Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is applicable on building industry, consisting of a system
of blocks for the construction of dividing walls.
Background of the invention
[0002] The climatic changes and the awareness towards the fact that energy resources and
materials are limited have contributed for the search of new products, techniques
and more sustainable constructive solutions.
[0003] Buildings represent a considerable part of the environmental impact at a global scale,
a need therefore existing towards the development of products and solutions which
are more environmentally friendly than those currently in use. In order to achieve
such object, constructive solutions may be found based on new materials that privilege
the use of raw-material in the manufacture thereof, thus promoting for example forest
protection, and which are effective in terms of energy saving and simultaneously maintaining
or even improving the current comfort standards of the user. New products and construction
methods may be conceived which promote a more effective power yield and a reduction
of on-site building waste. An example is based on the proposal of new geometries for
dividing wall blocks, which represent an important percentage on the volume of building
construction.
[0004] In fact, in spite of the innovation in building industry being partly focused on
the development of new materials, the definition of more effective constructive solutions
promoting an increase on constructive process speed as well as a decrease on residues
from structure implementation may also aid on achieving the goal towards a more sustainable
construction. Presently, there are different systems for the construction of interior
dividing walls, which by way of example may be divided into groups as conventional
partitions and prefab-associated partitions (with solid or drilled blocks having different
dimensions).
[0005] Among the several existing solutions, this section presents a description of patent
documents related to dividing walls. As a result of the state of the art research
on dividing walls, reference is made to
US1981324 which discloses a constructive system for dividing walls with drilled blocks. The
later may be composed of gypsum or any other light material capable of being moulded.
The blocks are designed with the shape of an L and have discontinuous tongue and groove
fittings on the vertical and horizontal joints and further comprise a trapezoidal
section. This block has the particular feature of a vertical and horizontal drilling
only allowing the passage of the electrical system within the wall. The assembly of
the wall takes place without resorting to mortar or any other adhesive to join the
blocks given that the document refers that the tongue and groove fitting is sufficient
for the stability thereof. The first step in the assembly procedures of the wall consists
in placing a guide which is laid onto the pavement with a section allowing a tongue
and groove fitting with the first row of blocks. The second step consists in placing
square blocks on the lower corners of the wall. Subsequently, the L-shaped blocks
will be placed which are combined with rectangular blocks (with framework function).
The covering of the block can act as final finishing of the wall solution.
[0006] WO/2006/061450 claims a rectangular solid gypsum block for dividing wall construction and simultaneously
the mould used for the production thereof. The metal mould with a separator allows
producing two blocks at the same time for manual or automatic withdrawal. The block
has trapezoidal tongue and groove fittings mainly on the horizontal joints. According
to this document, the volume of the tongue fitting is smaller than the volume of the
grove fitting. This difference cannot be excessive therefore avoiding a deviation
from the guide fitting concept. The bevelled trapezoidal edges aid the on-site placement
of the block and, according to the description in said patent document, they avoid
cracks caused by structural settlement due to construction weight. Since the block
is not drilled, the placement of assemblies is therefore not foreseen.
[0007] CN 201176660 refers to a rectangular gypsum block with horizontal drilling. It further includes
tongue and groove fitting to aid the connection on the horizontal joint. The block
is simplified by drillings which reduces raw-material use and translates into a final
cost-effectiveness. In spite of the block having drills, the document does not indicate
whether it is suitable for the settlement of any infrastructure. No reference is made
to the use of mortar.
[0008] FR2219633 refers to a block that might be composed of any conventional material (such as gypsum
or cement with fibber blend) and to the mould used for the manufacture thereof. It
should be mentioned that the geometry and the fitting system of the block are very
similar to those of the block disclosed in
WO/2006/061450. The said block has discontinuous tongue and groove fittings with trapezoidal section
on all edges of the border. Additionally to the groove fitting and so as to simplify
the assembly, there are flanks with certain spacing in the tongue fittings. The bevelled
trapezoidal edges simplify the on-site placement of the block. The connection among
blocks needs to be complemented by an adhesive material. The integration of infrastructures
is not foreseen.
