Patent Publication Number: US-9404234-B2

Title: Building block system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/769,325, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, entitled “Building Block System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a building block for making a building structure, and more particularly to a system of building blocks for making a water-tight building structure. 
     In the construction industry, a variety of different types of building blocks and materials are utilized for building of structures. Examples of such conventional building blocks include concrete blocks and blocks of insulated concrete forms (ICFs). ICFs are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked and then filled with concrete. ICFs thus provide for a simple concrete wall structure and offer a simplified way to build a form without the need for building any type of formwork. ICFs also do not need to be stripped down for mounting on foundations. However, ICF systems require large amounts of concrete material and are typically used only for building structures of relatively small longitudinal and latitudinal dimensions. ICF blocks have also been known to shift during building, thereby creating a wall that is not built properly. Also, highly skilled labor is generally required for building structures using ICF blocks, because a high level of knowledge of the properties of concrete is needed. 
     An example of a conventional building material is a structurally insulated panel (SIP). SIPs are a composite building material consisting of an insulating layer of rigid polymer foam sandwiched between two layers of structural board. SIPs combine several components of conventional building materials and can be used for many different applications, such as an exterior wall, a roof, a floor and foundation systems. However, SIPs are generally very heavy and thus large machinery is required for the handling of SIPs. Also, highly skilled labor is generally required for building structures using SIPs. 
     Construction blocks made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a relatively lighter weight material, are also known in the construction industry. However, such conventional EPS blocks, when assembled together to form a structure (e.g., the exterior wall of a house), do not achieve a sufficient seal to prevent the infiltration of water through the seams between adjacent blocks. Also, the structure of conventional EPS blocks does not allow for adequate supporting of reinforcing bars, for example, around windows and doors. Another drawback of EPS building block systems is they do not allow for an adequate protective barrier, particularly for exterior walls. Specifically, conventional EPS blocks are typically coated with a concrete and fiber mesh composite, but this does not provide a surface area to which a siding material may be adhered. 
     Another type of conventional building system is a vertical panel system. However, vertical panel systems are complicated to install and are cumbersome to work with, such that heavy machinery is generally required to maneuver the panels. Thus, vertical panel systems can be dangerous due to the height, width and weight of the systems. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a cost-effective building block system which can be assembled and installed in a simple and timely manner, but which still exhibits the high level of strength and structural integrity required for building structures, such as houses. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a simple and cost-effective building block system which also adequately protects against water infiltration. The present invention solves these problems by utilizing different types of building blocks, each of which has a novel structure. The present invention also provides for a novel manner of assembled the building blocks together to build a structure which will be protected against water infiltration. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a building system comprising a foundation block and a wall block. Each of the foundation block and the wall block has opposing first and second main surfaces, a first top end and an opposing second bottom end, and opposing first and second side surfaces extending between the first and second main surfaces and between the top and bottom ends. Portions of the first and second main surfaces of the foundation block proximate the top end thereof taper axially inwardly toward each other and toward an interior of the foundation block to form a pair of inwardly tapered surfaces. The bottom end of the wall block includes a pair of outwardly tapered surfaces which extend axially outwardly away from each other and toward an exterior of the wall block. The pair of outwardly tapered surfaces of the wall block engage the pair of inwardly tapered surfaces of the foundation block in an assembled configuration to form a first vertical stack member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a foundation block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a wall block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a capping block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded side elevational view of a vertical stacked structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of a wall according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a wall according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is another top plan view of a wall according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a corner block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial exploded top plan view of a first wall block, a second wall block and a corner block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a protective coating applied to an exterior joint according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a clip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the system and instruments and related parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , there are shown four different types of modular, precast building blocks, generally designated  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16 , respectively. One or more of the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  may be assembled together, as described in more detail herein, to form an intermediate building structure  100 , such as a wall, as shown in  FIG. 5 . More particularly, the wall  100  is constructed of a first row of building blocks  10 , also known as foundation blocks, set upon a footing or foundation  15 . A second layer of building blocks  12 , also known as wall blocks, is then set upon the first layer of foundation blocks  10 . Additional layers of wall blocks  12  may be utilized to achieve a desired height. Finally, the third block  14 , also known as a cover block, is set upon the last layer of wall blocks  12  to construct the wall  100 . One or more of the walls  100  may then be assembled together, utilizing the fourth or corner block  16 , to construct a completed building structure  200 , such as a room of a commercial or residential dwelling, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Each of the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  is made of a lightweight material suitable for construction. Preferably, each block  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  is made of a material which exhibits a high thermal resistance and a high structural strength. Examples of materials for the blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  include plastic (or some other polymeric material), paperstone, bentonyte or composites thereof. More preferably, each block  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  is made of a plastic material, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads. A preferred example of an EPS material for the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  is Cellofoam® EPS manufactured by Cellofoam North America Inc. However, it will be understood that any EPS material may be utilized. 
