US1988492A - Building construction - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 22, 1935. A. HENDERSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 1,

Filed Aug. 4, 1951 WVENTOR 1935- A. HENDE/RSON 1,988,492

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ON Jan. 22, 1935. A. HENDERSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 4, 1931 7 Jan. 22, 1935. A, HENDERSON 1,988,492

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 4, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 fi gli 9 up f1 9.]\9. 44.9 20.

INVENTOR Jan. 22, 1935. A. HENDERSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 4, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 J3 if 1:9. 222. I Z

1 INVENTOR D W M Jan. 22, I935. A. HENDERSON 1,988,492

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 4, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 e..pgi lilan. 22. 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1,988,492 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Albert Henderson,

Application August 4, 1931, Serial 13 Claims.

My invention relates to the construction of buildings and, in particular, to buildings constructed of precast units, such as structural blocks.

In my co-pending application, Serial No. 551,155, I have illustrated more fully and claimed the specific type of block herein described as forming the building construction claimed in the pres In the art of ticed at present, it

ent application.

building construction as pracis common to provide structural blocks of a large number of different sizes and shapes for use building. Different for example, to

form the coping in various portions of the shapes of blocks are used, at the top of the wall, the corner of an exterior angle in the wall, the lintels and sills of doors and window openings, as well as thereof. The use of blocks, obviously, increases the jambs and mullions numerous different types of the cost of construction and also introduces difficulties, by reason of the number of shapes required stock.

to be carried in I have overcome the objections to the present method of building block of a type which is construction by providing a for use in practically every part of a building, such as the coping, the body of lintels, sills, jambs,

and window openings,

and mullions for the door and the like. My invention tends to reduce the cost of buildings constructed in accordance therewith to increase the facility and rapidity of the construction.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds.

ing of the invention,

For a complete understandreference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating a present preferred embodiment, as

well as certain possible modifications thereof.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building block designed for a multiplicity of uses in the wall of a building;

Figure 2 is a similar view,

showing a modified form of block adapted for use independently or inconnection with Figure 3 is a side view, partly in section, illustrating Figure 1, with the exception that that shown in that of Figure 1;

broken away and a block similar to it is provided with an exterior finish simulating natural stone;

Figure 4 is an end view thereof; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing a further modified form of the Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an en Figure '7 is a perspective view of illustrating the multiplicity of a building wall, uses of which the block of (1 view thereof;

a portion of invention is capable;

assignor of Pittsburgh,

Figure 8 is a transverse section through the wall shown in Figure 7, the section being taken through one of the window openings;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a possible modification in which blocks of the types shown in Figures 1 and 2 are incorporated;

Figure 10 is a vertical section through the wall shown in Figure '7, taken through one of the window openings;

Figures 11, 12, and 13 are partial sectional views, to enlarged scale, illustrating certain details of the construction of Figures '7 through 10;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a further form of building unit for practicing the invention;

Figure 15 is an end view thereof;

Figure 16 is a central sectional view of a block similar to that shown in Figures 14 and 15, except that the openings therethrough terminate short of the side of the block;

Figure 1'1 is a view similar to Figure 16, showing a slightly modified form of the block;

Figure 18 is an end view of the block shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a plan view of a block similar to that shown in Figure 14, except that it has only one-half the length thereof;

Figure 20 is a sectional view similar to Figure 16, taken through a similar block of one-half the length thereof;

Figure 21 is a partial side elevation of a wall constructed partly of the half blocks shown in Figures 19 and 20;

Figure 22 is a sectional view through the wall shown in Figure 21 on the line XXIL-XXII thereof;

Figure 23 is a transverse sectional view of the wall, taken centrally of the window open- Figure 24 is a of a wall constructed in part of blocks, those shown in Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 25 is a side elevation of a wall constructed in part of blocks such as those shown perspective view of a portion such as in Figures 14 and 15; and

Figure 26 is a sectional view, to enlarged scale, taken along the line of Figure 25.

and bottom faces 13 and 14 are each provided with a longitudinal recess 17. The recesses 17 extend from the end 15 of the block to a point adjacent the end 16 but terminate short thereof. The end 15 has a vertical recess 18 therein connecting the ends of the recesses 17. A similar recess 19 is formed in the end 15 and extends around the end of the block at a slight distance from the side, top, and bottom faces thereof. Longitudinal holes or voids 20 extend inwardly of the block 10 from the end 15 but terminate short of the end 16.

