MXPA97000311A - Block panel system insured with ma - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention refers to concrete blocks with intersecting grooves on their underside, which assume an aligned condition when assembling the blocks in a side-to-side relationship to form panels. Polymer or welded wire meshes are received inside the aligned slots to stop the blocks in the panel configuration. The meshes remain in a seated condition raised inside the slots during the assembly of the blocks, in a panel configuration. Wire posts or connectors can be provided for this last purpose. In the preferred embodiment, the blocks are L-shaped, and are formed with passages extending therethrough, and the grooves intersect these passages. You can put grout or filler inside the passages of the assembled panels. In certain embodiments, the blocks may be arranged in a side-by-side relationship, and may be stacked to form retaining walls for the land formations, with rods received into the grooves of the blocks to stop the blocks in alignment, and extending the meshes from the blocks to serve as ground reinforcement. The most representative figure of the invention is the number

Description

SECURED BLOCK PANEL SYSTEM WITH MESH Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved concrete block and mesh structure, and to a method and apparatus for building interlocked block panels from this structure, and which incorporate these panels in the construction of support surfaces and coatings of channels for earth formations, and the construction of retaining walls for such formations. In its more specific aspects, the invention relates to these blocks having intersecting grooves formed below their surface, adapted to be coupled on a suspended mesh that serves to keep the assembled blocks in a side-by-side relationship. The prior art shows concrete blocks formed with grooves that receive members in the form of a rod or fastener to keep the assembled blocks in an aligned side-to-side relationship. Patents of the United States of North America Nos. 1,959,816, and 1,992,785, are typical of these constructions. The prior art also teaches the provision of T or Z-shaped blocks which are insecure, and stop against separation by means of fasteners extending through grooves in the blocks; see, for example, Patents of the United States of North America Nos. 3,998,022 and 4,123,881. It is also known in the prior art to secure faced panels stacked for ground formations in an aligned condition through the provision of plates, rods, and / or bolts extending through the panels, and securing these panels to reinforcement meshes. of the soil embedded within the ground formation that is being retained. Patents of the United States of North America Nos. 4,324,508, and 4,661,023 exemplify walls of the latter type. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an integrated concrete block erosion control system, wherein the blocks are of an open cell configuration having grooves formed in their body, and extending upwardly to within the blocks, in an intersecting relationship with the open cells. The slots are configured to complement a wire or polymer mesh employed therewith, such that the blocks can be assembled on the mesh and can be stopped in a side-by-side assembled relationship to form a panel comprised of juxtaposed blocks. In the preferred embodiment, at least some of the blocks are L-shaped, to interlock when assembled in a side-by-side relationship. The meshes can be stopped in a condition suspended inside the blocks by posts, fasteners, and / or grout. A canal liner, formed from the panels of the blocks, may have a dirty fill inside the cells, to provide vegetation growth. In certain embodiments, barriers may be constructed on top of a panel used as a channel liner to provide a hydraulic jump. In the preferred embodiment, a drainage material is provided, free under the panels. The invention also relates to an integrated concrete block wall comprised of concrete blocks having grooves formed in its body, and extending up or down therein, and relatively narrow meshes that can be engaged in a manner complementary in these grooves, rods are also received inside these grooves to stop the meshes in place and extend to cover the adjacent blocks. With this configuration, the meshes can be used to reinforce the soil of an earth formation adjacent to the wall. In certain embodiments, the ends of the meshes received inside the grooves of the rods are bent, and the rods are received on or under the bends to secure the meshes to the block without tensioning the transverse wires of the meshes. A main object of the invention is to provide an improved block having intersecting grooves that can be coupled on a mesh, to enable a plurality of those blocks to be assembled on the mesh in a side-to-side relationship, and to be held together in a panel configuration by means of the mesh. Another object is to provide a panel constructed of these blocks, which can be lifted into place as a unit. Still another object is to provide a panel constructed of these blocks, which can be used as a cladding inside of an earth channel for erosion control. Another object is to provide a panel of these blocks, which can be used as a support surface on a land formation, and which functions to distribute the concentrated loads applied thereto over a large area of the formation. Still another object is to provide an assembly of these blocks, which can be used both for erosion control and in the construction of a retaining wall for a ground formation. Still another object of the invention is to provide a panel constructed of these blocks, wherein the mesh is maintained in a condition suspended within the blocks by hooks that extend over the blocks and even a mesh with the mesh.

