System for building with glass blocks

Abstract

A system for building using glass blocks is disclosed which employs spacing strips. The spacing strips comprising elongate, generally planar elements having a cross section generally corresponding in shape to the intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed construction. The spacing strips are hollow and may be provided with interior supporting webs. The strips are provided with adhesive which may be included during manufacture.

1 . A system for the construction of glass block walls, comprising an elongate, generally planar spacing strip of plastics material, having upper and lower surfaces forming an outer cross section generally corresponding in shape to an intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed glass block wall construction, the spacing strip comprising a body portion having a first thickness and having a centrally disposed elongate channel on upper and lower surfaces thereof, and flange portions having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the flange portions extending laterally from the body portion, the spacing strip having a generally hollow interior with upper and lower walls, the system further comprising an adhesive for adhesion between the spacing strip and a glass block, wherein the adhesive is a one-component polymer adhesive that hardens by evaporation of a solvent and comprises groups which compatibilise the polymer with the plastics material. 
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flange portions are at least partially hollow. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the hollow interior is provided with transverse reinforcing webs between the upper and lower walls. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive contains a methylcyclohexane based solvent. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is applied to the spacing strip or the glass block during manufacture. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5  further comprising a removable protective layer covering the adhesive prior to use. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the spacing strip is formed from polystyrene or a styrene based copolymer. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer or copolymer or block (co) polymer having aliphatic or styrenic groups which compatibilise the polymer with styrene. 
     
     
         9 . A glass block structure comprising:
 a plurality of glass blocks arranged adjacent to one another, the glass blocks having a profile on their adjacent surfaces;   elongate, generally planar spacing strips of plastics material located between the adjacent glass blocks, the spacing strips having first and second surfaces generally corresponding in shape to the profile of the glass blocks; and   a quantity of one component polymer adhesive adhering the spacing strips and glass blocks together wherein the adhesive hardens by evaporation of a solvent and comprises groups which compatibilise the polymer with the plastics material.   
     
     
         10 . The structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the spacing strips comprise a body portion having a first thickness and having a centrally disposed elongate channel on upper and lower surfaces thereof, and flange portions having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the flange portions extending laterally from the body portion. 
     
     
         11 . The structure according to  claim 10 , wherein the flange portions are at least partially hollow. 
     
     
         12 . The structure according to  claim 9 , wherein the spacing strips comprise a hollow interior provided with transverse reinforcing webs. 
     
     
         13 . The structure according to  claim 12 , wherein the spacing strip is formed from polystyrene or a styrene based copolymer. 
     
     
         14 . The structure according to  claim 12 , wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer or copolymer or block (co) polymer having aliphatic or styrenic groups which compatibilise the polymer with styrene. 
     
     
         15 . A method of constructing a glass block wall using a system of elongate, generally planar spacing strip of plastics material, having upper and lower surfaces forming an outer cross section generally corresponding in shape to an intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed glass block wall construction, the spacing strip comprising a body portion having a first thickness and having a centrally disposed elongate channel on upper and lower surfaces thereof, and flange portions having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the flange portions extending laterally from the body portion, the spacing strip having a generally hollow interior with upper and lower walls, the system further comprising an adhesive for adhesion between the spacing strip and a glass block, wherein the adhesive is a one-component polymer adhesive that hardens by evaporation of a solvent and comprises groups which compatibilise the polymer with the plastics material, the method comprising:
 placing a first course of glass blocks;   applying adhesive on a first side of the spacing strip;   placing the spacing strip on the first course of blocks;   placing adhesive on a second side of the spacing strip; and   placing a further course of blocks on top of the spacing strip.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15  further comprising placing individual lengths of spacing strip between adjacent blocks on the same course. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15  further comprising grouting the joint between adjacent blocks.