Patent ID: 6986231

Claim:
A method of forming a column for use in a building structure, the method including: providing an apparatus for use in forming a column from a plurality of courses of blocks, the apparatus including a plurality of elongate members adapted to extend longitudinally with respect to the column and adapted to be spaced apart from each other around the column; a plurality of retaining members extending transverse to the elongate members and mounted thereto, the retaining members adapted to be spaced apart from each other by not more than the length of the blocks such that there is at least one retaining member for each course of blocks, the retaining members adapted to assist in vertically aligning and positioning the blocks; and indenters for indenting or setting a block radially inwardly from an adjacent block and also from an associated retaining member so as to create a column with longitudinal grooves or indentations, and wherein the radial position of an indenter can be adjusted so as to vary an offset depth of an indented block; providing a plurality of courses of blocks; positioning the apparatus where the column is to be formed; laying one or more of the courses of blocks in the form of a closed figure forming a peripheral surface of the column and defining an interior space radially inwardly of the blocks, the blocks being located by the retaining members of the column forming apparatus; and filling the interior space with a settable material and allowing it to set.