Construction block

Abstract

A modular construction block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a wall. The construction block includes first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends. The first block face has a first plurality of vertical score lines. The second block face has a second plurality of vertical score lines. The first and second plurality of vertical score lines resemble respective mortar joints, whereby the assembled wall resembles a brick structure.

1 . A modular construction block adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a wall, said construction block comprising: 
 (a) first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends;    (b) said first block face comprising a first vertical score line;    (c) said second block face comprising a second vertical score line; and    (d) said first and second vertical score lines resembling respective mortar joints, whereby the assembled wall resembles a brick structure.    
   
   
       2 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , and defining an intermediate through-void extending from said top to said bottom.  
   
   
       3 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , and defining a pin slot adapted for receiving an elongated shear pin.  
   
   
       4 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , and defining an end void formed with at least one of said opposing ends.  
   
   
       5 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , wherein said first block face comprises two vertical score lines.  
   
   
       6 . A modular construction block according to  claim 5 , wherein said second block face comprises three vertical score lines.  
   
   
       7 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , and comprising at least one mounting protrusion integrally-formed with at least one of said top and bottom.  
   
   
       8 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , wherein said bottom defines a beveled perimeter edge.  
   
   
       9 . A modular construction block according to  claim 1 , wherein said first block face consists of two vertical score lines, and said second block face consists of three vertical score lines.  
   
   
       10 . A wall comprising an assembly of modular construction blocks arranged in stacked courses, each of said construction blocks comprising: 
 (a) first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends;    (b) said first block face comprising a first vertical score line;    (c) said second block face comprising a second vertical score line; and    (d) said first and second vertical score lines resembling respective mortar joints, whereby said assembled wall resembles a brick structure.    
   
   
       11 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein said construction block defines an intermediate through-void extending from its top to its bottom.  
   
   
       12 . A wall according to  claim 11 , and comprising a post-tensioning member extending through the void formed with said construction block.  
   
   
       13 . A wall according to  claim 12 , wherein said post-tensioning member comprises a rigid vertical rod.  
   
   
       14 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein said construction block defines a pin slot.  
   
   
       15 . A wall according to  claim 14 , and comprising an elongated vertical shear pin extending within the pin slot of said construction block.  
   
   
       16 . A wall according to  claim 10 , and comprising a cap block covering the top of said construction block.  
   
   
       17 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein said construction block defines opposing end voids.  
   
   
       18 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein the first block face of said construction block comprises two vertical score lines.  
   
   
       19 . A wall according to  claim 18 , wherein the second block face of said construction block comprises three vertical score lines.  
   
   
       20 . A wall according to  claim 10 , wherein the first block face of said construction block consists of two vertical score lines, and the second block face consists of three vertical score lines.