     The resulting building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  are each substantially light in weight, but of sufficient strength for constructing a building structure, such as exterior and interior walls, retaining walls, roofing systems, foundations and the like. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the material of the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  is not limited to the described examples. Instead, as previously described, the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  may be made of any made of a lightweight material having sufficient strength for use as a construction material. 
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while preferred embodiments are described herein, in which the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  each have particular dimensions, the dimensions (e.g., height, width and depth) of the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  may vary as necessary depending on the building needs of different customers and end users. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first block  10  is a foundation block. More particularly, in an assembled structure, a plurality of the foundation blocks  10  may be secured to a preformed concrete footing or monolithic foundation slab  15  to form a first row or layer of foundation building blocks  10 . The foundation block  10  has a first, main surface  18  and an opposing second, main surface  20 . The foundation block  10  further includes a first lateral side surface (e.g. a left-hand side surface)  21  and an opposing second lateral side surface (e.g., a right-hand side surface)  24  (see  FIG. 5 ). The first and second main surfaces  18 ,  20  of the foundation block  10  are preferably generally smooth planar surfaces which extend generally parallel to each other. The first and second lateral side surfaces  21 ,  24  preferably extend generally parallel to each other and also extend between and generally perpendicular to the first and second main surfaces  18 ,  20 . The first and second lateral side surfaces  21 ,  24  also preferably have a generally smooth planar surface. As such, the foundation block  10  has a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , in one embodiment, each foundation block preferably has a height H of approximately 2 to 4 feet, and more preferably approximately 3 feet; a width W of approximately 10 to 16 feet, and more preferably approximately 12 feet; and a depth D of approximately 6 to 12 inches, and more preferably approximately 8 inches. The height H is measured in a direction of extension along a central longitudinal axis L of the foundation block  10 . The width W is measured in a direction perpendicular to the height H of the foundation block  10  (i.e., into and out of the paper on  FIG. 1 ). The depth D is measured in a direction perpendicular to both the height H and width W of the foundation block  10 . More particularly, the depth D is a measure of the thickness of the foundation block  10 . It will be understood that the dimensions and shape of the foundation block  10  may vary as necessary to suit the needs of different customers and building structures. 
     The foundation block  10  also has a first, top end  22  and an opposing second, bottom end  25 . Proximate the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 , at least a portion of each of the first and second main surfaces  18 ,  20  tapers upwardly and axially inwardly toward each other and toward an interior of the foundation block  10  to form inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  (i.e., a first top end portion). More preferably, the inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  extend along the entire width W of the foundation block  10 . Preferably, the inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  extend axially inwardly at an angle α 1  of approximately 20° to 60°. More preferably, the inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  extend axially inwardly at an angle α 1  of approximately 60°. At the distalmost or uppermost tip of the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 , the inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  transition to form spaced-apart horizontally-extending planar surfaces  19 ,  23  (i.e., a second top end portion). 
     A first elongated indentation or recess  28  is formed proximate the top end  22  of the foundation block  10  between the tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a , and more particularly between the spaced-apart horizontally-extending planar surfaces  19 ,  23 . The recess  28  preferably has a generally rectangular shape in cross section and extends along at least a portion of the foundation block  10  in the direction of the width W thereof, parallel to the planar surfaces  19 ,  23 . More preferably, the recess  28  extends along the entire width W of the foundation block  10 . In one embodiment, the recess  28  preferably has a height H R  of approximately 1 to 3 inches, and more preferably approximately 2 inches, measured from the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 , and more particularly from the spaced-apart horizontally-extending planar surfaces  19 ,  23  to a first, upper recessed surface  30 . The recess  28  also preferably has a thickness or depth D R  of approximately 3 to 5 inches, and more preferably approximately 4 inches, measured in the direction of the depth D of the foundation block  10 . However, it will be understood that the dimensions and shape of the recess  28  may vary as necessary to suit the needs of different customers and building structures. 
