Structural blocks and structural system utilizing same

A system of structural blocks comprised of longitudinally extending members having vertical inner and outer faces. The basic structural blocks have webs centered on and projecting away from the inner faces of the blocks and extending from top to bottom of the blocks along one-half their longitudinal extent. Tongue and groove projections and recesses on the inner faces and on the webs mate with corresponding projections and recesses on identical blocks, whereby a plurality of such blocks may be longitudinally, transversely and vertically interlocked together. Corner, jamb, pilaster, beam, junction and web blocks are provided, together with a corresponding series of half height blocks, to interlock with the basic blocks and with each other so as to enable construction of a wide variety of buildings or structures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This application pertains to a structural block and a structural system 
utilizing same. More particularly, the application pertains to a system of 
structural blocks which may be longitudinally, transversely and vertically 
interlocked together, without the use of bonding agents, and by unskilled 
or semi-skilled labourers, to construct a wide variety of buildings having 
improved longevity, fire safety, acoustical isolation and thermal 
insulation characteristics as compared with prior art building block 
structures. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The prior art has evolved a variety of building blocks which are capable of 
being interlocked together to construct buildings of various shapes and 
sizes. Prior art interlocking blocks typically utilize upwardly projecting 
webs which mate with recesses provided in the bases of identical blocks. 
The blocks are positioned on top of and in vertical interlocking 
relationship with each other. The prior art is exemplified, for example, 
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,060 issued June 10, 1975 for an invention of Juan 
Haener; U.S. Pat. No. 2,610,503 issued Sept. 16, 1952 for an invention of 
Clarence C. Hall; U.S. Pat. No. 3,247,633 issued Apr. 26, 1966 for an 
invention of Russell F. Schultz et al; U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,982 issued Feb. 
28, 1967 for an invention of Oscar Murphy Steele; and, U.S. Pat. No. 
3,618,279 issued Nov. 9, 1971 for an invention of T. F. Sease. However, 
such prior art building blocks rely either solely or heavily upon the 
mating relationship between the aforesaid upwardly projecting webs and 
recesses to interlock the blocks together. This is disadvantageous because 
shear forces acting perpendicular to a wall constructed of such prior art 
blocks may cause the upwardly protruding webs (which, of necessity, have a 
relatively small surface area, as compared with that portion of the 
surface area of the block from which the webs project) to shear away from 
the remainder of the block, unless a bonding agent such as mortar or grout 
is used to strengthen the bond between adjacent blocks. Moveover, unless 
bonding agents are used, such prior art blocks are not capable of 
resisting forces applied horizontally or vertically in the plane of a wall 
constructed with such prior art blocks, which may result in damage to or 
destruction of the wall. 
The present invention provides a simplified structural block system in 
which a minimal number of different types of interlocking blocks may be 
utilized to construct a wide variety of buildings, without the need for 
mortar or other bonding agents. More particularly, the structural blocks 
of the invention enable the construction of buildings from parallel 
courses of blocks which are longitudinally and transversely interlocked 
together and which may further be vertically interlocked with additional 
courses of longitudinally and transversely interlocked blocks placed on 
top of lower courses of interlocked blocks. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a basic structural block 
comprising a longitudinally extending member having vertical inner and 
outer faces. A web is centred on and projects away from the inner face of 
the block and extends from top to bottom thereof along one half the 
longitudinal extent of the inner face of the block. Tongue and groove 
projections and recesses are provided on the inner face and on the web for 
mating with corresponding projections and recesses on identical blocks, 
whereby a plurality of such blocks may be longitudinally, transversely and 
vertically interlocked together. 
The invention also provides a corner block which is similar to the basic 
block, but which is truncated at one longitudinal end thereof by an amount 
equal to the displacement between the inner and outer faces of the basic 
block (such displacement being identical for all blocks in the system 
except the pilaster and web blocks). The corner block further comprises a 
second web at its truncated end, projecting away from the inner face of 
the corner block and extending from top to bottom thereof. The second web 
has tongue and groove projections and recesses for mating with 
corresponding projections and recesses on the basic blocks. This enables 
the corner block to be interlocked with the basic block, with the outer 
faces of both blocks at 90.degree. to one another, thus forming a corner. 
