Masonry block constructions with polymeric coating

Abstract

In the construction of a structural block wall the method includes the steps of erecting on a base a wall of mortarless structural blocks, applying to opposite faces of the wall a fibre reinforced polymeric coating and anchoring the wall to the base with the fibre reinforced coating. The resultant wall possesses a structural integrity wherein compressive loads are borne by the structure blocks and tensile loads are borne by the fibre reinforced skin extending over the surface of the wall and onto the base to anchor the wall to the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] THIS INVENTION is concerned with improvements in masonry block constructions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention is concerned particularly although not exclusively with reinforced mortarless block constructions. [0003] Hollow structural blocks such as masonry blocks have been successfully employed for many years in the construction of load bearing and non-load bearing walls in commercial buildings, domestic dwellings and other structures such as retaining walls, fences and the like. As used herein, the expression “masonry” block is intended to embrace all manner of structural blocks. [0004] Generally speaking, masonry block walls are constructed on reinforced concrete footings or a concrete floor slab as a base. Such walls include mortared joints. [0005] Depending upon wind loadings for such block walls, rigidity is conferred by the formation of integral reinforced piers wherein starter bars extend into the hollow wall cavity at spaced int...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036] If required, a decorative coating may be applied over the fibre reinforced polymeric coating.

Problems solved by technology

While generally satisfactory for their intended purpose, such mortar jointed structural block wall constructions suffer a number of practical disadvantages.

Not only are these prior art block wall construction techniques extremely labour intensive, a high level of skill is required in block laying with mortared joints.

Skilled labour is expensive and frequently difficult to obtain when required.

The requirement for starter bars to be accurately located in a supporting base such as footings or a raft slab combined with poured concrete steel reinforced piers at required spaced intervals adds substantially to both labour and material costs, particularly in cyclone rated areas where roof tie down means must be incorporated in the wall.

Although mortarless masonry blocks have been proposed to reduce the level of skilled labour required, these have not found favour in building construction due to reduced structural integrity and increased reinforcing costs as well as poor weather resistance of mortarless joints.

This is expensive and time consuming.

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