From the description of the black 10, it will be apparent that the end 16 is continuous and without breaks or voids. By providing this closed end for the block 10, it is possible to use the latter adjacent a corner in an exterior angle of a building without marring the appearance of the latter. Heretofore, it has been necessary to provide special blocks for wall corners, but a wall constructed according to my invention employs at the corners the same type of block utilized in other portions of the wall. The recesses 1''! have a variety of functions which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. Both the recesses 17 and the holes 20 may be made continuous by punching or chipping out the end wall 16 of the black. The recesses 18 provide drainage channels vertically of a building wall to dispose of seepage or condensation. The groove or recess 19 permits the making of a superior joint between blocks butted end to end.

Figure 2 illustrates a block 21 similar to that of Figure 1 in all respects, except that it has a greater width and is provided with three voids instead of two. Corresponding features of the block in Figure 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals applied to Figure 1. It will be noted that the recesses 17 are spaced from the side face 11 of the block by the same distance in both forms of block. The method of using the block shown in Figure 2 will be discussed hereinafter.

Figures 3 and 4 show a block 22 similar to that of Figure 1 with the single exception that one side face and the end face thereof, instead of being smooth, are provided with a surface finish simulating that of natural rock. The projections from the rock-finished side and end of the block are made less than the thickness of the usual joint between blocks, so that the rough finish does not preclude the formation of good joints between blocks butted end to end. The other features of the block shown in Figures 3 and 4 are the same as those shown in Figure 1 and are indicated by the same numerals.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a block 23 designed for certain special uses which will be explained hereinafter. The block 23 has a longitudinal recess 24 in one face extending the full length thereof. One end of the block has a recess 25. Longitudinal voids 26 extend entirely through the block. Obviously, the block of Figures 5 and 6 is substantially the equivalent of that of Figure 1, but the recess and voids of the latter have been made continuous, instead of terminating short of the end. The block of Figure 5, however, has only a single face provided with a longitudinal recess.

Figures '7 through 13 illustrate a wall constructed of certain of the types of blocks shown in Figures 1 through 6. As shown in Figure 7, a building wall has two portions 2'! and 28 meeting at right angles to form an exterior corner.

The body of the wall portions is formed by blocks 10, as shown in Figure 1. At the corner formed by the wall portions, the blocks 10 are laid so that their continuous ends lie in the plane of that portion of the wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the block. The corner of the wall, therefore, is continuous and is unmarred by holes or voids. At the same time, no special block is required for constructing the wall corner.

The coping 29 of the wall is formed by the uppermost course of blocks 10 and constitutes an attractive finish for the top of the wall without necessitating the use of a special design of block.

Figure 10 shows how roof beams 30 may be supported from the wall 28 by means of brackets 31 embedded in the wall at joints between adjacent blocks. The beam 30 is bolted to the brackets 31 and a roofing deck 32 may be laid thereover. Instead of laying the roofing deck on the beams, nailing sills may be interposed therebetween. Flashing 33 at the intersection of the roofing deck and side walls may conveniently be jointed to the by inserting one edge thereof in a recess 17 of the course of blocks just below that forming the coping of the wall. This arrangement is also shown to an enlarged scale in Figure 11. The flashing is thus securely fastened to the side wall and all possibility of leakage behind the flashing precluded.

The recesses 1'7 in adjacent blocks form a convenient space, indicated at 34 in Figure 12, for the insertion of weather-stripping, such as asphalt, for preventing the seepage of water through the wall.

