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(11) | EP 0 181 230 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Improvements in or relating to building blocks Baublöcke Blocs de construction |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0002] An object of the present invention is to provide a building block which permits, without the use of a bonding agent between courses, the construction of free-standing walls which offer full or partial screening and the construction of retaining walls which have a stepped exposed face.
[0003] Economy in the construction of mass gravity and crib retaining walls results when the walls are stepped or battered back against the material to be retained to such an extent that the resultant compressive stress over any transverse section of a wall foundation is uniform. A fully screened free-standing wall can be constructed by building concrete blocks or the like in courses with each block abutting. By providing gaps between blocks and/or by providing blocks with through-going orifices between exposed faces such a wall may become more decorative and less resistant to wind forces but offers less screening. Precast concrete blocks of various forms are currently used to construct retaining walls and screen walls and although cement mortar is commonly used to provide a bond between adjacent courses of blocks, other forms of block exist which are provided with suitably formed nibs and recesses so that a mechanical interlock is achieved between blocks. Hitherto more than one form of block has been required to construct dry bound free-standing screen walls and retaining walls.
[0004] Building blocks are known from EP-A-0 034 565 which discloses a building block (see Figure 2) of uniform asymmetric transverse section comprising two vertical end faces, a front face and a rear face and upper and lower surfaces each having a bearing surface of equal width, the upper bearing surface having an extension thereof extending to the front face or the block and the lower bearing surface having an extension thereof extending to the rear face of the block whereby one block can be placed upon another block in like disposition so that the front extension of the lower block extends beyond the upper block or in a disposition of 180° to each other in which the front face of one block is vertically aligned with the rear face of the other block and the width of each bearing surface and its extension is equal to that of the other bearing surface and extension.
[0005] Building blocks are known from DE 24 35 735 wherein upper and lower surfaces are of complementary shape.
[0006] According to the invention, the building block is characterised in that an axis of symmetry of a projection in the upper bearing surface is displaced from an axis of symmetry of a recess in the lower bearing surface by the width of the extension of the upper/lower bearing surface.
[0007] The invention also provides a free-standing vertical wall structure constructed using a plurality of such blocks in an alternating course sequence consisting of a course of blocks each laid with its front face exposed, superimposed on a course of blocks each laid with its rear face exposed or vice versa when viewed from either side of the structure.
[0008] The invention further provides a retaining wall structure constructed using a plurality of such blocks in a course sequence consisting either of a course of blocks each laid with its front face exposed, superimposed on a like course of blocks or on an odd number of courses in which every odd course consists of blocks each with its front face exposed and every even course consists of blocks each with its rear face exposed.
[0009] The accompanying drawings show by way of example various forms of block types and wall structure which can be constructed using blocks in accordance with the invention and wherein:-
Figures 1 and 2 are elevations on one end and Figures 3 and 4 are elevations on the other end of four alternative shapes of a block according to the invention;
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of a block of shape as in Fig. 2 in upright and in inverted orientation respectively;
Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of three blocks of shape as in Fig. 1 built to form a vertical sided column by reversing the orientation of alternate blocks and built to form a stepped structure using units of like orientation respectively;
Figures 9. 10. 11 and 12 correspond to Figs. 5, 6 7 and 8 respectively but relate to a block of shape as in Fig. 3;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of part of a free-standing wall built using blocks of shape as in Fig.3 and which wall is of open or partially screened form in the upper courses and is of closed form in the lower courses; and
Figure 14 is a perspective view of part of a retaining wall built using blocks of shape as in Fig. 3.
[0010] Referring to the drawings in general, the blocks may be moulded using concrete or any such mouldable material and may also be produced by extrusion using semi-dry mix concrete, asphalt, or the like.
[0011] The block is of uniform transverse section and has opposed vertical end faces 11 and 12 of reflected form. The front face 13 and the rear face 14 may be vertical, concave, convex, ribbed or otherwise shaped but the upper edge 15 of front face 13 and the upper edge 16 of rear face 14 are horizontal and are vertically disposed to their corresponding lower edges 17 and 18 respectively.