[0009] CN 201343815 refers to a gypsum monoblock for application in interior dividing walls. The fitting
among blocks is of the tongue and groove type, which may have different shapes, namely
the shape of an arch, rectangle or trapeze. No use of mortar is mentioned to join
the blocks together. The block has vertical and horizontal drillings. These drillings
are destined to provide a fast drying during the manufacture of the block and reduce
the weight thereof.
[0010] ES 2170612 refers to a small gypsum panel, which may be compared to a masonry block, and is
destined to the construction of non-structural walls. The small panel consists of
two rectangular boards with different thickness, which are joined by hardening elements
(composed of flexible material) and white glue. This allows defining vertical cells,
through which electrical systems may pass. The constituent material of the panel is
a mixture of gypsum, granulated cork, expanded polystyrene and fibreglass. The thickness
dissimilarity among the boards forming the double panel allows an optimal solution
as far as acoustics is concerned. This panel differs from that of the present invention
in terms of the type of fitting among panels and particularly in terms of the inner
geometry of the boards forming the double panel. In order to undertake the connection
among panels the use of mortar is refrained.
[0011] BRMU8900518 refers to the manufacture of a pre-moulded cement block, using thick
sand, cement, water and a catalyst. This block is rectangular with vertical drilling
and wherein two rectangular side boards stand out having a narrow thickness for fitting
purposes. The fittings are of the tongue and groove type having a rectangular section
on the horizontal and vertical joints and which refrain from the use of plaster and
mortar for settlement purposes, the use of glue being one possibility for the joining
thereof. The vertical drillings give way to wires, cables and piping the grooving
of the wall not being needed for the passage thereof. However, this drilling type
does not allow the integration of assemblies in the horizontal direction.
[0012] For the wall corners, half of a block is foreseen thus avoiding a whole block to
be cut for finishing purposes. The said block discards a finishing procedure giving
way for a possible direct paint or coating application not resorting to plaster.
[0013] From the documents studied, which are closest to the present invention it has been
found that they do not simultaneously gather the technical characteristics of the
present invention. No solution simultaneously discloses vertical and horizontal drilling
for infrastructure integration, and in those cases wherein drilling is foreseen, the
infrastructures may be placed either mainly on the horizontal direction or mainly
on the vertical direction. In all solutions previously mentioned, the constructive
process is not clearly described, and therefore no reference to the possible phase
construction is made so as to facilitate the integration of infrastructures without
the previously drilling of holes within the walls.
[0014] Finally, it was found that the possibility to benefit from a base composite material
for the manufacture of the blocks resulting from the mixture of different industrial
by-products represents an advantage since it significantly increases the environmental
and economical sustainability of the invention.
Summary
[0015] The objective of the present invention is to describe a block for the construction
of dividing walls comprising two half-parts having the same geometry, each half-part
having a core (2) of variable thickness consisting of alternate concave and convex
curvilinear shapes (3), bevelled tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) and circular drillings
for the passage of infrastructures and an outer rectangular part having constant thickness.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the block for the construction of dividing walls, the
joining of the two half-parts may be carried out by applying gypsum mortar and/or
polymeric mortar on the border of the inner part (4) which consists of a continuous
edge, the final block being thus formed with vertical and horizontal drilling.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the block for the construction of dividing walls,
the tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) have a trapezoidal shape the outlying points
being rounded.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the block for the construction of dividing walls,
the tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) which are arranged on the vertical edge are
continuous and the fittings on the horizontal edge are discontinuous.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the block for the construction of dividing walls,
the contact surfaces between the blocks at the level of the vertical and horizontal
joints comprise pre-drillings for the passage of infrastructures.
