WALL BLOCK, RANGE OF WALL BLOCKS, AND FORMWORK FOR PRODUCING A WALL BLOCK

Abstract

Wall block (2) made of artificial stone material; it has an overall elongate form and a first seating surface (10); an opposing second seating face (12); a first end face (14); an opposing second end face (16); a first wall surface side (18); an opposing second wall surface side (20); it has, on its first seating face, a first seating surface (4) and, on its second seating face, a second seating surface (6); it has a lateral surface (8) and a plurality of extension arrangements (30) arranged in a row on its first seating face (10) and a plurality of receiving arrangements (40) arranged in a row on its second seating face (12), these arrangements each being complementary to one another such that a particular extension arrangement fits in form-fitting engagement with a particular receiving arrangement of a third further wall block which is designed as a receiving arrangement of the claimed wall block, and such that a particular receiving arrangement fits in form-fitting engagement with a particular extension arrangement of a fourth further wall block which is designed as an extension arrangement of the claimed wall block, the particular extension arrangement and the particular receiving arrangement being designed such that the form-fitting engagement—considered per se—is possible both when the longitudinal central axes of the claimed wall block and of the third further or fourth further wall block are parallel to one another and when the longitudinal central axes of the claimed wall block and of the third further or fourth further wall block—seen in plan view of the first seating face or the second seating face of the claimed wall block—extend at an angle (81) to one another; and it is formed having a fin (60) at the transition between its first end face and its first wall surface side, and/or at the transition between its first end face and its second wall surface side, which fin protrudes beyond a virtual flat surface (61) located at the center of the first end face at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the wall block.

Claims

1. Wall block (2) made of artificial stone material, having the following features: The wall block (2) has an overall elongate form with a longitudinal central axis (L) and with a length (l) that is greater than the width (b) of the wall block (2), and the wall block comprises: a first seating face (10) which is provided as an upper face of the wall block (2) or as a lower face of the wall block (2); an opposing second seating face (12) which is provided as the other of the upper face of the wall block (2) or lower face of the wall block (2); a first end face (14) which is provided to face a first further wall block (2) which is adjacent to the claimed wall block (2) in the longitudinal direction; an opposing second end face (16) which is provided to face a second further wall block (2) which is adjacent to the claimed wall block (2) in the longitudinal direction; a first wall surface side (18) which is provided to be part of a first wall surface; an opposing second wall surface side (20) which is provided to be part of an opposing second wall surface; the wall block (2) has, on its first seating face (10), a first seating surface (4) which is provided for compressive-force transmission with at least a third further wall block (2) that is adjacent in height; the wall block (2) has, on its second seating face (12), a second seating surface (6) which is provided for compressive-force transmission with at least a fourth further wall block (2) that is adjacent in height; the wall block 2 has a lateral surface (8) which extends on its first end face (14), its first wall surface side (18), its second end face (16) and its second wall surface side (20); the wall block (2) has a plurality of extension arrangements (30) arranged in a row on its first seating face (10) and a plurality of receiving arrangements (40) arranged in a row on its second seating face (12), the extension arrangements (30) and the receiving arrangements (40) each being complementary to one another such that a particular extension arrangement (30) fits in form-fitting engagement with a particular receiving arrangement (40) of a third further wall block (2) which is designed as a receiving arrangement (40) of the claimed wall block (2), and such that a particular receiving arrangement (40) fits in form-fitting engagement with a particular extension arrangement (30) of a fourth further wall block (2) which is designed as an extension arrangement (30) of the claimed wall block (2), the particular extension arrangement (30) and the particular receiving arrangement (40) being designed such that the form-fitting engagement—considered per se—is possible both when the longitudinal central axes (L) of the claimed wall block (2) and of the third further or fourth further wall block (2) are parallel to one another and when the longitudinal central axes (L) of the claimed wall block (2) and of the third further or fourth further wall block (2)—seen in plan view of the first seating face (10) or the second seating face (12) of the claimed wall block (2)—extend at an angle (81) to one another; and the wall block (2) is formed having a fin (60) at the transition between its first end face (14) and its first wall surface side (18), and/or at the transition between its first end face (14) and its second wall surface side (20), which fin protrudes beyond a virtual flat surface (61) located at the center of the first end face (14) at a right angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the wall block (2).

2. Wall block (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is additionally formed having a fin (60) at the transition between its second end face (16) and its first wall surface side (18), and/or additionally at the transition between its second end face (16) and its second wall surface side (20), which fin protrudes beyond a virtual flat surface (61) located at the center of the second end face (16) at a right angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the wall block (2).

3. Wall block (2) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in each case an extension arrangement (30) and a receiving arrangement (40) are arranged one above the other with a common central axis.

4. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a single free passage (52) or a plurality of free passages passing from its first seating face (10) to its second seating face (12).

5. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each extension arrangement (30) has such a design of its outer face facing outward away from the center (32) of the extension arrangement (30) and each receiving arrangement (40) has such a design of its inner face facing inward toward the center (42) of the receiving arrangement (40) that continuous arched, form-fitting engagement or interrupted arched, form-fitting engagement with the complementary receiving arrangement (40) and extension arrangement (30), respectively, of the third further or fourth further wall block (2) is possible.

6. Wall block (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that at the outer face of each extension arrangement (30) and at the inner face of each receiving arrangement (40), the design for arched form-fitting engagement extends over an angular range having a size of at least 180° and at most 360°, preferably slightly greater than 180°.

7. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises only two extension arrangements (30) and only two receiving arrangements (40); and in that the centers (32) of the two extension arrangements (30) and the centers (42) of the two receiving arrangements (40) are symmetrical to the transverse central axis of the wall block (2), which is located between the center of the first end face (14) and the center of the second end face (16), preferably the centers (32) of the two extension arrangements (30) and the centers (42) of the two receiving arrangements (40) having a spacing from one another which corresponds substantially to half the length (l) of the wall block (2), measured between the centers of the first end face (14) and the second end face (16).

8. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that its first end face (14) and/or its second end face (16), in comparison with a virtual flat surface (61) which is located in the center of the relevant end face (14; 16) at a right angle to the longitudinal central axis (L), is set back toward the wall block (2), at least in regions, on both sides of the relevant end face center, with the exception of the region or regions where an above-mentioned fin (60) protrudes.

9. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that its first end face (14) and/or its second end face (16) is outwardly convex and semicircularly rounded, with the exception of the region or regions where an above-mentioned fin (60) protrudes.

10. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the fins (60) is dimensioned such that it substantially reaches as far as an end face (14; 16) of an adjacently positioned first further or second further wall block (2) which is designed as a fin-free end face (14; 16) of the claimed wall block (2).

11. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one fin (60) protrudes so far that in a situation in which the claimed wall block (2) is positioned adjacently to a first further or a second further wall block (2), with said fin (60) facing the adjacent wall block (2), it is possible for the claimed wall block (2) to pivot relative to the adjacent wall block (2) about the central axis of the extension arrangement (30) of the adjacent wall block (2) nearest to the claimed wall block (2) at least in one of the two pivoting directions as far as a maximum angle, which has a value of less than 90°, but it is not possible for the claimed wall block (2) to pivot further beyond the maximum angle, due to blocking abutment of said fin (60) against the adjacent wall block (2), without moving the two relevant wall blocks (2) apart.

12. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that its second end face (16) is overall outwardly convex and semicircularly rounded and one or two fins (60) are provided on its first end face (14), and in that the extent of protrusion (v) of the one fin (60) or of the two fins (60), over the above-mentioned virtual flat surface (61), is smaller than the spacing between the center of the first end face (14) and the center (32) of the nearest adjacent extension arrangement (30) of the wall block (2) or of the nearest adjacent receiving arrangement (40) of the wall block (2).

13. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the end face(s) (14; 16) on which at least one fin (60) is provided is/are set back toward the wall block (2) in comparison with the central region of a virtual arc (74) which begins tangentially in the center of the relevant end face (14; 16) and extends to the end of the relevant fin (60), the extent to which it is/they are set back being so great that an empty pocket (76) remains there when a first further wall block (2) or a second further wall block (2) having an overall outwardly convex and semicircularly rounded end face (14; 16) is positioned adjacently.

14. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, in the case of each extension arrangement (30), a portion (36) of its first seating surface (4) is located between its outer face facing outward from the center (32) and the lateral surface (8) of the wall block (2) located there.

15. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it has a single free passage (52) passing from its first seating face (10) to its second seating face (12); in that it consists—with the exception of the at least one above-mentioned fin (60)—substantially only of a peripheral wall (50) having two rounded portions on two end faces (14; 16) of the wall block and two straight portions between the two rounded portions, as well as two extension arrangements (30) and two receiving arrangements (40); in that the two extension arrangements (30) are offset toward the inside of the wall block (2) with respect to the main part of the height of the peripheral wall (50); and in that the two receiving arrangements (40) are formed using portions of the inner faces of the rounded portions.

16. Wall block (16) according to claim 15, characterized in that the two straight portions of the peripheral wall (50) each have a greater wall strength in their central regions than the wall strength of the peripheral wall in the rounded portions; and in that, on the first seating face (10), the first seating surface (4) is widened in each case in the region of the relevant above-mentioned central region toward the inside of the wall block (2), beyond the above-mentioned greater wall thickness.

17. Wall block according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that an opening is provided in each case in its first end face and its second end face.

18. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it has an integrally formed or separately inserted end plate (98) adjacent to its first seating face (10) or its second seating face (12); and in that an opening (96) is provided in each case in its first end face (14) and its second end face (16).

19. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it is wider in the region of its first end face (14) than in the region of its second end face (16).

20. Wall block (2) according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the artificial stone material is concrete.

21. Assortment of wall blocks (2), characterized in that the assortment of wall blocks (2) contains at least two different wall block types from the wall block types (a1) to (g2) listed in the following, the following wall block types belonging to a wall block family containing at least the listed wall block types: (a1) wall block type, comprising: (aa) a peripheral wall (50) which surrounds a passage (52) passing from a first seating face (10) to a second seating face (12) of the wall block (2); (bb) an extension arrangement (30) on the first seating face (10) and a receiving arrangement (40) on the second seating face (12); (cc) a total of exactly one fin (60), which extends away tangentially from the wall (50) and protrudes parallel on the left to a radial vector (58) of the wall (50) extending away from the center of the wall block (2); and (dd) a substantially corresponding length (l) and width (b), if the wall block (2) is viewed as fin-free; (b1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and comprises: (cc) a total of exactly one fin (60), which extends away tangentially from the wall (50) and protrudes parallel on the right to a radial vector (58) of the wall (50) extending toward the center of the wall block (2); (c1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and comprises: (cc) a total of exactly two fins (60), which extend tangentially away from the wall (50) parallel to one another, specifically with one fin (60) protruding parallel on the left and the other fin (60) parallel on the right to a radial vector (58) of the wall (50) extending away from the center of the wall block (2); (d1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and comprises: (cc) a total of exactly three fins (60), specifically one fin (60) as specified under (cc) for wall block type (a1) and two opposing fins (60) as specified under (cc) for wall block type (c1); (e1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and comprises: (cc) a total of exactly three fins (60), specifically one fin (60) as specified under (cc) for wall block type (b1) and two opposing fins (60) as specified under (cc) for wall block type (c1); (f1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and comprises: (cc) a total of exactly four fins (60), specifically two fins (60) as specified under (cc) for wall block type (c1) and additionally two opposing fins (60) also as specified under (cc) for wall block type (c1); (g1) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (dd) for wall block type (a1) and which has a substantially corresponding length (l) and width (b) and is free of one or more fins (60); (a2) wall block type, comprising: (aa) a peripheral wall (50) which surrounds one or more passages (52) passing from a first seating face (10) of the wall block (2) to a second seating face (12) of the wall block (2); (bb) on the length of the wall block (2), two extension arrangements (30) on the first seating face (10) and two receiving arrangements (40) on the second seating face (12); (cc) a length (l) that is greater than the width (b); and (dd) a total of exactly one fin (60), which extends tangentially away from the wall (50) and protrudes parallel on the left to a vector (58) of the wall (50) extending away from the wall block (2) on the longitudinal central axis (L) of the wall block (2); (b2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and comprises: (dd) a total of exactly one fin (60), which extends tangentially away from the wall (50) and protrudes parallel on the right to a vector (58) of the wall (50) extending away from the wall block (2) on the longitudinal central axis (L) of the wall block (2); (c2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and comprises: (dd) a total of exactly two fins (60), which extend tangentially away from the wall (50) parallel to one another, specifically which protrude parallel on the left and on the right to a vector (58) of the wall (50) extending away from the wall block (2) on the longitudinal central axis (L) of the wall block (2); (d2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and comprises: (dd) a total of exactly three fins (60), specifically one fin (60) as specified under (dd) for wall block type (a2) and two opposing fins (60) as specified under (dd) for wall block type (c2); (e2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and comprises: (dd) a total of exactly three fins (60), specifically one fin (60) as specified under (dd) for wall block type (b2) and two opposing fins (60) as specified under (dd) for wall block type (c2); (f2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and comprises: (dd) a total of exactly four fins (60), specifically two fins (60) as specified under (dd) for wall block type (c2) and additionally two opposing fins (60) also as specified under (dd) for wall block type (c2); (g2) wall block type which is designed as specified under (aa), (bb) and (cc) for wall block type (a2) and is free of one or more fins (60).