[0012] Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4, the upper surface of the block is divided into a narrow edge strip 19 and a wide bearing surface 20 each extending over the length of the block. The wide bearing surface 20 extends horizontally from the upper edge 16 of the rear face 14 and occupies at least two thirds of the overall width of the block. The narrow edge strip 19 extends either horizontally Figs. 1, 2 and 4 from or is inclined (Fig. 3) to the upper edge 15 of the front face 13 and respectively connects to or intersects with the wide bearing surface 20 and occupies not more than one third of the overall width of the block. The width of the narrow edge strip 19 is related to the depth of the front face 13 and determines the slope of the exposed face of a retaining wall constructed using a plurality of the blocks. The wide bearing surface 20 is provided with a projection 21 which may occupy all (Fig. 3) or only part of the width (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) of the bearing surface 20. The projection 21 is of any regular cross-sectional shape which has horizontal base, an imaginary 21' and a vertical axis of symmetry 22 such as a rectangle (Fig. 1), an isosceles triangle (Figs. 2 and 3), or a right circular arc (Fig.4).
[0013] The lower surface of the block is correspondingly shaped to that of the upper surface rotated horizontally through one half of one revolution and consists of a narrow edge strip 23 and a wide bearing surface 24 each extending over the length of the block. The narrow edge strip 23 has similar dimensions to those of the upper surface edge strip 19 and extends either horizontally from the lower edge 18 of the rear face 14 or is inclined to the vertical plane containing the upper edge 16 and the lower edge 18 of the rear face 14 or is inclined to the vertical plane containing the upper edge 16 and the lower edge 18 of the rear face 14 at the same angle as the upper edge strip 19 is inclined to the vertical plane containing the upper edge 15 and the lower edge 17 of the front face 13. The wide bearing surface 24 is the same width as the upper surface wide bearing surface 20 and extends from the lower edge 17 of the front face 13 and respectively connects to or intersects with the horizontal or inclined narrow edge strip 23. The wide bearing surface 24 is provided with a recess 25 of dimensions which correspond to those of the upper surface projection 21 and which recess has an imaginary base 25' and a vertical axis of symmetry 26 horizontally displaced from the vertical axis of symmetry 22 of the projection by a distance equal to the plan width of the narrow edge strip 19 in the upper surface. This is also the plan width of the narrow edge strip 23 in the lower surface.
[0014] Referring in particular to Fig. 3 there is shown a block in which the upper surface 20 comprises two substantially planar bearingsurfaces 20A, 20B disposed at an angle to each other to constitute a peaked roof shape 21 with a vertical axis of symmetry 22 and an extention 19 extending from the bearing surface 20B to the front face 13 of the block. The lower bearing surface 24 similarly comprises two substantially planar bearing surfaces 24A, 24B, disposed at an angle to each other to form a recess 25 complementary to the peaked roof shape 21 with a vertical axis of symmetry 26 and an extension 23 extending from the bearing surface 24B to the rear face 14. The axis of symmetry 22 and 26 are displaced laterally to each other by the width of the extension 19/23 and equally from the central longitudinal axis of the block.
[0015] The upper planar surface 20A is equal in length to the lower planar surface 24A and the length of the upper planar surface 20B and its extension 19 is equal to the length of the lower planar surface 24B and its extension 23. The depth of the rear end face 14 is greater than that of the front face.
[0016] Referring now to Figs. 5 to 12, when a block is superimposed on a corresponding block in reversed orientation then the lower surface of the upper block bears fully on the upper surface of the lower block and is such that the projection 21 of the lower block nests into the recess 25 in the upper block and the upper surface narrow edge strip 19 of the lower block is in full contact with the lower surface narrow edge strip 23 of the upper block. This is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 11 wherein three blocks alternating in orientation and each with a transverse section as shown respectively in Figs. 1 and 3, are built one on top of another thus to form a column with vertical sides.