[0020] In a still more preferred embodiment, the block for the construction of dividing
walls comprises polymeric pieces for the interconnection of both half-parts.
[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the block for the construction of dividing walls,
an insulation is applied between the two half-parts of the block.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the block for the construction of dividing walls
can be manufactured from gypsum composite material, black granulated cork and cloth
fibbers or light concrete (with expanded clay or another light material, including
black granulated cork).
[0023] Still in another preferred embodiment, the block for the construction of dividing
walls may consist of composite material from the combination of materials considered
as by-products from tire recycling industry, from cork industry and from thermal power
stations.
[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the block for the construction of dividing walls
may be designed with an L shape, without fittings or core (2) consisting of concave
and convex shapes (3).
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the block for the construction of dividing walls
has a joint between the L-shaped block and a block of conventional shape, which is
carried out by means of a metal sheet with a "groove" fitting (8) having drillings
on one end, on the surface contacting the structural element so as to undertake a
joining by screws.
[0026] In the present invention the process for the application of the block for the construction
of dividing walls is further described comprising the following steps:
- a) placing and laying a half-part of the block so that the flat part consists of the
outer surface of the wall up to a height considered as suitable for structure placement
procedures making use of a polymeric mortar or gypsum adhesive applied onto the horizontal
joints on the concave parts (3);
- b) placing the infrastructures;
- c) placing and laying the second half-part of the block, thus joining it to the first
half-part by means of applying a bounding material, which might be setting material
applied onto the horizontal joints.
[0027] In still another preferred embodiment of the process previously described for the
application of the block for the construction of dividing walls, the interconnection
of the blocks is carried out by supplementary polymeric pieces.
General description of the invention
[0028] The present invention consists of a block with innovative shape and geometry for
dividing walls, without structural function, and adaptable to walls with resistive
function. The walls can be used for new construction or as a solution for rehabilitation
purposes, thus being possible to manufacture the block with gypsum composite material,
black granulated cork and cloth fibbers. The block might also be manufactured with
other materials, such as light concrete (with expanded clay or another light material,
including black granulated cork), as long as being compatible with a weight allowing
an easy on-site handling and with strengths associated to the non-structural functions
thereof. Notwithstanding the material used, the developed solution shall always be
based on the sustainability of the final solution.
[0029] The geometry of the constructive system of walls is based on the following objectives:
(1) obtaining of a light block leading to a higher work yield; (2) simplifying the
construction technology so as to produce the wall mainly as the simple assembly of
fitting pieces; (3) simplifying the incorporation of the systems (electrical, communication,
water supply), which generally implies the opening of holes, so as to reduce material
waste (4) and improving the acoustic performance among contiguous buildings.
[0030] The proposed invention can be used in association with other constructive systems
of structural masonry as long as focusing on the location of systems within non resistive
dividing walls. Even though in this specific case of non-structural walls hole opening
does not represent structural implications, it has clear influence in material waste,
thus being considered as a non-rational solution for accommodating electrical systems.
[0031] As a solution, a rectangular block is herein presented having two half-parts (Figure
1a and Figure 1b), which are joined by mortar or preferably a resilient material and
form the final block with vertical and horizontal drilling, so as to give way to phase
construction and efficient integration of infrastructures. Integration is herein understood
as the forecast of the space required for infrastructure placement, causing as few
material waste as possible upon installation. The dimensions adopted for each half-part
of the block were dependent on the maximum reasonable weight for the appropriate on-site
handling and so as to obtain an appropriate working productivity thus leading to a
cost-effective solution. In order to obtain a block with a total weight inferior to
16 kg the block was proposed with a 600mm width, 300mm height and a total thickness
of 140mm (connection of two half-parts with 70mm). It should be noted that the weight
is an important characteristic in terms of ergonomics and it may compromise the working
productivity, which means that a clear tendency towards weight reduction of on-site
handling material has been observed. Since wall construction is carried out on a segmented
basis, by the in-phase laying of each half-part of the block, resulting on a wall,
the reasonable weight to be handled by the worker is of 8kg. These dimensions can
be varied depending on the material used and on a 150mm metrics, thus giving way to
the obtaining of blocks from 450mmx300mmx140mm up to 600mmx600mmx140mm.
