CA1170857A - Wall system utilizing interlocking blocks and ties - Google Patents
Wall system utilizing interlocking blocks and tiesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1170857A CA1170857A CA000386215A CA386215A CA1170857A CA 1170857 A CA1170857 A CA 1170857A CA 000386215 A CA000386215 A CA 000386215A CA 386215 A CA386215 A CA 386215A CA 1170857 A CA1170857 A CA 1170857A
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- wall
- wall elements
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- elements
- grooves
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a wall element for use in constructing walls, and a wall system constructed of two parallel rows of a plurality of the wall elements laid in courses in interconnecting relationship, the wall system being used as construction forms for retaining fluid concrete poured into the space therebetween, whereby the two walls remain as a permanent part of the completed wall system, and a method of constructing the described wall system from the wall elements and accessory parts. The invention includes a wall element for use in association with other similar wall elements in the construction of a wall. The wall element has a top, a bottom, two side and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom surface thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite top or bottom surface thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top surface of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove. The second and third grooves are located in the region of the respective ends of the top surface of the wall element.
This invention relates to a wall element for use in constructing walls, and a wall system constructed of two parallel rows of a plurality of the wall elements laid in courses in interconnecting relationship, the wall system being used as construction forms for retaining fluid concrete poured into the space therebetween, whereby the two walls remain as a permanent part of the completed wall system, and a method of constructing the described wall system from the wall elements and accessory parts. The invention includes a wall element for use in association with other similar wall elements in the construction of a wall. The wall element has a top, a bottom, two side and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom surface thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite top or bottom surface thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top surface of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove. The second and third grooves are located in the region of the respective ends of the top surface of the wall element.
Description
Il J 70~57 This invention relates to a wall element for use in constructing walls, and a wall system constructed of two parallel rows of a plurality of the wall elements laid in courses in interconnecting relationship, the wall system being used as constructlon forms for retaining fluid concrete, or other materials such as sand, paper, insulation, or other filler materials, poured into the space therebetween, whereby the two walls remain as a permanent part of the completed wall system, and a method of constructing the described wall system from the wall elements and accessory parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ In concrete forming, to construct walls and the like, it is common practice, to construct a temporary form from lumber, or other materials, to provide a retaining space into which concrete alone, or in combination with other materials, is poured in its fluid condition, after which the concrete is allowed to set. After the concre-te has set to a predetermined solid form capable of supporting itself, the form is stripped away. Sometimes, the surfaces of the concrete are cleaned and patched to give a smooth surface if that is required by the job specifications. The forming material is hauled away, perhaps to be discarded, or to be used on another job site, if the forming material can be so adapted.
Because of tne considerable hydrostatic pressure that is created by the concrete when it is poured to any reasonable depth, considerable lumber, or other materials, and sturdy construction of the forms are required to provide ~ 1 70857 the necessary strength to retain the heavy concrete.
Considerable time and hence expense is required by carpenters or other assembly men to construct the forms which in the end serve only a temporary purpose, namely, retention of the poured-in-place concrete until it has set to a strength strong enough to support itself.
The result of this conventional method of forming concrete walls and the like usually gives an uneven surface showing the imprint of the form itself. Further, the '0 concrete often is not tamped into all areas of the form sufficiently, thereby causing depressions, gaps or other imperfections in the poured-in-place concrete. These imperfections must subsequently be repaired by a cement patching technique which involves extra time and expense.
Further, when the concrete forming technique described is used, decorative finishes to the concrete surface cannot be provided without further work and procedure.
The applicant is the owner of two Canadian patents, Canadian Patents Nos. 922,495, granted March 13, 1973, and 941,588, granted February 12, 1974, both naming John Rudichuk as inventor. These two patents disclose and claim a wall forming system that comprises a series of wall elements that are laid in superimposed courses in two parallel rows, to provide a pour space therebetween. The two parallel rows of elements are held in place by a system of H-hooks. When the parallel walls have been erected with the H-hooks in place, the fluid concrete is poured in the pour space between the parallel walls and is permitted to set. The concrete sets with the wall elements and H-hooks in place to provide a unitary wall system.
In the Rudichuk wall system, the wall elements must be constructed to close tolerances with holes therein for receiving the legs of the H-hooks. The H-hooks must also be constructed to close tolerances so that they will fit in the holes in the wall elements. The holes in the wall elements and the close tolerances required increase the basic production cost of the wall elements and the H-hooks. The protruding legs of the H-hooks also slow erection time because the holes in the wall elements must be carefully fitted over the legs, a time consuming procedure.
Furthermore, the wall elements are flat on the top, bottom and end surfaces and hence when they are placed in abutting relationship with each other, there is no barrier to the passing of moisture between the respective wall elements.
To provide further background for the invention, the followiny is a list of United States and British patents that disclose and claim various systems for forminy walls using wall elements and various tying systems:
U.S. Patent No. Inventor
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ In concrete forming, to construct walls and the like, it is common practice, to construct a temporary form from lumber, or other materials, to provide a retaining space into which concrete alone, or in combination with other materials, is poured in its fluid condition, after which the concrete is allowed to set. After the concre-te has set to a predetermined solid form capable of supporting itself, the form is stripped away. Sometimes, the surfaces of the concrete are cleaned and patched to give a smooth surface if that is required by the job specifications. The forming material is hauled away, perhaps to be discarded, or to be used on another job site, if the forming material can be so adapted.
Because of tne considerable hydrostatic pressure that is created by the concrete when it is poured to any reasonable depth, considerable lumber, or other materials, and sturdy construction of the forms are required to provide ~ 1 70857 the necessary strength to retain the heavy concrete.
Considerable time and hence expense is required by carpenters or other assembly men to construct the forms which in the end serve only a temporary purpose, namely, retention of the poured-in-place concrete until it has set to a strength strong enough to support itself.
The result of this conventional method of forming concrete walls and the like usually gives an uneven surface showing the imprint of the form itself. Further, the '0 concrete often is not tamped into all areas of the form sufficiently, thereby causing depressions, gaps or other imperfections in the poured-in-place concrete. These imperfections must subsequently be repaired by a cement patching technique which involves extra time and expense.
Further, when the concrete forming technique described is used, decorative finishes to the concrete surface cannot be provided without further work and procedure.
The applicant is the owner of two Canadian patents, Canadian Patents Nos. 922,495, granted March 13, 1973, and 941,588, granted February 12, 1974, both naming John Rudichuk as inventor. These two patents disclose and claim a wall forming system that comprises a series of wall elements that are laid in superimposed courses in two parallel rows, to provide a pour space therebetween. The two parallel rows of elements are held in place by a system of H-hooks. When the parallel walls have been erected with the H-hooks in place, the fluid concrete is poured in the pour space between the parallel walls and is permitted to set. The concrete sets with the wall elements and H-hooks in place to provide a unitary wall system.
In the Rudichuk wall system, the wall elements must be constructed to close tolerances with holes therein for receiving the legs of the H-hooks. The H-hooks must also be constructed to close tolerances so that they will fit in the holes in the wall elements. The holes in the wall elements and the close tolerances required increase the basic production cost of the wall elements and the H-hooks. The protruding legs of the H-hooks also slow erection time because the holes in the wall elements must be carefully fitted over the legs, a time consuming procedure.
Furthermore, the wall elements are flat on the top, bottom and end surfaces and hence when they are placed in abutting relationship with each other, there is no barrier to the passing of moisture between the respective wall elements.
To provide further background for the invention, the followiny is a list of United States and British patents that disclose and claim various systems for forminy walls using wall elements and various tying systems:
U.S. Patent No. Inventor
2,029,082 Odam 2,181,698 Langenberg et al.
2,372,038 Westveer
2,372,038 Westveer
3,238,684 Wood 3,562,991 Custusch British atent No. Inventor 266,956 Bemis SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior systems in the art by utilizing an outer form made up of two parallel rows of a plurality of wall elements held in fixed relation by horizontally disposed 1 ~ 7085 7 H-hooks, between which fluid concrete or other filling material such as sand, paper, insulation, or the like, is poured. The finished wall is comprised of the poured-in-place concrete, or other filling material, the H-hooks and the plurality of wall elements, the latter of which remain as part of the overall wall structure and make up the outwardly visible surface of the structure. The poured concrete or other filling material is concealed. The wall elements and the concrete or filling material poured therebetween, by being secured together by the system of H-shaped cross ties provides a wall structure that is held in place in somewhat the same manner as are concrete walls held together by steel reinforcing rods.
To add strength to the overall wall, a suitable adhesive material may be applied between the wall elements to cement them together. The adhesive material can also serve as a vapour barrier to prevent or inhibit the passage of water vapour between the wall elements.