[0017] When a block is superimposed on a corresponding block of like orientation as shown in Figs. 8 and 12 then the wide bearing surface 24 on the lower surface of the upper block bears directly on the wide bearing surface 20 of the lower block such that the recess 25 in the lower surface of the upper block provides a snug fit for the projection 21 on the upper surface of the lower block. The upper block is thus laterally displaced relative to the lower block and causes the narrow edge strip 19 of the upper surface of the lower block to be exposed.
[0018] Fig. 13 shows a free-standing wall structure constructed using blocks with a transverse section as shown in Fig. 3. Blocks in successive courses of the wall alternate in orientation thus providing a wall with vertical sides. In the lower four courses of the wall the blocks in any course abut to give a closed face appearance whereas in the next five courses, blocks in any course are set less than a block length apart so that blocks in the next course span the gaps thus formed giving an open face appearance. In the top course of the wall each block abutts the adjacent block thus to form a continuous cope.
[0019] Fig. 14 shows a part-sectional perspective view of a retaining wall structure constructed using blocks with a transverse section as shown in Fig. 3. The lowest or foundation course of blocks consists of blocks laid contiguously to permit a relatively even transfer of load to the subsoil or to an in-situ concrete foundation. The top course or coping course of blocks likewise has blocks laid contiguously as this is preferable both aesthetically and for protection of the wall interior from the affect of weather. As a measure of protection against the removal of blocks in the coping course of such a wall by vandals, the backfill material 27 can usefully be placed to cover over the rearward portion of a block up to the level of the upper surface projection 21. Blocks in each of the intermediate courses of the retaining wall are either laid contiguously or may be spaced apart depending on the weight of wall required to counteract the pressure from the retained material 28. In a retaining wall of varying height blocks in any course may require to be closely spaced or abutting for high sections and spaced relatively further apart over low sections thus providing more economical use of blocks. After laying each course of blocks in a retaining wall the void behind the blocks is infilled with suitable material fill 27 up to the level of the upper edge of the rear face of the blocks and the fill material spills over the exposed upper surfaces of blocks in the superimposed course at least as far as the top of each block projection 21 thus giving additional weight to the wall structure.
[0020] By laying two or more courses of blocks in like orientation side by side such that the rear faces 14 of blocks in one course abut with the front faces 13 of blocks in an adjacent course, walls can be constructed of increased width to cater for locations requiring higher walls and for walls with increased resistance against overturning and sideways displacement. To ensure that a wall of multiple block width acts as a composite wall and to inhibit differential vertical displacement of adjacent courses of units, a flexible synthetic sheeting material 29 can be placed between adjacent courses of units to reinforce the vertical joints.
[0021] By choosing block dimensions such that the height of the projection 21 is equal to or greater than the mean height of the front face 13 and the rear face 14 then even an 'open' faced wall built with such blocks will provide full visual screening although permitting passage of wind.
[0022] Blocks can usefully be provided with an extending orifice in order to locate steel bars, rope, cable or the like which can be used to reinforce courses of blocks, assist handling of the blocks and to 'lock' adjacent blocks together as is preferable in a wall cope.
[0023] Although blocks according to the invention are normally used in upright orientation they may be oriented in any manner suitable for the purpose in hand. Indeed inverted blocks of transverse section as shown in Fig. 3 can be used to form surface water drainage channels and cascades.
[0024] Construction blocks according to the invention are extremely versatile and unskilled labour can be used in any application thereof. Any structure built using the blocks may require blocks of different lengths to form vertical ends to the structure con- sistant with the provision of staggered vertical joints between adjacent courses.