     A second elongated indentation or recess  32  is preferably also formed proximate the bottom end  25  of the foundation block  10 . The second recess  32  preferably has a generally rectangular shape in cross section and extends from the bottom end  25  of the foundation block  10  to a second, lower recessed surface  34  opposite the first recessed surface  30 . The dimensions (e.g., width, height and depth) of the second recess  30  are preferably the same or as at least substantially similar to those of the first recess  28 . The second recess  32  preferably serves as a groove  32  for engaging a corresponding protrusion, and more particularly for fixedly engaging a preformed or cast concrete protrusion or tongue of the footing or foundation  15 . More particularly, when the foundation block  10  is mounted on the concrete footing or monolithic foundation slab  15 , the concrete material of the footing or foundation slab substantially or entirely fills the second recess  32  to secure the foundation block  10  to the footing or foundation  15 . In one embodiment, the bottom end  25  of the foundation block  10  and more particularly the area of the second recess  32  is coated with a structural adhesive or epoxy which helps create a water-tight seal between the foundation block  10  and the footing/foundation  15  (i.e., at the cold joint), thereby reducing the risk of water infiltration at the cold joint. 
     A longitudinal opening or bore  26  is preferably formed within the body of the foundation block  10  proximate the central longitudinal axis L of the foundation block  10  in a direction parallel to the height H thereof. More particularly, the bore  26  extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis L and the height H of the foundation block  10  from the top end  22  to the bottom end  25 , and more preferably from the first, upper recessed surface  30  to the second, lower recessed surface  34 . Accordingly, the height H B  of the bore  26  is preferably the same as the height H of the foundation block  10  minus the heights H R  of the first and second recesses  28 ,  32 . For example, in a preferred embodiment, where the first and second recesses  28 ,  32  each have a height H R  of approximately 2 inches and the foundation block  10  has an overall height H of approximately 3 feet, the bore  26  has a height H B  of approximately 32 inches. However, it will be understood that the height H R  of the bore  26  may vary, as the heights of the foundation block  10  and recesses  28 ,  32  vary to meet particular customer needs. 
     Similarly, the other dimensions (e.g., width W B  and depth D B ) of the bore  26  may vary to meet the building needs of different customers or end users. Preferably, however, the bore  26  has a depth D B  of approximately 3 to 5 inches, and more preferably approximately 4 inches. The bore  26  also preferably has a width W B  of approximately 4 to 8 inches, and more preferably approximately 6 inches. Further, when various foundation blocks  10  are horizontally arranged in a line for building of a wall  100 , the distance between the geometric center of the bore  26  of a first foundation block  10  to the geometric center of the bore  26  of a second foundation block  10 , situated directly adjacent to the first foundation block  10 , is preferably approximately 10 to 20 inches and most preferably approximately 16 inches. However, it will be understood that size of the bore  26  and the block  10  may vary to meet particular engineering and building needs. 
     The foundation block  10  is suited for various types of building uses, including for building of exterior walls, interior walls, retaining walls, zero lot line developments similar to using a soldier pile system, a pin piling system for walls, and the like. For building such structures, a first row or layer of one or more foundation blocks  10  is secured to a footing or foundation, as described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the second block  12  is a wall block. Most of the structure and dimensions of the wall block  12  are similar to that of the foundation block  10 , and thus like numerals have been used for like structural elements and dimensions. Accordingly, a complete description of the structure of the wall block  12  has been omitted, with only the differences being described using different numerals. 