The danger well known in the concrete construction art of having the wall collapse by the removal of forms before the concrete reaches its self-supporting strength is eliminated since the combination of wall elements and H-cross ties form part of the wall structure and thereby provide a basically self-supporting wall. A savi.ng in time, labour and material costs may be realized over conventional concrete construction techniques because construction and subsequent removal and disposal of conventional forms is not required.
The wall is complete once the concrete or other filling material has been poured into the cavity between the parallel 1 1 7~s~357 rows of wall elements and adhesive material applied in the joints, if adhesive is being used.
l~ith the precast members, subf]ooring construction can commence immediately after pouring, thus saving time.
With the present invention, much of the conventional bracing and supports is not required, and also conventional excavation required to accommodate such supports is not required because the form is essentially self-supporting. In addition, because exterior supporting form work is not usually required, it is possible to erect a wall according to the subject invention very close to adjoining structures, or objects. Erection of the subject invention can also take place relatively quietly, and this is an advantage in areas where the usual construction noise cannot be tolerated or is prohibited.
The width of the concrete pour space between the form walls can be varied by using H-cross ties of varying cross bar size to suit the nature of the wall construction required. The size and configuration of the retaining wal]
elements themselves can be varied by selecting appropriate types and quantities of wall elements. The individual wall elements may be cast with assorted surfaces such that the completed wall provides a decorative block appearance, or a flat, uniform surface.
There are several main advantages of the subject invention over prior wall constructions known to the applicant. These advantages are discussed as follows:
(1) The basic wall elements, unlike most other wall building blocks taught in the art, have no holes, 1 1 ~0857 openings, or wells therein. The basic wall elements are of relatively simple construction, and this uncomplicated design lends itself to low cost and easy, reliable production of the basic wall elements. A static mold can be used to form the wall elements, and no moving parts are required in order to form holes, or other openings, in the wall element.
(2) The tongue and groove design of the basic wall element, particularly when the tongue and grooves extend on all four end surfaces of the wall element, provide upon interlocking with one another a natural moisture transmission barrier, a feature which is not present when the ends of the building blocks are formed with flat abutting edges.
Moisture penetration into walls of buildings, and the like, can frequently be a troublesome problem, because moisture tends to promote deterioration and degradation of the wall system. To improve the water barrier properties or strength of the wall, adhes:ive can optionally be used in the tongue and groove joints.
(3) In the wall systems disclosecl in Canadian Patent Nos. 922,49!;, and 941,58~, both naming John Rudichuk as inventor, an average of four ll-ties per building block are required. In the present invention, only an average of two H-shaped cross-ties are required per wall element. A basic ~-shaped cross-tie is a relatively expensive item and cutting in half the substantial number of ~I-shaped cross-ties that must be used in erecting the wall, can result in a considerable construction cost saving.
The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior systems in the art by utilizing an outer form made up of two parallel rows of a plurality of wall elements held in fixed relation by horizontally disposed 1 ~ 7085 7 H-hooks, between which fluid concrete or other filling material such as sand, paper, insulation, or the like, is poured. The finished wall is comprised of the poured-in-place concrete, or other filling material, the H-hooks and the plurality of wall elements, the latter of which remain as part of the overall wall structure and make up the outwardly visible surface of the structure. The poured concrete or other filling material is concealed. The wall elements and the concrete or filling material poured therebetween, by being secured together by the system of H-shaped cross ties provides a wall structure that is held in place in somewhat the same manner as are concrete walls held together by steel reinforcing rods.
To add strength to the overall wall, a suitable adhesive material may be applied between the wall elements to cement them together. The adhesive material can also serve as a vapour barrier to prevent or inhibit the passage of water vapour between the wall elements.
The danger well known in the concrete construction art of having the wall collapse by the removal of forms before the concrete reaches its self-supporting strength is eliminated since the combination of wall elements and H-cross ties form part of the wall structure and thereby provide a basically self-supporting wall. A savi.ng in time, labour and material costs may be realized over conventional concrete construction techniques because construction and subsequent removal and disposal of conventional forms is not required.
The wall is complete once the concrete or other filling material has been poured into the cavity between the parallel 1 1 7~s~357 rows of wall elements and adhesive material applied in the joints, if adhesive is being used.
l~ith the precast members, subf]ooring construction can commence immediately after pouring, thus saving time.
With the present invention, much of the conventional bracing and supports is not required, and also conventional excavation required to accommodate such supports is not required because the form is essentially self-supporting. In addition, because exterior supporting form work is not usually required, it is possible to erect a wall according to the subject invention very close to adjoining structures, or objects. Erection of the subject invention can also take place relatively quietly, and this is an advantage in areas where the usual construction noise cannot be tolerated or is prohibited.
The width of the concrete pour space between the form walls can be varied by using H-cross ties of varying cross bar size to suit the nature of the wall construction required. The size and configuration of the retaining wal]
elements themselves can be varied by selecting appropriate types and quantities of wall elements. The individual wall elements may be cast with assorted surfaces such that the completed wall provides a decorative block appearance, or a flat, uniform surface.
There are several main advantages of the subject invention over prior wall constructions known to the applicant. These advantages are discussed as follows:
(1) The basic wall elements, unlike most other wall building blocks taught in the art, have no holes, 1 1 ~0857 openings, or wells therein. The basic wall elements are of relatively simple construction, and this uncomplicated design lends itself to low cost and easy, reliable production of the basic wall elements. A static mold can be used to form the wall elements, and no moving parts are required in order to form holes, or other openings, in the wall element.
(2) The tongue and groove design of the basic wall element, particularly when the tongue and grooves extend on all four end surfaces of the wall element, provide upon interlocking with one another a natural moisture transmission barrier, a feature which is not present when the ends of the building blocks are formed with flat abutting edges.
Moisture penetration into walls of buildings, and the like, can frequently be a troublesome problem, because moisture tends to promote deterioration and degradation of the wall system. To improve the water barrier properties or strength of the wall, adhes:ive can optionally be used in the tongue and groove joints.
(3) In the wall systems disclosecl in Canadian Patent Nos. 922,49!;, and 941,58~, both naming John Rudichuk as inventor, an average of four ll-ties per building block are required. In the present invention, only an average of two H-shaped cross-ties are required per wall element. A basic ~-shaped cross-tie is a relatively expensive item and cutting in half the substantial number of ~I-shaped cross-ties that must be used in erecting the wall, can result in a considerable construction cost saving.
(4) The subject invention enables a wall to be erected in a very simple manner. The horizontally disposed H-cross tie design lends itself to simplicity in erecting the ~ 1 7~57 wall because there are no holes, openings or wells in which ties must be fitted, and no vertically extending legs of vertically disposed H-shaped cross-ties, over which holes or openings in the wall element in the next course of wall elements must be fitted. The elimination of any complex fitting step for each wall element increases the rate at which the wall can be erected. Moreover, while a wall can be erected to precise dirnensions, tolerances within the components of the subject invention are less strict than with other wall construction techniques. This factor also promotes accelerated wall erection time.
(5) The rounded groove and the co-operating rounded tongue of the basic wall element permit the wall elements according to the subject invention to be slid easily into place over the matching tongue or groove of the wall blocks in a lower course in the wall. Furthermore, the rounded shape of the tongue and the groove tends to reduce chipping damage to the basic wall element and hence reduce the number of wall elements that must be discarded in erecting any particular wall. The matching tongue and groove design of the subject wall elements also tends to increase the lateral stability of the wall, thereby reducing the necessity to rely upon the H-shaped cross-ties for lateral stability. Further stability can be obtained by applying adhesive between the tongue and groove on adjoining wall elements.
(6) The protruding tongue construction of the basic wall element provides a ridge behind which the leg of the H-cross-tie fits, thus providing improved holding characteristics for the wall element H-cross-tie combination ~ J 70~357 over a simple groove in the surface of the element in which the leg of the H-cross-tie rests.
The present invention is directed to a wall element adapted for use in association with other similar wall elements and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties to construct a wall, the wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel sub-walls defining a hollow space capable of being filled with a filling or adhesive material, the sub-walls each being comprised of a plurality of the wall elements, the sub-walls being connected together by the plurality of H-shaped cross-ties. The wall element has a top, a bottom, and an interior and an exterior generally rectangular side surface and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof, and a matching longitudinal groove in the opposite top or bottom thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove, the second and third grooves being located in the region of the respective ends of -the top of the wall element, each of the second and third grooves lying in the same longitudinal line at the exterior side of the longitudinal ridge or groove in the top of the wall element, and being so configured as to accommodate one leg of one of the H-shaped cross-ties.