1. A building block of uniform asymmetric transverse section comprising two vertical
end faces, a front face and a rear face and upper and lower surfaces, the front face
(13) and the rear face (14) each having a horizontal upper edge (15 and 16) vertically
disposed to a lower edge (17, 18), the upper surface being sub-divided into a narrow
edge strip (19) extending horizontally or inclined to the horizontal from the upper
edge (15) of the block, and a wide bearing surface (20) extending therefrom to the
upper edge (16) of the rear face (14) and which surface (20) is provided with a projection
(21) located centrally thereof and with a vertical axis of symmetry (22), the lower
surface being correspondingly sub-divided into a narrow edge strip (23) extending
horizontally or similarly inclined to the horizontal from the lower edge (18) of the
rear face (14) of the block and a wide bearing surface (24) extending therefrom to
the lower edge (17) of the front face (13) and provided with a recess (25) located
centrally thereof and of complementary shape to the projection (21) on the upper face,
and which recess (25) has a vertical axis of symmetry (26) characterised in that the
axis of symmetry (26) of the recess (25) is displaced from that (22) of the projection
(21) by the width of the narrow edge strip (19/23).
2. A building block according to claim 1, characterised in that the upper bearing
surface (20) comprises two substantially planar bearing surfaces (20A, 20B) disposed
at an angle to each other to constitute a peaked roof shape (21) with a vertical axis
of symmetry (22) and an extension (19) extending from the bearing surface (20B) to
the front face (13) of the block, and the lower bearing surface (24) comprises two
substantially planar surfaces (24A, 24B) disposed at an angle to each other to form
a recess (25) complementary to said peaked roof surface with a vertical axis of symmetry
(26) and an extension (23) extending from the bearing surface (24B) to the rear face
(14), the axes of symmetry (22, 26) being displaced laterally by the width of the
extension (19/23) and equally from the central longitudinal axis of the block.
3. A building block according to claim 2, characterised in that the length of the
upper planar surface (20A) extending from the rear face is equal to the length of
the lower planar surface (24A) extending from the front face and the length of the
other upper planar surface (20B) and extension (19) is equal to the length of the
other lower planar surface (24B) and extension (23).
4. A free standing vertical wall structure constructed using a plurality of blocks
characterised in that the wall structure is constructed using a plurality of blocks
as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, laid in an alternating course sequence
in which a course of blocks each laid with its front face (13) exposed is superimposed
on a course of blocks each laid with its rear face (14) exposed or vice versa when
viewed from either side of the wall structure.
5. A retaining wall structure constructed using a plurality of blocks characterised
in that the wall structure is constructed using a plurality of blocks as claimed in
any one of claims 1 to 3 laid in a course sequence in which a course of blocks is
each laid with its front face (13) exposed superimposed on a like course of blocks.
6. A retaining wall structure constructed using a plurality of blocks, characterised
in that the wall structure is constructed using a plurality of blocks as claimed in
any one of claims 1 to 3, laid in a course sequence in which a course of blocks is
each laid with its front face (13) exposed superimposed on an odd number of courses
in which each odd course consists of blocks each with its front face (13) exposed
and each even course consists of blocks each with its rear face (14) exposed.
1. Baublock von gleichbleibend unsymmetrischem Querprofil mit zwei vertikalen Endflächen,
einer Vorderfläche und einer Rückfläche sowie Oberfläche und Unterfläche, dessen Vorderfläche
(13) und Rückfläche (14) je eine horizontale Oberkante (15 und 16) haben, die gegenüber
einer Unterkante (17, 18) vertikal liegt; dessen Oberfläche unterteilt ist in einen
schmalen Endstreifen (19), der sich horizontal oder schräg zur Horizontalen von der
Oberkante (15) des Blocks erstreckt, und eine breite Auflagefläche (20), die sich
von dort bis zur Oberkante (16) der Rückfläche (14) erstreckt und desse Fläche (20)
in ihrer Mitte mit einem Ansatz (21) sowie mit einer senkrechten Symmetrieachse (22)
versehen ist; dessen Unterfläche dementsprechend unterteilt ist in einen schmalen
Endstreifen (23), der sich horizontal oder gleichermaßen schräg zur Horizontalen von
der Unterkante (18) der Rückfläche (14) des Blocks erstreckt, und eine breite Auflagefläche
(24), die sich von dort bis zur Unterkante (17) der Vorderfläche (13) erstreckt und
in ihrer Mitte mit einer in der Formgestaltung zum Ansatz (21) der Oberfläche passenden
Vertiefung (25) versehen ist und wobei die Vertiefung (25) eine senkrechte Symmetrieachse
(26) hat, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Symmetrieachse (26) der Vertiefung (25)
gegenüber der Symmetrieachse (22) des Ansatzes (21) um die Weite des schmalen Endstreifens
(19/34) verschoben ist.
