CA2250992A1 - Improvements in and relating to building blocks - Google Patents
Improvements in and relating to building blocks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2250992A1 CA2250992A1 CA002250992A CA2250992A CA2250992A1 CA 2250992 A1 CA2250992 A1 CA 2250992A1 CA 002250992 A CA002250992 A CA 002250992A CA 2250992 A CA2250992 A CA 2250992A CA 2250992 A1 CA2250992 A1 CA 2250992A1
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- Prior art keywords
- block
- blocks
- recess
- nib
- principal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2/28—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid
- E04B2/30—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid using elements having specially designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls
- E04B2/32—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid using elements having specially designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls by interlocking of projections or inserts with indentations, e.g. of tongues, grooves, dovetails
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2/28—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid
- E04B2/36—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid using elements having a general shape differing from that of a parallelepiped
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0232—Undercut connections, e.g. using undercut tongues and grooves
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0256—Special features of building elements
- E04B2002/0265—Building elements for making arcuate walls
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Retaining Walls (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
- Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
- Revetment (AREA)
- Moulds, Cores, Or Mandrels (AREA)
- Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
- Glass Compositions (AREA)
- Vibration Dampers (AREA)
Abstract
A building block (20) of chevron shaped uniform transverse section with a hollow core (33). A dovetail nib (26) and complimentary recess (32) are respectively located centrally about the apexes (29 and 30) of the inverted Vshaped upper and lower surfaces (25 and 31). The recess (32) opens into the hollow core (33). By sliding the nib (26) of one block within the recess (32) of a like block stable wall structures can be formed without the need for mortar. Such structures can be provided with additional mass by filling the internal voids formed between adjoining blocks with granular material as construction proceeds. Blocks with sides (23 and 24) of equal height build into planar structures. Blocks with sides of unequal height build into planar structures when adjoining blocks are disposed at 180 degrees to each other and build into curved or stepped face structures when all blocks are similarly disposed.
Description
CA 022~0992 1998-lO-09 I
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO BUILDING BLOCKS
This invention concerns improvements in and relating to building blocks.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a voided building block with a uniform transverse section which can be produced by conventional extrusion and pressing processes and which allows like blocks to interlock without requiring a bonding agent.
s A further object of the present invention is to provide a building block that can be used to construct structures of variable alignment wherein internal voids can be filled with granular material as construction proceeds. Such structures include free standing walls, retaining walls and facings to reinforced soil embankments and have blocks disposed in substantially horizontal courses with vertical joints between units in adjacent courses offset one to the other and blocks disposed in substantially vertical columns with horizontal joints between units in adjacent columns offset one to the other.
Interlockable precast concrete blocks and bricks of uniform transverse section are known in a variety of shapes to suit particular building purposes. Such blocks are in general provided with a projection and corresponding recess in opposed bearing s surfaces. Biocks and bricks wherein the width of the projection is constant or decreases outwardly from the adjacent bearing surface link together by placing one block on top of a like block so that the nib of the one fits into the recess of the other. The joint thus formed can resist lateral displ-cement only. Blocks and bricks wherein the width of the projection increases outwardly from the adjacent bearing surface link together by axially projecting 20 the nib of one block into the recess of a like block. Such joints are sometimes referred to as dovetail joints and resist both lateral and vertical ~ispl~cement.
For instance, interlocking building blocks with a uniform transverse section are known from German Patent DE 29 21 489, United States Patent 4,490,075, and UK Patent 827,508 and each has corresponding projections and grooves in opposed bearing 25 surfaces wherein like blocks interlock by placing one block on top of another. Such blocks can readily be removed from any structure constructed therefrom unless a bonding agent is introduced within the joints.
Building bricks are also known from UK Patent 540,561 wherein a solid brick is provided with a centrally located dovetailed projection in its upper bearing surface and a 30 corresponding dovetailed groove in its lower bearing surface which bearing surfaces are slightly inclined downwardly to the outermost surfaces thereof for drainage purposes only.