One aspect of the invention is a wall constructed by utilizing a plurality of the wall elements as described above, and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties, wherein the _ g wall elements may be laid in series end to end in at least two superimposed courses in two parallel opposing rows, each of the two parallel courses being of generally the same height and each wall element in each course having an opposite member directly across in the opposing row, the top and bottom surfaces of each wall element overlying or underlying and abutting members in the courses of wall elements above and below, the wall elements being secured together by horizontally disposed H-shaped cross-ties, one lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in one row, the other lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of the corresponding wall element in the opposite row, the cross~bar of the H shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing elements, one upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the first lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the first wall element in end-to-end relation, the other upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the other lower extensi.on fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the wall element in end-to~end relation, in the opposite row of wall elements, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the
The present invention is directed to a wall element adapted for use in association with other similar wall elements and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties to construct a wall, the wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel sub-walls defining a hollow space capable of being filled with a filling or adhesive material, the sub-walls each being comprised of a plurality of the wall elements, the sub-walls being connected together by the plurality of H-shaped cross-ties. The wall element has a top, a bottom, and an interior and an exterior generally rectangular side surface and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof, and a matching longitudinal groove in the opposite top or bottom thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove, the second and third grooves being located in the region of the respective ends of -the top of the wall element, each of the second and third grooves lying in the same longitudinal line at the exterior side of the longitudinal ridge or groove in the top of the wall element, and being so configured as to accommodate one leg of one of the H-shaped cross-ties.
One aspect of the invention is a wall constructed by utilizing a plurality of the wall elements as described above, and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties, wherein the _ g wall elements may be laid in series end to end in at least two superimposed courses in two parallel opposing rows, each of the two parallel courses being of generally the same height and each wall element in each course having an opposite member directly across in the opposing row, the top and bottom surfaces of each wall element overlying or underlying and abutting members in the courses of wall elements above and below, the wall elements being secured together by horizontally disposed H-shaped cross-ties, one lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in one row, the other lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of the corresponding wall element in the opposite row, the cross~bar of the H shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing elements, one upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the first lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the first wall element in end-to-end relation, the other upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the other lower extensi.on fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the wall element in end-to~end relation, in the opposite row of wall elements, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the
7 - 10 -two opposing wall elemen-ts and linking the two opposing wall elements together.
Another aspect of the invention is a structure comprising a permanent form and concrete or other filler material poured into the form, the form comprising a plurality of wall elements as described above and a pluraLity of H-shaped cross-ties. The form has inner and outer conforming sides and a pour space in between, the inner and outer sides being comprised of a plurality of wall elements arranged in edge-to-edge and end-to-end abutting relationship. The H-shaped cross-ties extend between and connect together the inner and outside sides of the form.
The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel relatively thin walls defining a hollow space therebetween adapted to be filled with poured-in-place concrete. The system comprises in combination a plurality of H-shaped ties formed from rod-like material, each tie comprising a pair of parallel spaced side members joined by a cross-member extending between points intermediate the end of -the respective side members whereby each side member comprises two rod-shaped legs one extending from each side of said cross-member, and a plurality of wall elements as described above.
The invention is further directed to a wall structure constructed by utilizing the above described system, the wall structure comprising a pair of relatively ,,.;--1 -- 11 --thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of the wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves vertically adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such wall element in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding wall element in the other parallel wall, and a plurality of H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between the parallel walls, the two legs of each side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls.
The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall comprised of a pair of half-lapped spaced parallel thin walls. This system includes a plurality of wall elements having a fourth horizontal longitudinally extending groove co-linear with the second and third grooves, which is located mid-way between such grooves, the fourth groove being configured to accommodate the legs of one of the H-shaped cross-ties, and wherein the longitudinal ridge has a gap therein adjacent a mid-portion of the fourth groove, so as to allow said fourth groove to accommodate the H-shaped cross-tie in a horizontally disposed position.
.
, , The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall which also comprises a plurality of U-shaped integral end blocks having two sides connected by a transverse portion.
Further understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 represents an end view of a wall element according to one form of the invention.
FIGURE 2 represents a top view of one form of the wall element.
FIGURE 3 represents a top view of an alternative for~ of the wall element wherein tongue and grooves are -~,'' .
I ~ 70857 formed on the end faces of the wall element as well as on top and bottom faces of the wall element.
FIGURE 4 represents a perspective view of the manner in which two parallel rows of wall elements are linked together by horizontal H-cross ties to form a basic wall unit.
FIGURE 5 represents a perspective view of a corner construction comprising two parallel rows of wall elements linked together with horizontal H-cross ties.
FIGURE 6 represents a perspective view of a partially formed wall comprising two parallel courses of wall elements arranged in abutting end to end and superimposed relationship linked together by horizontal H-cross ties.
FIGURE 7 represents a front view of an H-cross tie.
FIGURE 8 represents a perspective view of alternative methods of forming corner constructions with two parallel rows of wall elements linked together with E~-cross ties.
FIGURES ~, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sections of various constructions of footings.
FIGURES 15 and 16 are perspective views of two forms of end block useful in constructing walls in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, which represents an end view of a wall element 1, the wall element 1 is formed with a concave bottom groove 2, in the bottom face of the wall element 1, and a complementary convex top ridge or tongue 3, which is rounded so that it has the sarne general radius as concave bottom grove 2. Thus, top ridge 3 is formed to match and fit with the bottom groove 2 of a similarly constructed wall element 1. In the embodiment of wall element 1 shown in ~igure 1, the two end faces, one in full view and the other in hidden view, and the broad front and back faces, shown in profile, are flat.
Located on the top surface of the wall element 1 is a tie groove 4 which is located adjacent and parallel with top ridge 3. An optional lateral tie groove 5 may also be formed in the top face of wall element 1. The bottom face of wall element 1 adjoining bottom groove 2 is identified as bottom element face 6.
To avoid an unsightly monolithic broad face appearance to a wall erected with a plurality of abutting wall elements 1 in courses, a front face recess 7 is formed at the top front edge of the wall element 1. Thus, when a plurality of wall elements 1 is assembled in abutting end-to-end relationship superimposed upon each other to form courses, front face recess 7 provides a sight-relieving groove at each element intersection that extends the length of the front face of the wall erected from the plurality of wall elements 1.
Turning to Figure 2, which shows a top view of wall element 1, it can be seen that the top rounded ridge 3 extends the length of the wall element 1. Two tie grooves 4 are positioned at the two respective ends of the top face of the wall element 1. The front face recess 7 also extends the length of the wall element 1. Figure 2 also illustrates the optional lateral top face mid-groove 9, which can be located midway the length of wall element 1 to accommodate an additional H-cross-tie for extra stability.
With reference to Figure 3, which illustrates a top view of an al ernative embodiment of wall element 1, it can be seen that the wall element 1, in addition to rounded top ridge 3, and front face recess 7, can be constructed to have an end face groove 10 at one end face of the wall element 1, and a rounded end face ridge 11 at the other end of the wall element 1. The radius of curvature of end face groove 10 is substantially the same as rounded end face ridge 11 so that end ridge 11 of one wall element 1 will fit snuggly into the end face groove 10 of an adjoining wall element 1, when a plurality of wal] e~ements 1 are laid in end to end abutting orientation.
Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which a plurality of wall elements 1 are assembled together in superimposed relationship to form two adjacent parallel walls. In assembling a wall composed of two parallel rows of wall elements, two wall elements 1 are first set in parallel relationship, opposing one another, on a suitable founda-tion such as a footing, and then two corresponding wall elements 1 are laid on top of the first two parallel wall elements, the bottom grooves 2 of the upper two wall elements 1 fitting upon the respective top ridges 3 of the two underlying base wall elements 1. The opposing pairs of parallel wall elements 1 are held in place opposite one another by means of horizontally disposed H-shaped cross-ties 8, the legs of which fit in the tie grooves 4 forrned at the ends of each of the top faces of the pairs of wall elements 1. By repeating the foregoing described assembly procedure, and utilizing additional wall elements 1 and H-cross ties 8, an entire wall system can be constructed, with two opposing parallel outside faces, and a pour space therebetween, which can be filled with poured concrete or some other suitable wall forming material.
Figure 5 demonstrates the manner in which a corner can be formed from the basic wall element 1, laid in pairs.
The 90 corner-type wall element 1 can be specially formed from specially designed molds, or the corner construction can be formed simply by vertically breaking basic wall elements 1 into required lengths in order to construct on site wall corners as required by the job specification. The ends of the respective parallel wall elements 1 are linked together by horizontally disposed E-l-cross-ties 8.
Figure 5 also demonstrates how an H-shaped cross-tie 8 can be positioned in horizontal orientation at midpoint grooves 9 on the upper faces of opposing wall elements 1. The provision of H-cross ties 8 at midpoints along the top faces o~ the opposing wall elements 1 provide the outer wall elements 1 with additional strength to withstand translated hydrostatic pressures that may occur when concrete is poured in the space that exists between the opposing faces of the wall elements 1.