Window openings 35 in the wall 28 are provided with lintels, jambs, and sills constituted by blocks 10. The blocks 36, serving as lintels, should have their closed ends punched out to receive reinforcing rods 37 (Figure 10) and grout 38. The rods and grout with the lintel blocks constitute a continuous beam which is amply strong to support the load imposed thereon by the blocks above the window openings. Jambs for the window openings are afforded by blocks 10 placed on end, as indicated at 39. A mullion 40 between adjacent windows is similarly constructed. The jambs and mullions rest upon sills 41 formed by a course of blocks 10 at the proper level. If desired, the blocks constituting the window sills may be positioned so that their to surfa @ramma i in thesilr"bllickstb""provide drainage for any moisture condensed on the interior of a sash positioned in the window ,opening. Any moisture so collected passes downwardly through the wall by means of the recesses 18 in the ends of the blocks 10.

It will be obvious that the lintels 36, jambs 39, mullions 40, and sills 41 define window openings having continuous grooves therearound. These grooves are formed by recesses 17 in adjacent blocks and provide means for seating the fra steel 5 42 in t The sash, of course, may be hingecuir pivoted according to the particularififign selecte The manner of seating the sash in the grooves is illustrated on a larger scale in Figure 13.

If desired, the voids in the blocks 10, constituting the wall shown in Figure '1, may be filled with insulating material, such as rock-wool, ex-

latter, as shown in Figure 10,

' native, the recesses r transverse voids vertical.

panded cement, cinders, slag, or the like, indicated at 42' in Figure 10.

If desired, the mullion 40 may be provided with reinforcement 43 and a grout filling 44 for additional strength, as shown in Figure 8.

Blocks 21 may be employed to build-up a mullion 40', as shown in Figure 9, so as to produce a pilaster effect on one side of the wall. The mullion 40' may likewise be reinforced and grouted.

Referring back that blocks may tion of steps 2'1. may be secured in to Figure '1, it will be noted be employed for the construc- Metal treads 28' for the steps the recesses 1'1. As an altermay be left empty or may be filled with a material providing a frictional surface.

Figures 14 and illustrate a slightly different form of block 45. The block 45 has substantially the same external dimensions as the blocks previously described and has a plurality of holes or voids 46 extending therethrough parallel to end Figure 16 shows a block 48 similar to block 45, except that the holes do not extend entirely through the block. The block, therefore, has five continuous faces. The openings in the block 48 are indicated at 49 and an end face thereof is provided with a recess 50, as in the case of the block in Figures 14 and 15.

Figures 1'1 and 18 illustrate a block 51 similar in all respects to the block 48 with the additional feature of a longitudinal recess 52 in the top face thereof. The function of the blocks shown in Figures 16 through 18 will be explained subsequently.

Figure 19 shows a block 53 corresponding in shape and size to the right hand half of the block shown in Figure 14, except that the central void is filled in. The block 53 has a void 54 corresponding in size, shape, and position to the void in the righthand end of the block 45. The block 53 has recesses 55 in opposite faces thereof corresponding in size and location to the recess 4'1 in the block 45.

Figure shows a block 56 corresponding to the righthand half of block 48, shown in Figure 16, with the central void filled in. As in the case of the block 53, the block 56 placed to correspond with the end void in the block 48 and also with recesses 58 in opposite faces corresponding in location to the recess 50 of block 48.

Referring now to Figures 21 through 23, I have illustrated a building wall constructed of blocks of the types shown in Figures 14, 15, and 19, or of full and half blocks having holes entirely therethrough. A wall 60 has window openings 61 therein. The body of the wall is formed of blocks 45 positioned with the axes of At the top of the wall, a course of half blocks 53 form a coping 62 for the wall. The roof is carried by the wall 60 as already explained in connection with Figure 10 and flashing may be similarly secured to the wall.