Bricks and blocks are also known from UK Patent 635,159 wherein a brick or block of trapezoidal transverse section is provided with a dovetailed projection and recess CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 respectively within opposed bearing surfaces and wherein the projection is substantially smaller than the recess thus requiring mortar to achieve a strong joint. The dovetailed projections and the grooves and recesses hitherto referred to each has side surfaces acutely angled to the adjacent bearing surface. Like bricks or like blocks interlock when s the projection of one is located within the recess of another and stability of any structure constructed therefrom is largely dependent on the strength of the interlocking joints. The acute angled dovetail joints are more difficult to form, are more prone to accident damage and are relatively weaker than joints wherein the side surfaces are normal or near normal to the adjacent bearing surface.
o According to the present invention there is provided an axially extending building block of chevron shaped uniform transverse section comprising two vertical end surfaces, two vertical side surfaces, a hollow core, an inverted V-shaped upper surface and a correspondingly angled, inverted V-shaped lower surface, wherein the upper surface is provided with a nib centrally located and symn,~l,ical about the apex of the upper surface 5 and which nib has two side faces each projecting substantially normal to the said upper surface and the lower surface is provided with a recess of complimentary shape to the nib in the upper surface and which opens into the hollow core whereby on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of another like block, the blocks interlock together and provide a wall structure with an axially extending hollow core.
20 The building block, according to one aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the chevron shaped section of the block is symmetrical about its principal vertical axis such that engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block similarly oriented or rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis results in a wall structure with aligned side surfaces.
25 The building block, according to another aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the side surfaces are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis and the apexes of the correspondingly angled higher and lower inverted V-shaped surfaces are centrally located within the said surfaces and are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the lower and higher side surfaces respectively such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a similarly oriented and like block a wall structure is formed with radial side surfaces and on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed with aligned side surfaces.
The building block, according to another aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the vertical side surfaces are of unequal height equally disposed CA 022~0992 1998-lO-09 about the principal horizontal axis and the apexes of the correspondingly angled upper and lower inverted V-shaped surfaces are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the higher and lower side surfaces respectively such that on engagement of the - nib of one block within the recess of a similarly oriented and like block a wall structure is s formed with stepped side surfaces and on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed with aligned side surfaces.
According to another aspect of the invention the building biock is characterised in that at least one end surface is provided with two aligned truncated wedge shaped channels o which outwardly increase in depth from the core of the block and are normal to and open into opposed side surfaces.
The accompanying drawings show by way of example various forms of block and wallstructures which can be constructed using blocks in accordance with the invention and wherein:-l5 Figures 1, 5 and 10 show transverse sections of three forms of a block according to theinvention;
Figure 2 is an end elevation of four blocks of shape as in Fig. 1 linked together to conform to a straight alignment;
Figures 3 and 4 show in perspective, views of a block of shape as in Fig.1 viewed in 20 upright and inverted orientation respectively;
Figures 6 and 7 are plan views of four blocks of shape as in Fig.5 linked together to conform to a straight and to a radial alignment respectively;
Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of a block of shape as in Fig.5 viewed with the block on opposed ends and rotated through 180 degrees one to the other about the25 principal vertical axis of the block;
Figures 11 and 12 are plan views of four blocks of shape as in Fig.10 built to conform to a stepped and to a vertical alignment respectively;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a block of shape as in Fig.10 viewed with the block on end;
30 Figure 14 is a part sectional view through a revetment constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig.5 and wherein an earth embankment is supported by a facing of blocks tied back into the earth;
Figure15 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig.5 with aligned wedge shaped channels as in Figs.8 and Fig.9 wherein reinforcement CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 straps are securely fixed within the said channels and extend into the backfill to the structure;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig,5 wherein the blocks are disposed in substantially horizontal courses with vertical s joints between blocks in each course offset from the vertical joints between blocks in adjacent courses; and Figure 17 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig 5 wherein the blocks are disposed in substantially vertical columns with horizontal joints between blocks in each column offset from the horizontal joints between blocks in o adjacent columns.
The block 20 is of uniform transverse section and has opposed parallel end faces 21 and 22 and parallel side surfaces 23 and 24. The said side surfaces are of rectangular form and are normal to the end faces.
The inverted V-shaped upper surface 25 is provided with a nib 26 centrally located about the apex 29 of the upper surface and which nib has side faces 27 each projecting substantially normal to the said upper surface.