Figure 6 illustrates in perspective view a partial assembly of a plurality of abutting wall elements 1 arranged in courses to form two parallel walls which run through a 90 corner, the two parallel walls being linked together by a plurality of H-cross ties 8 being set in the respective tie grooves 4 located on the top surfaces of each wall element 1. The wall assembly rests upon a footing 12, which is common construction practice.
1~70857 A detail of the H~cross tie is shown in Figure 7.
This H-cross tie 8 is always laid horizontally so that the legs of the El-cross-tie are received in the horizontal tie grooves 4 formed in the top surfaces of the wall elements 1.
rhe advantage of having the H-cross tie 8 lie in horizontal position is that no vertical projections exist over which overlying wall elements 1 must be fitted in place, as in the Rudichuk construction disclosed and claimed in Canadian Patents Nos. 922,495 and 941,588. The absence of vertical projections increases wall erection time and minimizes the chance that such vertical projections will be bent or damayed.
Figure 8 illustrates alternative corner constructions that can be used in place of the corner constructions illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 above. In Figures 5 and 6, no horizontally disposed El-cross ties were present at the precise corners. However, as demonstrated in Figure 8, El-cross ties 8 can be located directly at the corner of the inside wall element so that in effect one H-cross tie 8a con~inues in a line with one of -the interior wall elements la while the other El-cross tie 8b continues in a line with wall element lb.
In a further alternative, H-cross ties 8a and 8b need not be present and a single diagonally oriented ll-cross tie 8c can be used. In this system, the legs of E-l-cross tie 8c must be bent (which can be done on the job si-te) so that the overall cross-tie 8c takes on an "arrow" shape.
This is necessary so that the legs of -the El-cross tie 8c will fit in the angled tie grooves 4 of the respective corner wall elernents 1.
In the construction of a basic wall made up of a plurality of wall elements 1, it is customary to first pour a concrete footing (See footing 12 in Figure 6) to serve as a base for the wall. The top surface of the footing may be constructed to accommodate the overlying rows of parallel walls according to well-known construction techniques, for example, forming a pair of parallel grooves in the top surface of the footing so that the bases of the parallel rows of wall elements are received in the grooves. These grooves thereby provide a holding action against lateral pressure exerted on the bases of the plurality of wall elements caused by poured concrete or other filling material.
The two parallel walls are erected by laying a first course of wall elements 1 in end-to-end abutting relationship, and a second course of opposed parallel wall elements 1 directly opposed to the wall elements in the first wall, the two courses of parallel wall elements 1 thereby defining a pour space in between. The two parallel rows of wall elements are secured in place by laying ll-cross ties 8 horizontally in each of the tie grooves 4 that are formed on the top surface at the ends of each of the wall elements 1.
The cross-bar of the ll-cross tie extends from the top of one wall element 1 in perpendicular manner directly across the pour space to the opposite wall element 1. It will be recoynized that the inner and outer walls comprised of a plurality of wall elements 1 must be spaced apart a distance that corresponds basically with the length of the cross bar of the H-cross tie 8 so that the legs of each H-cross tie 8 are received in the respective horizontal tie grooves 4 of the wall elements 1. Furthermore, the opposing wall -- 19 ~
~ 170~57 elements 1 in the parallel rows must be placed so that they are directly opposed to one another so that the tie grooves 4 are directly across from each other. This orientation enables the horizontal legs of the H-cross ties 8 to be laid in position in the grooves 4 located at the ends of the top surface of the opposing wall elements 1.
Once the first course of wall elements 1 is in place in the two parallel rows, the second course of inner and outer wall elements 1 is then placed in end-to-end abutting relationship on top of the first course of the two opposing parallel rows of wall elements 1. Tt is customary, as in conventional brick-mortar wall construction, to stagger the position of the wall elements 1 of the second course of wall elements 1 so that the end joints of the second course of wall elements 1 meet at about the midpoint of the wall elements 1 forming the underlying first course of wall elements 1. The bottom grooves 2 of the overlying second course of wall elements 1 fit precisely over the top ridges 3 of the first course of wall elements 1, to provide a snug fit which is capable of withstanding lateral pressure being placed upon the courses of wall elements 1. The tongue ahd groove arrangement complements the strength provided by the cross-linking ll-cross ties 8.
In the manner described, successive courses of wall elements 1, linked together by the tongue and groove construction and the required number of H-cross ties ~, are laid until a wall of desired height is reached. Once the desired height of wall is reached, the pour space formed between the opposing parallel walls can be filled with poured concrete or some other suitable filling material.
1 ~ 708~7 In an alternative embodiment of the invention, wall elements 1 which have grooves 10 and ridges 11 on the end faces of the wall elements 1, in addition to the ridges and grooves on the top and bottom surfaces, can be utilizedO
Such wall elements 1 can be used where it is desired to have the plurality of wall elements 1 mesh by tongue and groove technique not only on the respective top and bottom surfaces of the wall elements 1, but also at the respective ends of the wall elements 1. Wall elements 1 having the end grooves 10 and end ridges 11 are more expensive to construct, but the use of such wall elements 1 may be advisable where a particularly strong wall is required, or it is desired to provide a barrier between the abutting wall elements 1 to minimize the passage of moisture and other matter into the interior space of the opposing parallel rows of wall elements 1.
The wall elements 1 may be formed from pre-cast concrete, and may optionally incorporate embedded wire, or other reinforcing rods, to provide additional strength to the wall elements 1. This may be necessary to provide resistance to fracturing, particularly in applications where a relatively high lateral strength is required, such as in situations where walls of ext.reme height are being formed, or where the wall elements 1 are relatively thin in width.
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sectional views of various alternative methods whereby the wall element 1, may be positioned in pairs, on footings.
These methods are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as exhaustive.
t ~ 70~57 Figure 9 illustrates the positioniny of pairs of wall elements 1 in pairs of grooves 19 in the footing 12.
Figure 10 illustrates a method whereby the wall elements are held in place by boards 13 which are temporarily nailed to the footing 12 by nails 14, which are removed after the wall has been built.
Figure 11 illustrates a method whereby a single broad groove 15 is formed in the footing 12.
Figure 12 illustrates a system of holding the wall elements in place by means of a U-shaped bracket 16 ernbedded in the footing 12.
Figure 13 illustrates a construction where the pairs of wall elements 1 are held in place by pins 17 embedded in pairs in the footing 12.
Figure 14 illustrates a method of holding the wall elements 1 in place by means of a U-shaped bracket 18 positioned on the footing 12.
Referring ayain to E'igure 6 of the drawing, it will be understood that, when a wall is being cons-tructed in accordance with the present invention, it is sometimes necessary to provide a vertical end to the wall structure, to allow for a window or door aperture, or for sorne other reason. A vertical end may be formed in conventional fashion, by utilizing blocks of half the standard length, to terminate alternate horizontal rows. That is, if the standard blocks are of length X, alternate rows are terminated by blocks of length X/2, which may be either pre-formed half blocks, or may be formed by cutting or otherwise severing standard blocks, at the job site.
However, if this method of forming a vertical end is ~ 1 7085~
utilized, it will be necessary to install framing, or an auxiliary form element, to close off the hollow space in the interior of the wall structure, before the concrete or other filler material is poured.
Accordingly, it is preferable to form a vertical end to the wall, by utilizing U-shaped integral end blocks.
For a wall constructed in the manner shown in Figure 6, a vertica] end may be constructed by utilizing two configurations of end block. The first type of end block may be as shown in Figure 15, having the dimensions shown, where X and Y are the length and height of a standard block, respectively, and W is the exterior width of the wall being constructed, i.e. the distance between the exterior vertical wall surfaces. The second configuration of end block (not shown) will be of length X/2, rather ~han X, but will be otherwise the same as the end block shown in Figure 15, and the full-length and half-length end blocks, will of course be used to terminate alternate horizontal rows, to form a vertical end to the wall structure.
In the wall construction shown in Figure 6, the elements in the respective parallel form walls, are aligned in one-to-one relationship; i.e. the elements in a yiven horizontal course in one of the form walls, are directly opposite coxresponding elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall. Elowever, if the wall elernents are provided with optional lateral top face mid-grooves 9, as shown in Figure 2, it will be possible, and may be preferable, to use a different form of alignment between the elements in the respective parallel form walls, in which the elements in a given horizontal course in one form wall, are in staggered, i.e. half-lapped, alignment with the elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall, so that the junctions between wall elements in a horizontal course in one form wall, are directly opposite the mid-points of the wall elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall. In a wall so constructed, each H-shaped tie will extend between the junction of two horizontally adjacent elements in one form wall, and the mid point of an element in the other form wall, one end of the H-shaped tie being fitted in tie grooves 4 of the two adjacent elements in the first forrn wall, and the other end of the tie being fitted in the lateral top face mid-groove 9 of an element in the corresponding horizontal course, in the other form wall. A vertical end on a wall constructed in this manner, may of course be formed by using half-length blocks in appropriate locations, closing off the hollow interior space of the wall, with suitable framing or the like, as discussed above. However, it is again preferable to utilize integral U-shaped end blocks, to form a vertical end. Such a vertical end may be formed utilizing two configurations of U-shaped end block, one being as shown in Figure 16, having the dimensions indicated, where X, Y and W represent the same quantities as in Figure 15; the other being the mirror image of the end block shown in Figure 16.