2. Baublock nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die obere Auflagefläche (20)
aus zwei im wesentlichen planaren Auflageflächen (20A, 20B) besteht, die in einem
Winkel zueinander liegen um eine Spitzdachform (21) zu bilden mit senkrechter Symmetrieachse
(22) und einer Verlängerung (19), die sich von der Auflagefläche (20B) bis zur Vorderfläche
(13) des Blocks erstreckt; und daß die untere Auflagefläche (24) aus zwei im wesentlichen
planaren Flächen (24A, 14B) besteht, die in einem Winkel zueinander liegen um eine
Vertiefung (25) in zur genannten Spitzdachform passenden Formgestaltung zu bilden
mit senkrechter Symmetrieachse (26) und einer Verlängerung (23), die sich von der
Auflagefläche (24B) bis zur Rückfläche (14) erstreckt, dessen Symmetrieachse (22,
26) um die Weite der Verlängerung (19, 23) und gleichermaßen von der mittleren Längsachse
des Blocks seitlich verschoben ist.
3. Baublock nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Länge der oberen planaren
Fläche (20A) von der Rückfläche ausgehend gleich der Länge der unteren planaren Fläche
(24A) von der Vorderseite ausgehend ist; und daß die Länge der anderen oberen planaren
Fläche (20B) und Verlängerung (19) gleich der Länge der anderen unteren planaren Fläche
(24B) und Verlängerung (23) ist.
4. Freistehende, senkrechte Mauer, hergestellt unter Verwendung einer Vielzahl von
Blöcken, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Mauer hergestellt ist unter Verwendung einer
Vielzahl von Blöcken nach einem der vorgenannten Ansprüche, aufgestellt in abwechselnder
Legefolge, wobei jeweils eine Blockreihe mit der Vorderfläche (13) freiliegend gelegt
ist und auf einer mit der Rückseite (14) freiliegenden Blockreihe aufliegt, oder vice
versa, je nachdem von welcher Seite der Mauer gesehen.
5. Stützmauer, hergestellt unter Verwendung einer Vielzahl von Blöcken, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Mauer hergestellt ist unter Verwendung einer Vielzahl von Blöcken nach einem
der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, in einer Legefolge, in der je eine Reihe Blöcke mit ihrer Vorderseite
(13) freiliegend gelegt ist und auf einer gleichen Blockreihe aufliegt.
6. Stützmauer, hergestellt unter Verwendung einer Vielzahl von Blöcken, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Mauer hergestellt ist unter Verwendung einer Vielzahl von Blöcken nach einem
der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, in einer Legefolge, in der je eine Reihe Blöcke mit ihrer Vorderseite
(13) freiliegend gelegt ist und auf einer ungeraden Anzahl von Reihen aufliegt, wobei
jede ungerade Reihe aus Blöcken mit freiliegender Vorderseite (13) besteht, und jede
gerade Reihe aus Blöcken mit freiliegender Rückseite (14) besteht.
