Patent Publication Number: US-8966836-B2

Title: Wall construction system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application comprises a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/773,302 filed Feb. 21, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application PCT/US12/51454 filed Aug. 17, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/213,361, filed Aug. 19, 2011. 
    
    
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Background 
     The present invention generally relates to construction materials, and more particularly, to a system for constructing a wall. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Typical concrete wall structures are fabricated using concrete masonry units (CMU&#39;s—otherwise referred to as concrete blocks) that are positioned in courses atop a foundation and joined to one another by mortar. Ordinary CMU&#39;s include planar front and rear faces and, often, two or three spaced webs extending between the front and rear faces. The webs define one or two voids extending fully from top to bottom of the CMU. Outermost webs may comprise planar or recessed end faces of the CMU. The CMU is typically formed from cast concrete or other materials. 
     Building a wall using CMU&#39;s is a time-consuming process that is best undertaken by a skilled tradesperson, such as a mason. Once a level foundation has been prepared, the mason must arrange CMU&#39;s in level and plumb courses. The process of building is complex because the mason must use mortar both as a positioning and bonding agent. The consistency of the uncured mortar and the strength of the mortar, when dry, have a major impact on the quality and strength of the resulting wall. Positioning accuracy during building must be constantly checked, leading to increased assembly time. 
     Shaw U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,432 discloses a retaining wall comprised of specialized blocks. Each block includes front, back, and two side walls that together define a void. Shaw discloses multiple embodiments, all of which include a means for interlocking adjacent blocks in the vertical and/or horizontal direction. 
     Blomquist et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,448 discloses a retaining wall system that comprises a plurality of different sized blocks assembled together in varying combinations to construct a retaining wall. Specifically, first, second, and third blocks are all of the same width but differ in length. Further, the second and third blocks have the same height, which is different than the height of the first block. Varying combinations of the first, second, and third blocks are assembled to form six different modules all of the same height, width, and depth. 
     Azar U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,951 discloses a block comprising first and second congruent panels joined together by at least one web. Each panel has vertical end edges with offset notches to interfit with the end edges of an adjacent block. The offset of the notches allows any two blocks to be placed adjacent to one another without orienting either face of the block in a particular direction. Specifically, at a first end, the notch on the edge of the first panel is on the outside of the block, while the notch on the edge of the second panel at the first end is on the inside of the block. At a second end, the notch of the first panel is on the inside of the block, and the notch of the second panel of the second end is on the outside of the block. Additionally, each of the first and second panels has lower and upper surfaces, wherein the lower surface is inset slightly and the upper surface protrudes slightly. The complementary shape permits a block to interfit with another block along the upper and lower surfaces. 
     Crespo U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,949 discloses a metal channel leveler utilized to level and to support a wall. In the preferred embodiment, the metal channel leveler becomes part of a footing. The leveler is positioned between two parallel form boards having wall footings and receives a first course of blocks. The top elevation of the form boards are above the bottom surface of the blocks of the first course. Once concrete is poured, the footing encompasses the leveler and a bottom portion of each block of the first course. The metal channel leveler comprises a steel channel with grooves along a bottom surface, a plurality of steel angles, and a plurality of threaded leveling screws. The steel channel is supported by the steel angles perpendicular to the channel fitting into the grooves. The ends of the angles rest on the form board wall footings. Each end has a threaded leveling screw to enable the user to adjust the height and level of the channel both crosswise and lengthwise. In another embodiment, the metal channel leveler is adapted for use on a floor slab. The leveler comprises a steel channel with sides having an outer surface, a plurality of ledges on the outer surfaces of the sides of the channel, and threaded machine screws in each ledge. The height or level of the channel is adjusted by rotating the machine screws. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. The leveling block also includes a leveling plate that engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface wherein the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course, each leveling block includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a plurality of walls extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining first and second leveling block voids, wherein the leveling block has a length. The wall construction system also includes first and second leveling plates disposed within respective first and second leveling block voids, wherein each leveling plate engages the lower surface, wherein the first leveling plate includes first and second bores aligned transverse to the length of the block for receiving first and second threaded bolts, each threaded bolt having a contact surface wherein the first and second threaded bolts extend into the leveling block void. The second leveling plate includes a third bore for receiving a third threaded bolt having a contact surface wherein the third threaded bolt extends into the second leveling block void. Each threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surfaces to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. The block rests on a tripod comprising the contact surfaces of the three bolts. The wall construction system further includes a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course wherein each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks and a wall defining a field block void aligned with one of the leveling block voids of the one leveling block. The wall construction system also includes a cementitious material disposed in an aligned field block void and leveling block void of at least one of the field blocks and at least one of the leveling blocks, respectively. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course. Each leveling block includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void, and a leveling plate that engages the lower surface. The leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface that extends into the leveling block void, The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks and a wall defining a field block void having a void perimeter. The field block void of at least one field block is at least partially bounded by a ledge within the field block void and along the void perimeter. The ledge is adapted to receive an insert separate from the field block. The wall construction system further includes a cementitious material disposed in an aligned field block void and leveling block void of at least one of the field blocks and at least one of the leveling blocks, respectively. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, a wall construction system comprises a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course, Each leveling block includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void, and a leveling plate that engages the lower surface. The leveling plate has a central portion and a flange offset from the central portion, and includes a plurality of bores for receiving at least one threaded bolt having a contact surface adapted to contact a bearing surface. The threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void and is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the leveling block such that the position of the contact surface of the threaded bolt determines the vertical position of the leveling block relative to the bearing surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks and a wail defining a field block void aligned with the leveling block void of the one leveling block. The wall construction system further includes a cementitious material disposed in an aligned field block void and leveling block void of at least one of the field blocks and at least one of the leveling blocks, respectively. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a leveling course and one field course atop the leveling course according to a first aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken generally along the lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken generally along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a corner portion of a wall using the leveling blocks of  FIG. 1  together with other blocks according to another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a beam block according to yet another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross sectional view taken generally along the lines  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an partial isometric view, partly in section, of a wall assembled using field blocks according to still another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken generally along the lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of a corner of a wall constructed using a corner block according to one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of two courses of blocks according to yet another aspect of the present invention wherein an upper course is shown at the top of the FIG. and a lower, adjacent course is shown at a bottom of the FIG.; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of the upper course of  FIG. 8  located within the dashed lines of such FIG.; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken generally along the lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a corner of a wall incorporating the blocks of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of a corner of a wall constructed using a corner block according to another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of a wall including a tee constructed using the blocks of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13A  is an isometric view of the plate of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged plan view similar to  FIG. 8  illustrating the use of cut blocks according to still another aspect of the present invention at an intermediate portion of a wall; 
         FIG. 14A  is a plan view of a stretcher block from which the cut blocks of  FIG. 14  are obtained; 
         FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18  are views similar to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  6 , respectively, illustrating leveling and field blocks according to yet another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmentary plan view of a further embodiment of the threaded leveling component; 
         FIG. 20  is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  illustrating the threaded leveling component of the further embodiment; 
         FIGS. 19A and 20A  are views identical to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , respectively, illustrating a further embodiment of the threaded leveling component; 
         FIG. 21  is a fragmentary plan view of yet another embodiment of the threaded leveling component; 
         FIG. 22  is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21  illustrating the yet another embodiment of the threaded leveling component and another embodiment of a joint structure; 
         FIG. 23  is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the lines  23 - 23  of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a fragmentary sectional view of the joint area of  FIG. 23  showing adjacent abutting blocks and illustrating sample dimensions thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     As shown in the attached FIGS., the wall construction system of the present invention comprises a first course of leveling blocks and subsequent courses of field blocks, and, possibly, one or more additional courses of leveling blocks and/or beam blocks, stacked atop the first course. In the drawings, like reference numerals connote like structures throughout. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the first course comprises a plurality of main leveling blocks  10  and corner leveling blocks  11  positioned end-to-end on a prepared surface  40  such as a footing. Each leveling block  10 ,  11  has a 4 inch or 8 inch height, a width (as measured from a front face to a rear face) of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches, and a varying length from 32 to 48 inches dependent on the width. End surfaces in the form of substantially planar side faces and webs extend between the front and rear faces. The webs and the front, rear, and the side faces define a number of voids within each block where the number of voids is dependent on the length of the leveling block. Top surfaces of the webs and the side faces are recessed  13  to receive horizontal rebar  48  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the corner leveling block  11  is 32 to 48 inches in length and has six voids  12   a - 12   f  defined by end faces  13   a ,  13   b  and intermediate webs  13   c - 13   g . (The end face  13   b  of the block  11  is recessed as shown in  FIG. 1  to illustrate an alternative embodiment described in greater detail hereinafter. However, in one embodiment, the end face  13   b  of block  11  may be identical to an end face  13   b - 1  of the main leveling block  10  as seen in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 1 ). Although not shown, the main blocks  10  also include six voids  12   a - 1 - 12   f - 1  defined by end faces  13   a - 1 ,  13   b - 1  and intermediate webs  13   c - 1 - 13   g - 1 . The main leveling blocks  10  are otherwise similar or are identical to the corner leveling blocks  11 , except that a rear face  11   b  of the corner block  11  includes a keyway for receipt of a spline as noted in greater detail hereinafter. Each of the second and fifth voids  12   b ,  12   e  of each of the leveling blocks  10 ,  11  (only the second and fifth voids of the block  11  are visible in  FIG. 1 ) receives a threaded leveling component  16  that enables a user to modify the height or level of the block  10 ,  11  relative to the prepared surface  40 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , each threaded leveling component  16  includes threaded adjuster bolt(s)  18  that extend through threaded bores and aligned holes in a recessed metal leveling plate  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 , each threaded adjuster bolt  18  has a hexagonal head  18   a  at a first or upper end and a washer  18   b  having a flat surface or a cup shape at a second or lower end. The bolt extends through a nut  18   c . The nut  18   c  is welded or otherwise secured to the leveling plate  20  adjacent and surrounding a hole  20   a  in the plate  20 , and the washer  18   b  is rotatably or stationarily retained on an end of the threaded adjuster bolt  18 . By turning the hexagonal head  18   a , the threaded leveling plate  20 , and correspondingly the block  10 ,  11 , is raised or lowered relative to the prepared surface  40 . 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a first embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  wherein the leveling plate  20  has flanges extending from each of four edges. The four flanges engage bottom surfaces of the front surface  11   a , the rear surface  11   b , and adjacent intermediate webs  13   c ,  13   d  and  13   f ,  13   g  of the block  11 . Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the leveling plate  20  of a further embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  has flanges extending from a front edge and a rear edge. The two flanges engage bottom surfaces of the front surface  11   a  and the rear surface  11   b  of the block  11 . The two threaded adjuster bolts  18  of the further embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  are positioned on a line perpendicular to the length of the block. Preferably, the further embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  is centered between adjacent intermediate webs  13   c ,  13   d  and  13   f ,  13   g  of the block  11 , although other positioning may be necessary or desirable depending on the leveled foundation and other factors.  FIGS. 19A and 20A  illustrate a second further embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  that includes a threaded hole  20   a  formed by drilling and tapping holes or formed from upset and/or depressed opposed flanges  20   b  on either side of a bore, wherein the flanges  20   b  include portions that interfit with the threads of the threaded adjuster bolt  18 . The threads of the holes  20   a  and/or of the bolts  18  may be self-locking to prevent each bolt  18  from unintended rotation. 
