Masonry Block

Abstract

A masonry block (1) comprising outer walls (2), at least one abutment wall (3) and at least one vertical cavity, at least one first channel in the upper surfaces of the abutment walls and/or in the lower surfaces of the abutment walls, wherein the abutment walls include vertical edge surfaces (7) for engagement with abutting blocks, a vertical land (8) disposed between the vertical edge surfaces wherein said land has a keyway (9) for receiving a key to lock adjacent blocks in position and a pair of vertical channels (10) disposed between the vertical land and the edge surfaces, the arrangement and construction being such that when blocks are laid one upon another the channels and the said at least one cavity of the blocks can be aligned to provide an internal network of horizontal and vertical grouting passages which can be filled with settable material to seal joints between the blocks and to provide load bearing support between respective layers of blocks.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to building elements such as construction blocks and has particular relevance to masonry blocks and buildings having walls constructed therewith. BACKGROUND ART [0002] There have been proposed many different forms of masonry blocks for use in building constructions and these are generally manufactured with a peripheral wall with apertures passing therethrough. The blocks, when built into a wall, are generally laid staggered, that is with the blocks in alternate rows being displaced half a block with from those in the adjacent row and are normally provided with mortar joints. [0003] Such blocks have the advantage of lightness in weight and are less costly than bricks. Additionally, in staggered block constructions a level foundation is required for supporting the blocks to ensure correct alignment between the blocks. Furthermore, the blocks are required to be manufactured to stringent tolerances otherwise staggering of the blocks becomes ...

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