Above the window openings 61, a course, of half blocks 63, with the axes of their voids horizontal, constitute a lintel 63. Reinforcing rods 64, traversing thealined voids of the blocks 53 in the lintels 63, together with a grout filling 65 therein, constitute a beam for supporting the weight of the wall above the window openings. It will be noted that the recesses in the blocks 53 of the lintel 63 are exposed at the upper edge of the window opening.

A window jamb 66 is formed by the blocks 45 abutting the window opening, together with half blocks 53. Both types of blocks are set in the wall so that their end recesses are vertical and form a continuation of the alined recesses in the blocks 53 of the lintel 63.

A mullion 6'1 between adjacent window openings may be formed by a plurality of half blocks 58 positioned with their voids extending vertically and their recesses exposed at the side edges of the window openings. The mullions may be strengthened by reinforcement 68 extending through the alined voids of the blocks 53 and a grout filling 69 therein.

A sill '10 for the window openings is contituted by a course of half blocks 53 laid up in the wall with their voids extending horizontally and with their recessed faces, top and bottom.

The completed window opening is thus surrounded with a continuous recess for receiving the frame of the steel sash '11.

As previously stated, the sll blocks may be laid at an angle sufiicient to provide drainage.

It should be noted that the wall 60 is characterized by a continuous finished surface, even at exterior corners thereof, since the blocks 45 each have one smooth, finished end surface which can be made the exposed end of the block when positioned in a wall corner.

Figure 24 illustrates the construction of a wall by the use of blocks of the types shown in Figures 5 and 6. A wall '12 in Figure 24 has portions '13 and 14 extending at right angles. The wall portions '13 and '14 are built-up of courses of blocks 23, shown in Figures 5 and 6, together with half blocks where necessary. The corner of the wall is formed by a plurality of blocks 23 arranged vertically with their recessed face abutting the blocks in one of the wall portions '13 or '14. The corner of the wall may be reinforced by rods '14 extending through the blocks 23 and a grout filling therefor may also be provided. The corner blocks are tied to the wall portions by means of metal ties '15 embedded in the joints between blocks. A coping 76 for the wall is provided by the top course of blocks 23 in the wall portions thereof. In the coping course, the recessed face of the blocks may be turned downwardly and flashing for the roof may be inserted in the joint between the coping course and the next course therebelow, as previously illustrated and described.

Window openings '17 in the wall portion '13 have lintels '18, jambs '19, and sills 80. The lintels, jambs, and sills are provided by the blocks 23 positioned, as shown in Figure 24, with their longitudinal recesses adjacent the window opening. A continuous groove about the opening is thus provided for receiving the frame of the steel sash 81. As shown in Figure 24, the blocks constituting the lintels and sills are merely the blocks 23 constituting the courses of the body of the wall portions '13 and '14. The jambs of the windows are constituted by full and half blocks laid up in the wall with their axes vertical. The lintel blocks may be reinforced and grcuted, as previously explained in connection with the other forms of blocks.

Figures and 26 illustrate a wall composed of blocks of the type illustrated in Figures 16 through 18. A wall 85, composed of blocks of this type, has its main body made up of courses 86. A coping 87 is provided by the top course.

Window openings 88 have lintels 89, composed of blocks 48, positioned in the wall with their length vertical and their recessed ends downward. A jamb 90 and a mullion 91 for the window openings are provided by full and half blocks 48 and 56 laid in the wall with their recesses exposed to the window openings. A sill 92 for the window openings is constituted by blocks 48 laid on end with their recessed ends upward. The window openings are thus provided with continuous grooves thereabout for receiving the frame of steel sash 93.

Lintels above the window openings are composed of blocks having a length substantially twice their width. The blocks being disposed vertically, no reinforcement for the lintel is necessary because of the flat arch effect produced thereby.

Figure 26 also shows how roof beams and flashing can be incorporated in the wall 85.