     Alternatively, as seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , another embodiment of the threaded leveling component  16  includes a plurality of inverted carriage bolts  19  each having a slotted end  19   a  opposite a rounded head  19   b  and that may be threaded into selected bores  21   a - 21   c  of first and second spaced leveling plates  25   a ,  25   b . The leveling plates  25   a ,  25   b  may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, and may be disposed in the second and fifth voids  12   b ,  12   e , respectively, of each block  10 ,  11 , or may be disposed in any other one or more voids of such blocks. Each leveling plate  25  has flanges  23   a ,  23   b  at front and rear edges, respectively, of the plate  25 . The two flanges  23   a ,  23   b  engage bottom surfaces of the front surface  11   a  and the rear surface  11   b  of the block  11 . Preferably, the leveling plates  25   a ,  25   b  are centered between adjacent intermediate webs  13   c ,  13   d  and  13   f ,  13   g , respectively, of the block  11 , (and corresponding adjacent intermediate webs of other blocks) although other positioning may be necessary or desirable depending on the leveled foundation and other factors. 
     The slotted end  19   a  of each bolt  19  is positioned at the first or upper end. The rounded head  19   b  is positioned at the second or lower end adjacent the prepared surface  40 . A screwdriver or other tool may be used to turn the slotted end  19   a  such that the threaded leveling plate  25 , and correspondingly the block  10 ,  11 , is raised or lowered relative to the prepared surface  40 . 
     Preferably, carriage bolts  19  are threaded into two of the bores  21  of one of the plates  25  and a single carriage bolt  19  is threaded into one of the bores  21  of the other plate  25 . Thus, for example, bolts  19 - 1 ,  19 - 2  are threaded into the bores  21   a ,  21   c  of the plate  25   b  and a bolt  19 - 3  is threaded into the bore  21   b  of the plate  25   a . Thus, each block  10 ,  11  rests on a stable tripod comprising the spaced rounded heads of the bolts  19 - 1  through  19 - 3 . This allows rapid positioning and adjustment of the bolts  19  to achieve a level orientation of the blocks  10 ,  11  without rocking thereof. Also, it should be noted that the plates  25  may have a different number or configuration of bores  21 , as desired. 
     Each threaded bore  21  in each leveling plate  25  may be formed by drilling and tapping holes or may be formed from upset and/or depressed opposed flanges on either side of a bore, wherein the flanges include portions that interfit with the threads of the carriage bolt  19 . In any event, the threads of the bores  21  and/or of the bolts  19  may be self-locking to prevent each carriage bolt  19  from unintended rotation. 
     If desired, threaded adjuster bolts  18  with hexagonal heads  18   a  and a washer  18   b  as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  may be substituted for the bolts  19 , in which case the adjuster bolts  18  are threaded into the threaded bores  21  in the leveling plates  25 . Still further, threaded adjuster bolts  18  with hexagonal heads  18   a  and a washer  18   b , and a welded nut  18   c  as in  FIGS. 1-3  may be substituted for the bolt  19  and the threaded bore  21  may be replaced by an unthreaded bore, if desired. 
     As seen in a first embodiment of a block profile shown in  FIG. 3 , first and second elongate protrusions  22   a  are formed on a top surface  22  of each leveling block  10  adjacent the voids  12  to fit securely in a corresponding recess  32   a  defined by elongate shoulders  32   b  on a bottom surface  32  of a field block  30  of a second course. The bottom surface  32  of the leveling block  10 ,  11  may be planar or include recesses  32   a  and elongate shoulders  32   b . In the preferred embodiment, the protrusions  22   a  are coplanar and fully surround the voids  12 ; however, this need not be the case, and the protrusions  22   a  may be separated by intervening coplanar or non-coplanar element(s). Further shouldered outer portions  22   b  adjacent the top surface  22  of each of the front and rear faces slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block to allow the second course block to self-center on the lower course of blocks, and to provide both a path for water to escape and a barrier to prevent water from entering the block easily. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , adjacent leveling blocks  10  or  10 ,  11  are joined by either a spline and keyway connection  26  or cementitious material (e.g., grout or mortar) disposed in a recess  28  formed at aligned and adjacent ends of the blocks. Specifically, in one embodiment, the end faces  13   b  are planar and coincident with the end of the block. Each end face  13   b  (such as the end face  13   b - 1  of block  10 ) has a keyway connection  26  comprising a keyway  26   a  within which a spline  26   b  is inserted. In the case of two adjacent blocks  10 , the keyway  26   a  comprises aligned grooves in the end face  13   b - 1  of one block  10  and an adjacent end face  13   a  of the adjacent block  10 . In the case of adjacent blocks  10 ,  11 , a keyway connection  26  comprises a keyway  26   a  defined by aligned grooves disposed in a rear face  11   b  of the corner block and the end face  13   b - 1  of the block  10  and a spline  26   b  is disposed in the keyway  26   a . If desired, the keyway portion may be formed in a front face  11   a  or the end face  13   a  for connection to those portions of the block  11 . In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , adjacent end webs  13   a ,  13   b  are recessed and aims  27   a ,  27   b  extend outwardly therefrom to form end void portions  28 . Ends of the arms  27   a ,  27   b  of adjacent blocks (here, the corner block  11  and the adjacent field block  10 ) are abutted at a joint  24  to create a void that may be filled with cementitious material. 
     The concrete wall also includes a plurality of field blocks  30  as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Each field block  30  has an 8 inch height, a 16 inch length, and a width of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches matching the width of the leveling blocks  10 ,  11 . Three webs  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  extend between front and rear faces  30   d ,  30   e  (all shown in connection with a corner field block  30 - 1 ). The webs  30   a - 30   c  and the front and rear faces  30   d ,  30   e  define a number of voids  35   a ,  35   b  within each block  30 . The webs  30   a ,  30   c  comprise end surfaces in the form of substantially planar side faces of each block  30 . First and second spaced elongate protrusions  33   a  are formed on a top surface  33  of each field block  30  adjacent the voids  35  to fit securely within a recess  32   a  defined by spaced elongate shoulders  32   b  on a bottom surface  32  of a field block  30  of a subsequent course (i.e., the next upper course). As with the protrusions  22   a , the protrusions  33   a  are coplanar and completely surround the voids  35 , although this need not be the case. Further shouldered outer portions  33   b  of the top surface  33  of each face slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block. Adjacent field blocks  30  are joined by either a spline and keyway connection  34  similar or identical to the connection  26  described above or a cementitious material, such as grout, disposed in a void between blocks as shown between the blocks  10  and  11  of  FIG. 1  and as described above. Each of a plurality of corner field blocks  30 - 1 ,  30 - 2 , . . .  30 - n  has a planar end face (not shown) and an additional spline and keyway connection  36  on the front or rear face  30   d ,  30   e  to key into the end face  30   a  or  30   c  of a perpendicular field block  30  (only the connection  34  of the corner block  30 - 1  is visible in the FIGS.). 