A further object of the invention is to provide a panel constructed of these blocks, wherein the blocks have open cells, and the mesh on which the blocks are assembled, intersects these cells. Still another object related to the last object, is to provide a panel constructed of these blocks, where some of the cells can be milled to anchor the mesh inside the blocks. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a wall constructed of concrete blocks, having grooves in it, to receive in a complementary manner the meshes that can be used for the reinforcement of the floor, and rods received inside the grooves for stop the meshes in place and extend to the adjacent blocks. These and other objects will become clearer when seen in light of the accompanying drawings and the following description. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a block constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a mesh suspended inside the block by means of a hook. Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to the Figure 1, showing a block constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a mesh stopped in place suspended inside the block by grout. Figure 3 is an elevated view, with parts thereof separated for purposes of illustration, of a panel assembled from blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a hanger suspending a mesh from the blocks. Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the hanger shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an elevated view of the edge of the hanger shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a block constructed in accordance with present invention, inverted to show the grooves inside the block that extend upwards. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a panel being assembled on a grid from blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, with one of the blocks shown in a perspective separated into parts, as would be seen before assembling into its place on the mesh. Figure 8 is a plan view of a four-cell L-shaped block constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a plan view of a three-cell L-shaped block constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a three-cell rectilinear block, constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 11 is a plan view of a rectilinear block of two cells, constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 12 is a plan view of a rectilinear block of a cell, constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 13 is a plan view of a rectangular panel assembled from blocks constructed in accordance with Figures 8 to 12, with a mesh shown in place inside the blocks, and some cells of the slurry blocks. Figure 14 is an elevated cross-sectional view of an earth channel lined with panels assembled from blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, with drainage rocks shown below the panels. Figure 15 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a panel constructed in accordance with the present invention, in place on a land formation, with drainage rocks between the panel and the formation, and a hydraulic jump barrier assembled from of blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, secured in place on the panel. Figure 16 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a ground formation with retaining wall and roof structures assembled from blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 17 is an elevated view of a panel constructed in accordance with the present invention, in the process of being lifted by lifting cables secured to the panel mesh. Figure 18 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a panel constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the loading of the panel by a concentrated load such as a wheel, and the manner in which the load forces are distributed through of the panel, and the drainage rock below it. Figure 19 is a perspective view separated into parts of an assembly of blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the manner in which relatively narrow floor reinforcement meshes can be received inside the blocks, with rods or bars retention coupled on the meshes. Figure 20 is a plan view of an assembled wall constructed of blocks, meshes, and bars in accordance with Figure 19. Figure 21 is an elevated cross-sectional view showing the interengagement between the block, the mesh, and the wall bar of Figure 20. Figure 22 is a perspective view separated into parts showing an assembly of blocks constructed in accordance with the present invention, with floor reinforcement meshes that can be engaged within the grooves of the walls. blocks, where the ends of the meshes are folded up, and retaining bars are attached thereto. Figure 23 is an elevated cross-sectional view showing the interengagement between the block, the mesh, and the bar of the assembly of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a perspective view separated into parts showing an assembly of blocks, meshes , and bars that correspond in general to that of Figure 19, except that the blocks are inverted, in such a way that their grooves face downwards, and are coupled on the meshes. Figure 25 is an elevated cross-sectional view showing the mesh and block of the assembly of Figure 24, with the mesh fully engaged within the slots of the block, and a hanger that stops the mesh in place. Figure 26 is an elevated cross-sectional view similar to Figure 25, showing the manner in which a mesh with an upturned end similar to that of Figures 22 and 23 can be received, inside an inverted block, such that its grooves extend downward, with the holding bar held in place by a hook. Figure 27 is an elevated cross-sectional view similar to Figure 26, showing the inverted mesh in relation to that illustrated in Figure 26, with the retainer bar engaged on the upper part of the mesh, and received inside a slot that extends down the block. Figure 28 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a land formation having