22. Assortment according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises wall blocks (2) at least of the wall block types (a2), (b2) and (c2).

23. Wall (85), characterized in that it has at least one portion in which a plurality of wall blocks (2) according to any of claims 1 to 20 are incorporated.

24. Wall (85) according to claim 23, characterized in that it has at least one portion in which claimed wall blocks (2) having at least one passage (52) in each case are present and pockets (76) are present between adjacent end faces (14; 16) of adjacent wall blocks (2), which passages (52) and/or pockets (76) are filled with material that was pourable in the filling state.

25. Wall (85) according to either claim 23 or claim 24, characterized in that it has at least one bend (77) in its longitudinal extension direction, which bend is formed by means of the above-mentioned variable-angle form-fitting engagement of an extension arrangement (30) and a receiving arrangement (40).

26. Wall (85) according to any of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that it has at least one T-cross connection and/or at least one X-cross connection (88).

27. Wall (85) according to any of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that it has at least one lintel (100) over a wall opening and/or at least one wall anchor (102) extending longitudinally in the wall (85), the lintel (100) or the wall anchor (102) containing claimed wall blocks (2) filled with concrete.

28. Wall (85) according to any of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that it has at least one portion in which claimed wall blocks (2) are placed one on top of the other free of joining material therebetween.

29. Formwork (110) for producing a wall block (2) made of artificial stone material according to any of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the formwork is composed of a plurality of formwork parts (114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136) and can be disassembled in order to remove the formwork from the wall block (2), and in that the formwork parts of the formwork (110) include a formwork part or a plurality of formwork parts (114, 116, 118, 120) for forming the first seating face (10), a formwork part or a plurality of formwork parts (132, 134, 136) for forming the second seating face (12), and a formwork part or a plurality of formwork parts (122, 124, 126, 128, 130) for forming the lateral surface (8).

30. Formwork (110) according to claim 29, characterized in that the formwork parts include an inner formwork part or a plurality of inner formwork parts (132, 134, 136) for forming a single continuous passage (52) or a plurality of continuous passages of the wall block (2).

31. Formwork (110) according to either claim 29 or claim 30, characterized in that it has at least one insertion part (138; 140) by means of which a partial interior of the formwork (110) can be occupied and thereby removed from the starting cavity of the formwork (110), preferably at least one insertion part (138; 140) being provided for a partial interior which serves to form a fin (60) without the insertion part (138; 140).

32. Formwork (110) according to any of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that it is designed such that different wall block geometries can be produced by leaving out and/or adding and/or exchanging formwork parts (116, 118, 126, 128, 134).

33. Formwork (110) according to any of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the formwork parts are held together by means of a tension rod (162) or a plurality of tension rods.

Description

[0113] The invention is explained in more detail in the following with reference to embodiments shown in drawings. Instead of “wall block made of artificial stone material,” for the sake of brevity reference is made throughout simply to “block”; this always means a wall block made of artificial stone material. In the drawings:

[0114] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block which, however, does not have a fin/fins, for reasons of clearer and more concise description;

[0115] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first seating face of the block of FIG. 1;

[0116] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the opposite second seating face of the block of FIG. 1;

[0117] FIGS. 4 to 9 show six further embodiments of a block, in each case in plan view of the first seating face;

[0118] FIG. 10 shows two blocks of FIG. 6, placed against one another end face to end face, in a plan view of the first seating faces;

[0119] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of three blocks of FIG. 6, consisting of two blocks in a lower row of blocks and one block of a second row of blocks placed on top;

[0120] FIG. 12 shows the block arrangement of FIG. 11 in a plan view of the first seating faces of the blocks;

[0121] FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of the blocks of FIG. 11 in a longitudinal section along C-C in FIG. 12;

[0122] FIG. 14 shows the arrangement of the blocks of FIG. 11 in a cross-section along D-D in FIG. 12;

[0123] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an arrangement of seven blocks according to FIG. 6, of which four blocks are in a lower, first row of blocks and three blocks are in a second row of blocks placed thereon;

[0124] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the blocks of FIG. 15, but now with the rows of blocks bent several times;

[0125] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an arrangement of nine blocks, specifically five blocks in a lower, first row of blocks and four blocks in a second row of blocks placed thereon;

[0126] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a detail of an X-cross of a wall;

[0127] FIGS. 19 to 25 show seven further embodiments of a block, in each case in plan view of the first seating face;

[0128] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a detail of a wall which is erected using blocks according to a further embodiment;

[0129] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the wall detail of FIG. 26;

[0130] FIG. 28 is a longitudinal section of the wall detail of FIG. 26;

[0131] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a block;

[0132] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the block of FIG. 29;

[0133] FIG. 31 shows the block of FIGS. 29 and 30 in a longitudinal section along J-J in FIG. 30;

[0134] FIG. 32 shows the block of FIGS. 29 and 30 in a cross-section along K-K in FIG. 30;

[0135] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a detail of a wall which has been erected using blocks according to the invention;

[0136] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a detail of a wall which has been erected using blocks according to the invention;

[0137] FIG. 35 is a perspective exploded view of a formwork for producing a block according to the invention, the formwork parts that form the second seating face of the wall block being closer to the viewer;

[0138] FIG. 36 is a perspective exploded view of the formwork of FIG. 35, the formwork parts that form the first seating face of the wall block with the extension arrangements being closer to the viewer;

[0139] FIG. 37 is a section of the formwork of FIG. 35 in a plane which is approximately midway between the first and second seating faces in the produced wall block; and

[0140] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the formwork of FIG. 35 in the clamped state.