     Additionally, a plurality of beam blocks  50  may be used to create a solid horizontal concrete beam within the wall. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , each beam block  50  has an 8 inch height, a 16 inch length, and a width of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches matching the width of the leveling and field blocks  10 ,  30 . Three webs  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  extend between front and rear faces  50   d ,  50   e . The webs  50   a - 50   c  and the front and rear faces  50   d ,  50   e  define two blind voids  52   a ,  52   b  also defined by a planar bottom surface  53  ( FIG. 5A ) extending fully from side to side between adjacent webs  50   a - 50   c  and between the front and rear faces  50   d ,  50   e . Each web  50   a - 50   c  includes two slots  54  defining a frangible portion  56  therebetween. The slots  54  extend from a top surface of the web  50   a - 50   c  to approximately half the height of the block  50  and are located near the front and rear faces  50   d ,  50   e . The user can knock out a frangible portion  56  of the webs  50   a - 50   c  as defined by the slots  54  to create a channel  58 . Horizontal rebar  48  may be placed in the channel  58  and the beam blocks  50  may be filled with cementitious material (e.g., grout) to a top level of the blocks  50  to create a beam. The solid bottom surface of one or both of the blind voids  52  may also be knocked out. The voids  52  of the beam blocks  50  can be vertically aligned with the voids  12 ,  35  of the courses above and below to allow for vertical rebar  46  to be positioned in one or more of the aligned voids. The user can then pour cementitious material into the voids to form a solid reinforced wall section connected to the reinforced concrete beam. Similar to the leveling and field blocks, first and second spaced elongate protrusions  33   a  are formed on a top surface  33  of each beam block  50  adjacent the blind voids  52  to fit securely with a recess  32   a  defined by spaced elongate shoulders  32   b  on a bottom surface  32  of a block  10 ,  30  of the subsequent course above. Further shouldered outer portions  33   b  of the top surface  33  of each face of each beam block  50  slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block. 
     In constructing a wall, the level of the prepared surface  40  must be within a tolerance range determined by a number of leveling blocks  10  to be used and the adjustable height of the threaded leveling components  16 . During or after positioning the first course of leveling blocks  10  and corner leveling blocks  11  on the prepared surface  40 , the user checks the level of the blocks  10 ,  11  using a laser level or similar tool, and adjusts the height or level of individual blocks  10 ,  11  as necessary during construction by rotating the hexagonal heads  18   a  of the threaded adjuster bolts  18  or by turning the bolts  19  using a screwdriver or other tool engaged with the slotted ends  19   a . Preferably, cementitious material is deposited into selected ones or all of the empty voids  12  and horizontal rebar  48  is positioned in the cementitious material in the recessed portion  13  atop the leveling course. Alternatively, once the first course is leveled, the user first positions horizontal rebar  48  in the recessed portion  13  atop the leveling course. The user then deposits cementitious material into selected ones or all of the empty voids  12  until the material covers the rebar  48  but before the material reaches the tops of the protrusions  22   a  of the top surface  22 . In either case, the cementitious material fills any cavities  42  ( FIG. 2 ) under the leveling blocks created by the height adjustments and forms a continuous bed of bearing surface  44  ( FIG. 3 ). If necessary, wooden members may be used to dam the spaces below the blocks of the first course to prevent grout seepage outwardly from below the blocks. 
     After the cementitious material of the first course is sufficiently dry, further courses formed from a plurality of field blocks  30  are positioned atop the leveling blocks  10 ,  11  to form a desired pattern, such as a running bond. A course of leveling blocks  10 ,  11  can be utilized later during construction to relevel the wall as needed, or throughout construction of a building or structure on any structurally sound substrate such as a steel or concrete beam. In addition one or more of the blocks  10 ,  30 , and  50  may be cut and used at a midsection of the wall to fill a gap that is less than the end-to-end dimension of a block. The voids and block dimensions of the leveling, field, and beam blocks and the pattern of laid blocks are such that the voids in the courses are preferably vertically aligned. Several courses can be laid and vertical rebar positioned in one or more of the aligned voids in the wall. Cementitious material may be poured in the voids to form a solid reinforced wall section. Additional courses can be laid atop the section as before and cementitious material poured into the aligned voids to form further reinforced wall sections until the wall is complete. 
     Unlike the conventional construction of cement block walls, the wall construction system of the present invention does not require a mortar setting bed to position the blocks because the protrusions  22   a ,  33   a  fit securely with the recesses  32   a  of the adjacent courses of blocks ( 10 ,  30 ,  50 ). 
     The wall construction system may further include one or more other field blocks, such as a first high horizontal block  70  as seen in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  7 A and/or a second high horizontal block  90  as seen in  FIGS. 8-14  and  18 . A plurality of high horizontal blocks  70  and/or  90  may be used as a main component in the wall system similar to the field block  30  or to form a solid horizontal concrete beam within the wall similar to the beam block  50 . The blocks  70  and/or  90  may be used alone as field blocks, or any or all of the blocks  10 ,  11 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 , and  90  may be used in combination to construct a wall, as desired. 
     Each block  70  has an 8 inch height, a 16 inch length, and a width of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches matching the width of adjacent blocks  10 ,  11 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 , and/or  90 . Three webs  70   a ,  70   b , and  70   c  extend between front and rear faces  71   a ,  71   b . The webs  70   a - 70   c  define voids  72   a ,  72   b  within each of which is disposed a planar surface  73   a ,  73   b , respectively, extending fully from side to side between webs  70   a ,  70   b  or between webs  70   b ,  70   c  and between the front and rear faces  71   a ,  71   b . In any of the blocks disclosed herein, fibrous additives and/or other additives or constituents may be incorporated into the concrete during the manufacturing of the block to increase the tensile strength of the block. 
     Similar to the other blocks  10 ,  11 ,  30 ,  50  of the wall construction system, adjacent blocks  70  are joined by either a spline and keyway connection (shown, for example, as the spline and keyway connection  69  in  FIG. 6 ) or cementitious material, such as grout, disposed in one or more voids, such as the keyway at the end(s) of the blocks  70 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 7A , a corner first high horizontal block  70 - 1  has an end surface in the form of a first planar end face  70 - 1   a  and may have a spline and keyway connection  69 - 1  on a rear face  70 - 1   b  to key into an end surface  70 - 2   a  of a perpendicular block  70 - 2 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 7 , similar to the other blocks  10 ,  11 ,  30 , and  50 , first and second spaced elongate protrusions  33   a  are formed on a top surface  33  of each block  70  adjacent the voids  72  to fit securely in a recess  32   a  defined by spaced elongate shoulders  32   b  on a bottom surface  32  of a block  10 ,  11 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70  of the next higher (i.e., subsequent) course. Further shouldered outer portions  33   b  of the top surface  33  of each face of each first high horizontal block  70  slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block so that water can escape from inside the blocks  70  and drain downwardly. 
     According to one embodiment, the top elevation of the planar surface  73   a ,  73   b  in the voids  72   a ,  72   b  is approximately one inch below the protrusion  33   a  on the top surface  33  of the block  70 . Similar to each web of the beam block  50 , each web  70   a - 70   c  of the block  70  includes two slots  74  defining a frangible portion  76  therebetween. The slots  74  extend from a top surface of the webs  70   a - 70   c  to the top surface of the planar surfaces  73   a ,  73   b . The user can knock out the frangible portions  76  of the webs  70   a - 70   c  to create a channel that can be filled with horizontal rebar and cementitious material, such as grout. The planar surface  73   a  and/or  73   b  may also be knocked out and filled with cementitious material and/or rebar. For example, if the wall requires leveling during construction, a course of first high horizontal blocks  70  can be used to create a structurally sound substrate for a course of leveling blocks  10 ,  11 . In this case, the voids  72  can be vertically aligned with the voids  12 ,  35 ,  52 ,  72  of the courses above and below and filled with vertical rebar  56  and cementitious material to form a solid reinforced wall section connected to the reinforced concrete beam. 