[0032] Each half-part of the block consists of an association of two parts with different
shapes: an outer rectangular part with constant thickness (Figure 1a) and an inner
part of variable thickness consisting of concave and convex curvilinear shapes (3)
whose objective is to define the vertical and horizontal drilling for infrastructure
accommodation (Figure 1b). The concave parts (3) are also destined to reinforce the
connection among the two half-parts and to provide the block with a monolithic behaviour.
Further to the concave disks, the connection between the two half-parts of the block
is carried out on the border of the inner part (4) consisting of a continuous edge
(Figure 1b). The joining between the two half-parts should be carried out with gypsum
mortar used for the settlement of the blocks or, alternatively, with a polymeric mortar
guaranteeing the appropriate compressive strength of both the block and the block
masonry. Supplementary pieces may also be used (see Figure 2) which simplify the connection
among panels during the construction of the wall, thus contributing to wall stabilization
during the construction thereof.
[0033] The block has along its border bevelled tongue and groove fittings (7, 8), which
are continuous on the vertical joint and discontinuous on the horizontal joint. The
horizontal discontinuity is based on the intention of infrastructure passage. This
type of fitting is destined to simplify the on-site placement of the blocks, thus
increasing the efficiency of the constructive process.
[0034] The development of the constructive system of walls leads to the need of creating
special pieces in way to comply with all present constructive requirements in the
construction of walls. In the case of dividing walls, these should be drawn away from
the structure on the contact edge with the top and bottom flagstones in order to avoid
vertical load transfer through the flagstones. However, the joining of the wall with
the side elements is proposed so as to guarantee resistance against actions exerted
beyond the plane in case of horizontal dynamic loads (earthquake action) and impact
actions. The connection herein proposed demands the production of special pieces to
guarantee the connection to the side structural elements, such as pillars. Further
to the connecting metal pieces, different types of supplementary blocks were also
defined, which allow an efficient assembly of the walls, avoiding on-site adjustments
and promoting an implementation rigour, as well as significantly decreasing material
wastes.
Construction method:
[0035] The constructive process of the present invention comprises three phases, namely:
(1) placement and laying the first face (half-part of the block) up to a height considered
viable for the placement of the systems. The laying is carried out with a settling
material, which may be a mortar or a gypsum adhesive applied onto the horizontal joints
and it is further possible to place supplementary pieces with the geometry indicated
in Figure 2, so as to simplify wall stabilization during the construction of the 2
nd wall face. The use of a dry joint is proposed for the vertical joints, benefiting
from the continuous tongue and groove fittings;
(2) placement of the infrastructures;
(3) placement and laying of the second face and joining thereof to the first face
by applying a bounding material, that can be the settling material placed on the horizontal
joints and further by applying the supplementary polymeric pieces (Figure 2).
Brief description of the Figures
[0036]
Figure 1 - Detail of the block geometry wherein (a) it corresponds to the outer face
of the block and (b) the inner face of the block wherein the reference numbers represent:
- 1 - external plate of the rectangular block;
- 2 - core composed by the association of the concave and convex shapes;
- 3 - detail of the concave and convex parts;
- 4 - connection border between the two half-parts of the block;
- 5 - discontinuous tongue fittings on the horizontal edge;
- 6 - pre-drilling for the passage of the systems.
Figure 2 - Supplementary piece in polymeric material for the improvement of the phase
construction process.
Figure 3 - Complete block consisting of the half-parts in an assembled state.