The invention also provides a jamb block which is also similar to the basic 
block, but which has one longitudinal half thereof replaced by a 
rectangular butt for extending the displacement between the inner and 
outer faces of the butt to equal the displacement between the outer faces 
of a pair of opposed, longitudinally and transversely interlocked basic 
blocks. The jamb block may be positioned at the end of a course of basic 
blocks to frame a door, window or other wall aperture. 
The invention also provides a pilaster block which is also similar to the 
basic block, but in which the displacement between the inner and outer 
block faces is greater than the corresponding displacement in the basic 
blocks. A vertical stack of pilaster blocks may be interlocked into a wall 
to form a structural pier or column to strengthen the wall or to support 
loads above the column. 
The invention further provides a beam block which is also similar to the 
basic block, but in which the central, projecting web is truncated to 
extend from the bottom of the block only about one quarter to about one 
half the distance to the top of the block. This leaves a space above the 
web into which reinforcing material may be inserted, thereby facilitating 
construction of lintels or beams. 
The invention further provides a junction block which is also similar to 
the basic block, but which has a right angled corner between its inner and 
outer faces. First and second tongue and groove bearing portions project, 
respectively, away from first and second right angled inner faces of the 
junction block. The junction block facilitates construction of "T" 
interconnected walls. 
The invention also provides a web block which is also similar to the basic 
block but in which the aforementioned longitudinally extending member is 
truncated so that it extends only the width of the web, such that, when 
the web block is longitudinally and transversely interlocked with the 
basic blocks, the outer face of the web block will lie in the same plane 
as the innermost faces of the webs of the basic block. The web block 
facilitates construction of walls having reduced thickness, as compared 
with the thickness of walls constructed entirely of basic blocks. 
A structural system according to the invention may comprise a plurality of 
basic blocks, a further plurality of half height basic blocks, and a 
selection of full and half height corner, jamb, pilaster, beam, junction 
and web blocks; depending upon the nature of the desired structure. The 
basic blocks may be longitudinally, transversely and vertically 
interlocked together to form a wall by alternately placing a first course 
of half height blocks in longitudinally and transversely interlocked 
relation with a second, parallel, opposed course of full height basic 
blocks, with the inner faces of each course of blocks facing one another, 
thereby forming a base for the wall. The base will have a staggered upper 
surface comprised, along one side of the upper surface, of the tops of the 
half height blocks; and, along the parallel, opposed side of the upper 
surface, of the tops of the full height blocks. Full height basic blocks 
are then interlocked longitudinally, transversely and vertically with the 
previously placed blocks, by alternately stacking the full height basic 
blocks along the upper surface of the first course of half height blocks 
and then above the second course of full height blocks, to a desired 
height of the wall. Finally, a course of half height blocks is placed in 
longitudinally overlapped, interlocking relation with the uppermost course 
of full height blocks, to provide a level upper surface for the wall. 
The displacement between the inner and outer faces of the blocks and/or the 
distance by which the webs project from the inner faces of the blocks may 
be varied to provide blocks of any desired thickness, thereby facilitating 
the construction of walls of any desired thickness. 
Advantageously, the blocks are vertically apertured to reduce the weight of 
the blocks and to permit insertion of reinforcing or other material 
through vertical stacks of blocks, which may be desired in some cases. 
Vertical apertures are also preferably provided in the blocks, adjacent 
their outer faces, such that the vertical apertures of one course of 
blocks will be in air communication with corresponding vertical apertures 
of a course of blocks interlocked above or below said one course. This 
enables air to circulate through the blocks, adjacent the outer surface of 
the wall, and provides thermal isolation between the inner and outer 
surfaces of the wall of a building constructed with the blocks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Basic Structural Block 
FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a basic structural block 10 according 
to the invention. Block 10, which is preferably made from concrete, 
comprises a longitudinally extending member 12 having opposed vertical 
inner and outer faces 14, 16 respectively. A web 18 is centred on and 
projects away from inner face 14 and extends from top to bottom of block 
10 along one half the longitudinal extent of inner face 14. Tongue and 
groove type projections 20 and recesses 22 are provided on inner face 14 
and on web 18 for mating with corresponding projections and recesses on 
other blocks in the manner hereinafter described. This enables a plurality 
of blocks 10 to be longitudinally, transversely and vertically interlocked 
together, with inner faces of alternate blocks facing one another, as 
hereinafter described. 