     When the first high horizontal block  70  is used as a main component of the wall similar to the field block  30 , a plug  80  of cementitious material (e.g., grout) may be formed atop the planar surface  73   a  and/or  73   b  before the user positions an upper block  70  atop the lower block  70  during construction of the wall. Once the blocks  70  of the next course are laid, the plug(s)  80  extend upwardly into the void of the adjacent block  70  of the next course of blocks. A top surface  82  of each plug  80  after settling may be about two inches above the planar surface  73   a  and/or  73   b  and about one inch above the joint formed by the protrusion  33   a  and the bottom surface  32  of the upper block  70 . Each plug  80  forms mechanical bonds along the plug/concrete interfaces and provides additional protection against the infiltration of water into the voids through joints between adjacent upper and lower blocks. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 8-14 ,  18 ,  23 , and  24 , each second high horizontal block  90  has an 8 inch height, a 16 inch length, and a width of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches, as desired. Four webs  89   a ,  89   b ,  89   c ,  89   d  (shown in the upper course of  FIG. 8 ) extend between front and rear faces  91   a ,  91   b  and, when the block is to be used at other than a corner of a wall, the front and rear faces  91   a ,  91   b  include two pairs of shouldered vertical end portions  92 ,  94  ( FIG. 9 ). The webs  89  and the front and rear faces  91   a ,  91   b  define first and second pluralities of field block voids  96 ,  98 , respectively, within each block. The first plurality of field block voids  96  includes a central void  96   a  and at least one end void  96   b . More specifically, when the block  90  is to be used at other than a corner of the wall, the first plurality of field block voids preferably includes two end voids  96   b ,  96   c  disposed at opposite ends of the block  90 . Each of the end voids  96   b ,  96   c  preferably is approximately one-half the longitudinal dimension (i.e., the left-to-right dimension as seen in the upper course of  FIG. 8 ) of the void  96   a  and is approximately equal to the lateral dimension (i.e., the top-to bottom dimension as seen in  FIG. 8 ) of the void  96   a . Accordingly, each end void  96   b ,  96   c  is approximately one-half the size of the central void  96   a.    
     The end voids  96   b ,  96   c  are disposed at end surfaces between the pair of shouldered vertical end portions  92  and the pair of shouldered vertical end portions  94 , respectively. Referring specifically to  FIG. 9 , each shouldered vertical end portion  92  includes a shoulder  92   a  and an interior protrusion  92   b  adjacent to the void at a first end  90   a  of one of the blocks  90 . Each shouldered vertical end portion includes an outer protrusion  94   a  to define a recess  94   b  adjacent to the cavity  100  at a second end  90   b  of the block  90 . The interior protrusions  92   b  of one block  90  fit within the recess  94   b  at the second end  90   b  of an adjacent block  90  so that the end voids  96   b ,  96   c  are adjacent and aligned with one another to form composite cavities or voids  100 . Channels  102  are preferably defined between the interior protrusions  92   b  of the one block  90  and the outer protrusions  94   a  of the adjacent block  90  as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The channels  102  provide paths for water to travel downwardly along the wall and escape. 
     As should be evident from the foregoing, each of the composite cavities or voids  100  is preferably about the same dimensions and shape as the void  96   a . As noted hereinafter, a cementitious material such as grout is disposed in one or more of the cavities  100  as seen in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  18 . If desired, adjacent blocks may alternatively have planar or other ends and be joined by a spline and keyway connection. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , identical or similar to the blocks  70  first and second elongate spaced protrusions  33   a  are formed on a top surface  33  of each block  90  adjacent the voids  96 ,  98  to fit securely in a recess  32   a  defined by spaced elongate shoulders  32   b  on a bottom surface  32  of a block  10 ,  11 ,  30 ,  50 ,  70 ,  90  of the subsequent (i.e., next higher) course. Further shouldered outer portions  33   b  of the top surface  33  of each face of each block  90  slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block to promote moisture escape and drainage. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8-14 , the plurality of voids  98  includes a pair of approximately equally sized and equally shaped voids  98   a ,  98   b . Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 18 , the inner peripheries of the surfaces forming each void  98   a ,  98   b  are stepped to define a ledge  104  therein. According to an embodiment, the ledge  104  is approximately 1⅝ inch below the protrusion  33   a  on the top surface  33  of the block  90 . An insert  106  may be positioned atop the ledge  104  spanning the void  98   a  and/or  98   b  fully from side to side and between the front and rear faces (an insert  106  is shown in the void  98   b  but not in the void  98   a  of the upper course of  FIG. 8  for illustration purposes). The insert  106  may be planar or a different shape (such as convex or concave) and may also have a hole or crossing slots or the like in which vertical rebar  46  may be inserted. The insert may be plastic or a similar material that is sufficiently durable to hold uncured grout until curing is complete, and may be approximately 3/16 inch thick. 
     Similar to the block  70 , a plug  108  of cementitious material, such as grout, may be formed atop the insert  106  before the user positions an upper block, for example, another block  90 , atop the lower block  90  during construction of the wall. Once the blocks of the next course are laid, the plug  108  extends upwardly into the void  96 ,  98  of the adjacent block of the next course. Alternatively, inserts  106  may be placed in one or more voids  98  of blocks  90  of a lower course and the blocks (e.g., the blocks  90 ) of the next course may be laid atop the lower course of blocks  90  before plug(s)  108  are formed in the lower course of blocks  90 . Cementitious material, such as grout, may be poured in aligned voids in upper and lower blocks in the successive courses before insert(s)  106  are placed in the one or more void(s)  98  in the blocks  90  of the upper course. In either event, the top elevation of the plug  108  after settling is preferably about two inches above the insert  106  and about one inch above the joint formed by the protrusion  33   a  of the blocks  90  of the lower course and the bottom surface of the upper block of adjacent courses. 
     If desired, one or more of the end voids defining the composite voids  100  may have ledges and inserts on which cementitious material may be deposited. 
     As should be evident from the foregoing, an inherent advantage of the shouldered outer portions  33   b  of the top surface  33  of each face of each block and channels  102  is the formation of a watershed region along the exterior of the wall. The watershed region prevents the infiltration of water or any type of fluid into the voids of the block system in the event that that the block system is subjected to rainfall, spraying of water, or the like. Water that collects along the horizontal and vertical interfaces of adjacent blocks drains across shouldered outer portions  33   b  that slope downwardly toward the exterior of the block, or passes through vertical channels  102  to the next shouldered outer portion  33   b . Further, in the first and second high horizontal blocks  70 ,  90 , as noted above, the grout plug  80 ,  108  creates a barrier that prevents infiltration of water at horizontal interfaces between adjacent blocks and forces water to drain outwardly along the shouldered outer portion  33   b  toward the exterior of the block. 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  and the table below specify preferred dimensions of the first embodiment of the profile for each block  90 , it being understood that such dimensions are exemplary only and do not limit the present invention. Also, the dimensions of other blocks used in the construction of a wall are preferably (although not necessarily) similar or identical to the dimensions given in the following table with the possible exception(s) of dimension P (i.e., the height of the block) and the absence of structures defining dimensions N and Q: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 NOMINAL DIMENSION 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (Inches - unless 
               