It will be obvious from the foregoing description that the invention provides a number of systems of building construction, whereby an entire building wall can be formed of one style of precast block without sacrificing the appearance of the finished wall and, at the same time, obtaining marked economy in the construction, as well as increased facility and convenience. All problems incident to the storage and stocking of blocks of a number of different types, shapes, and sizes are obviated by the invention according to which only a few standard shapes are necessary for the entire construction of a wall. Although I have illustrated and described several different types of blocks, I have also explained how each of these types of blocks may be employed in wall construction without the use of blocks of other designs.

Although only a few modifications of the invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent that many variations therein may be made. Such changes which do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a block wall construction, including mortar bonded corner blocks, mortar bonded jamb blocks having recesses in alinement for the reception of a sash, and mortar bonded stretcher blocks therebetween bonding said corner blocks and said jamb blocks, all of said wall members being built up with blocks of the same shape.

2. In a block wall construction including mortar bonded coping blocks, mortar bonded lintel blocks having recesses in alinement for the reception of a sash, and mortar bonded stretcher blocks therebetween, bonding said coping blocks and said lintel blocks, all of said wall members being built with blocks of the same shape.

3. In a block wall construction including mortar bonded sill blocks having recesses in alinement for the reception of a sash, and mortar bonded stretcher blocks therebetween bonding said sill blocks, said wall members being built up from blocks of the same shape.

4. In a block wall construction including mortar bonded lintel blocks and mortar bonded jamb blocks, recesses in said lintel blocks in alinement with recesses in said jamb blocks for the reception of a sash, said wall members being built with blocks of the same shape.

5. In a block wall construction including mortar bonded lintel blocks, mortar bonded jamb blocks and mortar bonded sill blocks, recesses in said lintel blocks, jamb blocks and sill blocks disposed in alinement for the reception of a sash, said wall members being built with blocks of the same shape.

6. In a block wall construction including mortar bonded corner blocks, mortar bonded coping blocks, mortar bonded lintel blocks, mortar bonded jamb blocks, mortar bonded sill blocks, and mortar bonded stretcher blocks therebetween bonding said wall members, recesses in said lintel, jamb and sill blocks arranged in alinement for the reception of a sash, said wall members being substantially built up with blocks of the same shape.

7. In a block wall construction including bonded corner blocks and bonded jamb blocks bonded to bonded stretcher blocks therebetween, alined recesses in said jamb blocks for the reception of a sash, the wall members being built up substantially exclusively with blocks having a recess at one end and a plain surface at the opposite end.

8. In a block wall construction including bonded corner blocks and bonded jamb blocks bonded to bonded stretcher blocks therebetween, alined recesses in said jamb blocks for the reception of a sash, the wall members being built up substantially exclusively with blocks having a recess on a side and a plain surface at one end.

9. In a block wall construction including bonded block steps, bonded blocks in the cheeks of said step engaging bonded stretcher blocks on said wall, bonded blocks in the treads of said steps engaging the blocks of said cheeks, the wall and step members being built up substantially exclusively with blocks of the same shape.

10. A block wall construction comprising layers of bonded blocks, the blocks having a length substantially twice their height and having a continuous recess on a surface extending from end to end of said block for the reception of a sash, and a hole with a closed end extending within said blocks from an end of said blocks.

11. A block wall construction comprising layers of bonded blocks, the blocks having a length substantially twice their height and having a continuous recess on a surface extending from end to end of said block for the reception of a sash, and having holes with closed ends extending within said blocks from a longitudinal surface of said blocks.

12. A block wall construction comprising layers of bonded blocks, the blocks having a length subtantially twice their height and having a continuous recess on a surface extending from end to end of said block for the reception of a sash, and having a hole with a closed end extending within said blocks.

13. A block wall construction comprising layers of bonded blocks of a height substantially twice their lengths and a recess for the reception of a sash on the surface of said blocks and having a hole with closed end extending from another surface of said bloc ALBERT HENDERSON.

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