These two configurations of end block are, of course, used to terminate alternate horizontal courses of elements, to form a closed vertical end.
In embodiments of the invention, wherein the end surfaces, as well as the top and bot-tom surfaces, of the wall elements, are provided with interlocking tongues and grooves, ~ 1 70857 the end blocks described above will, of course, be provided with appropriate tongues or grooves in their end surfaces, for interlocking with the standard wall elements.
Persons skilled in the art will, of course, understand that, in addition to the 9~ corner elements, and U-shaped end blocks, previously described, other specialized elements may be included in the system of the present invention, for specific purposes.
It will also be understood that, if the interior space of a wall constructed in accordance with the present invention, is filled with poured-in-place concrete, the result will be a very strong structure, having many of the attributes of a solid reinforced concrete wall. If such great structural strength is not required, however, a different filling material may be selected. If the wall elements are bonded to each other by means of a suitable adhesive, as previously mentioned, a wall having satisfactory structural strength for many purposes may be constructed, even if the filling material makes no significant contribution to the structural strength of the wall, i.e. if the filling material is of low structural strength, or does not set into a solid mass, or is not capable of bonding to the interior surfaces of the wall elements. For example, the filling material may be a thermo insulating material, such as cellulose insullation, foam insullation, etc. The use of a thermo insulating material to fill the interior of the wall will, of course, increase the thermal insulating value of the wall, which may be an important factor in many applications, particularly in view of currently escalating energy costs, and actual or threatened shortages of fuels customarily used for heating the interior of buildings.
~ 1 70857 While particular embodiments of this invention have been described and shown, it will be understood that many modifications may be made to the invention to adapt it to other models and designs without depar-ting from the spirit of the invention, and it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Another aspect of the invention is a structure comprising a permanent form and concrete or other filler material poured into the form, the form comprising a plurality of wall elements as described above and a pluraLity of H-shaped cross-ties. The form has inner and outer conforming sides and a pour space in between, the inner and outer sides being comprised of a plurality of wall elements arranged in edge-to-edge and end-to-end abutting relationship. The H-shaped cross-ties extend between and connect together the inner and outside sides of the form.
The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel relatively thin walls defining a hollow space therebetween adapted to be filled with poured-in-place concrete. The system comprises in combination a plurality of H-shaped ties formed from rod-like material, each tie comprising a pair of parallel spaced side members joined by a cross-member extending between points intermediate the end of -the respective side members whereby each side member comprises two rod-shaped legs one extending from each side of said cross-member, and a plurality of wall elements as described above.
The invention is further directed to a wall structure constructed by utilizing the above described system, the wall structure comprising a pair of relatively ,,.;--1 -- 11 --thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of the wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves vertically adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such wall element in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding wall element in the other parallel wall, and a plurality of H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between the parallel walls, the two legs of each side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls.
The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall comprised of a pair of half-lapped spaced parallel thin walls. This system includes a plurality of wall elements having a fourth horizontal longitudinally extending groove co-linear with the second and third grooves, which is located mid-way between such grooves, the fourth groove being configured to accommodate the legs of one of the H-shaped cross-ties, and wherein the longitudinal ridge has a gap therein adjacent a mid-portion of the fourth groove, so as to allow said fourth groove to accommodate the H-shaped cross-tie in a horizontally disposed position.
.
, , The invention is also directed to a system for constructing a wall which also comprises a plurality of U-shaped integral end blocks having two sides connected by a transverse portion.
Further understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 represents an end view of a wall element according to one form of the invention.
FIGURE 2 represents a top view of one form of the wall element.
FIGURE 3 represents a top view of an alternative for~ of the wall element wherein tongue and grooves are -~,'' .
I ~ 70857 formed on the end faces of the wall element as well as on top and bottom faces of the wall element.
FIGURE 4 represents a perspective view of the manner in which two parallel rows of wall elements are linked together by horizontal H-cross ties to form a basic wall unit.
FIGURE 5 represents a perspective view of a corner construction comprising two parallel rows of wall elements linked together with horizontal H-cross ties.
FIGURE 6 represents a perspective view of a partially formed wall comprising two parallel courses of wall elements arranged in abutting end to end and superimposed relationship linked together by horizontal H-cross ties.
FIGURE 7 represents a front view of an H-cross tie.
FIGURE 8 represents a perspective view of alternative methods of forming corner constructions with two parallel rows of wall elements linked together with E~-cross ties.
FIGURES ~, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sections of various constructions of footings.
FIGURES 15 and 16 are perspective views of two forms of end block useful in constructing walls in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, which represents an end view of a wall element 1, the wall element 1 is formed with a concave bottom groove 2, in the bottom face of the wall element 1, and a complementary convex top ridge or tongue 3, which is rounded so that it has the sarne general radius as concave bottom grove 2. Thus, top ridge 3 is formed to match and fit with the bottom groove 2 of a similarly constructed wall element 1. In the embodiment of wall element 1 shown in ~igure 1, the two end faces, one in full view and the other in hidden view, and the broad front and back faces, shown in profile, are flat.
Located on the top surface of the wall element 1 is a tie groove 4 which is located adjacent and parallel with top ridge 3. An optional lateral tie groove 5 may also be formed in the top face of wall element 1. The bottom face of wall element 1 adjoining bottom groove 2 is identified as bottom element face 6.
To avoid an unsightly monolithic broad face appearance to a wall erected with a plurality of abutting wall elements 1 in courses, a front face recess 7 is formed at the top front edge of the wall element 1. Thus, when a plurality of wall elements 1 is assembled in abutting end-to-end relationship superimposed upon each other to form courses, front face recess 7 provides a sight-relieving groove at each element intersection that extends the length of the front face of the wall erected from the plurality of wall elements 1.
Turning to Figure 2, which shows a top view of wall element 1, it can be seen that the top rounded ridge 3 extends the length of the wall element 1. Two tie grooves 4 are positioned at the two respective ends of the top face of the wall element 1. The front face recess 7 also extends the length of the wall element 1. Figure 2 also illustrates the optional lateral top face mid-groove 9, which can be located midway the length of wall element 1 to accommodate an additional H-cross-tie for extra stability.
With reference to Figure 3, which illustrates a top view of an al ernative embodiment of wall element 1, it can be seen that the wall element 1, in addition to rounded top ridge 3, and front face recess 7, can be constructed to have an end face groove 10 at one end face of the wall element 1, and a rounded end face ridge 11 at the other end of the wall element 1. The radius of curvature of end face groove 10 is substantially the same as rounded end face ridge 11 so that end ridge 11 of one wall element 1 will fit snuggly into the end face groove 10 of an adjoining wall element 1, when a plurality of wal] e~ements 1 are laid in end to end abutting orientation.
Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which a plurality of wall elements 1 are assembled together in superimposed relationship to form two adjacent parallel walls. In assembling a wall composed of two parallel rows of wall elements, two wall elements 1 are first set in parallel relationship, opposing one another, on a suitable founda-tion such as a footing, and then two corresponding wall elements 1 are laid on top of the first two parallel wall elements, the bottom grooves 2 of the upper two wall elements 1 fitting upon the respective top ridges 3 of the two underlying base wall elements 1. The opposing pairs of parallel wall elements 1 are held in place opposite one another by means of horizontally disposed H-shaped cross-ties 8, the legs of which fit in the tie grooves 4 forrned at the ends of each of the top faces of the pairs of wall elements 1. By repeating the foregoing described assembly procedure, and utilizing additional wall elements 1 and H-cross ties 8, an entire wall system can be constructed, with two opposing parallel outside faces, and a pour space therebetween, which can be filled with poured concrete or some other suitable wall forming material.
Figure 5 demonstrates the manner in which a corner can be formed from the basic wall element 1, laid in pairs.
The 90 corner-type wall element 1 can be specially formed from specially designed molds, or the corner construction can be formed simply by vertically breaking basic wall elements 1 into required lengths in order to construct on site wall corners as required by the job specification. The ends of the respective parallel wall elements 1 are linked together by horizontally disposed E-l-cross-ties 8.