[0141] In the block 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3, the longitudinal central axis L is shown, which extends at half the width b and half the height h (measured between a first seating surface 4 and a second seating surface 6). The outer contour or lateral surface 8 of the block 2 is composed—as seen in the plan views of FIGS. 2 and 3—of two semicircles at the block ends and two straight sections therebetween. The side of the block 2 facing upward in FIG. 1 is its first seating face 10, and the side of the block 2 facing downward in FIG. 1 is its second seating face 12. The side of the block 2 (upper semicircle) facing upward in FIG. 2 is its first end face 14, and the side of the block 2 (semicircle) facing downward in FIG. 2 is its second end face 16. The side of the block 2 (straight section) facing left in FIG. 2 is its first wall surface side 18, and the side of the wall block 2 (straight section) facing right in FIG. 2 is its second wall surface side 20.

[0142] In the positioning of the block 2 as shown in FIG. 1, its first seating face 10 faces upward and is thus the upper face of the block 2 in the insertion state. In the positioning shown in FIG. 1, the second seating face 12 of the block 2 faces downward, i.e. is the lower face thereof in the insertion state. It is emphasized that the block 2 can alternatively and easily be used “the other way around,” i.e. the first seating face 10 as the lower face and the second seating face 12 as the upper face.

[0143] The end faces 14 and 16 of the block 2 are intended to each face an end face 14 or 16 of an adjacent block 2 when the block 2 is in the insertion state. However, explanations below will show that there are usage situations in which the end faces 14 and 16 are not adjacent to end faces 14 and 16, respectively, of other blocks 2.

[0144] If a wall is erected by means of blocks 2, e.g. in the form of a lowermost, first row of blocks 2, end face 14 or 16 to end face 14 or 16, and a second row of blocks 2 of this kind is placed thereon and several further rows of blocks 2 are further placed thereon, the first wall surface sides 18 are all part of a first wall surface. Correspondingly, the second wall surface sides 20 are part of an opposing second wall surface.

[0145] On its first seating face 10, the block 2 has two extension arrangements 30 arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the block 2; see FIGS. 1 and 2. On its second seating face 12, the block 2 has two receiving arrangements 40 arranged in a row along the length of the block 2; see FIG. 3. Each extension arrangement 30 is an arched rib which extends over an angular range of approximately 200° and protrudes beyond the remaining first seating face 4 in the height direction. Each receiving arrangement 40 is formed by an arched surface which extends over an angular range of approximately 200° and, for a partial angular range of 180°, extends parallel to the arc of the relevant end face 14 or 16. Each of the extension arrangements 30 is complementary to each of the receiving arrangements 40, i.e. form-fittingly fits into one of the receiving arrangements 40 when a block 2, with its second seating face 12 facing downward, is placed on top of the block 2 of FIG. 1, whether this be without a longitudinal offset of these two blocks 2 or whether this be with a longitudinal offset of these two blocks 2 by a half block length l. The terms “complementary” and “form-fitting” are to be understood as functionally appropriate given the production tolerances that are common in the field of wall blocks. Specifically, this means that the outward facing outer periphery of the arc of the relevant extension arrangement 30 has a slightly smaller radius than the radius of the inward facing arc surface of the relevant receiving arrangement 40, such that the extension arrangement 30 and the receiving arrangement 40 can fit inside one another easily. The reference sign 32 refers—as seen in the plan views of FIGS. 2 and 3—to the center of the relevant extension arrangement; the reference sign 42 refers to the center of the relevant receiving arrangement 40. The centers 32 and 42 each lie on a common line (central axis) which extends in the direction of the height h of the block 2 and intersects the longitudinal central axis L.

[0146] The block 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 is a hollow block which has a peripheral outer wall 50 and—delimited by the wall 50—a passage 52 which extends from the first seating face 10 to the second seating face 12. It is emphasized that the block 2 can have a plurality of passages instead of the single passage 52, which passages each extend from the first seating face 10 to the second seating face 12, e.g. two circular passages having the centers 32 and 42, respectively, and a central connecting part between the two wall regions on the two wall surface sides 18 and 20. It is also emphasized that the block 2 can alternatively be designed as a full block without one or more passages 52. In this case, the receiving arrangements 40 would be formed, for example, as circular 360° recesses in the second seating face 12, and the extension arrangements 30 would be formed, for example, as circular 360° ribs on the first seating face 4.

[0147] The regions on the first seating face 10 of the block 2 where there is no extension arrangement 30 and no passage 52 are collectively referred to as the first seating surface 4 of the block 2. The regions on the second seating face 12 of the block where there is no receiving arrangement 40 and no passage 52 are collectively referred to as the second seating surface 6 of the block 2. If a third further block 2, with its second seating face 12 facing downward, is placed on top of the block 2 of FIG. 1 (whether this be without a longitudinal offset or whether this be with a longitudinal offset by half a block length l), the entirety (if placed without a longitudinal offset) or slightly less than half (if placed with a longitudinal offset by half a block length l) of the second seating surface 6 of the upper block 2 sits on the first seating surface 4 of the lower block 2. The upper face of the relevant extension arrangement 30 does not abut any counter-surface on the lower seating face 12 of the upper block 2. If the block 2 is designed for use with mortar between the lower block 2 and the upper block 2, the extension arrangements 30 are each designed with a height and the receiving arrangements 40 are each designed with a height dimension such that the described form-fitting engagement between the relevant extension arrangement 30 and the relevant receiving arrangement 40 takes place despite the interposed mortar.

[0148] The length l of the block 2 is measured from the center of the first end face 14 to the center of the first end face 16. The width b of the block 2 is measured between the center of the first wall surface side 18 and the center of the second wall surface side 20. Insofar as, unlike in the drawn embodiment, the outer lateral surface is not at a right angle to the first seating surface 22 and the second seating surface 24, the length l and the width b are measured at the largest point in each case. The height h of the block 2 is measured from the first seating surface 4 to the second seating surface 6. In this embodiment, the block 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 has a spacing between the two centers 32 or between the two centers 42 of 250 mm, a length l of 495 mm, a width b of 245 mm, and a height h of 175 mm. Said real length and said real width are slightly smaller than the nominal length of 500 mm and the nominal width of 250 mm, in order to be able to work easily in light of the production tolerances when joining blocks 2. Considering the nominal dimensions, the block 2 is twice as long as it is wide and the spacing of the two centers 32 or the two centers 42 is half as large as the block length. Considering the real dimensions, this statement applies with “substantially.”