The inverted V-shaped lower surface 31 is provided with a recess 32 of complimentary shape to the nib 26. This recess is centrally located about the apex 30 of the lower surface and is further extended into the block thus to provide an internal void 20 33.
The block has a principal vertical axis 28 which is parallel to and equidistant from the side surfaces 23 and 24 and has a principal hori~o"lal axis 35 which is normal to and bisects the said side surfaces.
A reference line 36 (shown dashed) passes through the points of intersection 37 and 2s 38 of the upper surface 25 with the side surfaces 23 and 24 respectively.
Correspondingly a reference line 39 (shown dashed) passes through the points of intersection 40 and 41 of the lower surface 31 with the side surfaces 23 and 24 respectively.
The reference lines 36 and 39 are parallel as shown in Fig.1 or converge and intersect 30 at a point 34 on the principal horizontal axis 35 as shown in Fig.5 and Fig.10.
Blocks according to any aspect of the invention can be extruded or moulded usingconcrete, clay or any such extrudable or mouldable material and can be used in any orientation suitable for the purpose in hand.
Blocks can be provided with either one or both side faces having an exposed 3s aggregate finish achieved by moulding or extruding two or more units together with like CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 sides joined and thereafter cleaving the multiple unit. Side surfaces can also be provided with ribbed or other decorative features.
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 refer to one form of the invention wherein the block 20 has a uniform transverse section symmetrical about the principal vertical axis 28 which passes s through the apex 29 of the upper surface 25 and through the apex 30 of the lower surface 31. The sides 23 and 24 are of equal height and are equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. Blocks link together by locating the nib 26 of one block 20 within the recess 3Q of an adjacent block 20 of like orientation or rotated through 180 degrees about the principal vertical axis 28 resulting in a structure as per Fig.2 wherein o the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 refer to a form of the block 20 which has an asymmetrical uniform transverse section and wherein the sides 23 and 24 are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. The apex 29 of the upper surface 25 is offset from the principal vertical axis 28 towards the lower side 23 and the apex 30 of the lower surface 31 is eqùally offset towards the higher side 24. By engaging the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block of like orientation a structure is formed as in Fig.7 wherein the sides of adjacent blocks follow a curved alignment. By locating the nib 26 of one block 20 within the recess 30 of an adjacent block 20 rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis 3~ a structure is formed as in Fig.6 wherein 20 the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 refer to a form of the block which has an asymmetricaluniform transverse section wherein the sides 23 and 24 are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. The apex 29 of the upper surface is offset from the principal vertical axis 28 towards the higher side 24 and the apex 30 of the 2s lower surface 31 is equally offset towards the lower side 23. By engaging the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block of like orientation a structure is formed as in Fig.11 wherein the sides of adjacent blocks follow a stepped alignment. By locating the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block rotated 180 degrees about its principal horizontal axis 35 a structure is formed as in Fig. 12 wherein 30 the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
The block apex angle is defined as the angle formed between the outwardly sloping elements of the inverted V-shaped upper surface 25 and is equal to the angle formed between the outwardly sloping elements of the inverted V-shaped lower surface 31.
Consider two like blocks on end. The blocks link together by aligning the nib 26 of one 35 block with the recess 32 of the other and then moving one block in a downward vertical CA 022~0992 1998-lO-09 direction so that the said nib 26 and recess 32 engage. The mechanical joint thus formed prevents lateral displacement of one block relative to the other. To allow for casting and construction tolerances the throat width of the nib is preferably slightly less than that of the recess. The block angle is typically between 90 and 140 degrees and s together with the height of the sides 27 to the nib 26 determines the difference in width between the throat and the head of the dovetail joint. The shape of the upper surface(s~
of the nib 26 is preferably domed but may be varied to suit manufacturing or design preferences.
The block is provided with a hollow core 33 which may extend as little as 3mm o inwardly from the head of the dovetail recess 32 thus to ensure clearance to the nib of a linked block but preferably should occupy at least 15% of the block volume so that a useful saving in block weight may be achieved. The hollow core preferably should have a width not greater than the head width of the recess 32 and should extend inwardly to the principal horizontal axis 35 at least. The void which is formed when two like blocks IS are linked together may be filled with bound or loose aggregate during construction of a structure thus to provide additional mass for the structure and to provide anchorage for slotted earth reinforcement straps.