Figure 4 - Detail of the geometry of the border of the blocks (a) horizontal edges
of the block (plant of half-part of the block); (b) vertical edges (side elevation
of half-part of the block) wherein the reference numbers indicate:
5 - discontinuous horizontal fittings on the horizontal edge;
6 - pre-drilling for system installation;
7 - tongue fittings;
8 - groove fittings.
Figure 5 - Fitting solutions. Detail of the tongue and groove fitting.
Figure 6 - view of half-part of the block resulting from the association of the pressed
plate and moulded part wherein the reference numbers indicate:
9 - pressed plate;
10 - moulded core.
Figure 7 - Shape and geometry of half block (half-parts)
Figure 8 - Shape and geometry of the corner block
Figure 9 - joining between corner block and current block. Geometry of metal profile
for corner reinforcement and application thereof wherein the reference numbers indicate:
11 - Detail of the joining by metal sheet.
Figure 10 - Joining of the wall to a structural element by means of metal sheets.
Geometry of reinforcement metal profile adjacent to a pillar and application thereof
wherein the reference numbers indicate:
12 - detail of the joint;
13 - drilling on the contact surface between the sheet and the vertical structural
element;
14 - detail of the groove part of the sheet in contact with the block.
Detailed description of the invention
[0037] A more detailed description of the invention shall be provided in this section.
[0038] The block has rectangular shape and is constituted by two half-parts (with similar
shape and geometry) (Figure 1a and Figure 1b) and which are joined to form the final
block with vertical and horizontal drilling (Figure 2), so as to make the phase construction
and the efficient integration of the infrastructures possible.
[0039] The inner face presents a geometry consisting of a 20mm-thick border (Figure 1b)
and a core (2) consisting of a set of waved concave and convex surfaces (3) alternating
according to a 150mm grid (Figure 1b). The dimension of the said grid was defined
based on the usual diameters of the electrical and hydraulic systems and it is destined
to make the appropriate placement thereof possible. The said border (4) was defined
from the definition of the geometry and dimensions of the core (2) of the inner part
of the block. The geometry formed by convex surfaces (3) in the inner face of each
half-part of the block thus forms channels for infrastructure installation, with modular
and flexible design, allowing the modification of layouts and piping overlapping,
when required. The shape and geometry of the concave and convex surfaces (3) on the
inner part of the block is determined by the diameter, curve radius and layout of
the infrastructures meant for integration. The block further comprises a play so as
to, in case of piping layout interception, the overlapping of the pipes is made possible.
The continuous border (4) aims at the joining of the two half-parts of the block guaranteeing
the monolithic operation of the block and assuring the laying stability among blocks,
whereas the core (2) allows soothing the piece, in a process similar to drilling.
The connection of the two half-parts of the block may be carried out by further applying
gypsum mortar or a polymeric mortar (acting as resilient element) onto the concave
parts (disk shape) so as to guarantee the stability of the block and walls in terms
of its own weight and in terms of possible vertical loads transmitted by the flagstones.
Furthermore, joint polymeric pieces may be applied between both half-parts having
the shape shown in Figure 2 so as to reinforce the connection and simplify the phase
constructive process, thus ensuring a greater stability during the construction of
the second wall panel. The contact surfaces among the blocks at the level of the vertical
and horizontal joints consist of tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) (t/g) and pre-drillings
for infrastructure passage (6). The use of tongue and groove fittings aims at simplifying
the assembly of the wall with an increase on the alignment rigour of the blocks, as
well as reducing the amount of settling mortar. It is admissible that in some situations
no bounding material is required at least on the vertical joints, the joining between
blocks being therefore mainly carried out by means of the fitting effect. The fittings
on the horizontal edge are discontinuous along the block width so as to promote a
more precise laying, which is essential to guarantee the vertical alignment of the
space for the infrastructures (see Figure 1a and Figure 4a). The geometry of the tongue
and groove fittings (7, 8) of the horizontal joint consists of a shape with trapezoidal
section with rounded tops (Figure 1, Figure 4b and Figure 5). The t/g fittings (7,
8) are 13 mm in height, 80 mm in length and have a thickness of 20 mm on its base
rising up to 15 mm on the top. These dimensions were defined based on the geometric
proportions of each half-part of the block, in order to provide an appropriate laying
of the blocks, simplify the removing from the mould of the block and avoid right-angled
edges so as to eliminate or reduce possible damages during the transportation of the
blocks. The vertical edges similarly present tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) and
pre-drillings (6). However, unlike the horizontal edges, the t/g fittings (7, 8) of
the vertical edges are continuous along the height of the block, acting as guides
and as stabilizers in the assembly of the wall. The trapezoidal shape and geometry
of the t/g fittings (7, 8) of the vertical edges is similar to that of the fittings
of the horizontal edges and the length is similar to the height of the block (Figure
4a).