a channel lined with panels of the type shown in Figure 13, and a retaining wall constructed of an assembly of blocks and meshes corresponding to those shown in FIGS. Figures 19 to 21. Description of the Preferred Modality Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an L-shaped block B constructed in accordance with the present invention, assembled on a suspended mesh G. Block B is manufactured of a cement material such as concrete, and formed with open cells C that extend therethrough from the top to the bottom. The respective cells are separated from each other by fabrics W. Each cell of the L-shaped block B is of a generally rectangular cross section, one or more walls being provided by the fabrics W, and the remaining walls 10 being arranged on the outside of the block . The slots 12 extend upwardly through the block in an intersecting relationship with the cells C. The slots 12 have a height equal to about half the depth of the block. The mesh G can be of a welded wire construction, or a polymeric "geogrid" construction. At any step, it is comprised of intersecting elements 14 provided and spaced apart to be received in the intersecting grooves 14, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. It will also be seen that the intersecting elements 14 are arranged at right angles to each other. relationship with others, and define a square space between them. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the mesh G is suspended to be at the top of the slots 12. During the assembly of the blocks on the mesh, this suspension can be provided temporarily by the support of the mesh on posts 16, as is illustrated in Figure 3. As shown therein, the posts are supported on a support surface 18 at an elevation approximately equal to the height of the slots 12. Figure 3 shows the B blocks coupled on the mesh and supported on the surface 18. Figure 3 also illustrates a wire connector 20 extending over a pair of juxtaposed blocks B. The connector 20 serves as a hanger for the mesh, and engages below the intersecting wires of the mesh toward either side of the blocks, on which the connector extends. A first hanger is formed. A first hook 22 (see Figure 5) is formed on the connector, to be engaged on the wire 14 extending lengthwise as seen in Figure 3. A second hook 24 formed on the end of the connector 20, opposite the hook 22, is engaged on the wire 14 that extends normal to the page, as seen in Figure 3. In the application of the hanger, the hook 22 would first engage, and the end of the connector 20 formed with the hook 24 will be would fold down, and would fit under the element 14 for the same. It should be appreciated that the connector 20 engages on the blocks and below the mesh after the blocks are in place on the suspended mesh, as shown in Figure 3. Once the connector is placed in this manner, and that the mesh is suspended by it, the support of the mesh no longer depends on the posts 16. Figure 1 also shows a G-mesh supported by a connector 20. Figure 2 shows the cells of block B filled with slurry of cement 26 to stop the mesh in place. The grout serves as a concrete connection between the mesh and the block, and can be used in place of, or in addition to, the connectors 20.

Figure 6 shows block B in the form of an inverted L, with the grooves facing upwards. As shown therein, it will be seen that the outer corners of the block are formed with chamfers 28, and that the external surfaces of the block are formed with V-shaped slots 30 between the cells C. Also as shown therein, it will be seen that a generally rectangular groove 32 is formed on the external surface of the block between the legs of the block forming the L configuration. The chamfers 28 and grooves 30 and 32 facilitate the nesting of the blocks in an assembled panel, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 7, and provide generally rectangular passages extending through the panel. As shown in Figure 7, only four L-shaped cells of the type shown in Figures 1 to 6 have been used. The block shown in the perspective separated in parts of Figure 7 are in the process of being placed. It will be appreciated that the resulting panel can not completely fill the rectangular configuration of the mesh G shown in Figure 7. This results because the L-shaped blocks of four cells, by themselves, are unable to be assembled in a form composed corresponding to the rectangular shape of the mesh. To provide this composite form, it is ideally necessary to provide a combination of blocks having the shape seen in Figures 8 to 12. Block B of Figure 8 is the same L-shaped block as described above. Block Bx of Figure 9 is an L-shaped block comprised of only three cells. Block B2 of Figure 10 is of a rectilinear shape comprising three cells. Block B3 of Figure 11 is a rectilinear block comprised of two cells, and block B4 of Figure 12 is comprised only of one cell. The different configurations of blocks Bx, B2, B3, and B4, can be formed by breaking a block B along the cut lines 34, 35, and 36 shown in Figure 8. Slots 30 and 32 facilitate breaking to along the cut lines. As an alternative, blocks B1 (B2, B3, and B4 can be initially molded in their final configuration.) Figure 13 shows blocks B, B1 # B2, B3, and B4 assembled in a full rectangular panel on a G mesh. As shown therein, the corner cells and half-way cells on each side of the panel, and in the center of the panel, are filled with cement grout 26. The resulting panel is thus secured to the mesh, and the blocks inside the panel are interlocked with each other Figure 14 shows the block panels constructed in accordance with the present invention, assembled in place to form an erosion-resistant coating for a channel within a formation of The panels, designated as P, can be constructed in accordance with Figure 13. The ground formation is designated E, and is shown having a generally horizontal bottom surface 36, and an inclined lateral surface 38. it should be appreciated that Figure 14 illustrates only half of the channel, and