The relative heights of the sides of a block and the width of the block determine the angle by which one block is rotated relative to the other when two like blocks similarly 20 oriented are linked together. For example, similarly oriented blocks of width 250mm with sides of heights 165mm and 209mm will be rotated by 10 degrees one to the other when linked together and 3~ such blocks will thus form a cylindrical shaped structure with an external radius of 1.2m.
In reinforced soil wall construction soil reintorcement fabric or mesh layers may be 2s sandwiched between horizontal courses of blocks or tied to straps anchored between ends of blocks forming vertical columns of blocks.
Referring to Fig.15, a part structure constructed using blocks as in Fig.8 and Fig.9 has straps 43 of polymer or other suitably strong and durable material anchored within the structure by locating a strap with a locally thickened end within the channel 42 formed in 30 one end of the block and drawing it into the wedge shaped recess which results when two like blocks are axially aligned and abut each other.
In a column type structure the ends of lengths of fabric or mesh of uniform width may be anchored within vertical block joints one or more column widths apart thus providing pockets behind the wall face which can be filled with free draining granular material as 35 construction of the wall proceeds to give the wall structure increased stability.
CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 In coursed wall construction blocks can be used with the recess 32 upward or downward facing and with blocks in courses abutting or spaced apart by an amountpreferably not greater than three quarters of a normal block length.
Special recess closure blocks 44 can be provided so that a horizontal base can be s formed more readily for a coursed wall structure such as shown in Fig.16 or to form a square end to a column type structure such as shown in Fig. 17.
Special blocks 45 can also be provided so that a horizontal cope can be formed to a coursed wall structure such as shown in Fig.16 or to form a square end to a column type structure such as shown in Fig.17.
o Blocks can be provided in different lengths as required for the purpose in hand.
Blocks of half normal block length can be used to provide a break in bond between adjacent courses or columns in a wall structure as shown in Figs.16 and 17 respectively.
Construction blocks accorcli,-g to the invention are extremely versatile and can be used in any ~Fp' ~tion by unskilled labour.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO BUILDING BLOCKS
This invention concerns improvements in and relating to building blocks.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a voided building block with a uniform transverse section which can be produced by conventional extrusion and pressing processes and which allows like blocks to interlock without requiring a bonding agent.
s A further object of the present invention is to provide a building block that can be used to construct structures of variable alignment wherein internal voids can be filled with granular material as construction proceeds. Such structures include free standing walls, retaining walls and facings to reinforced soil embankments and have blocks disposed in substantially horizontal courses with vertical joints between units in adjacent courses offset one to the other and blocks disposed in substantially vertical columns with horizontal joints between units in adjacent columns offset one to the other.
Interlockable precast concrete blocks and bricks of uniform transverse section are known in a variety of shapes to suit particular building purposes. Such blocks are in general provided with a projection and corresponding recess in opposed bearing s surfaces. Biocks and bricks wherein the width of the projection is constant or decreases outwardly from the adjacent bearing surface link together by placing one block on top of a like block so that the nib of the one fits into the recess of the other. The joint thus formed can resist lateral displ-cement only. Blocks and bricks wherein the width of the projection increases outwardly from the adjacent bearing surface link together by axially projecting 20 the nib of one block into the recess of a like block. Such joints are sometimes referred to as dovetail joints and resist both lateral and vertical ~ispl~cement.
For instance, interlocking building blocks with a uniform transverse section are known from German Patent DE 29 21 489, United States Patent 4,490,075, and UK Patent 827,508 and each has corresponding projections and grooves in opposed bearing 25 surfaces wherein like blocks interlock by placing one block on top of another. Such blocks can readily be removed from any structure constructed therefrom unless a bonding agent is introduced within the joints.
Building bricks are also known from UK Patent 540,561 wherein a solid brick is provided with a centrally located dovetailed projection in its upper bearing surface and a 30 corresponding dovetailed groove in its lower bearing surface which bearing surfaces are slightly inclined downwardly to the outermost surfaces thereof for drainage purposes only.