     In particular, while the top ends  22  of the wall block  12  and foundation block  10  are the same or at least substantially similar, the wall block  12  has a bottom end  54  which differs from the bottom end  25  of the foundation block  10 . Specifically, the bottom end  54  of the wall block  12  includes a pair of outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  (i.e., a first bottom end portion) and a pair of spaced-apart horizontally-extending planar surfaces  59 ,  61  (i.e., a second bottom end portion). More particularly, at the bottom end  54  of the wall block  12 , the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  taper downwardly from the spaced-apart horizontally-extending planar surfaces  59 ,  61  and extend axially outwardly away from each other and toward an exterior of the wall block  12 . More preferably, the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  extend along the entire width W of the wall block  12 . Preferably, the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  extend axially outwardly at an angle α 2  of approximately 20° to 60°. More preferably, the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  extend axially outwardly at an angle α 2  of approximately 60°. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , each wall block  12  is preferably configured to be positioned on the top end  22  of a foundation block  10 . Accordingly, most preferably, the angle α 2  of taper of the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  at the bottom end  54  of the wall block  12  is the same as or at least substantially similar to the angle α 1  of taper at the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 , such that the bottom end  54  of the wall block  12  mates or otherwise couples with the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 . 
     More particularly, referring to  FIG. 5 , each intermediate building structure or wall  100  is formed by one or more vertical stack members  60 , each of which is comprised of at least a first wall block  12  positioned on top of a foundation block  10 . In each vertical stack member  60 , the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  of the bottom end  54  of the first wall block  12  directly engage and sit flush with the corresponding inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  of the top end  22  of the foundation block  10  at a first horizontal joint J H . Also, the horizontally extending planar surfaces  59 ,  61  of the bottom end  54  of the first wall block  12  directly engage and sit flush with the corresponding horizontally extending planar surfaces  19 ,  23  of the top end  22  of the foundation block  10 . 
     Preferably, each vertical stack member  60  further includes a second wall block  12  positioned on top of the first wall block  12 , such that the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  and horizontally extending planar surfaces  59 ,  61  of the bottom end  54  of the second wall block  12  directly engage and sit flush with the corresponding inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  and horizontally extending planar surfaces  19 ,  23  of the top end  22  of the first wall block  12  at a second horizontal joint J H . It will be understood that each vertical stack member  60  may further include a third wall block  12 , a fourth wall block  12 , and so forth, until the desired height of the vertical stack member  60  is achieved. 
     A second elongated indentation or recess  33  is formed proximate the bottom end  54  of the wall block  12  between the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60 . The dimensions of the recess  33  are preferably similar to the dimensions of the first recess  28  at the top end  22  of the wall block  12 , with the height H R  of the second recess  33  being measured from the innermost edges of the outwardly tapered surfaces  58 ,  60  to the second, lower recessed surface  34 . 
     Additionally, at the first horizontal joint J H  of each vertical stack member  60 , the position of the second elongated recess  33  of the first wall block  12  preferably corresponds or matches up with that of the first elongated recess  28  of the foundation block  10 . Similarly, at the second horizontal joint J H , the position of the second elongated recess  33  of the second wall block  12  preferably corresponds or matches up with that of the first elongated recess  28  of the first wall block  12 . Accordingly, in each vertical stack member  60 , a horizontally-extending opening or cavity  36  is preferably formed at each horizontal joint J H  in the direction of the width W of the foundation and wall blocks  10 ,  12  (i.e., perpendicular to the central longitudinal axes L thereof). The dimensions of each cavity  36  are determined by the dimensions of the mated recesses  28  and  33 . For example, in one embodiment, in which the height H R  of each recess  28 ,  33  is preferably approximately 2 inches, the overall height H C  of each horizontally-extending cavity  36  is 4 inches. 
     Further, in each vertical stack member  60 , the positions of the vertically-extending bores  26  of the wall block(s)  12  and the foundation block  10  preferably correspond to or match up with each other, thereby forming a vertically-extending opening or cavity  38  through the vertically stacked building blocks  10 ,  12  in the direction of the height H thereof (i.e., parallel to and proximate the central longitudinal axes L thereof). 