[0149] The block 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal central plane and is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its transverse central plane.

[0150] It is emphasized that the block 2 can alternatively have a length l that is significantly greater than twice the width b. By way of example, reference is made to a block 2 in which the length l is four times the width b. It is also emphasized that the block 2 can alternatively have more than two extension arrangements 30 and more than two receiving arrangements 40, in a row in each case. For a block 2 of which the length l is four times the width b, it is possible to provide e.g. four extension arrangements 30 and four receiving arrangements 40, each in a row, and e.g. four continuous passages 52. Blocks 2 which have two extension arrangements 30 and two receiving arrangements 40 and a length l that substantially corresponds to twice the spacing of the two centers 32 or the two centers 42, can nevertheless be used in a particularly favorable and varied manner in the construction of walls. In this case, the width b can certainly be slightly larger or slightly smaller than half the block length l.

[0151] If a wall is constructed using a plurality of blocks 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the manner described, the first wall surface and the second wall surface are surfaces which are closed as a whole and pass through in an almost completely planar manner. There is a small gap-like recess in each row of bricks where the end face 14 or 16 is positioned against the end face 14 or 16; however, this is very small and of very shallow depth.

[0152] With the blocks 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3, it is not only possible to construct straight walls, but it is also possible to build a wall bend in the bending range of 0 to 90°, even beyond, in the simplest manner. The extension arrangements 30 and the receiving arrangements 40 are designed in such a way that the construction of bends of the wall is possible even if there is a longitudinal offset by half a block length l from one row of blocks to the next.

[0153] Since each extension arrangement 30 and each receiving arrangement 40 extend over an angular range of more than 180°, the mentioned form-fitting engagement between a relevant extension arrangement 30 and a relevant receiving arrangement 40 is effective not only against forces acting transversely to the wall, but also against forces acting in both longitudinal directions of the wall (highly tensile clamping in the longitudinal direction of the wall). However, when the upper block 2 is placed thereon with an angle between the longitudinal central axes L of the lower block 2 and the upper block 2 of more than approximately 45°, said form-fitting engagement is no longer effective in all horizontal directions, but is effective in some of the horizontal directions.

[0154] As can be seen in the top view of the second seating face 12 of the block in FIG. 3, the second seating face 6 is composed substantially of two semicircular strips 26 on the outside along the receiving arrangements 40 and two substantially straight strips 28 therebetween. The straight strips 28—measured in the direction of the width b—have a greater width than the semicircular strips 26.

[0155] When progressing in the passage 52 from the second seating face 12 to the first seating face 10 of the block, the cross-sectional area of the passage 52 progressively decreases slightly, and this sloping allows the separation of the block 2 from the formwork by means of which it has been produced. Approaching the first seating face 10 in said progression in the passage 52, the passage 52 has a greater slope 34 all round toward the interior of the passage 52. The extent of this greater slope 34 is selected such that the width of the two substantially semicircular strips 36 of the first seating surface 4 is substantially equal to the width of the semicircular strips 26 on the second seating surface 6. The straight strips 38 of the first seating surface 4 are wider between the ends of the two extension arrangements 30—measured in the width direction of the block 2—than the straight strips 28 on the second seating surface 6. This increases the stability of the block 2 and produces a better connection of the four end regions 44 of the two extension arrangements 30 to the wall 50 of the block 2.

[0156] Instead of forming each of the extension arrangements 30 as a continuous arched rib, for example a plurality of segments of a rib could be provided so as to provide interrupted arched form-fitting engagement with the relevant receiving arrangement 40. Functionally, there would then be a kind of arched envelope along the parts of the relevant rib.

[0157] FIGS. 4 to 9 show further embodiments of blocks 2 according to the invention, which can be understood most clearly as modifications of the block 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 by providing fins 60.

[0158] In FIG. 4, the block 2 has a single fin 60 located at the transition between the first end face 14 and the first wall surface side 18. The main extension direction of the fin 60 is from bottom to top in FIG. 4, such that the outer surface 62 of the fin 60 continues the first wall surface side 18 of the block 2. Proceeding from the root 64 of the fin 60 (where it extends away from the rest of the block 2) to the free end 66 of the fin 60, the inner surface 70 of the fin 60 is composed of the following portions in this order: an outwardly concave rounding 68, a straight portion 71 parallel to the outer surface 62 of the fin 60, an outwardly convex transition portion 73, and an outwardly concave rounded portion 72. This portion 72 is part of a virtual semicircle which extends at a narrow spacing parallel to a fin-free first end face 14 of an adjacently placed block 2. The fin 60 then ends with a relatively small dimension between the outer face 62 and the inner face 70. The radius of the outwardly convex rounding 72 is substantially as great as the radius of the rounded portion on the end faces 14 and 16. The outwardly concave rounding 68 near the root 64 of the fin 60 has a significantly smaller radius. The width of the fins between their outer face 62 and the part of their inner face 70 that is parallel to their outer face 62 is slightly smaller than the width of the straight portion 38 of the first seating surface 22.

[0159] The extent v of protrusion of the fin 60 beyond a virtual flat surface 61, which is located at the center of the first end face 14 at a right angle to the longitudinal central axis L, is smaller than the spacing between the center of the first end face 14 and the center 32 of the extension arrangement 30 which is nearest to the fin 60 and is at the top in FIG. 4. In the embodiment in FIG. 4, the extent of protrusion v is approximately half the last-mentioned spacing.

[0160] FIGS. 4 to 9 each show a vector 58 which extends on the longitudinal central axis L of the relevant block 2 and, from the center of the block, is directed away from the block 2. In FIG. 4, the fin 60 extends in parallel on the left to the vector 58.

[0161] The block 2 of FIG. 5 differs from the block 2 of FIG. 4 in that it has a single fin 60, but now in mirror inversion at the other transition between the first end face 14 and the second wall surface side 20. The fin 60 extends in parallel on the right to the vector 58.

[0162] The block 2 of FIG. 6 has exactly two fins 60 on its second end face 16, in each case at the transition to the first wall surface side 18 and the second wall surface side 20, respectively. The fins 60 extend in parallel to one another and parallel on the left and parallel on the right to the vector 58.

[0163] The block 2 of FIG. 7 has exactly three fins 60, one as in the block 2 of FIG. 4 and two as in the block of FIG. 6.

[0164] The block 2 of FIG. 8 has exactly three fins 60, one as in the block of FIG. 5 and two as in the block of FIG. 6.

[0165] The block 2 of FIG. 9 has exactly four fins 60, two protruding downward in FIG. 9 as in FIG. 6 and two protruding upward in mirror inversion in FIG. 9.

[0166] In all of FIGS. 4 to 9, the fins 60 have the same design (although mirror-inverted in some cases) and the same dimensions. The statements made on the design and dimensions of the fin 60 in connection with FIG. 4 also apply analogously to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0167] In FIG. 10 two blocks 2, each having a first end face 14 with two fins 60 and an overall semicircularly rounded second end face 18, are placed one on top of the other. FIG. 10 shows that the geometry of the fins 60 makes it possible for the block 2u positioned at the bottom in FIG. 10 to be pivoted relative to the further block 2o shown at the top of FIG. 10 up to an angle of somewhat more than 45° between the longitudinal central axes L of the two blocks 2, seen in plan view of the first seating faces 10 or the second seating faces 12 of the blocks 2, without the end 66 of the fin 60, which is located on the inner face of the bend 77 or kink 77 of the row of blocks, reaching the point of transition between the overall semicircularly rounded second end face 16 of the lower block 2u and the flat second wall surface side 20 of the lower block 2u. Shortly after this transition point 79 is reached, further pivoting of the lower block 2u is possible only “at the cost” of the blocks 20 and 2u moving apart from one another so as to create a gap between the first end face 14 of the upper block 20 and the second end face 16 of the lower block 2u. However, such moving apart is made impossible if a third further block 2 is placed on the shown blocks 2o and 2u in such a way that its longitudinal central axis L is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the block 2o, that its two receiving arrangements 40 are in form-fitting engagement with the extension arrangement 30, at the bottom in FIG. 10, of the upper block 2o and the extension arrangement 30, at the top in FIG. 10, of the lower block 2u, and that the placed third further block 2 is oriented with its two fins 60 pointing upward in

[0168] FIG. 10. The same applies if a fourth further block 2 is placed below the shown blocks 2o and 2u, the extension arrangements 30 of which further block are in form-fitting engagement with two receiving arrangements 40 of the blocks 20 and 2u.

[0169] FIG. 10 clearly shows that the extent of protrusion v of the fins 60 determines the magnitude of the pivot angle 81 that is maximally possible before the described gap between the two adjacent blocks 2 is formed. The shorter the fins 60, the greater the maximum pivot angle. It can also be clearly seen in FIG. 10 that the maximum pivot angle 81 even exceeds 90° (in this case specifically approximately 100°) if the upper block 2o is formed without the fin 60 on the left in FIG. 10.

[0170] FIG. 10 also shows that the shape of the fins 60 described in detail in connection with FIG. 4 represents a recess of the first end face 14 of the block 2 toward the block 2 in comparison with a virtual arc 74, which is shown in FIG. 5 for illustrative purposes. This virtual arc 74 begins in the center of the first end face 14 and extends to the end 66 of the relevant fin 60. Due to being set back as described, in FIG. 10 a pocket 76 is created next to each fin 60 between the upper block 2o and the lower block 2u. The advantages of the pockets 76 are explained in more detail below.

[0171] FIGS. 11 to 14 show an arrangement of three blocks 2, specifically two blocks 2 as part of a lower row of blocks end face to end face and a further block as part of a second row of blocks placed thereon. The last-mentioned block 2 is placed with a longitudinal offset by half a block length l and thus links the two blocks 2 of the lower row of blocks. All three blocks 2 are blocks 2 according to FIG. 6 or FIG. 10, i.e. having two fins 60 on the first end face 14 in each case and an overall semicircularly rounded second end face 16. The fins 60 are oriented in the same direction in all the blocks 2, i.e. are directed to the upper left in FIG. 11 and to the left in FIG. 12.

[0172] The sections of FIGS. 13 and 14 show very clearly what has already been described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3. The two adjacent extension arrangements 30 of the two lower blocks 2 sit form-fittingly in the two receiving arrangements 40 of the upper block 2.

[0173] In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the left, lower block 2 can be pivoted relative to the right, lower block 2 and thus also relative to the upper block 2 at most by a relatively small angle (between the longitudinal central axes L of the right, lower block and the upper block 2 on the one hand and the longitudinal central axes L of the left, lower block 2 on the other hand). The maximum pivotability is achieved when an end region of the left extension arrangement 30, visible in FIG. 12, of the left, lower block 2 abuts one of the two fins 60 of the upper block 2.

[0174] Nevertheless, this pivotability disappears when a further block 2 of the upper row of blocks is placed to the left of the upper block 2. A semicircularly rounded region of the peripheral wall 50 of the further block 2 then comes with its lower end region into the two gaps 78, each between an end region of the left extension arrangement 30 of the left lower block 2 and the outwardly concave region 72 of the relevant fin 60. The result is that a wall constructed in this way from the described blocks 2 is rigid against bending; even without the use of mortar, the wall behaves substantially as though it were constructed from the blocks 2 with mortar.

[0175] FIG. 11 also shows that due to the fins 60, the gaps 80 between two adjacent blocks 2 in the row of blocks are much smaller than for blocks 2 without fins 60.

[0176] In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the blocks 2 of the first, lower row of blocks 82 are oriented with their fins 60 in a first direction (toward the top left in FIG. 15), whereas the blocks 2 in the second row of blocks 84 placed thereon are all oriented in the opposite direction (toward the bottom right in FIG. 15).

[0177] FIG. 16 demonstrates that, despite the fact that each block 2 of the upper row of blocks 84 links two blocks 2 of the lower row of blocks 82, walls 85 can be constructed with one or more bends 77 in the longitudinal direction thereof. Specifically, bends 77 are possible where extension arrangements 30 and receiving arrangements 40 are in form-fitting engagement with one another adjacent to end faces 14 and 16, respectively, without fins 60 there. For this purpose, attention is drawn to the right (second) end face 16 of the leftmost block 2 in the lower row 82 of blocks and the left (second) end face 16 of the leftmost block 2 in the upper row 84 of blocks in FIG. 16. The relevant block ends of the two blocks 2 involved there are free of fins 60. Bends 77 are possible in both pivoting directions.

[0178] In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the bend 77 in the longitudinal extension direction of the wall 85 is limited to slightly more than 45° as a maximum value, as described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0179] Considering FIG. 16 as a total of eight wall bends by 45°, all in the same pivot direction, the result is an annularly closed wall polygon. If working instead with blocks 2 according to FIG. 4 (i.e. having only one fin 60) and/or with blocks 2 according to FIG. 5 (i.e. having only one fin 60), it is possible to construct annular closed wall polygons having six corners (angled by 60°) or having four corners (angled by 90°). The described wall polygons can be used as a type of column. It is even possible to completely fill the interior of the polygon with pourable material, in particular concrete, in order to construct a column. The wall polygon thus serves as a kind of formwork for this column.

[0180] At this point, it is emphasized that, if desired, walls can also be constructed from two parallel wall block row stacks placed closely together. At desired points of this “double wall,” links can be created between the two wall block row stacks using connecting blocks placed at right angles to the wall face sides.

[0181] At this point, it is further emphasized that it is also possible to work with blocks in multiple widths, in particular in two widths. The blocks of greater width are used for thicker walls, and the blocks of smaller width are used for thinner walls. The transition between the thicker and thinner walls can be produced using the transition block mentioned above (wider at one end face than at the other end face).

[0182] FIG. 17 shows how the blocks 2 according to the invention can be used to construct a wall corner 86 between two wall portions when the measured inner angle of the wall corner 86 is smaller than approximately 135°. Specifically, the interior angler corner has an internal angle of 90° in the case shown. However, even internal angles that are slightly smaller than 90° are possible.

[0183] In the first, lower row 82 of blocks there is, adjacent on the right to the corner 86 in FIG. 17, a block 2a, which is designed as shown in FIG. 4. In the second, upper row 84 of blocks there is, adjacent on the left to the corner 86 in FIG. 17, a block 2b, which is designed as shown in FIG. 5. In comparison with the other shown blocks 2, which are designed as shown in FIG. 6, the blocks 2a and 2b do not have the fin 60 which would be located on the inner face of the wall corner 86.

[0184] FIG. 18 shows an X-cross 88 of two walls which can be made using blocks 2 disclosed in this application. In the fourth, uppermost block level shown in FIG. 18, a block 2c according to FIG. 22 is inserted immediately to the lower right of the X-cross 88. It is also possible to see in the uppermost block level a block 2d, which is designed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and a block 2e, which is designed as shown in FIG. 4. The lower half of FIG. 18 is a hatched illustration of the four blocks 2 which are involved in connecting the wall portion to the center of the X-cross 88. It is clear that the four wall portions involved are so well connected to the center of the X-cross 88 that considerable forces can be transmitted there. The embodiment in FIG. 18 can be easily reconfigured into a T-cross of three wall portions. In this case, for example, the wall portion extending away to the upper right is not present. Instead of the lowermost integration block 2 in the lower part of FIG. 18, a block 2 is inserted there that does not extend out of the T-cross to the top right.

[0185] FIGS. 19 to 25 show seven embodiments of blocks 2 which, which respect to the absence of a fin 60 or with respect to the presence of a fin 60 or a plurality of fins 60, are constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 9, although now for blocks 2 which have only exactly one extension arrangement 30 and one receiving arrangement 40 and in which the length l is equal to the width b. The single extension arrangement 30 and the single receiving arrangement 40 are each circular over 360°.

[0186] The seven blocks 2 of FIGS. 19 to 25 correspond to the wall block types (g1) and (a1) to (f1), as discussed in the general part of the description. The seven blocks 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 9 correspond to the wall block types (g2) and (a2) to (f2), as discussed in the general part of the description.

[0187] The seven blocks 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 9 on the one hand and the seven blocks 2 of FIGS. 19 to 25 on the other hand belong to a wall block family, as discussed in the general part of the description.

[0188] FIG. 26 shows blocks 2 which are blocks 2 according to FIG. 6 in terms of basic design, but have an opening 90 in each of the two end faces 14 and 16 that is delimited all around.

[0189] Dotted lines 92 indicate vertical reinforcing bars 92 and dotted lines 94 indicate horizontal reinforcing bars 94. The horizontal reinforcing bars 94 each extend in the longitudinal direction through a plurality of blocks 2 and the openings 90 thereof. The vertical reinforcing bars 92 extend vertically through a plurality of block levels, specifically into the interiors of the extension arrangements 30 and the receiving arrangements 40 and into the pockets 76. Since there is a passage 52 below each pocket 76 and above each pocket 76 in the next block level, the vertical reinforcing bars 92 can pass through a greater number of block levels without complication. The horizontal reinforcing bars 94 are most expediently inserted gradually, following the progress of the construction of the wall. Lateral “threading” of the blocks 2 on ready-placed horizontal reinforcing bars 94 is also possible.

[0190] As soon as the reinforcing bars 92 and 94 are in place, all the passages 52 and all the pockets 76 can be filled with flowable concrete. It goes without saying that it is not necessary to make the described reinforcements or fill with concrete as described throughout an entire wall, but this can be limited to particularly heavily loaded wall portions or wall parts. Wall corners, for example, are good candidates for reinforcements and filling with concrete.

[0191] It is emphasized that alternatively it is possible to work with blocks 2 without openings 90 and introduce only vertical reinforcing bars 92, or to work with blocks 2 having openings 90 but still introduce only vertical reinforcing bars 92. Attention is also drawn to the possibility of working without reinforcing bars 92 and/or 94 and still filling the passages 52 and the pockets 76 with flowable concrete.

[0192] The previous paragraphs have consistently referred to filling with concrete; however, it is emphasized that other pourable materials, as have been disclosed in the general part of the description, can be used instead of concrete. The reinforcing bars disclosed are usually structural steel bars of the type commonly used for constructing structures made of concrete.

[0193] FIG. 29 shows a block 2 which has openings 96 in its two end faces 14 and 16 that are open toward its second seating face 6 and which is provided near its first seating face 4 with an integrally formed end plate or a separately inserted end plate 98, e.g. made of concrete or stone or metal or plastics material. The end plate 98 can be easily inserted, since the passage 52 decreases in its inner surface area as it approaches the first seating face 4, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 31 and 32.

[0194] If a plurality of blocks 2 of FIGS. 29 to 32 are lined up end face to end face, each with the first seating face 4 facing downward, a kind of concreting formwork has been created into which concrete can be poured, with or without horizontal reinforcing bars 94. Due to the openings 96, after the concrete has set a concrete beam is obtained having a length that is several times the length l of a block 2. In particular window lintels or door lintels 100, as shown in FIG. 34, can be erected in this way. It goes without saying that window lintels or door lintels 100 or the like have to be supported from below until the concrete has set.

[0195] FIG. 33 shows a further area of application of blocks 2 of the type shown in FIGS. 29 to 32. FIG. 33 shows a corner anchor 102 which extends from one wall corner 86 consisting of a plurality of block lengths to one side and to the other side, thus stabilizing the wall corner 86. It can be seen in FIG. 33 that in one of the two blocks 2 most closely adjacent to the wall corner 86, an opening 96 must be provided asymmetrically at the transition of an end face 14 or 16 into one of the wall surface sides 18 or 20, so that the corner anchor 102 forms a continuous corner concrete beam here. The corner anchor 102 can be expanded to form an annular anchor which extends e.g. around the upper edge of an external building wall.

[0196] FIGS. 29 to 34 show that in the uppermost block level, where the concrete fillings are introduced, the blocks 2 must be positioned with their first seating face 4 (where the extension arrangements 10 are located) facing downward. This can be achieved by positioning the blocks, from the first, lowermost block level upward, with the first seating face 4 facing downward. Another possibility is to work with blocks 2 at the second highest block level, for example, which, as special blocks, do not have any extension arrangements 10, but only receiving arrangements 40 on both seating faces 4 and 6.

[0197] FIGS. 35 to 38 show a formwork 110 or a mold 110 by means of which blocks 2 according to the invention of different designs can be produced. In order to produce a block 2, pourable concrete is poured into the mold 110 via an opening 112. After the concrete has hardened, the mold 110 is opened and the block 2 is removed.

[0198] The formwork 110 has the following formwork parts:

[0199] Four formwork parts 114, 116, 118, 120 for forming the first seating face 10 of a block 2 to be produced, which is designed as shown in FIG. 6; [0200] five formwork parts 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 for forming the lateral surface 8 of the block 2; [0201] three inner formwork parts 132, 134, 136, which are also formwork parts for forming the second seating face 12 of the block 2; [0202] two insertion formwork parts 138, 140, which are left aside when a block 2 having two fins 60 is to be produced.

[0203] For details on the design of the above-mentioned formwork parts, reference is expressly made to FIGS. 35 to 38.

[0204] Roughly speaking, the formwork part 114 has the shape of a semicircular ring, the formwork parts 116, 118 have a rectangular shape, and the formwork part 120 has the shape of a semicircular ring having two extensions 142 which point downward in FIGS. 35 to 38. Roughly speaking, the formwork parts 122, 124 have the shape of a plate which is curved in an arc shape over approximately 80° in its upper portion (in order to form slightly less than half of the second end face 16 of the block 2) and is flat in its lower portion (in order to form part of a wall surface side 18 or 20 of the block 2). The formwork parts 126, 128 have the shape of a flat plate (for forming the remaining parts of the wall surface sides 18 and 20 of the block 2 and for forming the outer surfaces 62 of the two fins 60 of the block 2). The formwork part 130 has a shape for forming the first end face 14 together with the inner surfaces 70 of the two fins 60 of the block 2. Roughly speaking, the formwork part 132 has the shape of a bowl that is halved in its central axis plane having an outwardly protruding rim, the formwork part 136 has an identical shape, although with two extensions 144 of the rim projecting downward in FIGS. 35 to 38, and the formwork part 134 has the shape of a channel having two outwardly protruding rim portions. All the above-mentioned formwork parts are made of plastics material and are provided with reinforcing ribs in regions that do not face the cavity of the formwork to be filled with concrete.

[0205] The above-mentioned formwork parts, with the exception of the insertion formwork parts 138, 140, are closely assembled for use, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. The formwork parts 114, 116, 118, 120, 132, 134, 136 have grooves 150 which edge regions of the formwork parts 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 enter in a form-fitting manner. The formwork parts 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 have, at the edges thereof which are adjacent to another formwork part in each case, closed holes 152 or holes that are open on one side, so that connecting screws can be fitted there.

[0206] The closely assembled formwork parts 114, 116, 118, 120 delimit an opening 154, which roughly speaking has the shape of a slot with semicircular ends. The bowl bottoms 156 of the formwork parts 132, 136 and the channel bottom 158 of the formwork part 134 extend into this opening 154 in order to form the passage 52 in this way.

[0207] The formwork parts, which are closely assembled in the manner described, are assembled between two outer pressure plates 160 in the manner of a sandwich, by a central tension rod 162 being attached. The tension rod 162 is a metal rod having an external thread in each end region. It extends at a right angle to the plates 160 and passes through an opening 164 in the channel bottom 158 of the formwork part 134. Nuts 166 are screwed onto the two ends of the tension rod 162, such that the tension rod 162 tightens the entire sandwich described. The filling opening 112 for concrete can be seen at the top of FIGS. 37 and 38. The formwork 110 is filled with concrete in the position shown in FIGS. 37 and 38.

[0208] By installing one of the two insertion parts 138 or 140 when assembling the formwork 110, a block 2 having only one fin 60 can be produced, and by installing both insertion parts 138 and 140, a block 2 completely without fins 60 can be produced, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. If it is desired to manufacture a block 2 having three or four fins 60, it would be necessary to replace the rounded portions of the formwork parts 122 and 124 with a formwork part such as formwork part 130, the formwork part 114 with a formwork part such as formwork part 120, and the formwork part 132 with a formwork part such as formwork part 136. In addition, instead of the filling opening 112, a filling opening would be provided on each of the extensions 142, 144 that form the upwardly protruding fins 60 of the block 2.

[0209] By leaving out the formwork parts 116, 118, 126, 128, 134 and providing shorter formwork parts instead of the formwork parts 128 and 128, it is easy to produce a formwork 110 that is suitable for forming a block 2 which—with the exception of any fins 60—has an equal length and width. The two half-openings 168 in the bowl bottom 156 of the formwork parts 132, 136 complete one another to form a full circular opening through which the tension rod passes. For working with insertion parts 138, 140 and producing blocks 2 without fins 60 and blocks 2 having one, two, three or four fins 60, the statements made in the previous paragraph apply accordingly.