               
                   
                 REFERENCE 
                 otherwise specified) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 A 
                 0.1875 
               
               
                   
                 B 
                 0.375 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 0.125 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 0.75 
               
               
                   
                 E 
                 0.50 
               
               
                   
                 F* 
                 0.21875 
               
               
                   
                 G 
                 0.125 
               
               
                   
                 H* 
                 0.1875 
               
               
                   
                 I* 
                 0.1875 
               
               
                   
                 J* 
                 0.1875 
               
               
                   
                 K* 
                 0.1875 
               
               
                   
                 L* T   
                 0.219 
               
               
                   
                 M 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 N 
                 0.125 
               
               
                   
                 P 
                 8.00 
               
               
                   
                 Q 
                 1.625 
               
               
                   
                 R 
                 0.125 
               
               
                   
                 S 
                 0.75 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *Radius of Curvature 
               
               
                   
                   T Dimension L refers to the distance between the center of the circle that defines the radius of curvature F and the front or rear face of the block. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , each web  89  includes two slots  110  (shown in dashed lines) defining a frangible portion  112  therebetween. The slots  110  extend from a top surface  33  of the web to approximately half the height of the block  90 . The user can knock out frangible portions  112  of the webs as defined by the slots  110  to create a channel. Once a lower course of blocks  90  is laid and inserts  106  positioned atop the ledges  104  thereof, an upper course of blocks  90  having the frangible portions  112  knocked out are positioned atop the lower course and horizontal rebar  48  may be placed in the resulting channel of the upper course. The blocks  90  of the upper course may be filled with cementitious material (e.g., grout) to a level at least covering the rebar  48 , wherein the material rests on the inserts  106  of the lower course of the blocks  90 . If the wall requires releveling during construction, a course of blocks  90  can be used to create a structurally sound substrate for a course of leveling blocks  10 ,  11  (and/or the leveling blocks disclosed hereinafter) by pouring cementitious material into voids of a course and leveling the material even with an upper surface of the blocks at the tops of the protrusions  33   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a corner second high horizontal or field block  113  has a planar side face  114  and an end face  115  defining a cavity  100 . The front and rear faces of the corner block  113  are planar. The recess formed by the cavity  100  of an adjacent perpendicular block  90  adjacent the planar front or rear face of the corner block  113  is filled with cementitious material (e.g., grout). If spline and keyway connections are used, the front or rear face of the corner block has a keyway connection to key into the side face of a perpendicular adjacent block  90  (in this case the end of the adjacent block  90  next to the corner block  113  may be planar). 
     Further,  FIG. 12  illustrates that the corner block  113  may include a void arrangement different than other blocks  90 . In the illustrated embodiment the block  113  may include voids  96   d ,  96   e , and  98   c ,  98   d . Void  96   d  may be substantially the same size as the void  96   a , the void  96   e  may be substantially the same size as the void  96   c  and each void  98   c ,  98   d  may be substantially the same size as the void  98   a  or  98   b . Any or all of the voids  96   d ,  96   e ,  98   c ,  98   d  may be partially or fully filled with cementitious material and/or rebar, as necessary or desirable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , a plurality of field blocks  90  may be assembled to form a tee  116 . While the tee  116  is shown as being centered on a block  90 , this need not be the case, and the tee may be formed at any position on any of the blocks disclosed herein. A block  116   a  is positioned perpendicular to a block  116   b  so that the cavity  100  of the block  116   a  is centered on the central void  96   a  of the block  116   b . Portions of the web  89   b  and/or  89   c  and the front or rear face  91   a ,  91   b  of the block  116   b  between the central void  96   a  of the block  116   b  and the cavity  100  of the block  116   a  (here shown as the rear face  91   b ) may be removed to form a larger cavity that may be filled with cementitious material. Alternatively, a plate  118  (also seen in  FIG. 13A ) having one or more extensions  118   a  may be screwed into or otherwise affixed to the face of the block  116   b  adjacent the cavity  100  of the block  116   a . The plate  118  with extensions  118   a  increases the surface area to which the cementitious material can bond. 
     During construction, the overall length of the wall likely will not be an integral multiple of the length of a block  90 , thereby resulting in a need for a block that is shorter in length than a block  90  to fill a like-sized gap. The gap may be filled with first and second cut pieces  120 ,  122  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be formed by cutting and removing a central section  121  of a stretcher block  130  as seen in  FIG. 14A . Alternatively, the cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be cut from two different blocks and/or may be formed by cutting and/or removing other section(s) of one or more blocks. Once positioned in the course, the separate pieces form a pair of mid-joints  124  where planar vertical edges  120   a ,  122   a  abut. A length of flashing  126  having upper and lower ends is placed along each mid-joint  124  on the interior of the cut pieces  120 ,  122 . The upper and lower ends of each length of flashing  126  may wrap around the lower and upper surfaces  32 ,  33  of the front and/or rear face at each mid-joint  124 . If desired, the flashing may be secured in place by any suitable means, such as adhesive caulk, and/or the void  128  formed by the cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be filled with cementitious material. The flashing may be made of any suitable material, such as butyl rubber. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14A , the stretcher block  130  includes three webs  131   a - 131   c  that extend between front and rear faces  131   d ,  131   e  wherein the front and rear faces include shouldered vertical edge portions  132 ,  134 . The webs and the front and rear faces  131   a - 131   e  define two voids  136   a ,  136   b  within each block  130 . Similar or identical to the block  90  the shouldered vertical edge portions of the stretcher block  130  include shoulders  132   a , edge portions  132   b , and protrusions  134   a  defining a recess  134   b . The stretcher block  130  is primarily intended to be cut to form cut pieces  120 ,  122  as noted previously, although the block  130  may be used as field blocks in a wall construction with similar or identical blocks or any of the other blocks described herein, if desired. 