that the other half would extend to the left of what is shown in Figure 14, and is a mirror image thereof. The ground channel is covered with filter cloth 40 having drainage rock 42 disposed thereon. The drainage rock serves to support the P panels in a separate relationship to the ground formation. Figure 15 shows a panel P supported above a generally horizontal portion of a land formation E and separated from the formation by the filter cloth 40 and the drainage rock 42. As shown therein, the panel P is supported on the drainage rock. A short pole wall S a is fixed, and extends upwardly from the panel P. The pole wall is held in place by angled reinforcing bars 44 which extend through the blocks of the panel P and up from it. The pole wall is comprised of blocks corresponding to any of the B blocks, Blf B2, B3, or B4 stacked on the bars 44, such that the bars extend through the cells of the blocks. Inside each block level of the pole wall, a short Gx mesh secures the blocks together. Ideally, grout is placed inside the cells of the post wall blocks to provide an integral structure. The pole wall can be for any desired purpose. For example, where the panels P are a part of a channel liner, as shown in Figure 14, the wall of the pole can serve as a hydraulic jump to break the flow of water through the channel. Figure 16 shows a ground formation having a base portion 46 and a generally inclined erect portion 48 ending in an upper surface 50. As shown therein, the base portion 46 is covered with a panel P, and a series of blocks B are stacked on the last panel in an inverted orientation opposite the upstanding portion 48. Each level of the inverted blocks has a mesh G engaged in its slots, and extending towards the upstanding portion 48. The rods 51 they can also extend through the slots of the inverted blocks. The filter cloth 40 is disposed on the upper surface 50 and the surfaces of the base portion 46 and the upstanding portion 48. The drain rock 42 is disposed between the base portion 46 and the panel P thereon as well between the erect portion 48 and the inverted blocks B. An upper panel P is disposed at the top of the inverted blocks B, and extends over, and a separate relationship with, the upper surface 50. The drainage rock is also disposed between the upper surface 50 and the upper panel P. The retaining wall configuration of Figure 16 acts in a manner similar to a gravity wall, except that the meshes G secured to the inverted blocks B, serve to reinforce the rock of drain and to help secure the inverted blocks in place. Although not illustrated, it is possible that the mesh G secured to the inverted blocks B could extend into the ground formation in order to serve to reinforce the formation and additionally secure the inverted blocks in place. Figure 17 shows how a panel P can be lifted and placed as a unit. As shown therein, lifting wires 52 are secured to the mesh G at separate locations, and connected to a lifting line 54, which can be secured to a crane or the like. Although only two wires 52 are shown, it should be appreciated that a plurality of those wires would be provided, preferably in a triangulated pattern, such that the panel remains in a stable condition and does not oscillate around its connections with the panel during the lifting process. With the lifting configuration shown in Figure 16, a pre-assembled panel of blocks can be raised to high condition, and then moved to the place where it is to be placed, and lowered to its position. Figure 18 illustrates a panel P supported above the surface of a land formation E on the drainage rocks 42. The filter cloth 40 is disposed between the drainage rocks and the formation. A concentrated load is shown, as could be provided by a wheel, which is applied to the surface of the panel. The dotted lines 55 that diverge through the panel and the drainage rock illustrate the manner in which the concentrated charge is transferred to the formation of soil over an expanded area. This divergent application of the load is ideal, since it minimizes the possibility of depression of the panel and the rock below it as the result of the concentrated load. Two B-blocks assembled in an end-to-end relationship are shown in Figure 19, to provide a wall where the grooves of the blocks extend upwards, the short legs of their configuration in L extend towards the back of the wall. The narrow meshes G2 having the longitudinal elements 56 separated from each other by a distance equal to the space between the adjacent slots of the sides of the block, are connected by the crossed elements 58. The arrow lines of Figure 19 illustrate the manner in which that the G2 meshes are coupled with the slots inside the blocks. The rods or bars 60 and 62 are disposed above the cross members 58 received inside the block, and provided to be received inside the slots 12. Figure 20 shows a wall constructed in accordance with Figure 19, in a fully assembled condition, with meshes G2 and bars 60 and 62 in place. As shown therein, the distal cross members 58 of the meshes are received inside the slots of the blocks, and the bars 60 and 62 are arranged on the meshes to be immediately behind these crossed elements. The last configuration can also be seen in Figure 21, where the connection between a G2 mesh and the B block is illustrated. Figure 20 also shows that the bars 60 and 62 extend over the adjacent blocks to keep the blocks in place. a transversal alignment. The blocks can be additionally secured to each other by placing grout inside the cells C around the meshes and the bars. It should also be appreciated that the placement of the bars 60 and 62 behind the distal cross members 58, distributes the load applied to the crossed wires along their length, and resists the pull forces that can be applied to the meshes. The assembled wall and mesh structure of Figures 20 to 21 is ideally suited for use in the construction of retaining walls for earth formations, where meshes are embedded within the fill in the face of the formation. The