Masonry unit for constructing a multi-wythe wall

Abstract

A masonry unit for constructing a wall is disclosed. The masonry unit includes at least three substantially vertical parallel partitions. Each of the partitions connects to an adjacent partition by a web thereby defining a pair of oppositely-facing open-ended recesses on either side of the web. Each of the webs connecting the partitions is offset from any adjacent webs in the masonry unit. A plurality of separated continuous vertical cavities extending through multiple layers of stacked masonry units are formed within the wall when positioning the multiple layers of stacked masonry units on top of each other in a horizontally offset and vertically inverted manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 326,346 filed Apr. 21, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention generally relates to masonry materials, particularly masonry units for constructing multi-wythe walls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Masonry units (e.g., clay or concrete bricks or blocks) have been used for many years in the construction of building walls. To form a wall, multiple masonry units are typically stacked vertically with cementitious mortar materials placed between them in order to permanently bind the units together. In many cases, the masonry units are stacked in a single-wythe structure (i.e., a structure having a width of one masonry unit). While single-wythe walls are popular and relatively easy to construct, in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In some forms, the masonry unit may further include a vertically-extending support formed along one at least one of the partitions to provide support for the partition during fabrication of the masonry unit. The vertically-extending support may be aligned with one of the webs in the lengthwise direction. If mortar is applied to the top surface and bonds the unit to the unit above, the vertically-extending support may further lend additional load-bearing capacity to the overall wall system.

[0014]In some forms, the masonry unit is generally rectangular shaped. In this way, when a wall is formed, these masonry units may maintain an aesthetic consistent with conventional masonry units and, moreover, may be made to easily interface with standard corners, end pieces, and other fittings.

[0015]A masonry unit of this type offers many advantages over conventional concrete masonry units with closed cavities. With the improved masonry unit, a wall can be constructed with multiple layers in manner that is far easier than the construction of a conventional composite wall. Whereas conventional composite walls require the sequential building of at least two walls with a space there between, by using the disclosed masonry unit the same effect can be achieved with the construction of a single wall. Moreover, because the masonry unit has open-sided cores, the masonry units do not need to be lifted over the top of vertical reinforcement rods during construction. This reduces the amount of lifting necessary to build the wall and eliminates the amount of reinforcement rod material required (as longer continuous lengths of reinforcement material can be utilized).

[0017]Additionally, this single wall has superior thermal and acoustic transmission properties that are not found in walls constructed with masonry units in which the webs directly connect a front and rear face of the wall.

Problems solved by technology

These requirements have proven difficult to meet, both physically and economically, using single-wythe wall designs.

The construction of a composite wall of this type is typically time consuming and labor intensive.

Because vertical rods are typically four to eight feet in length, this task can be very strenuous.

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