     During construction, the corner blocks  113  are first positioned atop the leveling course to begin a first field course. The user then lays a plurality of field blocks  90  from each corner block  113  toward the middle of the course. The course is laid in a manner such that some, if not all, voids in the blocks of the course being laid are aligned with voids in the leveling course. Inserts  106  are placed in some or all of the voids  98  atop the ledges  104  and vertical rebar  46  is placed in some or all of the voids  96 ,  98 , as desired. If a gap is formed between laterally spaced blocks at the middle of the wall, two cut pieces  120 ,  122  are cut to length in the field. Before laying the cut pieces  120 ,  122 , lower ends  126   a  of two lengths of flashing  126  are placed on the top surface  33  of the lower block  90 . The cut pieces  120 ,  122  are then placed atop the lower ends  126   a  of the flashing  126  and lower block  90 . The flashing lengths  126  are then bent upwardly and laid over the top surface  33  of the cut pieces  120 ,  122  at the mid-joints  124  (with or without adhesive caulk securing the lengths to the cut pieces  120 ,  122 , as noted above) and the void  128  formed by the cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be filled with cementitious material. 
     In laying a second field course above the first field course, corner blocks  113  are first positioned perpendicular to and atop a portion of the corner blocks  113  of the first field course. It should be noted that the first and second field courses and subsequent courses are arranged to maintain a running bond or other pattern throughout the wall. A plurality of blocks  90  is laid starting from the corner blocks  113  toward the middle of the course. Inserts  106  are placed on the ledges  104  in the voids of one or more blocks  90 . Vertical rebar  46  may be inserted through the insert  106  and be supported thereby in an upright position or may extend through a plurality of inserts in aligned voids  98 . Other vertical rebar may be placed in aligned voids  96  and retained and/or supported therein by any suitable means, if desired. Before or after placing an upper block atop a lower block, as noted above, an amount of cementitious material may be placed atop the insert  106  of a lower block  90 . Similar to the course below, two cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be cut to length in the field if a gap is formed in an interior portion of the wall (i.e., at a location spaced from the corners of the wall). Cut pieces  120 ,  122  may vary in length so as to maintain the running bond or other pattern throughout the wall. Lengths of flashing  126  are disposed along the mid-joint  124  between the pieces  120 ,  122  and may be secured in place, as noted previously. The void  128  formed by the cut pieces  120 ,  122  may be filled with cementitious material. Frangible portions  112  may be removed and horizontal rebar may be placed in the resulting channels. Cementitious material may be placed in one or more of the voids  96 ,  98  to cover the horizontal rebar. Remaining courses are laid atop one another in a similar or identical fashion. 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a course of alternative leveling blocks that may be used with the blocks  70  and/or  90  to construct a wall. In particular, a corner block  150  is joined to main leveling blocks  152 ,  154  similar or identical to the blocks  10  and  11  described above. The blocks  150 - 154  are of overall dimensions similar or identical to the leveling blocks  10 ,  11 , and in the illustrated embodiment, each is 32″-48″ in length, although the length and/or other dimensions may vary. Each of the blocks  150 - 154  includes large and small voids of dimensions, shapes, and spacing similar or identical to the voids  96  and  98  of the block  90 . For example, the block  150  includes large voids  156   a - 156   f  and small voids  158   a - 158   e . An end void  159  is located at an end  160  of the leveling block  150 . Also located at the end  160  is a pair of protrusions  162   a ,  162   b  defining a recess. Shoulders  164   a ,  164   b  of the adjacent block  152  in part define an end void  166  located at an adjacent end  167  of the block  152 . The end void  166  is aligned with the end void  159 . The end voids  159 ,  166  together define a void  168  of similar or identical shape and dimensions to the voids  158 , and are further preferably of similar or identical shape and dimensions to the voids  96  of the blocks  90 . 
     Leveling components  170  similar or identical to the leveling component  16  of  FIGS. 1-3  are disposed within selected voids  156 , for example, the voids  156   b  and  156   e  of the leveling block  150 , and are in engagement with surfaces defining the voids  156   b ,  156   e . Each of the leveling components  170  includes a leveling plate  171   a  that may be secured to the walls defining the voids  156   b ,  156   e  or such walls may simply rest on outer margins of the plates  171   a . As in the previous embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the leveling components  170  include threaded adjuster bolts  171   b  that extend through threaded bores of nuts  171   c  (seen particularly in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) that are welded or otherwise secured to the plates  171   a . The nuts  171   c  are aligned with holes in the plate  171  and the bolts  171   b  further extend through the holes in the plate  171   a  and can be rotated to permit leveling of the block  150 . Also as in the previous embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , washers  171   d  may be rotatably or stationarily secured to a lower end of the bolts  171   b . The blocks  152  and  154  (and other leveling blocks not shown) also include identical or similar leveling components  170  in corresponding selected voids therein to permit leveling of same. 