Figure 5 also demonstrates how an H-shaped cross-tie 8 can be positioned in horizontal orientation at midpoint grooves 9 on the upper faces of opposing wall elements 1. The provision of H-cross ties 8 at midpoints along the top faces o~ the opposing wall elements 1 provide the outer wall elements 1 with additional strength to withstand translated hydrostatic pressures that may occur when concrete is poured in the space that exists between the opposing faces of the wall elements 1.
Figure 6 illustrates in perspective view a partial assembly of a plurality of abutting wall elements 1 arranged in courses to form two parallel walls which run through a 90 corner, the two parallel walls being linked together by a plurality of H-cross ties 8 being set in the respective tie grooves 4 located on the top surfaces of each wall element 1. The wall assembly rests upon a footing 12, which is common construction practice.
1~70857 A detail of the H~cross tie is shown in Figure 7.
This H-cross tie 8 is always laid horizontally so that the legs of the El-cross-tie are received in the horizontal tie grooves 4 formed in the top surfaces of the wall elements 1.
rhe advantage of having the H-cross tie 8 lie in horizontal position is that no vertical projections exist over which overlying wall elements 1 must be fitted in place, as in the Rudichuk construction disclosed and claimed in Canadian Patents Nos. 922,495 and 941,588. The absence of vertical projections increases wall erection time and minimizes the chance that such vertical projections will be bent or damayed.
Figure 8 illustrates alternative corner constructions that can be used in place of the corner constructions illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 above. In Figures 5 and 6, no horizontally disposed El-cross ties were present at the precise corners. However, as demonstrated in Figure 8, El-cross ties 8 can be located directly at the corner of the inside wall element so that in effect one H-cross tie 8a con~inues in a line with one of -the interior wall elements la while the other El-cross tie 8b continues in a line with wall element lb.
In a further alternative, H-cross ties 8a and 8b need not be present and a single diagonally oriented ll-cross tie 8c can be used. In this system, the legs of E-l-cross tie 8c must be bent (which can be done on the job si-te) so that the overall cross-tie 8c takes on an "arrow" shape.
This is necessary so that the legs of -the El-cross tie 8c will fit in the angled tie grooves 4 of the respective corner wall elernents 1.
In the construction of a basic wall made up of a plurality of wall elements 1, it is customary to first pour a concrete footing (See footing 12 in Figure 6) to serve as a base for the wall. The top surface of the footing may be constructed to accommodate the overlying rows of parallel walls according to well-known construction techniques, for example, forming a pair of parallel grooves in the top surface of the footing so that the bases of the parallel rows of wall elements are received in the grooves. These grooves thereby provide a holding action against lateral pressure exerted on the bases of the plurality of wall elements caused by poured concrete or other filling material.
The two parallel walls are erected by laying a first course of wall elements 1 in end-to-end abutting relationship, and a second course of opposed parallel wall elements 1 directly opposed to the wall elements in the first wall, the two courses of parallel wall elements 1 thereby defining a pour space in between. The two parallel rows of wall elements are secured in place by laying ll-cross ties 8 horizontally in each of the tie grooves 4 that are formed on the top surface at the ends of each of the wall elements 1.
The cross-bar of the ll-cross tie extends from the top of one wall element 1 in perpendicular manner directly across the pour space to the opposite wall element 1. It will be recoynized that the inner and outer walls comprised of a plurality of wall elements 1 must be spaced apart a distance that corresponds basically with the length of the cross bar of the H-cross tie 8 so that the legs of each H-cross tie 8 are received in the respective horizontal tie grooves 4 of the wall elements 1. Furthermore, the opposing wall -- 19 ~
~ 170~57 elements 1 in the parallel rows must be placed so that they are directly opposed to one another so that the tie grooves 4 are directly across from each other. This orientation enables the horizontal legs of the H-cross ties 8 to be laid in position in the grooves 4 located at the ends of the top surface of the opposing wall elements 1.
Once the first course of wall elements 1 is in place in the two parallel rows, the second course of inner and outer wall elements 1 is then placed in end-to-end abutting relationship on top of the first course of the two opposing parallel rows of wall elements 1. Tt is customary, as in conventional brick-mortar wall construction, to stagger the position of the wall elements 1 of the second course of wall elements 1 so that the end joints of the second course of wall elements 1 meet at about the midpoint of the wall elements 1 forming the underlying first course of wall elements 1. The bottom grooves 2 of the overlying second course of wall elements 1 fit precisely over the top ridges 3 of the first course of wall elements 1, to provide a snug fit which is capable of withstanding lateral pressure being placed upon the courses of wall elements 1. The tongue ahd groove arrangement complements the strength provided by the cross-linking ll-cross ties 8.
In the manner described, successive courses of wall elements 1, linked together by the tongue and groove construction and the required number of H-cross ties ~, are laid until a wall of desired height is reached. Once the desired height of wall is reached, the pour space formed between the opposing parallel walls can be filled with poured concrete or some other suitable filling material.
1 ~ 708~7 In an alternative embodiment of the invention, wall elements 1 which have grooves 10 and ridges 11 on the end faces of the wall elements 1, in addition to the ridges and grooves on the top and bottom surfaces, can be utilizedO
Such wall elements 1 can be used where it is desired to have the plurality of wall elements 1 mesh by tongue and groove technique not only on the respective top and bottom surfaces of the wall elements 1, but also at the respective ends of the wall elements 1. Wall elements 1 having the end grooves 10 and end ridges 11 are more expensive to construct, but the use of such wall elements 1 may be advisable where a particularly strong wall is required, or it is desired to provide a barrier between the abutting wall elements 1 to minimize the passage of moisture and other matter into the interior space of the opposing parallel rows of wall elements 1.
The wall elements 1 may be formed from pre-cast concrete, and may optionally incorporate embedded wire, or other reinforcing rods, to provide additional strength to the wall elements 1. This may be necessary to provide resistance to fracturing, particularly in applications where a relatively high lateral strength is required, such as in situations where walls of ext.reme height are being formed, or where the wall elements 1 are relatively thin in width.
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sectional views of various alternative methods whereby the wall element 1, may be positioned in pairs, on footings.
These methods are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as exhaustive.
t ~ 70~57 Figure 9 illustrates the positioniny of pairs of wall elements 1 in pairs of grooves 19 in the footing 12.
Figure 10 illustrates a method whereby the wall elements are held in place by boards 13 which are temporarily nailed to the footing 12 by nails 14, which are removed after the wall has been built.
Figure 11 illustrates a method whereby a single broad groove 15 is formed in the footing 12.
Figure 12 illustrates a system of holding the wall elements in place by means of a U-shaped bracket 16 ernbedded in the footing 12.
Figure 13 illustrates a construction where the pairs of wall elements 1 are held in place by pins 17 embedded in pairs in the footing 12.
Figure 14 illustrates a method of holding the wall elements 1 in place by means of a U-shaped bracket 18 positioned on the footing 12.
Referring ayain to E'igure 6 of the drawing, it will be understood that, when a wall is being cons-tructed in accordance with the present invention, it is sometimes necessary to provide a vertical end to the wall structure, to allow for a window or door aperture, or for sorne other reason. A vertical end may be formed in conventional fashion, by utilizing blocks of half the standard length, to terminate alternate horizontal rows. That is, if the standard blocks are of length X, alternate rows are terminated by blocks of length X/2, which may be either pre-formed half blocks, or may be formed by cutting or otherwise severing standard blocks, at the job site.
However, if this method of forming a vertical end is ~ 1 7085~
utilized, it will be necessary to install framing, or an auxiliary form element, to close off the hollow space in the interior of the wall structure, before the concrete or other filler material is poured.
Accordingly, it is preferable to form a vertical end to the wall, by utilizing U-shaped integral end blocks.
For a wall constructed in the manner shown in Figure 6, a vertica] end may be constructed by utilizing two configurations of end block. The first type of end block may be as shown in Figure 15, having the dimensions shown, where X and Y are the length and height of a standard block, respectively, and W is the exterior width of the wall being constructed, i.e. the distance between the exterior vertical wall surfaces. The second configuration of end block (not shown) will be of length X/2, rather ~han X, but will be otherwise the same as the end block shown in Figure 15, and the full-length and half-length end blocks, will of course be used to terminate alternate horizontal rows, to form a vertical end to the wall structure.