     In one embodiment, the intermediate building structure (i.e., the wall)  100  is preferably formed of at least two vertical stack members  60  positioned laterally adjoining or adjacent each other (see  FIG. 5 ). More particularly, the vertical stack members  60  are preferably laterally arranged, such that the positions of each horizontal joint J H  of each vertical stack member  60 , and thus the horizontally-extending cavities  36  of each vertical stack member  60 , correspond to or match up with each other. Accordingly, the wall  100  preferably includes at least one horizontally-extending channel  102 , formed by the plurality of corresponding horizontally-extending cavities  36 , at the position of each of the horizontal joints J H . Similarly, the wall  100  preferably includes at least one vertically-extending channel  104  formed by the plurality of corresponding vertically-extending cavities  38  in each vertical stack member  60 . 
     The horizontally-extending channels  102  and the vertically-extending channels  104  are each configured to receive one or more structural bond beams  40  ( FIGS. 6-7 ), such as reinforcing rods, rebars, reinforcing cylinders, and the like, therein. The reinforcing rods  40  are preferably constructed of a high strength metal, such as steel. The reinforcing rods  40  which run through the horizontally-extending channels  102  preferably tie into each vertical stack member  60  and across each wall or foundation block  10 ,  12  to create monolithic beams for purposes of enhancing the structural integrity of the wall structure  100  in the lateral plane. 
     The reinforcing rods  40  which run through the vertically-extending channels  104 , perpendicular to the reinforcing rods  40  running through the horizontally-extending channels  102 , preferably tie into the wall or foundation block  10 ,  12  of each vertical stack member  60  to create monolithic beams for purposes of enhancing the structural integrity of the wall structure  100  in the longitudinal plane. The vertically-extending reinforcing rods  40  also preferably tie into the roof and foundation/footing, such that each foundation block  10  is secured to the footing/foundation by not only concrete, but also by one or more reinforcing rods  40 . Preferably, each of the horizontally-extending channels  102  and vertically-extending channels  104  is also substantially, and more preferably, entirely reinforced or filled with concrete for providing additional structural support to the wall  100 . The resulting wall  100  thus has superior structural integrity and is structurally integrated on all planes and axes. 
     In one embodiment, a clip  80  is utilized to facilitate proper positioning and placement of the reinforcing rods  40  (see  FIG. 11 ). The clip  80  includes a main body  82 , a central cylindrical or conically-shaped opening  84 , and first and second protrusions  86  extending from the main body  82 . The clip  80  is of a size and shape to be received within the horizontally-extending channels  102  and vertically-extending channels  104 . For positioning of a reinforcing rod  40 , a clip  80  is placed within the horizontally-extending channel  102  or vertically-extending channel  104 , such that the cylindrical opening  84  aligns with the desired position of the reinforcing rod  40 . Then, the reinforcing rod  40  can be inserted through the horizontally-extending channel  102  or vertically-extending channel  104  and the clip  80  positioned therein. In addition, the clips  80  are stackable, such that two or more clips  80  may be utilized within a single horizontally-extending channel  102  or vertically-extending channel  104 . For example, a first clip  80  may be utilized in the position shown in  FIG. 11 . Then, a second clip  80  may be utilized in a position that is inverted to that shown in  FIG. 11 , such that two stacked clips  80  are positioned in a single horizontally-extending channel  102  or vertically-extending channel  104 . 
     In one embodiment, each of the wall blocks  12  and foundation blocks  10  also preferably includes at least one internal conduit  42  extending horizontally therethrough in a direction of the width W of each block  10 ,  12 , perpendicular to the height H and central longitudinal axis L of each block  10 ,  12  (see  FIG. 5 ). The conduits  42  are not shown in  FIGS. 1-2  for clarity of the remaining elements the blocks  10 ,  12 . More preferably, each block  10 ,  12  includes a horizontally-extending conduit  42  at a position 12 inches above the respective bottom end  25 ,  54  thereof, such that the conduits  42  are perfectly suited for receiving electrical wiring, piping and other such utilities. The conduits  42  are preferably substantially or entirely filled with a grout material which creates a thermal mass in the building structure, thereby enhancing the R-Value of the building structure. 