The inventor has found that the "jigsaw" puzzle shaped pattern of 
interlocking projections and recesses 20, 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 is 
uniquely adapted to the construction of a system of interlocking building 
blocks as hereinafter described. It should however be understood that the 
displacement between inner and outer faces 14, 16 of block 10 (and of all 
of the other blocks hereinafter described) is variable, as is the distance 
by which web 18 projects from inner face 14 of block 10. FIG. 2 
illustrates, for example, how block 10 may be extended by adding material 
on outer face 16 to extend the thickness of block 10 by any desired 
amount. This is illustrated by hidden lines in FIG. 2 and by reference 
numeral 16A which denotes an extended outer face of block 10. Those 
skilled in the art will further understand that outer faces 16 or 16A of 
block 10 may be textured or otherwise provided with decorative or 
acoustical dampening materials and configurations. 
Web 18 is preferably provided with a vertical aperture 24 (FIG. 1) which 
extends through block 10 from top to bottom. Besides reducing the weight 
of block 10, aperture 24 facilitates the insertion of reinforcing 
material, insulating material, mechanical or electrical service conduits, 
etc. through a plurality of aligned apertures in a sequence of vertically 
interlocked blocks. 
Block 10 preferably also includes at least one aperture 26 (two such 
apertures being illustrated in FIG. 1) which also extends vertically 
through block 10 from top to bottom between inner and outer faces 14, 16. 
Apertures 26 (which preferably take the form of extended, narrow slots, as 
illustrated in FIG. 1) are located relatively close to block outer face 16 
and are positioned such that apertures 26 of one block will be in air 
communication with corresponding apertures of other blocks vertically 
interlocked above or below said one block as hereinafter described. This 
assists in the establishment of a thermally insulative barrier between the 
inner and outer surfaces of a wall constructed with a plurality of blocks 
10 in the manner hereinafter described. Apertures 26 further contribute to 
the equalization of differential air pressure which may exist between the 
inner and outer faces of a wall constructed with blocks 10. Apertures 26 
also enhance the capability of blocks 10 to withstand fire by circulating 
air which tends to cool the outer walls of a structure formed of such 
blocks and thus improves the structure's capability to resist thermal 
shock as, for example, when a fire hose is trained upon the outer wall of 
a structure inside which a fire is burning. 
FIG. 3 illustrates a structural block 30 which is identical to basic block 
10 of FIG. 1, except that block 30 is only half the height of block 10. 
Construction with Basic Blocks 
FIG. 4 illustrates how a plurality of full height blocks 10A, 10B, etc. and 
half height blocks 30A, 30B, etc. may be combined to construct a wall in 
which the blocks are longitudinally, transversely and vertically 
interlocked together. As used herein the term "longitudinally interlocked" 
refers to the capability to resist forces in either of the directions 
indicated in FIG. 4 by double-headed arrow 36. Similarly, the terms 
"transversely interlocked" and "vertically interlocked" refer, 
respectively, to the capability to resist forces in the directions 
indicated in FIG. 4 by double-headed arrows 37 and 38. 
More particularly, FIG. 4 illustrates how a half height block 30A may be 
longitudinally and transversely interlocked in overlapped relation with a 
full height block 10A, with the inner faces of blocks 30A and 10A facing 
one another. This is accomplished by placing one or the other of blocks 
10A or 30A upon a surface, then aligning the projections and recesses of 
the other block over the corresponding mating recesses and projections of 
the first block, then sliding the second block down so that the recesses 
and projections of both blocks interlock as shown. A second half height 
block 30B may then be placed, as shown, in longitudinal, end to end 
relationship with half height block 30A and in longitudinally and 
transversely interlocking relation with full height block 10A. Then, a 
second full height block 10B may be placed, as shown, in longitudinal, end 
to end relation with full height block 10A and in longitudinally and 
transversely interlocking relation with half height block 30B. A parallel 
opposed pair of longitudinally and transversely interlocked courses of 
half and full height blocks may thus be extended to any desired length by 
interlocking placement of additional half height and full height blocks to 
the right and/or left of those illustrated in FIG. 4, thereby forming a 
base for a wall. As may be seen in FIG. 4, the base of the wall has a 
staggered upper surface comprised, along one side of the upper surface, of 
the tops 32A and 32B of the first course of half height blocks 30A and 30B 
respectively; and, further comprised, along the parallel opposed side of 
the upper surface of the base of the wall, of the tops 34A and 34B of the 
second course of full height blocks 10A and 10B. 