use of relatively narrow soil reinforcement mats provided by the G2 meshes has the advantage that it decreases the rigidity of the earth mass, and accommodates the settling of the ground formation with a minimum of tension to the mats and face of the wall provided by the blocks. The assembly shown in Figure 12 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 19, except that the meshes, designated G3, have upturned portions 64, and the distal cross members 58 are secured through these portions. In the assembled position, as shown in Figure 23, the upturned portions 64 extend upwardly relative to the slots 12, and the bars 60 are disposed within the slots behind the upturned portions. As the result of the last configuration, the bars 60 resist the pull of the meshes G2 from the blocks, without depending on the resistance of the connection between the distal cross members 58 and the longitudinal elements 56. Figures 24 and 25 show a combination block wall and mesh corresponding to that of Figures 19 to 21, except that the blocks are inverted in relation to what is shown in Figure 19, in such a way that their slots 12 extend downwards. In Figure 25, it will be seen that, in the assembled condition, the meshes G2 are at the top of the slots 12, and are held in place by a wire connector or hanger 20a corresponding in its construction to the hanger 20, except that it is provided to fit over a single wall thickness of block B, and below and around a bar 60 and cross element 58. Figure 26 shows a wall constructed in accordance with that of Figures 22 and 23, except that B blocks are inverted, such that their slots 12 face downwards. As shown therein, the grid G3 is stopped at the top of the slot 12 by a wire connector 20b which generally corresponds to the connector 20., except that it is provided to fit over a single wall thickness of the B block, and low and around the rod 60. As shown in Figure 26, the bent portion 64 of the G3 mesh extends downward. Figure 27 shows a wall construction corresponding to that of Figure 26, except that the mesh G3 is arranged in such a manner that the folded portion 64 extends upwardly into the slot 12 of the block, and the bar 60 rests on top of the longitudinal elements 56 of the mesh. As assembled in Figure 27, bar 60 rests on longitudinal member 56, and a connector for suspending the bar is not required. Suitable poles, such as those shown in Figure 3, could be used to support the G3 mesh in an elevated condition during the course of construction of the wall of Figure 27. As the walls of Figures 22-23 and 26 the positioning of the bar 60 in the fold of the upturned portion 64, makes it possible to apply tension forces to the longitudinal element 56, to transmit to the upwardly bent portion 64, without loading the connection between the distal crossed element 58 received inside the slot 12. Figure 28 shows a ground formation similar to that of Figure 16, which has a base portion 46, and an erect, generally inclined portion 48. The base portion is covered with a panel P, and a retaining wall comprised of assembled blocks as shown in Figures 19 to 21 is supported on the panel and stacked on top of each other in a slightly stepped relationship. The meshes G2 are secured to the stacked blocks in the manner shown in FIGS.

Figures 20 and 21, and extend through the drainage rock 42 and into the compacted fill floor 66. The extension of the meshes into the fill floor serves to reinforce the floor and secure the face wall comprised of the stacked blocks against displacement.

The cut face of the natural soil formations shown in Figure 28 is illustrated by numeral 68. Conclusion From the foregoing description, it is believed that the present invention makes it possible to obtain the objects initially stipulated herein. In particular, it provides an integrated block construction in which the blocks interact with each other, both through their configuration and through the mesh coupled with them. It also provides such a construction that it can be lifted into place as a panel, and is ideally suited to control erosion in the earth channels, and to assemble into different types of erosion control systems and retaining structures for the formation of Earth. It also provides a structure where the concentrated loads applied to a panel constructed from the integrated blocks are supported on a diverse area to provide greater support. Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments, but rather is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (56)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A concrete block to build panels comprising this block: a) a body which has at least one open cell that extends through it from the top to the bottom; and b) grooves formed in the lower part of the body, and extending upwards into the block, intersecting these grooves to the open cell of the block.
2. 2. A concrete block according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the concrete block is L-shaped in a plan view, and a plurality of open cells extend therethrough from the part upper to the lower part; b) the cells are separated by block fabrics; and c) certain grooves extend through the tissues.
3. 3. A block of concrete according to claim 1, characterized in that the grooves are of a depth extending approximately up to half the distance between the upper part and the lower part of the block.
4. 4. An assembly for forming concrete panels, this assembly comprising: a) a plurality of concrete blocks, each having at least one open cell extending therethrough from the top to the bottom, slots formed at through it in a relationship of intersection with the cell, and a side wall that can be coupled in a complementary manner with the side wall of another of the blocks; and, b) a mesh having intersecting elements provided to be received in said grooves, and separated to be received within the intersecting grooves of the adjacent blocks when they are coupled in a complementary manner, to stop the blocks in said coupling.