Bricks and blocks are also known from UK Patent 635,159 wherein a brick or block of trapezoidal transverse section is provided with a dovetailed projection and recess CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 respectively within opposed bearing surfaces and wherein the projection is substantially smaller than the recess thus requiring mortar to achieve a strong joint. The dovetailed projections and the grooves and recesses hitherto referred to each has side surfaces acutely angled to the adjacent bearing surface. Like bricks or like blocks interlock when s the projection of one is located within the recess of another and stability of any structure constructed therefrom is largely dependent on the strength of the interlocking joints. The acute angled dovetail joints are more difficult to form, are more prone to accident damage and are relatively weaker than joints wherein the side surfaces are normal or near normal to the adjacent bearing surface.
o According to the present invention there is provided an axially extending building block of chevron shaped uniform transverse section comprising two vertical end surfaces, two vertical side surfaces, a hollow core, an inverted V-shaped upper surface and a correspondingly angled, inverted V-shaped lower surface, wherein the upper surface is provided with a nib centrally located and symn,~l,ical about the apex of the upper surface 5 and which nib has two side faces each projecting substantially normal to the said upper surface and the lower surface is provided with a recess of complimentary shape to the nib in the upper surface and which opens into the hollow core whereby on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of another like block, the blocks interlock together and provide a wall structure with an axially extending hollow core.
20 The building block, according to one aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the chevron shaped section of the block is symmetrical about its principal vertical axis such that engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block similarly oriented or rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis results in a wall structure with aligned side surfaces.
25 The building block, according to another aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the side surfaces are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis and the apexes of the correspondingly angled higher and lower inverted V-shaped surfaces are centrally located within the said surfaces and are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the lower and higher side surfaces respectively such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a similarly oriented and like block a wall structure is formed with radial side surfaces and on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed with aligned side surfaces.
The building block, according to another aspect of the present invention, is characterised in that the vertical side surfaces are of unequal height equally disposed CA 022~0992 1998-lO-09 about the principal horizontal axis and the apexes of the correspondingly angled upper and lower inverted V-shaped surfaces are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the higher and lower side surfaces respectively such that on engagement of the - nib of one block within the recess of a similarly oriented and like block a wall structure is s formed with stepped side surfaces and on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a like block rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed with aligned side surfaces.
According to another aspect of the invention the building biock is characterised in that at least one end surface is provided with two aligned truncated wedge shaped channels o which outwardly increase in depth from the core of the block and are normal to and open into opposed side surfaces.
The accompanying drawings show by way of example various forms of block and wallstructures which can be constructed using blocks in accordance with the invention and wherein:-l5 Figures 1, 5 and 10 show transverse sections of three forms of a block according to theinvention;
Figure 2 is an end elevation of four blocks of shape as in Fig. 1 linked together to conform to a straight alignment;
Figures 3 and 4 show in perspective, views of a block of shape as in Fig.1 viewed in 20 upright and inverted orientation respectively;
Figures 6 and 7 are plan views of four blocks of shape as in Fig.5 linked together to conform to a straight and to a radial alignment respectively;
Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of a block of shape as in Fig.5 viewed with the block on opposed ends and rotated through 180 degrees one to the other about the25 principal vertical axis of the block;
Figures 11 and 12 are plan views of four blocks of shape as in Fig.10 built to conform to a stepped and to a vertical alignment respectively;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a block of shape as in Fig.10 viewed with the block on end;
30 Figure 14 is a part sectional view through a revetment constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig.5 and wherein an earth embankment is supported by a facing of blocks tied back into the earth;
Figure15 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig.5 with aligned wedge shaped channels as in Figs.8 and Fig.9 wherein reinforcement CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 straps are securely fixed within the said channels and extend into the backfill to the structure;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig,5 wherein the blocks are disposed in substantially horizontal courses with vertical s joints between blocks in each course offset from the vertical joints between blocks in adjacent courses; and Figure 17 is a perspective view of a wall structure constructed from blocks of shape as in Fig 5 wherein the blocks are disposed in substantially vertical columns with horizontal joints between blocks in each column offset from the horizontal joints between blocks in o adjacent columns.