Construction of the wall may then proceed by alternately stacking full 
height blocks along the upper surface formed by the tops 32A, 32B, etc. of 
the first course of half height blocks 30A, 30B, etc. so as to 
longitudinally, transversely and vertically interlock the lower halves of 
the newly stacked full height blocks in longitudinal overlapping 
relationship with the portions of full height blocks lOA, lOB which may be 
seen projecting above blocks 30A, 30B in FIG. 4. An opposed course of full 
height blocks may then be stacked along the upper surface formed by the 
tops 34A, 34B, etc. of the second course of blocks 10A, 10B, etc. to 
longitudinally, transversely and vertically interlock the lower halves of 
those newly stacked blocks in longitudinally overlapped relationship with 
the upper projecting halves of the course of full height blocks stacked on 
top of the first course of half height blocks 30A, 30B, etc. Construction 
of the wall continues in this manner, leaving a staggered upper surface 
along the tops of opposed courses of interlocked blocks, until the wall 
reaches its desired height. A final course of half height blocks is then 
positioned along the tops of the lower of the two uppermost courses of 
full height blocks so as to level the top surface of the wall. The 
resultant wall is securely interlocked longitudinally, transversely and 
vertically and thus is able to withstand forces of the sort mentioned 
above which may damage or destroy structures formed of prior art blocks. 
Accordingly, structures formed of the blocks of the invention have 
improved longevity as compared with structures formed of prior art blocks. 
Moreover, structures formed of the blocks of the invention are better able 
to withstand fire and have improved accoustical isolation as compared with 
structures formed of prior art blocks, because the discontinuous material 
surface between transversely opposed blocks forms a barrier to the 
penetration of fire or sound. 
Corner Block 
FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate full and half height "corner" blocks 40 and 50 
respectively, which may be interlocked with the basic blocks described 
above to form 90.degree. corners. Corner blocks 40 and 50 are similar to 
basic blocks 10 and 30 respectively, except that corner blocks 40 and 50 
are truncated at their ends 42, 52 by an amount equal to the displacement 
between inner and outer faces 14, 16 of basic blocks 10 or 30. 
Furthermore, corner blocks 40 and 50 are provided with a second web 44, 54 
respectively at truncated ends 42, 52. Second webs 44, 54 project away 
from the inner faces 46, 56 of blocks 40, 50 and extend from top to bottom 
of blocks 40, 50 respectively. Second webs 44, 54 are further provided 
with tongue and groove projections and recesses similar to and for mating 
with those provided on blocks 10, 30. 
Construction of Corners 
FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the use of corner block 40 in conjunction 
with the full and half height basic blocks. More particularly, FIG. 17 
illustrates how a pair of half height basic blocks 30A and 30B may be 
positioned to form a corner with the outer faces of blocks 30A, 30B at 
right angles to one another. The bases of a pair of right angled walls may 
then be constructed by laying a plurality of half height basic blocks 30 
to the right of block 30B shown in FIG. 17 and by laying a further 
plurality of half height basic blocks 30 in longitudinal end to end 
relationship with block 30A shown in FIG. 17, as described above with 
reference to FIG. 4. 
As may be seen in FIG. 18, a full height basic block 10A is placed in 
longitudinally and transversely interlocked relation with half height 
corner block 30B of FIG. 17 (block 30B is obscured from view in FIG. 18 by 
blocks stacked on top and in front of it), in the manner described above 
with reference to FIG. 4. The recesses and projections of full height 
corner block 40A are then aligned over the corresponding mating 
projections and recesses of half height block 30A and full height block 
10A. Corner block 40A is then allowed to slide down so that it interlocks 
both longitudinally and transversely with blocks 30A and 10A, as shown in 
FIG. 18 (block 30A is also obscured from view in FIG. 18 by blocks stacked 
on top and in front of it), and further is in 90.degree. opposed 
interlocking relation with the left hand end of full height basic block 
10A as viewed in FIG. 18. 