[0040] Given that the use of the system in non structural dividing walls is intended, the
block may consist of composite material resulting from the combination of materials
considered as by-products of tire recycling industry (cloth fibbers), cork industry
(black granulated cork) and thermal power stations (gypsum from the desulphurisation
), for use in the construction of dividing walls. The composite material will result
from the combination of different percentages of gypsum (FGD) or conventional construction
gypsum, black granulated cork and cloth fibbers, so as to allow obtaining an appropriate
material for use in blocks for non structural purposes. If composite gypsum-based
material is used, the block may be the result of a moulding process or a combined
process of pressing and moulding. In the first case, the block will be moulded integral
with the composite material. In the second case, the block results from blending a
pressed gypsum plate with a thickness between 12 and 15 mm to a moulded composite
material core (10) forming the inner shape consisting of an association of concave
and convex shapes (3) as previously described (Figure 6). In both solutions the external
surface is expected to be completely flat and therefore provides a nearly final finishing.
However, when necessary, the surface may be finished with a covering gypsum mortar.
The mixed block with pressed plate (9) and moulded nucleus (10) has an uniaxial compressive
strength interval from 1,5 to 2,5 MPa, while the moulded block has a strength interval
from 1,3 to 1,7 at 14 days. These values are compatible with the use foreseen for
dividing walls or non-structural insulation and are comparable with the values of
non-structural masonry blocks available in the market. After being removed from the
mould, the blocks may be cured under room temperature conditions or under drying kiln
at a temperature between 30° and 40°.
[0041] The constructive process, intended as a simple process, is in close relationship
to the preliminary objective of an efficient application of infrastructures. Therefore,
the installation of a slot-rail is requested as a guide for wall implantation, and
the laying of half of the wall (laying of one half of the block) benefiting from the
fitting solution and the use of a settling mortar for the horizontal joints, up to
the level wherein infrastructure installation is adequate. Subsequently to infrastructure
installation, the second wall panel is laid and joined to the first panel already
laid by means of mortar on the border (4) and on the concave area by means of the
supplementary piece shown in Figure 2. The remaining height of the wall can be formed
by the simultaneous laying and connection of both half-parts of the block.
[0042] The wall solution may have different applications. The new wall solution is based
on the application of the block consisting of two half-parts, thus forming a total
wall thickness of 140mm, in the case of dividing walls. Between both block halves,
an insulation may be applied so as to allow a better acoustic and/or thermal performance.
The solution for wall rehabilitation is based on the application of mainly one half-part
of the block placed with its inner face against the wall intended for rehabilitation.
The thickness of this solution is of 70mm, also allowing the integration of infrastructures.
[0043] The different supplementary pieces required for the construction of the wall have
the following characteristics:
- 1. The half block consisting of the adaptation of the original block, reducing it
to half width, resulting in 300mm width, 300mm height and 70mm depth (Figure 6). The
half block is intended to avoid the cut of the whole block so as to allow beginning
or finishing laying a row, in the case of selecting a conventional apparatus (masonry
set up in "counter-row" method). When the measurements of the blocks are neglected
and the end piece is required to have less than 300mm, this piece allows a significant
decrease in waste production, when compared to the whole block.