The block 20 is of uniform transverse section and has opposed parallel end faces 21 and 22 and parallel side surfaces 23 and 24. The said side surfaces are of rectangular form and are normal to the end faces.
The inverted V-shaped upper surface 25 is provided with a nib 26 centrally located about the apex 29 of the upper surface and which nib has side faces 27 each projecting substantially normal to the said upper surface.
The inverted V-shaped lower surface 31 is provided with a recess 32 of complimentary shape to the nib 26. This recess is centrally located about the apex 30 of the lower surface and is further extended into the block thus to provide an internal void 20 33.
The block has a principal vertical axis 28 which is parallel to and equidistant from the side surfaces 23 and 24 and has a principal hori~o"lal axis 35 which is normal to and bisects the said side surfaces.
A reference line 36 (shown dashed) passes through the points of intersection 37 and 2s 38 of the upper surface 25 with the side surfaces 23 and 24 respectively.
Correspondingly a reference line 39 (shown dashed) passes through the points of intersection 40 and 41 of the lower surface 31 with the side surfaces 23 and 24 respectively.
The reference lines 36 and 39 are parallel as shown in Fig.1 or converge and intersect 30 at a point 34 on the principal horizontal axis 35 as shown in Fig.5 and Fig.10.
Blocks according to any aspect of the invention can be extruded or moulded usingconcrete, clay or any such extrudable or mouldable material and can be used in any orientation suitable for the purpose in hand.
Blocks can be provided with either one or both side faces having an exposed 3s aggregate finish achieved by moulding or extruding two or more units together with like CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 sides joined and thereafter cleaving the multiple unit. Side surfaces can also be provided with ribbed or other decorative features.
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 refer to one form of the invention wherein the block 20 has a uniform transverse section symmetrical about the principal vertical axis 28 which passes s through the apex 29 of the upper surface 25 and through the apex 30 of the lower surface 31. The sides 23 and 24 are of equal height and are equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. Blocks link together by locating the nib 26 of one block 20 within the recess 3Q of an adjacent block 20 of like orientation or rotated through 180 degrees about the principal vertical axis 28 resulting in a structure as per Fig.2 wherein o the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 refer to a form of the block 20 which has an asymmetrical uniform transverse section and wherein the sides 23 and 24 are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. The apex 29 of the upper surface 25 is offset from the principal vertical axis 28 towards the lower side 23 and the apex 30 of the lower surface 31 is eqùally offset towards the higher side 24. By engaging the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block of like orientation a structure is formed as in Fig.7 wherein the sides of adjacent blocks follow a curved alignment. By locating the nib 26 of one block 20 within the recess 30 of an adjacent block 20 rotated 180 degrees about its principal vertical axis 3~ a structure is formed as in Fig.6 wherein 20 the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 refer to a form of the block which has an asymmetricaluniform transverse section wherein the sides 23 and 24 are of unequal height equally disposed about the principal horizontal axis 35. The apex 29 of the upper surface is offset from the principal vertical axis 28 towards the higher side 24 and the apex 30 of the 2s lower surface 31 is equally offset towards the lower side 23. By engaging the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block of like orientation a structure is formed as in Fig.11 wherein the sides of adjacent blocks follow a stepped alignment. By locating the nib 26 of one block within the recess 30 of an adjacent block rotated 180 degrees about its principal horizontal axis 35 a structure is formed as in Fig. 12 wherein 30 the sides of adjacent blocks are aligned.
The block apex angle is defined as the angle formed between the outwardly sloping elements of the inverted V-shaped upper surface 25 and is equal to the angle formed between the outwardly sloping elements of the inverted V-shaped lower surface 31.
Consider two like blocks on end. The blocks link together by aligning the nib 26 of one 35 block with the recess 32 of the other and then moving one block in a downward vertical CA 022~0992 1998-lO-09 direction so that the said nib 26 and recess 32 engage. The mechanical joint thus formed prevents lateral displacement of one block relative to the other. To allow for casting and construction tolerances the throat width of the nib is preferably slightly less than that of the recess. The block angle is typically between 90 and 140 degrees and s together with the height of the sides 27 to the nib 26 determines the difference in width between the throat and the head of the dovetail joint. The shape of the upper surface(s~
of the nib 26 is preferably domed but may be varied to suit manufacturing or design preferences.