5. 5. An assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the grooves are formed in the lower part of, and extend up to, the inside of the blocks.
6. 6. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the grooves are of a depth extending approximately up to half the distance between the upper part and the lower part of the blocks.
7. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: a) at least some of the blocks are L-shaped in a plan view, and a plurality of open cells are extended therethrough from the upper part to the lower part; b) the cells are separated by block fabrics; and c) some of the grooves extend through the tissues.
8. 8. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that it also comprises a hanger that can be coupled on the blocks and below the mesh, to stop the mesh inside the grooves of the blocks.
9. 9. A method for forming a panel comprised of concrete blocks, this method comprising: a) providing a mesh comprised of intersecting elements; b) providing a plurality of concrete blocks having intersecting grooves formed on one side thereof, these grooves being provided and configured to additionally receive the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-by-side relationship; c) support the mesh in a high condition; and d) assembling the blocks on the mesh in a side-to-side relationship, to couple the intersecting elements of the mesh into the grooves of the blocks.
10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that: a) the blocks have cells extending therethrough from the top to the bottom, and the slots extend through the blocks in an intersection relationship with the cells; and b) when the blocks are assembled on the mesh, the elements of the mesh intersect inside the cells.
11. 11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that it also comprises extending a hanger over at least one of the blocks and into a cell, to attach an element of intersection of the mesh, and stop the mesh in a condition high inside the grooves of the blocks.
12. 12. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises casting some of the cells to stop the mesh in an elevated condition inside the grooves of the blocks.
13. 13. A method for covering the surface of a ground formation, this method comprising: a) providing a mesh comprised of intersecting elements; b) providing a plurality of blocks having intersecting grooves formed on one side thereof, said grooves being provided and configured to additionally receive the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-to-side relationship, - c ) support the mesh in a separate relationship on the surface of the earth; and d) assembling the blocks on the mesh in a side-to-side relationship, to couple the grooves of the blocks with the intersecting elements of the mesh:
14. 14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that it also comprises : a) cover the surface of the soil formation with drainage material before supporting the mesh in a separate relationship thereon; and b) supporting the blocks on the drainage material when assembling the blocks on the mesh.
15. 15. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that: a) the surface of the earth formation takes the form of a channel having a generally flat bottom portion, and a generally flat outwardly divergent side portion; b) the mesh is comprised of lower and lateral portions that are supported, respectively, in a separate relationship, generally parallel with the lower and lateral portions of the channel; and c) the blocks are assembled on the lower and side portions of the mesh to line the channel.
16. 16. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises: a) covering the lower and side portions of the channel with drainage material before supporting the mesh in a separate relationship therein; and b) supporting the blocks on said drainage material when assembling the blocks on the mesh.
17. 17. A method for covering the surface of a ground formation, this method comprising: a) providing a mesh comprised of intersecting elements; b) providing a plurality of blocks having intersecting grooves formed on one side thereof, said grooves being provided and configured to receive in a complementary manner the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-by-side relationship; c) support the mesh in a high condition; d) assemble the blocks on the mesh in a side-to-side relationship to couple the grooves of the blocks with the intersecting elements of the mesh and form a panel comprised of detached blocks joined by the mesh, -e) lift the panel up a raised condition by coupling separate portions of the mesh with lifting elements, and raising these elements; and f) moving the panel while in the elevated condition, to the site of ground formation, and depositing the panel to support the blocks on the formation, with the mesh arranged in a separate relationship generally parallel to the surface of the formation .
18. 18. A concrete block panel, which comprises: a) a mesh that has intersecting elements; b) elements that support the mesh in a suspended condition; c) a plurality of concrete blocks supported on the mesh, said blocks having intersecting grooves coupled on the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-by-side relationship.
19. 19. A panel according to claim 18, characterized in that: a) the blocks have cells that extend through them from the top to the bottom, and the slots extend through the blocks in a relationship of intersection with the cells; and b) the elements of the mesh intersect inside the cells.
20. 20. A panel according to claim 19, characterized in that it also comprises a hanger that extends over at least one of the blocks and into a cell, and that is coupled with an element of intersection of the mesh for Stop the mesh in a high condition inside the block grooves.
21. 21. A panel according to claim 18, characterized in that: a) at least some of the blocks are L-shaped in a plan view, and a plurality of open cells are extended therethrough from the upper part to the lower part; b) the cells are separated by block fabrics; and c) some of the grooves extend through the tissues.
22. 22. A panel according to claim 18, characterized in that the grooves are formed in the lower part of, and extend up to, the inside of the blocks.
23. 23. A panel according to claim 22, characterized in that the grooves are of a depth extending approximately up to half the distance between the upper part and the lower part of the blocks.