By comparing FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 17 and 18 those skilled in the art will 
understand how the aforesaid longitudinal truncation of corner block 40 
and provision of second web 44 cooperate with mating portions of basic 
block 10 to form a 90.degree. corner rigidly interlocked with adjacent and 
vertically staggered blocks. Construction of the right angled wall 
proceeds as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 by interlocking placement of 
additional full height blocks 10 and corner blocks 40. Note that corner 
blocks 40A, 40 are vertically staggered on opposite sides of the corner as 
illustrated in FIG. 19 to yield an overlapped, rigidly interlocked corner 
structure. 
Jamb Block 
FIGS. 6 and 8 illustrate full and half height "jamb" blocks 60 and 70 
respectively, which may be interlocked with the other structural blocks 
herein described to form door jambs, or to frame windows or other wall 
apertures. Jamb blocks 60, 70 are similar to basic blocks 10 and 30 
respectively, except that one longitudinal half of each of the basic 
blocks is replaced by a rectangular butt portion 62, 72 which extends the 
displacement between the inner faces 64, 74 and the outer faces 66, 76 
respectively to equal the transverse displacement between the outer faces 
of a pair of longitudinally and transversely interlocked basic blocks such 
as blocks 10B and 30B illustrated in FIG. 4. This provides a squared 
termination for a course of blocks as will now be described with reference 
to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16. 
Construction of Door Jambs, Window Frames, etc. 
FIG. 14 illustrates the placement of a full height jamb block 60A in 
longitudinally and transversely interlocking relation with a half height 
basic block 30A. FIG. 15 illustrates how additional half height blocks 
30B, 30C, etc. and full height blocks 10A, 10B, etc. may be added in the 
manner described above with reference to FIG. 4 to form a base of a wall 
extending downwardly to the right of jamb block 60A as viewed in FIG. 15. 
Construction of the wall then proceeds as illustrated in FIG. 16 and as 
described above, through the addition of further full height blocks 10 and 
jamb blocks 60 until the wall reaches its desired height. The vertically 
aligned, flat, butt ends of jamb blocks 60 form a smooth, vertical end 
surface of the wall which may serve as a portion of a door jamb, window 
frame, etc. Notches 68, 78 (FIGS. 6 and 8) are provided in jamb blocks 60 
and 70 respectively to receive anchor elements conventionally provided in 
pre-manufactured door and window frames, etc. The anchor elements protrude 
through notches 68, 78 into the large central apertures of blocks 60, 70 
which apertures may then be filled with grout or other hardenable material 
to hold the anchor elements and their associated frames securely in place. 
Pilaster Block 
FIG. 9 illustrates a full height "pilaster" block 110. A pair of half 
height pilaster blocks (not shown separately) may be constructed by 
dividing full height pilaster block 110 along a plane midway between and 
parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of block 110. Pilaster block 110 
is similar to basic block 10, except that the transverse displacement 
between inner and outer faces 112, 114 of pilaster block 110 is extended 
with respect to the transverse displacement between inner and outer faces 
14, 16 of basic block 10. This is accomplished by providing an enlarged 
aperture 116 within pilaster block 110 (as may be seen in FIG. 9) and by 
extending the side walls 118, 120 of pilaster block 110. Note that there 
is no need, in pilaster block 110, for apertures corresponding to air 
communication apertures 26 of basic block 10, since extended aperture 116 
of pilaster block 110 may be configured to ensure adequate thermal 
isolation and air pressure equalization between the inner and outer walls 
112, 114 of pilaster block 110. Pilaster block 110 facilitates the 
construction of structural piers or columns which may be interconnected 
with walls formed of the various other blocks included in the structural 
system of the invention, as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 
24 and 25. 
Construction of Structural Piers and Columns 
FIG. 24 shows a pair of half height basic blocks 30A and 30B placed on 
longitudinally opposed sides of a half height pilaster block 110A. A pair 
of full height basic blocks (only one of which, namely block 10A, is 
visible in FIG. 24) are then longitudinally and transversely interlocked 
with blocks 30A, 30B and 110A. A full height pilaster block 110B is then 
placed on top of half height pilaster block 110A and in longitudinally, 
transversely and vertically interlocking relation with the aforementioned 
full height basic blocks. Construction proceeds in the manner aforesaid by 
interlocking placement of additional full height basic blocks on top of 
the courses of full and half height basic blocks previously placed, and by 
interlocking placement of additional full height pilaster blocks on top of 
the pilaster blocks previously placed, until the wall and column reach 
their desired height, after which a final course of half height basic 
blocks is added, as described above, to level the top surface of the wall. 