     To complete the wall  100 , the third building block  14  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is utilized. The third building block  14  preferably functions as a cover or capping block  14  to cover the assembled vertical stack members  60  of foundation and wall blocks  10 ,  12 . The capping block  14  preferably has a first, main surface  44  and an opposing second, main surface  46 . The capping block  14  preferably further includes a first lateral side surface (e.g. a left-hand side surface)  48  and an opposing second lateral side surface (e.g., a right-hand side surface)  50  ( FIG. 5 ). The first and second main surfaces  44 ,  46  of the capping block  14  are preferably generally smooth planar surfaces which extend parallel to each other. Each of the first and second lateral side surfaces  48 ,  50  preferably extend parallel to each other and also preferably extend between and perpendicular to the first and second main surfaces  44 ,  46 . The first and second lateral side surfaces  48 ,  50  also have a generally smooth planar surface. 
     The capping block  14  also has a first, top end  52  and an opposing second, bottom end  55 . The bottom end  55  of the capping block  14  includes a pair of outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64 . More particularly, at the bottom end  55  of the capping block  14 , the outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64  taper downwardly from an interior area of the capping block  14  and extend axially outwardly away from each other and toward an exterior of the capping block  14 . More preferably, the outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64  extend axially outwardly away from each other at an angle α 3  of approximately 35° to 60°. More preferably, the outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64  extend at an angle α 3  of approximately 45°. Most preferably, the angle α 3  of taper of the outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64  at the bottom end  55  of the capping block  14  is the same as or at least substantially similar to the angle α 2  of taper at the top end  22  of each wall block  12 , such that the bottom end  55  of the capping block  14  is configured to mate or otherwise couple with the top end  22  of each wall block  12 . 
     More particularly, as described above and as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the wall  100  includes one or more vertical stack members  60 . For each vertical stack member  60 , a wall block  12 , and more particularly the top end  22  of the last wall block  12  layer will remain exposed. The capping block  14  is utilized to cover the exposed top ends  22  of each of the uppermost wall blocks  12 . Thus, as the capping block  14  is positioned on top of a plurality of assembled vertical stack members  60 , the outwardly tapered surfaces  62 ,  64  of the bottom end  54  of the capping block  14  preferably directly engages and sits flush with the corresponding inwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a  of the exposed top end  22  of the last wall block  12  of each vertical stack member  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-7 , the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14  which make up the distalmost vertical stack members  60 , and more particularly the left-most and the right-most vertical stack members  60 , have structures that vary slightly from the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14  which make up the center vertical stack members  60 . Specifically, the exposed first lateral side surface  66  of the wall  100 , which is formed of the first lateral surfaces  21  of the foundation block  10  and wall block(s)  12  of the left-most vertical stack member  60 , preferably has a generally curved or outwardly tapered shape. The exposed opposing second lateral side surface  68  of the wall  100 , which is formed of the second lateral surfaces  24  of the foundation block  10  and wall block(s)  12  of the right-most vertical stack member  60 , preferably includes a recess  68   a  of a generally curved or inwardly tapered shape. It will be understood that the wall  100  may have the alternate configuration, in which the exposed lateral surfaces  66  of the left-most vertical stack member  60  includes a generally curved or inwardly tapered recess and the exposed lateral surface  68  of the right-most vertical stack member  60  has a generally curved or outwardly tapered shape. 
     Each of the horizontal joints J H  of each vertical stack member  60  is preferably provided with a structural or construction adhesive or epoxy to facilitate a secure and water-tight joint and seal between the foundation block  10  and the first wall block  12  mounted thereon, between the wall blocks  12  mounted to each other, and between the last wall block  12  and the capping block  14 , to reduce or preferably eliminate water infiltration at the horizontal joints. Preferably, the adhesive is coated on at least the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces  18   a ,  20   a ,  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64  of the foundation, wall and capping blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 . In one embodiment, the adhesive is preferably one of the construction adhesives manufactured by Loctite® or an adhesive having sealing and adherence properties substantially similar thereto. 
     A structural or construction adhesive or epoxy is also preferably provided at each of the vertical joints J V  between laterally adjoining or adjacent vertical stack members  60  to facilitate a secure and water-tight joint and seal between the stack members  60  and reduce or preferably eliminate water infiltration at the vertical joints. In one embodiment, the adhesive is preferably one of the construction adhesives manufactured by Ashland® Inc. or an adhesive having sealing and adherence properties substantially similar thereto. 
     The above-described structural/construction adhesives provide both lateral and compressive structural properties for the building blocks. Also, in situations where grout is used to seal the building structure, the adhesives prevents expansion or explosion of the building blocks due to pressure build-up created by the grout. 