     If desired, the leveling components shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22  may be used in place of the leveling components shown in  FIGS. 15-17 . 
     The block  154  ( FIG. 15 ) abuts a side surface  172  of the leveling lock  150  and includes large and small voids  174 ,  176 , respectively, similar or identical in size, shape, and/or spacing to the voids  156 ,  158  of the block  150 , as noted above. An end void  178  is disposed adjacent the side surface  172  of the block  150 . Protrusions similar or identical to the protrusions  162   a ,  162   b  may be included at the end of the block  152  in contact with the side surface  172  or the protrusions may be omitted, in which case flat faces  180 A,  180 B may be disposed in contact with the side surface  172 . The leveling blocks  150 ,  152 , and  154  and remaining leveling blocks of the course may be secured together by placing cementitious material (e.g., grout) in the voids  178 ,  156 ,  168  and in corresponding voids of other leveling blocks and/or additional such material may be placed in any or all of the other voids of the leveling blocks. 
     As seen in  FIG. 17 , each leveling block, for example, the leveling block  150 , includes downwardly projecting shoulders  190   a ,  190   b  that permit the leveling blocks to be used in a leveling course atop one or more courses of blocks  70 ,  90  in an interlocking fashion. The shoulders  190   a ,  190   b  define a recess  192  within which is received the protrusions  33   a  of the blocks  70  and/or  90  when the leveling blocks are laid atop the blocks  70  and/or  90 . 
     Preferably, the voids  156  are of approximately the same size and shape as the voids  98  of the blocks  90 . Also preferably, the voids  156 ,  158  are spaced from one another by equal distances and such distances are substantially equal to the distances between the voids  96  and  98  of the blocks  90 . This permits the leveling blocks  150 - 154  to serve as one or more leveling course(s) and the blocks  90  to be used as field blocks atop and with the leveling blocks  150 - 154  in a wall with voids  96 ,  98 , of the blocks  90  of different courses being aligned with one another and being aligned with voids  158 ,  156 , respectively of the leveling blocks  150 - 154 . This alignment permits plugs to be formed and rebar to be inserted in aligned voids as noted above. 
     Means may be provided at the corner blocks of any of the embodiments disclosed herein to permit tight and level interfitting of the blocks notwithstanding the use of protrusions  33   a  that extend into the recess  32   a  of the block next higher course. With reference to  FIG. 7A , according to a first aspect, such means comprises a groove  220 , which, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed in an upper surface of the corner first high horizontal block  70 - 1   a , and which is aligned with an inner shouldered portion  33   b  of the adjacent block  70 - 2 . This alignment permits a further corner block (not shown) to be overlaid on and spanning the blocks  70 - 1  and  70 - 2  such that the spaced elongate shoulders  32   b  rest on level surfaces of the shouldered portion  33   b  of the blocks  70 - 1  and  70 - 2 . This aspect is further illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in which a groove  113   a  is formed in a corner block  113  and is placed in alignment with an inner shouldered portion  33   b  of an adjacent block  90 . 
     A further arrangement alternate to that shown in  FIG. 7A  is illustrated in  FIG. 12A  in connection with a corner formed by corner blocks  90 - 1  through  90 - 3 , which are otherwise constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 12  et seq. The corner portion shown in  FIG. 12A  comprises perpendicular blocks  90 - 1  and  90 - 2 . The block  90 - 3  partially overlies the blocks  90 - 1  and  90 - 2  and is perpendicular to the latter block. A cut out or recess  90 - 3   a  is formed at manufacture of the block  90 - 3  or in the field to remove a length of one of the spaced elongate shoulder  32   b  (i.e., an appropriate length of the inner elongate shoulder  32   b ) such that the protrusions  33   a  do not prevent the block  90 - 3  from resting in level fashion on the block  90 - 2 . Of course, any combination of grooves, removed or added portions, or the like can be provided to maintain a level condition of corner blocks, as desired. 
     The front and rear faces of any of the blocks disclosed herein may be glazed, ground, formed or otherwise manufactured and/or treated to achieve a desired outward appearance. For example, the front and/or rear faces may be manufactured or treated to have a split face appearance, a roughened, pebble-like, or lined appearance, a glazed appearance, a distressed appearance, etc. 
     Alternatively, in a further embodiment of a block profile shown in  FIG. 22 , the top surface  22  of the block  10 ,  11  may be curved along the block profile to allow front-to-back leveling of a wall during assembly thereof. The inner edges of front and rear faces along the top surface  22  of the leveling block  10 ,  11  arch downwardly toward the respective outer edges to form a convex curve. The bottom surface  32  of the field block  30  of the second course has a corresponding concave curve to receive the top surface  22  of the adjacent lower block. The bottom surfaces of the front surface  11   a  and the rear surface  11   b  of the leveling block  10 ,  11  may be fully planar or include recesses  32   a  and elongate shoulders  32   b  to receive the flanges of the threaded leveling components  16 . If a leveling or other block that has already been fixed in place is tilted in the direction perpendicular to the length (i.e., along the width) of the block, the subsequent (i.e., overlying) block and/or partial or entire course (or courses) can be positioned inwardly toward the front surface or outwardly toward the rear surface so that the wall can be restored during assembly thereof to a plumb condition. 
     As in the above embodiment, corner blocks of the embodiment of  FIG. 22  may have portions removed therefrom to permit perpendicularly-disposed overlying blocks to fit in level fashion atop one another. 
     Other embodiments of the disclosure including all the possible different and various combinations of the individual features (including elements and process steps) of each of the foregoing described embodiments and examples are specifically included herein. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The wall construction system described herein advantageously allows for easy assembly of level and plumb courses of wall blocks without the need to position blocks during assembly using mortar. The resulting wall can be quickly assembled by a relatively untrained worker and is strong and attractive in appearance. 
     Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying out same.