It will be noted that the extended side walls and outer face of pilaster 
blocks 110A, 110B, etc. protrude out from the wall, thus providing an 
enlarged cross-sectional area for the column comprising the vertically 
aligned pilaster blocks and consequential supportive strength for the 
adjacent interconnected wall sections or for loads which may be placed 
above the column. If desired, grout or other suitable hardenable material 
may be injected into the vertically aligned apertures of a column of 
pilaster blocks to provide further strength. 
FIG. 25 shows an alternate technique for constructing an interconnected 
wall and column in which the resultant column protrudes from the side of 
the wall on which full height basic blocks form the lowest course of 
blocks (by contrast, the column formed by pilaster blocks 110A, 110B in 
FIG. 24 protrudes from the side of the wall on which half height basic 
blocks form the lowest course of blocks). As may be seen in FIG. 25, 
construction begins by placement of a full height pilaster block 110C 
between full height basic blocks 10B and 10C. Half height basic blocks 30C 
and 30D are then placed in longitudinally and transversely interlocking 
relationship with blocks 10B, 10C and 110C as shown in FIG. 25. 
Construction proceeds as aforesaid until the wall and column reach their 
desired height, after which a final course of half height basic blocks and 
a half height pilaster block are added (above blocks 10B, 10C and 110C, 
etc.) to level the top surface of the wall. 
Beam Block 
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate full and half height "beam" blocks 80 and 90, 
respectively. Beam blocks 80, 90 are identical to basic blocks 10, 30 
respectively, except that the centrally protruding webs of blocks 10 and 
30 are truncated so that, in beam blocks 80 and 90 respectively, webs 82 
and 92 extend from the bottom of blocks 80, 90 only roughly one quarter to 
one half the distance to the tops of blocks 80, 90. This facilitates the 
placement of reinforcing material, insulating material, mechanical or 
electrical services, etc. along a longitudinal aperture in the space above 
the webs of a series of longitudinally aligned beam blocks 80 or 90 to 
construct a lintel or horizontal beam as will now be described with 
reference to FIGS. 20 through 23. 
Construction of Lintels and Beams 
FIG. 20 illustrates a wall constructed with full height basic and jamb 
blocks 10, 60 to form a wall aperture 100 beneath a piece of temporary 
form work 102. A course of full height beam blocks 80 is laid along the 
top of form work 102 and jamb blocks 60 as illustrated in FIG. 20. Since 
webs 82 of beam blocks 80 have tongue and groove projections and recesses 
identical to those of basic blocks 10; blocks 10 and 80 interlock both 
longitudinally and transversely in the manner hereinbefore described. 
Reinforcing rods or other suitable reinforcing material 104 may then be 
passed through the central apertures of beam blocks 80 positioned above 
jamb blocks 60 to project downwardly through the vertically aligned 
apertures of jamb blocks 60 as shown in FIG. 20. A course of half height 
basic blocks 30 is then interlocked with beam blocks 80, above form work 
102, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 21. Reinforcing material 106 is 
then placed longitudinally along the tops of truncated webs 82 of beam 
blocks 80 as illustrated in FIG. 22. Reinforcing material 106 is then 
covered by placing a course of inverted beam blocks 80 above half height 
basic blocks 30 as may be seen in FIG. 23. This leaves reinforcing 
material 106 in a longitudinal space between the upper surface of webs 82 
of beam blocks 80 shown in FIG. 20, and the lower surfaces of webs 82 of 
beam blocks 80 positioned on top of half height blocks 30 as shown in FIG. 
23. Grout or other suitable hardenable material is then injected into the 
longitudinal space just described to form a solid longitudinal beam above 
aperture 100. After the grout or other material has cured, temporary form 
work 102 may be removed. 
Junction Block 
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate full and half height "junction" blocks 130 and 
140 respectively, which may be interlocked with the full and half height 
basic blocks described above to form a pair of "T" interconnected walls. 