The block is provided with a hollow core 33 which may extend as little as 3mm o inwardly from the head of the dovetail recess 32 thus to ensure clearance to the nib of a linked block but preferably should occupy at least 15% of the block volume so that a useful saving in block weight may be achieved. The hollow core preferably should have a width not greater than the head width of the recess 32 and should extend inwardly to the principal horizontal axis 35 at least. The void which is formed when two like blocks IS are linked together may be filled with bound or loose aggregate during construction of a structure thus to provide additional mass for the structure and to provide anchorage for slotted earth reinforcement straps.
The relative heights of the sides of a block and the width of the block determine the angle by which one block is rotated relative to the other when two like blocks similarly 20 oriented are linked together. For example, similarly oriented blocks of width 250mm with sides of heights 165mm and 209mm will be rotated by 10 degrees one to the other when linked together and 3~ such blocks will thus form a cylindrical shaped structure with an external radius of 1.2m.
In reinforced soil wall construction soil reintorcement fabric or mesh layers may be 2s sandwiched between horizontal courses of blocks or tied to straps anchored between ends of blocks forming vertical columns of blocks.
Referring to Fig.15, a part structure constructed using blocks as in Fig.8 and Fig.9 has straps 43 of polymer or other suitably strong and durable material anchored within the structure by locating a strap with a locally thickened end within the channel 42 formed in 30 one end of the block and drawing it into the wedge shaped recess which results when two like blocks are axially aligned and abut each other.
In a column type structure the ends of lengths of fabric or mesh of uniform width may be anchored within vertical block joints one or more column widths apart thus providing pockets behind the wall face which can be filled with free draining granular material as 35 construction of the wall proceeds to give the wall structure increased stability.
CA 022~0992 1998-10-09 In coursed wall construction blocks can be used with the recess 32 upward or downward facing and with blocks in courses abutting or spaced apart by an amountpreferably not greater than three quarters of a normal block length.
Special recess closure blocks 44 can be provided so that a horizontal base can be s formed more readily for a coursed wall structure such as shown in Fig.16 or to form a square end to a column type structure such as shown in Fig. 17.
Special blocks 45 can also be provided so that a horizontal cope can be formed to a coursed wall structure such as shown in Fig.16 or to form a square end to a column type structure such as shown in Fig.17.
o Blocks can be provided in different lengths as required for the purpose in hand.
Blocks of half normal block length can be used to provide a break in bond between adjacent courses or columns in a wall structure as shown in Figs.16 and 17 respectively.
Construction blocks accorcli,-g to the invention are extremely versatile and can be used in any ~Fp' ~tion by unskilled labour.
Claims (10)
1. A building block of chevron shaped uniform transverse section comprising two end surfaces, two side surfaces, an inverted V-shaped upper surface and a complimentary, inverted V-shaped lower surface, further comprising a dovetail nib and corresponding recess respectively located centrally about the apexes of the upper and lower surfaces and extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein said nib has two side faces, each being substantially normal to the adjacent portion of said V-shaped upper surface, and wherein said dovetail nib and corresponding recess are shaped such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of another like block the blocks may slide relative to each other along said longitudinal axis while vertical separation of the blocks perpendicular to said longitudinal axis is prevented;
characterized in that said recess opens into a hollow core.
characterized in that said recess opens into a hollow core.
2. A building block as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said end surfaces and side surfaces are vertical, the two side faces of the nib being equally displaced on either side of the apex, and the recess opening into the hollow core such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of another like block similarly orientated or rotated through 180° the blocks interlock together and provide a wall structure with an axially extending hollow core.
3. A building block as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 characterised by the apexes of the upper and lower surfaces being on the principal vertical axis such that engagement of the dovetail nib of one block according to the invention within the complimentary recess of a like block similarly orientated or rotated through 180° about its vertical axis results in a wall structure wherein the sides of blocks are aligned.