In the wall construction shown in Figure 6, the elements in the respective parallel form walls, are aligned in one-to-one relationship; i.e. the elements in a yiven horizontal course in one of the form walls, are directly opposite coxresponding elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall. Elowever, if the wall elernents are provided with optional lateral top face mid-grooves 9, as shown in Figure 2, it will be possible, and may be preferable, to use a different form of alignment between the elements in the respective parallel form walls, in which the elements in a given horizontal course in one form wall, are in staggered, i.e. half-lapped, alignment with the elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall, so that the junctions between wall elements in a horizontal course in one form wall, are directly opposite the mid-points of the wall elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other form wall. In a wall so constructed, each H-shaped tie will extend between the junction of two horizontally adjacent elements in one form wall, and the mid point of an element in the other form wall, one end of the H-shaped tie being fitted in tie grooves 4 of the two adjacent elements in the first forrn wall, and the other end of the tie being fitted in the lateral top face mid-groove 9 of an element in the corresponding horizontal course, in the other form wall. A vertical end on a wall constructed in this manner, may of course be formed by using half-length blocks in appropriate locations, closing off the hollow interior space of the wall, with suitable framing or the like, as discussed above. However, it is again preferable to utilize integral U-shaped end blocks, to form a vertical end. Such a vertical end may be formed utilizing two configurations of U-shaped end block, one being as shown in Figure 16, having the dimensions indicated, where X, Y and W represent the same quantities as in Figure 15; the other being the mirror image of the end block shown in Figure 16.
These two configurations of end block are, of course, used to terminate alternate horizontal courses of elements, to form a closed vertical end.
In embodiments of the invention, wherein the end surfaces, as well as the top and bot-tom surfaces, of the wall elements, are provided with interlocking tongues and grooves, ~ 1 70857 the end blocks described above will, of course, be provided with appropriate tongues or grooves in their end surfaces, for interlocking with the standard wall elements.
Persons skilled in the art will, of course, understand that, in addition to the 9~ corner elements, and U-shaped end blocks, previously described, other specialized elements may be included in the system of the present invention, for specific purposes.
It will also be understood that, if the interior space of a wall constructed in accordance with the present invention, is filled with poured-in-place concrete, the result will be a very strong structure, having many of the attributes of a solid reinforced concrete wall. If such great structural strength is not required, however, a different filling material may be selected. If the wall elements are bonded to each other by means of a suitable adhesive, as previously mentioned, a wall having satisfactory structural strength for many purposes may be constructed, even if the filling material makes no significant contribution to the structural strength of the wall, i.e. if the filling material is of low structural strength, or does not set into a solid mass, or is not capable of bonding to the interior surfaces of the wall elements. For example, the filling material may be a thermo insulating material, such as cellulose insullation, foam insullation, etc. The use of a thermo insulating material to fill the interior of the wall will, of course, increase the thermal insulating value of the wall, which may be an important factor in many applications, particularly in view of currently escalating energy costs, and actual or threatened shortages of fuels customarily used for heating the interior of buildings.
~ 1 70857 While particular embodiments of this invention have been described and shown, it will be understood that many modifications may be made to the invention to adapt it to other models and designs without depar-ting from the spirit of the invention, and it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (31)
1. A wall element adapted for use in association with other similar wall elements and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties to construct a wall, such wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel sub-walls defining a hollow space capable of being filled with a filling or adhesive material, the sub-walls each being comprised of a plurality of said wall elements, the sub-walls being connected together by the plurality of H-shaped cross-ties, said wall element having a top, a bottom, an interior and an exterior generally rectangular side surface and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite bottom or top thereof, and second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove, the second and third grooves being located in the region of the respective ends of the top of the wall element, each of said second and third grooves lying in the same longitudinal line at the exterior side of the longitudinal ridge or groove in the top of the wall element, and being so configured as to accommodate one leg of one of said H-shaped cross-ties.
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2. A wall element according to claim 1 wherein said top, said bottom and said two end surfaces of the wall element are relatively narrow in comparison with the width and length of said side surface.
3. A wall element according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal groove and the longitudinal ridge on the wall element are of substantially semi-circular cross-section, the radius of the rounded ridge and the radius of the rounded groove being approximately the same.
4. A wall, comprising in combination:
a plurality of wall elements as recited in claim 1 2 or 3;
and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties;
wherein the wall is constructed by laying said wall elements in series end to end in at least two superimposed courses in two parallel opposing rows, each of the two parallel courses being of generally the same height and each wall element in each course having an opposite member directly across in the opposing row, the top and bottom surfaces of each wall element overlying or underlying and abutting members in the courses of wall elements above and below, the wall elements being secured together by the H-shaped cross-ties, the H-shaped cross-ties being horizontally disposed, one lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in one - Page 2 of Claims -row, the other lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of the corresponding wall element in the opposite row, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing elements, one upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the first lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the first wall element in end-to-end relation, the other upper extension of the H-shaped cross tie corresponding to the other lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the wall element in end-to-end relation, in the opposite row of wall elements, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing wall elements and linking the two opposing wall elements together.
a plurality of wall elements as recited in claim 1 2 or 3;
and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties;
wherein the wall is constructed by laying said wall elements in series end to end in at least two superimposed courses in two parallel opposing rows, each of the two parallel courses being of generally the same height and each wall element in each course having an opposite member directly across in the opposing row, the top and bottom surfaces of each wall element overlying or underlying and abutting members in the courses of wall elements above and below, the wall elements being secured together by the H-shaped cross-ties, the H-shaped cross-ties being horizontally disposed, one lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in one - Page 2 of Claims -row, the other lower extension of the H-shaped cross-tie fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of the corresponding wall element in the opposite row, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing elements, one upper extension of the H-shaped cross-tie corresponding to the first lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the first wall element in end-to-end relation, the other upper extension of the H-shaped cross tie corresponding to the other lower extension fitting into one of the second or third horizontal grooves on the top surface of one of the wall elements in the same course abutting the wall element in end-to-end relation, in the opposite row of wall elements, the cross-bar of the H-shaped cross-tie extending between the two opposing wall elements and linking the two opposing wall elements together.
5. A wall constructed by utilizing a plurality of wall elements as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the wall elements are laid in series in a linear direction end to end in two parallel sub-walls on a footing, and linked together by horizontal H-shaped cross-ties.
6. A wall constructed by utilizing a plurality of wall elements as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the wall elements are laid in series in a linear direction end to end - Page 3 of Claims -in two parallel rows on a footing, and the bases of the plurality of wall elements extending in two parallel rows rest in two parallel longitudinal grooves that are formed in the top surface of the footing.
7. A structure comprising a permanent form and material poured into said form, the form comprising:
a plurality of wall elements as defined in claim 1;
and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties;
wherein the form has inner and outer conforming sides and a pour space in between, the inner and outer sides comprising a plurality of the wall elements arranged in edge to edge and end to end abutting relationship; and wherein the H-shaped cross-ties extend between and connect together the sides of the form.
a plurality of wall elements as defined in claim 1;
and a plurality of H-shaped cross-ties;
wherein the form has inner and outer conforming sides and a pour space in between, the inner and outer sides comprising a plurality of the wall elements arranged in edge to edge and end to end abutting relationship; and wherein the H-shaped cross-ties extend between and connect together the sides of the form.
8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the side wall elements are made of precast concrete.
9. The structure of claim 8, wherein the outer faces of the wall elements have architecturally precast textured finishes.
10. The structure of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the respective end surfaces of the wall elements have matching tongue and groove designs so that a first wall element placed - Page 4 of Claims -in end-to-end abutting relationship with another wall element meshes with the other wall element.
11. A system for constructing a wall, said wall comprising a pair of spaced parallel relatively thin walls defining a hollow space therebetween adapted to be filled with poured-in-place concrete;
said system comprising in combination:
(a) a plurality of H-shaped ties formed from rod-like material, each said tie comprising a pair of parallel spaced side members joined by a cross-member extending between points intermediate the ends of the respective side members whereby each side member comprises two rod-shaped legs one extending from each side of said cross-member; and (b) a plurality of wall elements, each said wall element having a top, a bottom, an interior and an exterior generally rectangular side surface and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite bottom or top thereof, second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove, the second and third grooves being located in the region of the respective ends of the top of the wall element, each of said second and third grooves lying in the same longitudinal line at the exterior side of the longitudinal ridge or groove in the top of the wall element, and being so - Page 5 of Claims -configured as to accommodate one leg of one of said H-shaped ties.
said system comprising in combination:
(a) a plurality of H-shaped ties formed from rod-like material, each said tie comprising a pair of parallel spaced side members joined by a cross-member extending between points intermediate the ends of the respective side members whereby each side member comprises two rod-shaped legs one extending from each side of said cross-member; and (b) a plurality of wall elements, each said wall element having a top, a bottom, an interior and an exterior generally rectangular side surface and two end surfaces, and at least one longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof, and a matching longitudinal ridge in the opposite bottom or top thereof, second and third horizontal longitudinally extending grooves on at least the top of the wall element, both being parallel to the first longitudinal groove, the second and third grooves being located in the region of the respective ends of the top of the wall element, each of said second and third grooves lying in the same longitudinal line at the exterior side of the longitudinal ridge or groove in the top of the wall element, and being so - Page 5 of Claims -configured as to accommodate one leg of one of said H-shaped ties.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first longitudinal groove and the longitudinal ridge on each wall element are of substantially semicircular cross-section, the radius of the rounded ridge and the radius of the rounded groove being approximately the same.