1. Module de construction ayant une coupe transversale uniforme disymétrique comportant
deux faces d'extrémité verticales, une face avant et une face arrière ainsi que des
surfaces supérieure et inférieure, la face avant (13) et la face arrière (14) ayant
chacune une arête supérieure horizontale (15 et 16), placée à la verticale d'une arête
inférieure (17, 18), la surface supérieure étant subdivisée en une bande étroite de
bordure (19) s'étendant horizontalement ou inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale depuis
l'arête supérieure (15) du module, et une large surface d'appui (20) s'étendant à
partir de là jusqu'à l'arête supérieure (16) de la face arrière (14), laquelle surface
(20) porte une partie en saillie (21) placée en son centre et ayant un axe vertical
de symétrie (22), la surface inférieure étant subdivisée de manière correspondante
en une étroite bande de bordure (23) s'étendant horizontalement ou inclinée de la
même manière par rapport à l'horizontale depuis l'arête inférieure (18) de la face
arrière (14) du module et une large surface d'appui (24) s'étendant à partir de là
jusqu'à l'arête inférieure (17) de la face avant (13) et présentant un renfoncement
(25) situé en son centre et ayant une forme complémentaire de celle de la partie en
saillie (21) de la face supérieure, et lequel renfoncement (25) possède un axe vertical
de symétrie (26), caractérisé en ce que l'axe de symétrie (26) du renfoncement (25)
est décalé par rapport à celui (22) de la partie en saillie (21) d'une distance égale
à la largeur de la bande étroite de bordure (19/23).
2. Module de construction selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que cette surface
supérieure d'appui (20) se compose de deux surfaces d'appui sensiblement planes (20A,
20B) faisant entre elles un certain angle pour constituer une forme de toit pointu
(21) avec un axe vertical de symétrie (22) et un prolongement (19) s'étendant depuis
la surface d'appui (20B) jusqu'à la face avant (13) du bloc, et en ce que la surface
inférieure d'appui (24) se compose de deux surface sensiblement planes (24A, 24B)
faisant entre elles un certain angle pour constituer un renfoncement (25) complémentaire
de ladite surface en toit pointu avec un axe vertical de symétrie (26) et un prolongement
(23) s'étendant depuis la surface d'appui (24B) jusqu'à la face arrière (14), les
axes de symétrie (22, 26) étant décalés latéralement de la largeur du prolongement
(19/23) et également par rapport à l'axe central longitudinal du module.
3. Module de construction selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la longueur
de la surface plane supérieure (20A) s'étendant à partir de la face arrière est égale
à la longueur de la surface plane inférieure (24A) s'étendant depuis la face avant
et en ce que la longueur de l'autre surface supérieure plane (20B) et d'un prolongement
(19) est égale à la longueur de l'autre surface plane inférieure (24B) et du prolongement
(23).
4. Structure de mur vertical autoporteur construit en utilisant plusieurs des modules,
caractérisée en ce que la structure du mur est construite en utilisant plusieurs des
modules revendiqués dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, posée selon
une séquence de couches alternées dans laquelle une couche de modules dont chacun
est posé avec sa face avant (13) apparente et superposé à une couche de modules dont
chacun est posé avec sa face arrière (14) apparente ou inversement quand on regarde
de l'autre côté de la structure du mur.
5. Structure de mur de retenue construite en utilisant plusieurs des modules, caractérisée
en ce que la structure du mur est construite en utilisant plusieurs des modules revendiqués
dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3 posés selon une séquence de couches
dans laquelle une couche de modules posé chacun avec sa face avant (13) apparente
et superposée à une couche identique de module.
6. Structure de mur de retenue construite en utilisant plusieurs des modules, caractérisée
en ce que la structure de mur est construite en utilisant plusieurs des modules revendiqués
dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, posée selon une séquence de couches
dans laquelle une couche de modules posés chacun avec sa face avant (13) apparente
est superposée à un nombre impair de couches dans lesquelles chaque couche impaire
comprend des modules ayant chacun leur face avant (13) apparente et chaque couche
paire comprend des modules ayant chacun sa face arrière (14) apparente.