By comparing FIGS. 1 and 12 it will be seen that junction block 130 is 
generally similar to basic block 10, except that member 132 of junction 
block 130 which extends between inner and outer faces 134A, 134B and 136A, 
136B of junction block 130 has a right angled corner 138, whereas the 
corresponding longitudinal member 12 of basic block 10 has no similar 
interruption. Junction block 130 also differs from basic block 10 in that 
block 130 has first and second webs 139A, 139B respectively, whereas basic 
block 10 has only a single web 18. First and second webs 139A, 139B 
project, respectively, away from inner faces 134A, 134B of junction block 
130 and at right angles to one another. Tongue and groove projections are 
provided on each of webs 139A, 139B for mating with those provided on the 
full and half height basic blocks, thereby facilitating construction of 
"T" interconnected walls, as will now be described with reference to FIG. 
26. 
Construction of "T" Interconnected Walls 
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate the use of full and half height junction blocks 
130A and 140A in conjunction with the full and half height basic blocks. 
More particularly, FIGS. 26 and 27 show the placement of half height 
junction block 140A in longitudinally and transversely interlocked 
relation with full height basic blocks 10A and 10B. FIGS. 26 and 27 also 
show how half height basic blocks 30A and 30B may then be placed in 
longitudinally and transversely interlocked relation with full height 
blocks 10A and 10B respectively. 
FIGS. 26 and 27 further show the placement of a third full height basic 
block 10C in longitudinally and vertically interlocked relation with 
junction block 140A. As may be seen, a half height basic block 30C may 
then be placed in longitudinally and transversely interlocked relation 
with block 10C. Blocks 10A, 10B, 30A and 30B may be longitudinally 
extended to the upper right or lower left (as viewed in FIGS. 26 and 27), 
and vertically extended, by adding more full and half height blocks in the 
manner described above, to construct a first wall portion. Blocks 10C and 
30C may also be longitudinally extended to the lower right (as viewed in 
FIG. 26--to the upper left as viewed in FIG. 27), and vertically extended 
as above to construct a second wall portion. The first and second wall 
portions form a "T" with the first wall portion constituting the 
"crosspiece" of the "T". The wall portions are securely interconnected 
longitudinally, transversely and vertically interlocking additional 
junction blocks, such as block 130A, on top of block 140A. 
Web Block and Construction of Reduced Thickness Walls 
FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate full and half height "web" blocks 150 and 160 
respectively, which may be interlocked with the full and half height basic 
blocks described above to provide a wall of reduced thickness which may be 
desired, for example, in some climates where thermal insulation of 
building walls is not required, or where the thicker walls produced by 
interlocking basic blocks are for any other reason not required or are 
undesirable. As may be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 28, web block 150 is 
generally similar to basic block 10, except that the portion of web block 
150 corresponding to longitudinal member 12 of block 10 is truncated so 
that it extends only the width of web 152 of web block 150. The transverse 
displacement between inner and outer faces 154, 156 of web block 150 is 
arranged so that, when web block 150 is longitudinally and transversely 
interlocked with an opposed course of basic blocks, in the manner of web 
block 150A shown in FIG. 30, outer face 156A of web block 150A lies in the 
same plane as the innermost planar faces of the webs 18A, 18B of basic 
blocks 10A, 10B. As may be seen in FIG. 30, this results in a wall only 
about three-quarters thick as the wall of FIG. 4 which is constructed with 
parallel opposed, interlocked courses of full and half height basic 
blocks. 
There are further similarities between the structural blocks, in addition 
to the provision of mating projections and recesses on each block. For 
example, the transverse displacement between the inner and outer faces of 
the corner, jamb and beam blocks is variable as described above with 
reference to basic block 10 of FIG. 2, thereby facilitating the 
construction of systems of blocks of different thicknesses, which in turn 
facilitates the construction of buildings having walls of varying 
thicknesses. The second webs of the corner and junction blocks, the butt 
portion of the jamb blocks and the truncated webs of the beam blocks may 
also be vertically apertured as illustrated in the drawings to reduce the 
weight of the blocks and to facilitate the insertion of reinforcing 
material which may be desired in some construction situations. The corner, 
beam and junction blocks may also have vertical apertures, as illustrated 
in the drawings, corresponding to and functionally equivalent to vertical 
apertures 26 of block 10 hereinbefore described. 
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the foregoing 
disclosure, many alterations and modification are possible in the practice 
of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. 
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance 
with the substance defined by the following claims.