13. A wall structure constructed by utilizing the system of claim 11, said wall structure comprising:
a pair of relatively thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each said wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of said wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves of vertically adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such wall element in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding wall element in the other parallel wall; and a plurality of said H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between said parallel walls, the two legs of each side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls.
- Page 6 of Claims -
a pair of relatively thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each said wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of said wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves of vertically adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such wall element in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding wall element in the other parallel wall; and a plurality of said H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between said parallel walls, the two legs of each side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls.
- Page 6 of Claims -
14. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, wherein the space defined between the parallel walls contains a suitable filler material.
15. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, wherein the space defined between the parallel walls is filled with poured-in-place concrete.
16. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, wherein adjacent wall elements in the parallel walls are joined together by a suitable adhesive material interposed therebetween.
17. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, 15 or 16 wherein the first longitudinal grooves and the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements are of substantially semicircular cross-section, the radius of the rounded ridge and the radius of the rounded grooves being approximately the same.
18. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, 15 or 16 wherein the respective end surfaces of the wall elements have mating tongue and groove design so that a first wall element placed in end-to-end abutting relationship with another wall element meshes with the other element.
19. A wall structure in accordance with claim 13, 15 or 16, wherein the wall elements are laid in series in a linear - Page 7 of Claims -direction end to end in two parallel rows on a footing, and the bases of the plurality of wall elements extending in two parallel rows rest in two parallel longitudinal grooves that are formed in the top surface of the footing.
20. A system according to claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of wall elements has a fourth horizontal longitudinally extending groove co-linear with said second and third grooves, and located mid-way between said second and third grooves; said fourth groove being configured to accommodate the legs of one of said H-shaped ties;
wherein said longitudinal ridge has a gap therein adjacent a mid-portion of said fourth groove, so as to allow said fourth groove to accommodate said H-shaped tie in a horizontally disposed position, and wherein said one of said spaced parallel relatively thin walls may he made of a plurality wall elements, each of which is in a half-lapped alignment in relation to wall elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other of said thin walls.
wherein said longitudinal ridge has a gap therein adjacent a mid-portion of said fourth groove, so as to allow said fourth groove to accommodate said H-shaped tie in a horizontally disposed position, and wherein said one of said spaced parallel relatively thin walls may he made of a plurality wall elements, each of which is in a half-lapped alignment in relation to wall elements in the corresponding horizontal course in the other of said thin walls.
21. A wall structure constructed by utilizing the system of claim 20, said wall structure comprising:
a pair of relatively thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each said wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of said wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves of vertically - Page 8 of Claims -adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such course of wall elements in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding course of wall elements in the other parallel wall; and a plurality of said H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between said parallel walls, the two legs of one side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls, and the two legs of the other side member of such H-shaped tie being accommodated in the fourth groove of a wall element in the other of the parallel walls.
a pair of relatively thin spaced parallel walls defining a hollow space therebetween, each said wall being formed from a plurality of superimposed courses of said wall elements, the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements being received in the first longitudinal grooves of vertically - Page 8 of Claims -adjacent wall elements, the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in each parallel wall facing the interior side surfaces of the wall elements in the other parallel wall, each such course of wall elements in one parallel wall being in alignment with a corresponding course of wall elements in the other parallel wall; and a plurality of said H-shaped ties extending horizontally across the space between said parallel walls, the two legs of one side member of each H-shaped tie being accommodated in the second and third grooves of horizontally adjacent wall elements in one of the parallel walls, and the two legs of the other side member of such H-shaped tie being accommodated in the fourth groove of a wall element in the other of the parallel walls.
22. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, wherein the space defined between the parallel walls contains a suitable filler material.
23. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, wherein the space defined between the parallel walls is filled with poured-in-place concrete.
24. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, wherein adjacent wall elements in the parallel walls are joined together by a suitable adhesive material interposed therebetween.
- Page 9 of Claims -
- Page 9 of Claims -
25. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, 23 or 24 wherein the first longitudinal grooves and the longitudinal ridges of the wall elements are of substantially semicircular cross-section, the radius of the rounded ridge and the radius of the rounded grooves being approximately the same.
26. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, 23 or 24, wherein the respective end surfaces of the wall elements have mating tongue and groove design so that a first wall element placed in end-to-end abutting relationship with another wall element meshes with the other element.
27. A wall structure in accordance with claim 21, 23 or 24, wherein the wall elements are laid in series in a linear direction end-to-end in two parallel rows on a footing, and the bases of the plurality of wall elements extending in two parallel rows rest in two parallel longitudinal grooves that are formed in a top surface of the footing.
28. A system according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of U-shaped integral end blocks having two sides connected by a transverse portion, the transverse portion being of a width equal to the distance between the exterior vertical surfaces of a given pair of spaced parallel relatively thin walls;
the two sides each having a first longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof and a matching - Page 10 of Claims -longitudinal ridge in the bottom or top thereof, the first groove and ridge being substantially similar to the longitudinal groove and ridge of the wall elements comprising the thin walls;
the two sides each having a second horizontal longitudinally extending groove in the top thereof located in the region of the unconnected end thereof and being parallel to the first longitudinal groove or ridge and lying at the exterior side of the first longitudinal groove or ridge, the second groove being substantially similar to the second and third grooves of the wall element;
the sides and the transverse portion being of a height substantially the same as the height of the wall elements.
the two sides each having a first longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof and a matching - Page 10 of Claims -longitudinal ridge in the bottom or top thereof, the first groove and ridge being substantially similar to the longitudinal groove and ridge of the wall elements comprising the thin walls;
the two sides each having a second horizontal longitudinally extending groove in the top thereof located in the region of the unconnected end thereof and being parallel to the first longitudinal groove or ridge and lying at the exterior side of the first longitudinal groove or ridge, the second groove being substantially similar to the second and third grooves of the wall element;
the sides and the transverse portion being of a height substantially the same as the height of the wall elements.
29. A system according to claim 28, wherein some of the U-shaped integral end blocks have sides of a length substantially equal to the length of the wall elements, and others of the U-shaped integral end blocks have sides of a length substantially equal to one-half the length of the wall element.
30. A system according to claim 20, further comprising a plurality of U shaped integral end blocks having two sides connected by a transverse portion, the transverse portion being of a width equal to the distance between the exterior vertical surfaces of a given pair of spaced parallel relatively thin walls;
- Page 11 of Claims -the two sides each having a first longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof and a matching longitudinal ridge in the bottom or top thereof, the first groove and ridge being substantially similar to the longitudinal groove and ridge of the wall elements comprising the thin walls;
the two sides each having a second horizontal longitudinally extending groove in the top thereof located in the region of the unconnected end thereof and being parallel to the first longitudinal groove or ridge and lying at the exterior side of the first longitudinal groove or ridge, the second groove being substantially similar to the second and third grooves of the wall element;
the sides and the transverse portion being of a height substantially the same as the height of the wall elements.
- Page 11 of Claims -the two sides each having a first longitudinal groove in the top or bottom thereof and a matching longitudinal ridge in the bottom or top thereof, the first groove and ridge being substantially similar to the longitudinal groove and ridge of the wall elements comprising the thin walls;
the two sides each having a second horizontal longitudinally extending groove in the top thereof located in the region of the unconnected end thereof and being parallel to the first longitudinal groove or ridge and lying at the exterior side of the first longitudinal groove or ridge, the second groove being substantially similar to the second and third grooves of the wall element;
the sides and the transverse portion being of a height substantially the same as the height of the wall elements.
31. A system according to claim 30, wherein each of the U-shaped integral end blocks has one side of a length substantially equal to the length of the wall elements, and the other side of a length substantially equal to one-half the length of the wall elements.
- Page 12 of Claims -
- Page 12 of Claims -
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386215A CA1170857A (en) | 1981-09-18 | 1981-09-18 | Wall system utilizing interlocking blocks and ties |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386215A CA1170857A (en) | 1981-09-18 | 1981-09-18 | Wall system utilizing interlocking blocks and ties |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1170857A true CA1170857A (en) | 1984-07-17 |
Family
ID=4120992
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000386215A Expired CA1170857A (en) | 1981-09-18 | 1981-09-18 | Wall system utilizing interlocking blocks and ties |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1170857A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-09-18 CA CA000386215A patent/CA1170857A/en not_active Expired
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