surface and is dimensioned to mate with locking ridge on the top surface of an adjoining masonry unit. The locking channel is disposed inward from the bottom surface a distance that is a slightly larger than the distance from the top surface to the top of the ridge. The system includes a primary masonry unit and at least one corner masonry unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple layer composite material and to a method for producing the same. Said multiple layer composite material has at least one layer of cement-bound concrete and at least one layer of polymer-bound concrete. The transition between adjacent layers of cement-bound concrete and polymer-bound concrete has at least the material strength of the less stable one of the concrete layers adjoining the transition. The layer of polymer-bound concrete allows the diffusion of water vapor, but does not allow liquid water to penetrate. The multiple layer composite material can be produced completely in an aqueous system.

Abstract: A manufactured stone product having a plurality of cellular concrete blocks is provided. Each block includes at least one surface having a simulated-stone appearance, and the blocks are collectively adapted for installation in a stackable, brick-like installation process. A plurality of block sizes is provided, the blocks preferably having equal depths, but different heights and widths. The different sizes allows the final installation of the cellular concrete blocks to appear more random, similar to a natural stone installation.

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 method of forming a wall unit having a veneer face is disclosed. Initially, a pair of side wall panels and a pair of end panels are mounted substantially upright. Stones or other suitable material are set sequentially in a horizontally disposed course using at least one of the panels. Additional courses of stones or other material may then be stacked upon the initial layer until the desired height is attained. The interior volume of the apparatus is left substantially empty, and is then filled with a binding material. The binding material binds the courses' components together and integrates the individual courses into a single cohesive unit. The wall and end panels are removed and the unit is removed for subsequent installation.

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: An artificial stratified stone construction (10) for producing building components (21) and the method employed in the manufacture of the building components (21). The artificial stratified stone construction (10) includes a slab (20) having a plurality of different colored layers (22) of cured concrete such that the exposed sides of each of the building components (21) will expose the variable stratified color and thickness layers (22) which constitute the finished product.

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 dual membered sound wall panel constructed of two pre-formed half-panels. The half-panels have an inner surface that contains a plurality of connectors around their periphery and an outer surface. The outer surface may be textured if desired. The half-panels are each of concrete material with an embedded layer of mesh re-bar. The half-panels are oriented so that their inner surfaces are facing each other and the embedded connectors on each face are secured to each other. Additionally, between the half-panels are contained multiple spacer plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple layer composite material and to a method for producing the same. Said multiple layer composite material has at least one layer of cement-bound concrete and at least one layer of polymer-bound concrete. The transition between adjacent layers of cement-bound concrete and polymer-bound concrete has at least the material strength of the less stable one of the concrete layers adjoining the transition. The layer of polymer-bound concrete allows the diffusion of water vapor, but does not allow liquid water to penetrate. The multiple layer composite material can be produced completely in an aqueous system.

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 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.

Abstract: A building structure offset uses hexagon structures assembled in an offset layering architecture to construct walls, floors and roofs. Hexagon building structures include interior panels adhered to both sides of a foam core. The structures also include radial cutouts the corners for offset layering assembly with another structure. Peg retainers selectively secure the hexagon building structures together. Fastening holes provide fastener locations for screwing or bolting through the layers of the hexagon structures. The holes align with an offset layer of hexagons when assembled in the axial direction. Conduit holes are selectively located depending on the fastening technique selected. The system includes five derivatives of hexagon building structures and a header, providing square, triangular, and curved geometries when assembled. Since hexagon buildings are built from hexagon building structures without customization, hexagon buildings can be rebuilt, modified, or recycled using the same materials.

Abstract: A precast concrete plate, such as a roof tile, floor tile, wall tile or house siding, comprises in total from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of a polymeric modifier having a Tg of above −40° C. The portion of said concrete which comprises no more than about 50% of the thickness of all the concrete which forms the plate, when measured from the bottom surface of the plate towards the top surface of the plate, includes at least about 60% by weight of said polymeric modifier. The plates have a relatively higher degree of resistance to flexural loadings and resistance to impact-impulse loadings in comparison to concrete plates which comprise no polymeric modifier, thus rendering them less likely to be broken or fractured during their storage, transfer and assembly.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete masonry unit of the present invention contains, before being mixed with water, about 11 to 11.5% by weight of cement, about 47 to 47.5% by weight of pumice lightweight aggregate, about 22.5 to 23% by weight of other aggregate, about 18 to 18.5% by weight of sand, liquid color pigment as required to provide a desired color, and liquid admixture(s) as required to meet water impermeation standards.

Abstract: Provided is a composite building material which is more improved in the bonding capability of a cement mortar material itself with a foamed synthetic resin plate layer, furthermore prevents the occurrences of exfoliations and cracks and has higher strength compared with conventional composite materials. Plural concave grooves are formed in parallel on at least one of the surface and backface of a foamed synthetic resin plate layer and a net-like groove lathing material corresponding to the size of each groove is arranged within each groove. A cement mortar material is filled in the groove so as to bury the groove lathing material, a net-like surface lathing material is then stretched over all of one surface and a cement mortar material is further laminated to form a composite building material in which the foamed synthetic resin plate layer and the cement mortar layer are integrated with each other.

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

Abstract: A modular structural element, including a planar surface layer of cladding material. A substrate layer is bonded to the surface layer and includes an outwardly-extending attachment flange defined by the thickness of the substrate layer and proximal to the surface layer around two adjacent side edges for receiving fastener elements through the thickness of the substrate layer and into the support member. A tongue projects outwardly from the flange remote from the surface layer. Two spaced-apart elements define a groove therebetween extending along adjacent sides of the substrate layer for receiving the tongue of a complementary adjacent structural element. The flange resides at all points intermediate the tongue and the surface layer for permitting the tongue to float within the groove of the complementary structural element for preventing damage to the surface layer resulting from relative movement between adjacent structural elements.

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