24. 24. A panel according to claim 18, characterized in that reinforcing bars are secured to, and extend upwardly from, the panel, the panel further comprising, subpanels stacked on top of said panel, and received on the bars. of reinforcement, each subpanel comprising: a) a second mesh having intersecting elements, - b) elements supporting the second mesh in a suspended condition c) a plurality of second concrete blocks supported on the mesh, these blocks having grooves of intersection coupled on the intersecting elements of the mesh to stop the blocks in a side-to-side relationship.
25. 25. An assembly for coating a ground formation, this assembly comprising: a) a mesh of intersecting elements, this mesh being supported in a separate relationship generally parallel with the ground formation; and b) a plurality of concrete blocks supported on the ground formation, these blocks having intersecting grooves coupled on the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-by-side relationship.
26. 26. An assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that: a) the blocks have cells extending therethrough from the top to the bottom, and the slots extend through the blocks in a relationship of intersection with the cells; and b) the elements of the mesh intersect inside the cells.
27. 27. An assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that it also comprises a hanger that extends over at least one of the blocks and into a cell, and that is coupled with an element of intersection of the mesh for Stop the mesh in a high condition inside the block grooves.
28. 28. An assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that: a) at least some of the blocks have an L shape in a plan view, and a plurality of open cells extend therethrough from the upper part to the lower part; b) the cells are separated by block fabrics; and c) some of the grooves extend through the tissues.
29. 29. An assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that the grooves are formed in the lower part of, and extend up to the inside of the blocks.
30. 30. An assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the grooves are of a depth extending approximately up to half the distance between the upper part and the lower part of the blocks.
31. 31. An assembly for retaining an erect portion of a ground formation, and for covering a base portion of the formation at the foot of the upright portion, this assembly comprising: a) a mesh of intersecting elements, this mesh being supported on a separate relationship generally parallel with the base portion of the land formation; and b) a first plurality of concrete blocks supported on the base portion of the ground formation having these blocks intersecting grooves coupled over the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-by-side relationship; c) a second plurality of concrete blocks stacked on top of each other, and extending over the erect portion of the ground formation, the second plurality of blocks being supported on the first plurality of blocks, - and d) elements securing the second plurality of blocks against displacement in relation to the erect portion of the formation.
32. 32. An assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that: a) the second plurality of blocks have intersecting grooves formed therein, - and b) the elements securing the second plurality of blocks against displacement in relation to with the formation, they comprise reinforcement mats which have complementary intersecting elements with the intersecting grooves of the second plurality of blocks, said mats having proximal portions with the intersecting elements coupled inside the intersecting grooves of the second plurality of blocks, distal portions that extend towards the formation of earth.
33. 33. An assembly in accordance with claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises a drainage material disposed between the ground formation and the first and second pluralities of blocks, the first plurality of blocks resting on the drainage material below. the same.
34. 34. An assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that the erect portion of the ground formation terminates on a surface, and is covered with an assembly comprising: a) a mesh of intersecting elements, this mesh being supported in a separate relationship generally parallel to the surface of the ground formation and b) a third plurality of concrete blocks supported on said surface the ground formation, these blocks having intersecting grooves coupled on the intersecting elements of the mesh, to stop the blocks in a side-to-side relationship.
35. 35. A method for constructing a retaining wall for a land formation, this method comprising: a) providing a plurality of concrete blocks having first slots extending therethrough, and second slits extending through on one side of them, in a relationship of intersection with the first slots; b) assembling the blocks in front of the formation, in a side-to-side relationship with the first slots of the adjacent aligned blocks; c) providing meshes having matched longitudinal elements that can be engaged within the second grooves of adjacent blocks arranged in a side-to-side relationship, and a cross member that can be engaged within the first grooves of said adjacent blocks; d) coupling the meshes with the assembled blocks, to extend from one side thereof to the inside of the ground formation, with the longitudinal elements coupled coupled inside the second slots of the adjacent blocks, and the crossed element coupled inside the first slots of said adjacent blocks.
36. 36. A method according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises extending a bar through the first slots of the adjacent blocks to extend over the blocks.
37. 37. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that the concrete blocks have open cells that extend through them from the top to the bottom, and the first and second slots intersect the cells , this method further comprising filling at least some of the cells with a means for stopping the meshes and the bar in place within the first slots.
38. 38. A method according to claim 36, characterized in that the bar is arranged to engage with the mesh, and to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
39. 39. A method according to claim 35, characterized in that the longitudinal elements define a plane between them, and are formed with end portions bent upwards, which carry the cross element, and extend outwardly from said element. flat.
