Method for constructing cultured stone block buildings

Abstract

A method for constructing a building made from site specific cultured stone blocks is disclosed. The site specific cultured stone blocks are created by placing an open form on prepared ground covered by plastic sheeting and pouring in concrete into the open form. The pressure of the concrete on the plastic sheeting imparts the contours and details of the ground onto the facing of the block, creating a non-uniform facing that corresponds to the features of the ground. In one embodiment the blocks also contain a tongue and groove configuration to aid alignment of the blocks and to give added stability, strength and general air tightness. Many types of buildings and structures can be constructed with these blocks.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 068,648 filed on Mar. 7, 2008.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not Applicable.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0004]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0005]The present invention relates to a method for building on site cultured stone block buildings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0006]Buildings have been made of stone blocks since before recorded time. These blocks were made of stone cut into block shapes, typically cubes or six sided rectangular blocks, and the blocks stacked. In many cases the blocks were connected with an adhesive or cement mortar that allowed the blocks to be securely and essentially permanently attached. In some cases, if the blocks were sufficiently uniform, there was no need for any type of mort...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention is drawn to a method for constructing buildings from poured on site “cultured” stone structural blocks. The blocks are poured in forms with the facing side place on plastic on the ground. This gives the facing of the blocks a non-uniform, natural, and site-specific look. Poured concrete that looks like natural stone is commonly referred to as “cultured stone.” In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocks have tongue and groove features, which allows them to be easily aligned and adjoined for constructing many types of residential, commercial, and agricultural structures. The cost of material and labor for pouring the blocks on site and assembling the structure are comparable to, if not somewhat cheaper than, wood, steel or cinder block construction for similar sized structures.

[0013]Fly ash is increasingly used as a replacement for Portland Cement in standard construction concrete, and it is within the conception of the invention to use fly ash in place of Portland Cement. Fly ash is a waste product of industrial combustion which is frequently disposed of. Many combustion facilities such as coal fired power plants pay to have the fly ash removed from their site, so it is significantly cheaper to use the fly ash in concrete than cements such as Portland cement.

[0015]Cultured stone blocks can be used in a variety of types of construction. Its aesthetic features make it desirable for residential construction, and its strength makes it ideal for commercial construction. Cultured stone blocks are ideal for agricultural use because they will not deteriorate through contact with animal waste or organic materials. Animal barns made of wood or steel can be damaged by animal urine and feces. Wood rots and metal rusts or oxidizes. Wood barns are traditional and aesthetically pleasing, but they inevitably deteriorate. This may take many years, but the deterioration of wood will inevitably require that the building be replaced. Steel lasts significantly longer, although it too can be damaged by animal waste and contact with other organic materials, but while steel lasts longer than wood, it is not aesthetically pleasing. The present invention discloses an aesthetically pleasing building material that is also highly durable.

Problems solved by technology

This gives the facing of the blocks a non-uniform, natural, and site-specific look.

Images