An insulating element for thermally insulating spaces, including closed cells, in which a first and a second group of closed cells are formed by first or second recesses in a first or second flat element and the first and the second flat elements form first or second connection regions between recesses adjacent to the edges of the openings, to which respectively a flat covering element closing the openings of a plurality of first recesses is bonded on a front side of the flat element. The second recesses are arranged between the first recesses on a rear side of the first flat element and the first recesses are arranged between the second recesses on a rear side of the second flat element such that the space remaining of the first and second recesses between the first and the second flat elements amounts to less than 50% of the space enclosed by the first and second recesses.

A concrete block system is provided and allows for the use of a single type of non-integral connector to perform different functions in a mortarless structure, the system comprising a plurality of structural concrete blocks and a plurality of veneer units. The same connector can be used to connect veneer units to structural blocks, to retain the veneer units in different orientations; to create near vertical installations or a setback between stacked rows of structural blocks. In addition, the system provides a single structural block, which can be used for both straight portions or corners of a same structure. The structural block can also be used to create double-sided walls, with opposite lateral walls being configured to received/retain veneer units thereon.

A concrete block system is provided and allows for the use of a single type of non-integral connector to perform different functions in a mortarless structure, the system comprising a plurality of structural concrete blocks and a plurality of veneer units. The same connector can be used to connect veneer units to structural blocks, to retain the veneer units in different orientations; to create near vertical installations or a setback between stacked rows of structural blocks. In addition, the system provides a single structural block, which can be used for both straight portions or corners of a same structure. The structural block can also be used to create double-sided walls, with opposite lateral walls being configured to received/retain veneer units thereon.

A hollow prefabricated masonry wall panel is made at a fabrication site and is configured for transportation to a build site. The hollow prefabricated wall panel has a base row and an upper row formed of hollow blocks. A slit is formed in the top of each of the two side walls of the hollow blocks of the base row and upper row, the slit having a width no larger than 20% a width of a side wall. Provisional reinforcement is provided within each slit with a bonding material, a size of the slit and the provisional reinforcement configured to provide tensile strength during transportation of the hollow prefabricated wall panel from the fabrication site to the build site. At least one mid-row is laid between the base row and upper row so the hollow cavities are aligned to preserve hollow wall cavities that can accept code required reinforcement once transported to the build site.

A set of interlocking blocks consists a plurality of first blocks and a plurality of second blocks capable of forming kinematic interlock. Each of the first blocks and second blocks comprise at least one male joint and female joint for mating with its counterpart. The motion of the first blocks and second blocks are constrained by joints. Subsequent first blocks and/or second blocks reinforce and immobilize prior first blocks and/or second blocks. Assembly of an interlock structure consisting the set of interlocking blocks may be performed via translation motions.

A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

A kit and system for constructing structures including at least one core block, at least one fascia block that connects to the core block by mounting a shelf that extends from a face of the core block with a cut-out section of a face of the fascia block, such that the face of the core block and the face of the fascia block form a gap therein between.