- 2. The corner block consists of adapting a whole block and a half block, in a corner
situation (Figure 7). It is an L-shaped piece, which has been designed without fittings
and without the core (2) comprising concave and convex shapes (3), for compatibility
and rationalization purposes. The inexistence of fittings allows a one-piece compatibility
with all possible combinations (tongue and groove). On the other hand, during finishing
procedures, it also allows using the corners to correct imperfections or flaws in
the system's measurements. It is thus guaranteed that the edge, which is a fragile
point in nature, is reinforced and provided with execution quality. The joining of
this particular block to the current block should be made by means of a metal sheet
(9) attached with screws to guarantee the continuity of the wall (Figure 8).
- 3. In order to contribute for the structural safety of the system, mainly when the
walls are subject to seismic action, a metal sheet was developed most likely conceived
in galvanized steel (Figure 9). This piece has 100mm in length, 50mm in width, about
1mm to 2mm in thickness, having a "groove" fitting (8) on one end containing drillings
on the section contacting with the structural element so as to undertake the joining
with screws. This sheet will be used for joining the corner block to the structural
housing elements, namely reinforced concrete porches and steel porches (Figure 9).
The foil should be outlined so as to guarantee an "L" shape. Both pieces will be applied
onto the area of the joint between blocks, the attachment thereof being carried out
by means of screws.
1. Block for the construction of dividing walls, comprising two half-parts having the same geometry, each half-part presenting a core (2) with
variable thickness consisting of alternate concave and convex curvilinear shapes (3),
bevelled tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) and round drillings for the passage of
infrastructures and an outer rectangular part having a constant thickness.
2. Block according to claim 1, wherein the joint between the two half-parts is carried out by applying gypsum mortar and/or
polymeric mortar in the perimeter of the inner part (4) which is composed of a continuous
edge thus the final block with vertical and horizontal drilling being formed.
3. Block according to the previous claims, wherein the tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) have a trapezoidal section the outlying points
thereof being rounded.
4. Block according to the previous claims, wherein the tongue and groove fittings (7, 8) on the vertical edge are continuous and the
fittings on the horizontal edge are discontinuous.
5. Block according to the previous claims, wherein the contact surfaces between the blocks at the level of the vertical and horizontal
joints comprise pre-drillings for the passage of infrastructures.
6. Block according to the previous claims, comprising polymeric pieces for the interconnection of both half-parts.
7. Block according to the previous claims, wherein an insulation is applied between the two half-parts of the block.
8. Block according to the previous claims, wherein it is manufactured from gypsum composite
material, black granulated cork and cloth fibbers or light concrete (with expanded
clay or another light material, including black granulated cork).
9. Block according to the previous claims, wherein it consists of composite material from the combination of materials considered as
by-products from tire recycling industry, from cork industry and from thermal power
stations.
10. Block according to the previous claims, wherein it is designed with an L shape, without fittings or core (2) consisting of concave
and convex shapes (3).
11. Block according to the previous claim, wherein the joint of the said L-shaped block to a block of conventional shape is carried
out by means of a metal sheet with a "groove" fitting (8) having drillings on one
end, on the surface contacting with the structural element so as to undertake the
joining by screws.
12. Process for the application of the block according to claim 1,
comprising the following steps:
a) placing and laying a half-part of the block so that the flat part consists of the
outer surface of the wall up to a height considered as suitable for structure placement
procedures making use of a polymeric mortar or gypsum adhesive applied onto the horizontal
joints on the concave parts (3);
b) placing the infrastructures;
c) placing and laying the second half-part of the block, thus joining it to the first
half-part by means of applying a bounding material, which might be setting material
applied onto the horizontal joints.
13. Process according to the previous claim, wherein the interconnection of the blocks is carried out by supplementary polymeric pieces.