4. A building block as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 characterised by having vertical side surfaces of unequal height each bisected by the principal horizontal axis and wherein the apex of the upper surface and the apex of the lower surface are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the lower side and towards the higher side respectively such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a similarly orientated and like block a wall structure is formed which fits a radial alignment and on engagement of the nib of one such block within the recess of a like block rotated 180° about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed which fits a straight alignment.
5. A building block as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised by having vertical side surfaces of unequal height each bisected by the principal horizontal axis and wherein the apex of the upper surface and the apex of the lower surface are equally offset from the principal vertical axis towards the higher side and towards the lower side respectively such that on engagement of the nib of one block within the recess of a similarly orientated and like block a wall structure is formed which fits a stepped alignment and on engagement of the nib of one such block within the recess of a like block rotated 180° about its principal vertical axis a wall structure is formed which fits a straight alignment.
6. A building block as claimed in Claims 3, 4, or 5 characterised by having at least one end surface provided with two aligned truncated wedge shaped channels each outwardly increasing in depth from the core of the block and normal to and opening into the opposed side surfaces thus providing a recess for anchoring polymer ties, straps or other such fixings for reinforced soil structures.
7. A building block as claimed in Claims 3, 4, 5 or 6 characterised by either one or both side faces having an exposed aggregate finish achieved by moulding or extruding two or more units together with like sides joined and thereafter cleaving the multiple unit.
8. A building block as claimed in Claims 3, 4, 5 or 6 characterised by either one or both side faces having ribbed or other decorative features.
9. A building structure constructed using a plurality of blocks according to any of Claims 1 to 8 characterised by the blocks being built in substantially horizontal courses and having vertical joints between blocks in adjacent courses latterly offset one to the other.
10. A building structure constructed using a plurality of blocks according to any of Claims 1 to 8 characterised by the blocks being built on end in substantially vertical columns and having the horizontal joints between blocks in adjacent columns vertically offset one to the other.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9607611.2 | 1996-04-12 | ||
| GBGB9607611.2A GB9607611D0 (en) | 1996-04-12 | 1996-04-12 | Improvements in and relating to building blocks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2250992A1 true CA2250992A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 |
Family
ID=10791964
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002250992A Abandoned CA2250992A1 (en) | 1996-04-12 | 1997-04-10 | Improvements in and relating to building blocks |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0892875B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE187520T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2514797A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2250992A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69700916D1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9607611D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997039199A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITVI980022A1 (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 1999-08-06 | Gruppo Effe 2 Spa | BRICK BLOCK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BEARING WALLS |
| ITCR20060003A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-17 | Giovanni Maja | BUILT-IN ELEMENT FOR BUILDING WALLS |
| GB2502783A (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-11 | David Charles Mardel | An interlocking block with vertical and horizontal engagement |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE513780A (en) * | ||||
| GB540561A (en) * | 1940-05-14 | 1941-10-22 | Courtney Clarke Whitling | Interlocking bricks |
| FR936739A (en) * | 1945-08-14 | 1948-07-28 | Masonry work comprising terracotta or other elements, capable of being differently combined to form straight walls, or arches or vaults | |
| GB8428191D0 (en) * | 1984-11-08 | 1984-12-19 | Crighton J W | Building blocks |
| DE9404911U1 (en) * | 1994-03-23 | 1994-07-28 | Ehl-GmbH Baustoffwerk Kruft, 56642 Kruft | Pillar-shaped concrete elements and device for their manufacture |
-
1996
- 1996-04-12 GB GBGB9607611.2A patent/GB9607611D0/en active Pending
-
1997
- 1997-04-10 DE DE69700916T patent/DE69700916D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-10 CA CA002250992A patent/CA2250992A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-10 AT AT97916525T patent/ATE187520T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-04-10 WO PCT/GB1997/000987 patent/WO1997039199A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1997-04-10 EP EP97916525A patent/EP0892875B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-10 AU AU25147/97A patent/AU2514797A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE187520T1 (en) | 1999-12-15 |
| GB9607611D0 (en) | 1996-06-12 |
| AU2514797A (en) | 1997-11-07 |
| EP0892875A1 (en) | 1999-01-27 |
| WO1997039199A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 |
| DE69700916D1 (en) | 2000-01-13 |
| EP0892875B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |