MX2010006059A - Concrete block for wall, walls having such blocks, and methods. - Google Patents

Abstract

A concrete retaining wall block includes insets along the sides and in the rear and a locator protrusion on one of the top or bottom surfaces. The block has a depth that is less than the height and less than one-half of the width of the front surface. A volume is defined behind the front surface of the block. The volume is shaped to receive pourable concrete when a plurality of the blocks are stacked to form a wall in a manner that locks the blocks to concrete behind the blocks when the concrete cures. In preferred embodiments, the concrete is no-fines concrete. Retaining walls may be constructed from these blocks.

Description

CONCRETE BLOCK FOR WALL, WALLS THAT HAVE SUCH BLOCKS, AND METHODS Field of the Invention This description generally refers to concrete blocks and walls made with such concrete blocks. More specifically, this description refers to concrete blocks that can be used to form walls with the use of non-fine concrete.

Background of the Invention Concrete blocks have been used for the construction of walls, such as retaining walls. In some systems, the walls are constructed in rows, and then held in place through the use of a structure such as static guides, ties, matrix fabric, or geogrid.

There is a need for a block of concrete that is stackable to form walls of high structural integrity without the use of complex connection systems, without the need for securing mechanisms such as tie bars, without the need for matrix fabrics or geogrids, and be convenient and easy to handle.

Brief Description of the Invention According to a first aspect, a block including a front surface, a surface is provided rear, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first and second sides. The first side has a first insert, which extends from the upper block surface to the lower block surface. The second side has a second insert. The second insert extends from the upper block surface to the lower block surface. A location projection is provided. The locating projection may be on one of the lower or upper surfaces. The locating protrusion is configured to be coupled with an insertion of one or more blocks placed adjacently. The locating protrusion and the first and second inserts have sizes and shapes adapted to allow relative rotation of the locating protrusion and the respective insert with which the locating protrusion engages to allow a serpentine wall construction of a plurality of blocks. The block defines a height between the upper surface and the lower surface, as well as a depth between the front surface and the rear surface. The depth is less than the height and less than one half the width of the front surface. A volume is defined behind the front surface. The volume is formed to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks is stacked to form a wall in a manner that secures the concrete blocks behind the blocks when the concrete is cured.

In another aspect, a retaining wall is provided. He The retaining wall is constructed of a plurality of blocks, as characterized above, mounted in rows. The retaining wall includes cured concrete without fine particles that generally fills the volume behind the front surfaces of the blocks and extends to the area behind the wall to stabilize the retaining wall.

In another aspect, a retaining wall block is provided which includes a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side. The upper surface has at least one contact portion thereof which is generally horizontal and generally flat, when the block is oriented in a position opposite the upper surface. The lower surface has at least one contact portion thereof which is generally horizontal and generally planar and which is configured and adapted to rest on the contact portion of the upper surface of a similar block when a plurality of similar blocks are stacked in an ascending row. The block has a first insert on the first side and a second insert on the second side. Each of the first and second inserts has insert walls. The insert walls include a front wall, a rear wall, and an interconnecting wall that connects the front and rear walls. The front wall and the rear wall each extend internally to the opposite side. The block defines a height between the upper surface and the lower surface. The block defines a depth between the front surface and the back surface, with a depth that is less than the height and less than one half the width of the front surface. One or more locating protrusions are formed integrally on one of the lower or upper surfaces. The front, rear, and interconnecting walls each extend from a surface that is generally co-planar with the generally horizontal and generally planar contact portion of the surface opposite the surface in which one or more protrusions are formed. location. Each locating protrusion is constructed and configured to interact with at least one of the insertion walls of an insert in a block in an adjacent row of blocks when a plurality of similar blocks are stacked in an ascending row to form a wall of containment so that the insertions and locating projections of the adjacent blocks in adjacent rows come into contact with each other in a position of resistance to cutting wherein the interference between the locating projections and the insert walls resists a tendency of a block in the upper row to slide forward in response to the anticipated forces exerted on the block by the contained earth. The locating projections and inserts are dimensioned and formed to allow the relative rotation of the locating inserts and projections to facilitate the construction of the walls streamers while maintaining the position of resistance to cutting. A volume is defined behind the front surface of the block. The volume is formed to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks is stacked to form a wall in a way that secures the concrete blocks behind the blocks when the concrete is cured.

In another aspect, a containment wall constructed of a plurality of blocks is provided as characterized in the preceding paragraph. The blocks are assembled in rows and include cured fine-particle-free concrete that fills the volume behind the front surfaces of the blocks and generally extends to the volume behind the wall to stabilize the retaining wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a concrete block, constructed in accordance with the principles of this description; Figure 2 is an enlarged top plan view of a locating projection that is a part of the block of Figure 1, the magnification is taken from the block shown in Figure 4; Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the block of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a lower plan view of the block of the figure 1; Figure 5 is a planar top view of the block of the Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the volume that is for receiving the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks is stacked to form a wall; Figure 7 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a wall constructed of a plurality of the blocks of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a planar top view of another embodiment of a wall constructed of a plurality of the blocks of Figure 1; Figure 8A is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall shown in Figure 8; Figure 8B is a planar top view of an enlarged portion of the wall of Figure 8; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a wall constructed of a plurality of blocks of Figure 1 and showing a concrete without fine particles, or stabilized aggregate, used to help support the wall; Y Figure 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view showing a row of the wall of Figure 9, and showing the concrete without fine particles or stabilized aggregate that is used to stabilize the wall.

Detailed description of the invention A. Construction of the exemplary block, figures 1-6 Returning to the figures, in which similar parts are indicated with similar numbers through several views, a composite block is shown in figure 1 with the reference number 20. The block is preferably made of concrete, for example, dry molded concrete . In some embodiments, block 20 can be made from wet molded concrete.

In Figure 1, the block 20 is shown in a perspective view in the orientation in which it would be preferably placed when used when constructing a wall. In the embodiment shown, the block 20 includes a front surface 22. In this embodiment, the front surface 22 is shown as smooth and flat. In normal use, the front surface 22 will be the surface that forms the most visible portion of a retaining wall. The front surface 22 can be textured, rough, or molded to have a striking three-dimensional decorative ornamental appearance.

Still with reference to Figure 1, the block 20 has a rear surface 24, which is opposite the front surface 22. In the embodiment shown, the rear surface 24 defines the first and second legs 26, 28. The first and second legs 26, 28 define a rear surface cavity 30 therebetween. .

The rear surface cavity 30 extends between the first leg 26 and the second leg 28 and, in this embodiment, extends the entire height of the block 20 from a block upper surface 32 to a lower surface of block 34. The rear surface cavity 30 forms a portion 38 of a receiving volume 36 (FIG. 6) which is defined behind the front surface 22 The receiving volume 36, which includes the rear surface volume portion 38 is formed and configured to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks 20 are stacked to form a wall. This is discussed later in more detail.

In the embodiment shown, the rear surface cavity 30 has first and second opposite walls 40, 41 connected by an extended wall 42 (see Figure 5). The first wall 40 is formed as an inner surface 44 of the first leg 26. The first wall 40 is angularly internally while extending from the extended wall 42 until it reaches the end wall 46 of the first leg 26.

The second wall 41, in this embodiment, is constructed as a duplicate of the first wall 40. As such, the second wall 41 is formed along an interior surface 48 of the second leg 28. The second wall 41 is generally angular internally from the extended wall 42 to an end wall 50 of the second leg 28.

In the embodiment shown, the extended wall 42 has a length between the first and second walls 40, 41 that is more than twice the length of one of the end walls 46, 50.

In a useful embodiment, the length of the extended wall 42 is at least 180 mm, for example, 190-210 mm. The length of the extended wall 42, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is at least 6 times the length of one of the first and second walls 40, 41. In one example, the first and second walls have a length of at least 20 mm, for example, 25-40 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the extended wall 42 is generally straight, smooth, and flat. This portion of the block 20 is generally not visible when used in a retaining wall and does not need to be attractive or striking. It must be constructed to allow the reception of pourable concrete to stabilize a constructed wall.

In an exemplary embodiment, the length of each of the end walls 46, 50 is at least 75 mm, for example 80-100 mm.

Again with reference to Figure 1, the block 20 includes a first and second opposite sides 56, 58. In the embodiment shown, the first side 56 has a first insert 60. The first insert 60 extends over the entire height of the block 20 from the upper surface 32 to the lower surface 34.

In the embodiment shown, the first side 56 includes a first side wall portion 62 that extends from the front surface 22. The first side wall portion 62 is Angular or tapered to form a converging side 64 to converge from the front surface 22 to the rear surface 24. This converging side 64 allows the wall to be constructed with the blocks 20 that will be formed with curves and / or in serpentine configurations.

In the embodiment shown, the first insert 60 is defined by the insert walls including a first insertion front insert wall 66, a first insert rear insert wall 68, and a first insert interconnect wall 70. The wall front insert 66 extends from the first convergent portion of side wall 62 and is angular generally between 80-120 degrees relative to it. The front insert wall 66 is smooth, flat, and generally parallel to the front surface 22.

The rear insert wall 68 is angularly exteriorly in a row of the interconnecting wall 70 towards the end wall 46 of the first leg 26. A radius portion 72 couples the rear insert wall 68 with the end wall 46 of the first leg 26. This angle is generally at least about 55 degrees, for example about 60-75 degrees, with a useful angle that is about 66 degrees.

In the embodiment shown, the interconnect wall 70 engages the front insert wall 66 and the rear insert wall 68 in a generally rounded portion 74.

The first insert 60 forms a volume portion of first insert 76 (FIG. 6) that is part of the receiving volume 36 for receiving the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks is stacked to form a wall in a manner that secures the concrete blocks behind the blocks when the concrete is cured.

In the embodiment shown, the second side 58 is formed as a duplicate of the first side 56. As such, the second side 58 includes a second insert 78. The second side 58 includes a second side wall portion 80 extending from the surface front 22. The second side wall portion 80 is angular such that it forms a converging side 82 that converges in a row from the front surface 22 toward the rear surface 24. The converging sides 64, 82 are angular and converge as they extend toward the back surface of the block.

The second insert 78 is configured in a manner similar to the first insert 60. As such, it includes a second insertion front insert wall 86, a second insert rear insert wall 88, and a second insert 90 interconnect wall. Front insertion wall 86 is angular relative to the second side wall portion 80 at an angle of between 80 degrees-120 degrees. The front insert wall 86 is generally smooth, flat, and generally parallel to the front surface 22.

The rear insertion wall of second insert 88 is extends from the interconnecting wall 90 to the end wall 50 of the second leg 28. A rounded portion 92 engages the end wall 50 with the rear insertion wall of second insert 88. The rear insert wall 88 is angular relative to the end wall 50 at an angle of at least about 55 degrees, for example, about 60-75 degrees, with a useful angle that is about 66 degrees.

The interconnecting wall 90 forms a rounded portion 94 which engages the front insertion wall 86 and the rear insertion wall 88.

The second insert 78 forms a second insert volume portion 96 (Figure 6) that is part of the receiving volume 36 that is formed to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks 20 is stacked to form a wall in a manner that ensures blocks 20 to the concrete behind the blocks when the concrete heals.

The first and second inserts 60, 78 are constructed and configured to assist in placing the block 20 relative to other blocks 20, by placing the blocks 20 in a useful retaining wall. Particularly, the first and second inserts 60, 78 of a block interact with the location structure of a similar block 20 in the row of the blocks thereon.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the structure of location in block 20 is incorporated as a locating projection 100. The locating projection 100 may be in at least one of upper surface 32 or lower surface 34 of block 20. As can be seen by comparing Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34 are smooth or flat, with the exception of the extended projection 100. The upper and lower surfaces 32, 34 are on the opposite surfaces of the block 20, and the front surface 22, the rear surface 24, the first side 56 and the second side 58 extend between the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34.

The locating projection 100 is used if a block is configured to be coupled with an insert 60, 78 of one or more blocks 20 in the row of the blocks below it. The locating projection 100 and the first and second inserts 60, 78 have relative sizes and shapes adapted to allow relative movement, such as rotation, of the respective location and insertion projection 60, 78 with which the locating projection 100 is makes to allow a construction of serpentine walls of a plurality of blocks 20.

In the embodiment shown, the locating projection 100 is a single locating projection 100 in block 20. The only locating projection 100, in this embodiment, is shown on the lower surface 34 and between the first and second inserts 60, 78 In figure 4, it can be seen how the projection 100 is centers between the first and second inserts 60, 78.

In the embodiment shown, the projection 100 has a symmetrical shape along a central access 102 (Figure 2). Generally in the embodiment shown, the projection 100 has the shape of a kidney, or a race track with rounded end sections bent upwardly or curved portions 104, 105. This embodiment shows the projection 100 having a pair of parallel straight sections. opposite 106, 107 extending between the rounded sections bent upwards 104, 105.

The projection 100 is appropriately sized to engage the inserts 60, 78. In the embodiment shown, the projection 100 has a total width between the end section 104 and the end section 105 of at least 65 mm, for example, 70-80 mm. The projection 100, in the embodiment shown, has a total length between an upper part of the end section 104 or 105 and the straight section 107 of at least 20 mm, for example, 25-35 mm. The projection 100, in the embodiment shown, has a total height (as can be seen in Figure 3 as the dimension extending from the bottom surface 34) of at least 5 mm, for example 8-15 mm.

The locating projection 100 is constructed and arranged to interact with at least one of the insertion walls of the first and second inserts 60, 78 in a block 20 in an adjacent row of the blocks when a plurality of blocks similar ones are stacked in ascending rows to form a retaining wall. This is described further in section B, below. When configured in this manner, the insert 60, 78 and the locating protrusion 100 come into contact with each other in a position of resistance to shearing wherein the interference between the locating protrusions 100 and the insertion walls (66, 68). , 70, 86, 88, 90) resists a tendency of a block 20 in an upper row to slide forward in response to the anticipated forces exerted on the block 20 by the contained earth.

As can be seen by reviewing Figures 1, 4, and 5, the upper surface 32 of the block 20 has at least one contact portion 52 which is generally horizontal and generally planar, when the block 20 is oriented in an opposite position with the upper surface 32. Similarly, lower surface 34 has a contact portion 54 that is generally horizontal and generally planar and that is configured and adapted to abut contact portion 52 of upper surface 32 of a similar block 20, when a plurality of similar blocks 20 is stacked in ascending rows. The first and second inserts 60, 78 have their respective insert walls 66, 68, 70, 86, 88, 90, each extending from a surface that is generally co-planar with the generally horizontal and generally planar contact portion 52 or 54 of the superficial opposite to the surface in which the locating projection 100 is formed. In the embodiment shown, these insert walls for the first and second inserts 60, 78, each of which extend from and between the generally horizontal and generally planar contact portions. 52 and 54 of the upper surface 32 and of the lower surface 34.

In this embodiment, the block 20 is designed as a substantially balanced block 20, wherein a plane parallel to the front surface 22, which is midway between the front surface 22 and the rear surface 24, has approximately 49% of the weight in the front part of the plane (between the plane and the front surface 22) and approximately 51% of the weight at the rear of the plane (between the plane and the rear surface 24). In Figure 5, a center of gravity is shown with 110. As can be seen, the projection 100 is located with the straight section 106 aligned with a plane passing through the center of gravity 110, and a remaining portion of the projection 100 located between the plane passing through the center of gravity 110 and the rear surface cavity 30. The distance 112 between the front surface 22 and the plane passing through the center of gravity 110, (which is also aligned with the section straight 106 of the projection 100) is between 38 percent and 50 percent, for example 40-45 percent of the distance 114 corresponding to the depth of the block 20. The depth of the block 20 is the distance 114 between the front surface 22 and the surface rear 24 including the end walls 46, 50 of the first and second legs 26, 28. In one embodiment, the distance 112 is 62-64 mm, while the depth 114 is 149-151 mm.

In Figure 3, the center of gravity 110 can be observed schematically from the front elevated view. A plane passing through the center of gravity 110 is almost in the middle between the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34 at the distance 116 which is between 49 and 51 percent of the distance 118 between the upper surface 32 and the surface bottom 34 of block 20. Distance 118 also corresponds to the height of block 20. In one embodiment, distance 116 is 99-101 mm, while height 118 is 199-201 mm.

A plane passing through the center of gravity 110 between the first side 56 and the second side 58 is on the half between the first side 56 and the second side 58, in this mode. As such, in Figure 3, the distance 120 is approximately 49-51 percent of the distance 122 between the first side 56 and the second side 58. The distance 122 also corresponds to a width of the block 20. In one embodiment, the distance 120 is approximately 224-226 mm, while the distance 122 is approximately 449-451 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the depth 114 is less than the height 118 and is less than one half the width 122 of the front surface 22.

B. Wall constructions and methods using blocks 20 Turning now to FIGS. 7-8B, block 20 can be used to form retaining walls, such as a straight wall 126 (FIG. 7) or curved or serpentine walls, such as wall 128 (FIG. 8).

In Figure 7, the wall 126 includes a plurality of rows 130, 131, 132, which are shown as rows of blocks 20. This embodiment includes 3 rows, 130, 131, 132, and other embodiments may include more or less rows .

Generally, the construction of the wall 126 can be performed first by defining a trench area below the plane of the ground where the first row of blocks 20 is deposited. Once defined, the trench is partially filled with a compressible base of sand and gravel and compresses or flattens. The first row of the blocks 20 is then placed in the trench. The successive rows of blocks 20 are then stacked on top of the previous rows. By stacking the blocks 20 on a previous row, the locating projection 100 is used to locate the row of the blocks 20 which is placed in a cut resistance position relative to the blocks in the previous row. The result is that the blocks 20 in each ascending row are fixed behind the blocks in the adjacent row below them. For example, the blocks 20 in the row 131 are fixed behind the blocks in the row 130. The blocks in the row 132 they are fixed behind the blocks in the row 131. The locating projections 100 are placed on the previous row, such that a block 20 is placed on two adjacent blocks 20. When forming a straight wall, such as the wall 126, the curved sections 104, 105 of the projection 100 are engaged or spliced in the front insertion wall 66 or 86 of the first or second respective inserts 60, 78 of the two blocks 20 in the row below the block 20 that is placed .

The wall 128 is configured in a curved or serpentine pattern, which can form the concave sections (Figure 8A) and the convex sections (Figure 8B). In Figure 8A, it can be seen how the blocks 20 are placed adjacent to each other so that the front surfaces 22 appear continuous without gaps between them. The adjacent blocks 20 are rotated relative to each other to form the concave section such that there is a wider spacing between the adjacent converging side 64 and 82 than when the blocks 20 are arranged in a straight pattern side by side. In Figure 8A, the reference number 100 'shows where the projection for the next row would be placed. The projection shown with 100"is the projection for block 20", if it could be seen through the upper part of block 20", and the projection 100" projecting from the lower surface 34 is observed. As can be observed in Figure 8A, the curved sections 104, 105 of the projection 100 'engage against the front insert walls 86, 66 of the two blocks in the row below the block that has ledge 100 '.

In Figure 8B, a convex section of the wall 128 is illustrated. In Figure 8B, it can be seen how the adjacent converging sides 64, 82 have a smaller spacing between them than when the wall is formed in a concave section, as in Figure 8A. The spacing between the converging sides 64, 82 in Figure 8B is also smaller than when the blocks are placed parallel in a straight formation. In Figure 8B, the projection 100 'which would be the projection of the block in the next ascending row is shown. The projection 100 'has curved sections 104, 105 which engage the respective front walls 86, 66 of the second insert 78 and the first insert 60, respectively.

When constructing a retaining wall, after some of the rows are placed upwards, the pourable concrete is poured into the volume 36 at the rear of the blocks 20 and into the area behind the wall. When this concrete is cured, the wall stabilizes. This concrete is used instead of the geogrid, which requires much more space to be excavated behind the walls, or tie bars.

A particularly useful type of concrete that is used is a stabilized aggregate, also referred to herein as "concrete without fine particles". Concrete without fine particles means that very few, if any, fine particles are present in the concrete mix. A useful mixture for the stabilized aggregate or concrete without fine particles includes: an aggregate having stone sizes, such as crushed stone, which is not less than 10 mm, commonly about 19 mm; a compressive force of not less than 10 Pa; an appropriate amount of cement such that the ratio of the aggregate to the cement is between 6: 1 to 7: 1; and for each bag of 50 kg of cement there are 20 liters of water. Because no fine particles are used in this mixture, when the concrete is cured, the concrete is relatively porous to allow water to drain through the cured concrete to a tile drained at the base of the wall, which leads to the elimination of water.

Although the strength of the exemplary concrete mix mentioned above is specified as being no less than 10 MPa, the force is difficult to measure for the concrete made from the stabilized aggregate, or without fine particles. This is because the concrete is thus porous and open such that a cylinder compressive strength test is difficult to perform. Thus, the strength of the concrete mix is an estimate.

Concrete walls without fine particles have advantages. In concrete walls without fine particles, the block 20 can be used mainly as the face of the wall and a way to receive the concrete, and therefore, it reduces the cost with improved performance characteristics.

Figures 9 and 10 show schematic views cross section of a wall 150 composed of the blocks 20 and a stabilized aggregate, or concrete without fine particles 152. Generally, the depth of the block 20 plus the depth of the stabilized aggregate material 152 is from 0.3 to 0.4 of the total height of the wall 150. For example, if a 1.83 m high wall is constructed, the depth of stabilized aggregate material 152 plus block 20 should be approximately 0.55-0.73 m depth. In common systems where the depth of block 20 is approximately 15.24 cm, the stabilized aggregate mass will be approximately 40.64 to 58.42 cm deep.

In Figure 9, it can be seen how the initial row 20 of the wall 150 is placed within the soil 154 in the row 156. In this embodiment, a drain tile 158 is included to help drain moisture through the aggregate stabilized 152 and out through the first row 160 that is on the ground 154. Generally in this embodiment, for each 2-3 rows of blocks 20, a section of the stabilized aggregate 152 is poured behind the blocks 20, which fills the volume 36, and then cure and stabilize the wall 150. In Figure 9, there are three sections of the stabilized aggregate 152 that have been poured into place to be placed between the blocks 20 and the land 154. In this embodiment, there is also a filter cloth layer 162 between upper row 164 and the next adjacent lower row 166. Filter cloth 162 can be used in this location (in or near the top of the wall 150), to reduce the amount of sludge that would be drained to the stabilized aggregate 152. Covering the upper row 164 may be a decorative cap, cap, or half of a block 20 and a layer of mud of low permeability 170.

In Figure 9, the blocks 20 create the front face of the wall and a shape for the concrete while the stabilized aggregate 152 provides the structural stability. Because Because there are no fine particles included in the concrete mix, rainwater or other moisture is allowed to flow through the stabilized aggregate 152 and then drained through the drain tile 158.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional horizontal view of the wall 150, but shows only a single row. As can be seen in figure 10, the stabilized aggregate 152 fills the volume 36 between the adjacent blocks 20.

The discussion, examples, and prior embodiments illustrate the principles of the invention. Many variations can be made.

Claims (20)

1. A block, comprising: a front surface, a rear surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sides; the first side has a first insert, the first insert extends from the upper block surface to the lower block surface; the second side has a second insert, the second insert extends from the upper block surface to the lower block surface; a locating projection on one of the upper or lower surfaces, the locating projection is configured to engage with an insertion of one or more adjacent placed blocks; the locating projection and the first and second inserts having relative sizes and shapes adapted to allow the relative rotation of the locating projection and the respective insertion with which the locating projection engages to allow construction of the serpentine walls of the location. a plurality of the blocks; a height between the upper surface and the lower surface; a depth between the front surface and the rear surface; the depth is less than the height and less than one half the width of the front surface; a defined volume behind the front surface; the volume is formed to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of the blocks are stacked to form a wall in a manner that secures the blocks to the concrete behind the blocks when the concrete is cured.

2. The block of claim 1, wherein each locating protrusion is formed in the block body at such a location relative to the inserts that, when a plurality of similar blocks are stacked in ascending rows, and the locating projections and inserts are placed in a position of resistance to the cut, the blocks in each ascending row are fixed behind the blocks in the adjacent row below them.

3. The block of claim 1, wherein: the front surface of the block is substantially planar; each of the first and second inserts has insert walls, the insert walls include a front wall, a rear wall, and an interconnecting wall connecting the front and rear walls, the front wall and the rear wall each extend internally to the opposite side; and the front walls of the inserts are substantially parallel to the front surface.

4. The block of claim 1, wherein the locating projection is a single locating projection in the block: the only locating projection that extends along the lower surface of the block between the first and second inserts.

5. The block of claim 4, wherein the locating projection includes a curved portion that is configured to contact the front wall of an insert in a cut resistance position.

6. The block of claim 1, wherein the locating projection comprises the first and second curved end sections between which a joining section is placed.

7. The block of claim 1, wherein the first side includes a first convergent portion and the second side includes a second convergent portion that is opposite the first convergent portion, and the converging converging portions converge with each other as they extend from the front surface towards the back surface of the block.

8. The block of claim 1, wherein the rear surface includes the first and second legs; the first and second legs define a cavity therebetween; the cavity is at least a portion of the volume formed to receive the pourable concrete.

9. A containment wall constructed of a plurality of blocks of claim 2 mounted in rows, comprising: concrete without fine particles that usually fills the volume behind the front surfaces of the blocks and that generally extends into the area behind the wall to stabilize the retaining wall.

10. A block of retaining wall, comprising: a front surface; a back surface; an upper surface having at least one contact portion thereof which is generally horizontal and generally planar, when the block is oriented in a position with the opposite upper surface; a bottom surface having at least one contact portion thereof which is generally horizontal and generally planar and which is shaped and adapted to abut the contact portion of the top surface of a similar block when a plurality of similar blocks are stack in ascending rows; a first side; a second side; the block has a first insert on the first side and a second insert on the second side, each of the first and second inserts have insert walls, the insert walls include a front wall, a rear wall, and an interconnect wall connecting the front and rear walls, the front wall and the rear wall each one is extends internally to the opposite side; a height between the upper surface and the lower surface; a depth between the front surface and the rear surface; the depth is less than the height and less than one half the width of the front surface; one or more locating projections integrally formed on one of the upper or lower surfaces; the front, rear, and interconnecting walls each extend from the generally horizontal and generally planar contact portion of the surface opposite the surface in which one or more locating projections are formed, wherein each location projection is constructed and arranged to interact with at least one of the insertion walls of an insert in a block in an adjacent row of blocks when a plurality of similar blocks are stacked in ascending rows to form a wall of containment so that the location projections and insertions of the adjacent blocks in adjacent rows come into contact with each other in a position of resistance to the cut where the interference between the locating protrusions and the insert walls resists a tendency of a block in the upper row to slide forward in response to the anticipated forces exerted on the block by the contained earth; the locating protrusions and inserts are sized and formed to allow the relative rotation of the location inserts and protrusions to facilitate the construction of the serpentine walls while maintaining the position of resistance to the cut, a defined volume behind the front surface; The volume is formed to receive the pourable concrete when a plurality of blocks is stacked to form a wall in a manner that secures the blocks to the concrete behind the blocks when the concrete is cured.

11. The block of claim 10, wherein each locating protrusion is formed in the block body at such location relative to the inserts that, when a plurality of similar blocks are stacked in ascending rows, and the protrusions and inserts are in the position of resistance to the cut, the blocks in each ascending row are fixed behind the blocks in the next adjacent row.

12. The block of claim 10, wherein the front surface of the block is substantially planar and the front walls of the inserts are substantially parallel to the front surface.

13. The block of claim 10, wherein, for each insertion, the height of the front, rear and interconnecting walls is generally the same.

14. The block of claim 10, wherein the projection Location is a unique locating projection in the block; the single locating projection extends along the lower surface of the block between the first and second inserts.

15. The block of claim 14, wherein the locating projection includes a curved portion that is configured to contact the leading wall of an insert in the cut resistance position.

16. The block of claim 10, wherein the distance between the generally horizontal and generally planar portions of the upper surface and the lower surface is substantially equal to the height of the front surface.

17. The block of claim 10, wherein the locating projection comprises first and second curved end sections between which a joining section is placed.

18. The block of claim 10, wherein the first side edge includes a first convergent portion and the second side edge includes a second convergent portion that is opposite the first convergent portion, and the converging converging portions converge with each other as they extend from the front surface to the rear surface of the block.

19. The block of claim 10, wherein the rear surface includes the first and second legs; the first and second legs define a cavity between them; the cavity is at least a portion of the volume formed to receive the pourable concrete

20. A retaining wall constructed of a plurality of blocks of claim 11 mounted in rows, comprising: cured fine-particle-free concrete that fills the volume behind the front surfaces of the blocks and that generally extends to the volume behind the wall to stabilize the retaining wall.