A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

A masonry system having masonry elements which can be laid one on top of the other. Each masonry element has at least one spacer to which two panels are fastened.

A masonry system having masonry elements which can be laid one on top of the other. Each masonry element has at least one spacer to which two panels are fastened.

A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

A concrete panel system includes first, second, and third rectangular precast concrete panels, each defining a respective top edge, bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges. A first type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the top edge of the first panel and along the first lateral edge of the first panel. A second type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the second lateral edge of the second panel, and along the bottom edge of the third panel. The first type connector and the second type connector are configured to connect together so as to form a cavity between the respective panel edges. This cavity extends along the first lateral edge of the first panel to facilitate positioning rebar between adjacent panels.

A modular building system is provided which includes modular wall sections. Each wall section has a concrete support column reinforced within by metal rods and at least two wall panels which are formed of concrete. Spline panels are attached to the wall panels at one or both ends of each wall section to connect the wall section to an adjacent wall section. The spline panels are formed of concrete and have a width less than half a width of any of the wall panels. The spline panels are positioned so that a portion thereof extends further in a longitudinal direction of the wall section than the respective wall panels to which the spline panels are joined, so that the spline panels cover joints between wall panels of adjacent wall sections when the adjacent wall sections are connected.

A modular building system is provided which includes modular wall sections. Each wall section has a concrete support column reinforced within by metal rods and at least two wall panels which are formed of concrete. Spline panels are attached to the wall panels at one or both ends of each wall section to connect the wall section to an adjacent wall section. The spline panels are formed of concrete and have a width less than half a width of any of the wall panels. The spline panels are positioned so that a portion thereof extends further in a longitudinal direction of the wall section than the respective wall panels to which the spline panels are joined, so that the spline panels cover joints between wall panels of adjacent wall sections when the adjacent wall sections are connected.

A block for automated building construction has a cuboid body including an opposed top and bottom, a pair of opposed ends, and a pair of opposed sides. The block is dividable lengthwise into block portions. Between each pair of adjacent block portions is a dividing slot(s) extending between the top and the bottom and transversely across the block, the dividing slot(s) separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions. Each block portion includes holes extending between the top and the bottom. The holes include a larger hole, and smaller holes spaced apart around the larger hole. Each portion at opposing ends of the block includes a protruding tongue extending between the top and the bottom of the block, which is transversely offset with respect to a protruding tongue at the opposite end of the block.

A block for automated building construction has a cuboid body including an opposed top and bottom, a pair of opposed ends, and a pair of opposed sides. The block is dividable lengthwise into block portions. Between each pair of adjacent block portions is a dividing slot(s) extending between the top and the bottom and transversely across the block, the dividing slot(s) separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions. Each block portion includes holes extending between the top and the bottom. The holes include a larger hole, and smaller holes spaced apart around the larger hole. Each portion at opposing ends of the block includes a protruding tongue extending between the top and the bottom of the block, which is transversely offset with respect to a protruding tongue at the opposite end of the block.