40. 40. A method according to claim 39, characterized in that it also comprises extending a bar through the first slots of the adjacent blocks, up to one side of the ends bent upwards, to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks, and that extends until you get to cover the blocks.
41. 41. A retaining wall for a ground formation, said wall comprising: a) a plurality of concrete blocks having first slits extending therethrough, and second slits extending through one side of the walls. the same in a relationship of intersection with the first grooves, said blocks being assembled opposite the formation in a side-to-side relationship with the first grooves of the adjacent aligned blocks, and this side facing the formation; and b) meshes having matched longitudinal elements coupled into the second grooves of the adjacent blocks arranged in a side-to-side relationship, and a cross member fixed between the longitudinal elements, and engaged within the first grooves of the adjacent blocks extending up to to cover the blocks, this mesh extending from said side of the blocks to the inside of the earth formation.
42. 42. A retaining wall according to claim 41, characterized in that it also comprises a bar that extends through the first grooves of the adjacent blocks, to extend to cover the blocks.
43. 43. A retaining wall according to claim 42, characterized in that the concrete blocks have open cells extending through them from the top to the bottom, and the first and second grooves intersect the cells , said wall further comprising a stuffing element disposed in at least some of the cells to stop the mesh and bar in place within the first slots.
44. 44. A retaining wall according to claim 42, characterized in that the bar is arranged to engage with the mesh, and to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
45. 45. A retaining wall as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that the longitudinal members define a plane therebetween, and are formed with end portions bent upwards leading to the cross member, and extend outward from said plane.
46. 46. A retaining wall according to claim 45, characterized in that it also comprises a bar that extends through the first slots of the adjacent blocks, up to one side of the ends bent upwards, to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks, and extend to cover the blocks.
47. 47. A retaining wall for a land formation, said wall comprising: a) a plurality of concrete blocks having first grooves extending therethrough, and second grooves extending through one side of the walls. same in an intersecting relationship with the first slots, these blocks being joined in front of the array in a side-to-side relationship with the first slots of the adjacent aligned blocks, and said side facing the array; b) a mesh having parallel longitudinal elements coupled inside the second grooves of one of the blocks, and a cross element fixed between said longitudinal elements, and coupled inside the first groove of said block, the mesh extending into the formation of Earth; and c) a bar received inside, and extending through the first slots of the adjacent blocks, to extend to cover the blocks.
48. 48. A retaining wall as claimed in claim 47, characterized in that the bar is arranged to engage the mesh and resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
49. 49. A retaining wall as claimed in claim 47, characterized in that the longitudinal members define a plane therebetween, and are formed with end portions bent upwards leading to the cross member, and extend outward from said plane.
50. 50. A retaining wall according to claim 49, characterized in that the bar engages with the portions bent upward to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
51. 51. A retaining wall as claimed in claim 47, characterized in that the concrete blocks have open cells extending therethrough from the top to the bottom, and the first and second grooves intersect at the cells, further comprising said wall, a stuffing element disposed in at least some of the cells, to stop the mesh and the bar in place within the first slots.
52. 52. A method for retaining a ground formation, this method comprising: a) providing a plurality of concrete blocks having first slots extending therethrough, and second slits extending through one side of the walls. same, in a relationship of intersection with the first slots; b) assembling the blocks in front of the formation in a side-to-side relationship with the first slots of the adjacent aligned blocks, and said side facing the formation; c) providing a mesh having matched longitudinal elements, which can be engaged within the second grooves of the blocks, and a cross member fixed between these longitudinal elements, and which can be engaged within the first grooves of the blocks; d) coupling the mesh with one of the assembled blocks, to extend from said side thereof to the inside of the ground formation, when the matched longitudinal elements are engaged inside the second grooves of said block, and the crossed element is coupled inside. of the first slot of said block; e) extend a bar through the first slots of adjacent blocks, to extend to cover the blocks.
53. 53. A method according to claim 52, characterized in that the bar is arranged to engage the mesh, and resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
54. 54. A method according to claim 52, characterized in that the longitudinal elements define a plane between them, and are formed with end portions bent upwards carrying the cross member, and extend outwardly from said plane. .
55. 55. A method according to claim 54, characterized in that the bar engages with the portions bent upwards to resist the pull of the mesh from the blocks.
56. 56. A method according to claim 52, characterized in that the concrete blocks have open cells that extend through them from the top to the bottom, and the first and second slots intersect the cells , this method further comprising filling at least some of the cells with a means to stop the mesh and bar in place within the first slots.