     A fully assembled intermediate building structure  200 , such as a room of a commercial or residential dwelling, is shown in  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , to form the completed building structure, one or more intermediate building structures (i.e., walls)  100  are assembled together using the fourth building block  16 . The fourth building block  16  is a corner block. The corner block  16  has a generally L-shaped cross-section, with a first lateral end  70  and a second lateral end  72 . The first end  70  of the corner block  16  preferably includes a recess  70   a  of a generally curved or inwardly tapered shape. The second end  72  of the corner block  16  preferably has a generally curved or outwardly tapered shape. More preferably, the recess  70   a  of the first end  70  of the corner block  16  has a shape that corresponds to or matches up with the shape of the exposed first lateral side surface  66  of the wall  100  and the second end  72  of the corner block  16  has a shape that corresponds to or matches up with the shape of the recess  68   a  of the exposed second lateral side surface  68  of the wall  100 . The corner block  16  also preferably includes one or more openings  74  vertically extending therethrough for receiving one or more reinforcing rods  40  and/or reinforcing concrete. The corner opening  79  is preferably an L-shaped opening. 
     It will be understood that the corner blocks  16  are configured to be stacked similar to the foundation and wall blocks  10 ,  12 . Accordingly, the corner blocks  16  which may be mounted on the footing or foundation  15  preferably have first, top ends configured similar to the first top end  22  of the foundation block  10  and opposing second, bottom ends similar to the second bottom end  25  of the foundation block  10 . Similarly, the corner blocks  16  which may then be stacked or otherwise mounted upon the foundation corner block  16 , adjacent the wall blocks  12 , preferably have first, top ends configured similar to the first top end  22  of the wall block  12  and opposing second, bottom ends similar to the second bottom end  54  of the wall block  12 . 
     To assemble a first wall  100  with a second wall  100 , the first lateral side surface  66  of the first wall  100  is positioned such that it is received within the recesses  70   a  of the first ends  70  of the stacked corner blocks  16  and the second ends  72  of the stacked corner blocks  16  are positioned such that they are received within the recess  68   a  of the second lateral side surface  68  of the second wall  100 . Preferably, the first lateral side surface  66  of the first wall  100  sits flush with the recesses  70   a  of the first ends  70  of the stacked corner blocks  16  and the second ends  72  of the stacked corner blocks  16  sit flush with the recess  68   a  of the second lateral side surface  68  of the second wall  100 . 
     A structural or construction adhesive or epoxy is preferably provided at each of the vertical joints J V  between the first lateral side surface  66  of the first wall  100  and the recess  70   a  of the corner block  16  and between the second end  72  of the corner block  16  and the recess  68   a  of the second lateral side surface  68  of the second wall  100 , in order to facilitate secure and water-tight joints and reduce or preferably eliminate water infiltration at these joints. Preferably, the adhesive is provided only on untapered or non-curved portions of the first lateral side surface  66 , the recess  70   a , the second end  72 , and/or the recess  68   a . However, it will be understood that the entirety of these components may be coated with the adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is preferably one of the construction adhesives manufactured by Ashland® Inc. or an adhesive having sealing and adherence properties substantially similar thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , each of the exterior-facing and interior-facing horizontal and vertical joints J H  and J V  of the intermediate and completed building structures  100 ,  200 , as well as the joints between the foundation blocks  10  and the footing/foundation, are preferably provided with a protective coating. The protective coating preferably comprises one or more layers  56  of waterproof and vapor retardant/barrier materials which can adhere to the lightweight construction material that forms the building blocks  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 . Preferred examples of such materials include Polyester-160, Ecoline-R, Ecoline-S, Ecoline-T, Ecoshield-E 10, Ecodrain-E, Ecodrain-S, and Ecodrain-DS, each of which is manufactured by EPRO® Waterproofing Systems. However, it will be understood that any waterproof and vapor retardant/barrier material having similar properties may be utilized. It will also be understood that any combination and layer arrangement of one or more of these materials may be utilized. Preferably, the protective coating is subsequently covered by a rainscreen cladding (not shown). The resulting structure is substantially, and more preferably completely, waterproof. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.