PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2021904181 titled “BLOCK FOR USE IN AUTOMATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION” and filed on 21 December 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The following publication is referred to in the present application and its contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:

International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2018/000142 (WO/2019/068128) titled “BLOCK FOR USE IN AUTOMATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION” in the name of Fastbrick IP Pty Ltd.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a block, and to a building block system, for automated building construction.

BACKGROUND

[0004] The present applicant is the developer of a construction robotic machine in which a telescoping articulated arm is mounted on a truck, and bricks or blocks are transported to a block laying head mounted at the end of the arm which includes a lay robot, which lays the bricks. When the brick arrives at the laying head, adhesive is applied to it and it is transferred to a robotic arm that moves it to a lay location where the brick is placed, preferably to within sub-mm accuracy. The applicant’s brick laying robotic machine is described in more detail in co-pending applications PCT/AU2017/050731, PCT/AU2017/050730, PCT/AU2017/050728, PCT/AU2017/050739, PCT/AU2017/050738 and PCT/AU2018/050698.

[0005] International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2018/000142 (WO/2019/068128) titled “BLOCK FOR USE IN AUTOMATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION” discloses a preceding block developed by the present applicant for use by the robotic machine. PCT/AU2018/000142 discloses a concrete masonry unit (CMU) block comprising a generally cuboid body, with a plurality of hollow cores extending from a top to a base and arranged in a row between a pair of opposed ends, wherein each core has a rectilinear cross-sectional shape. The block is divisible into a plurality of substantially identical block portions of rectilinear cross-sectional shape, each portion including walls of substantially uniform wall thickness about its core.

[0006] As the applicant has sought to further develop their construction robot, so too have they further developed the block which is to be laid thereby.

[0007] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present disclosure has been developed.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a block for automated building construction, said block comprising a cuboid body including an opposed top and a bottom, a pair of opposed ends, and a pair of opposed sides; the block dividable lengthwise into a plurality of block portions, where between each pair of adjacent block portions there is at least one dividing slot extending between the top and the bottom and transversely across the block, the or each dividing block separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions; each of the block portions including a plurality of holes extending between the top and the bottom thereof, where the plurality of holes comprises at least one larger hole, and a plurality of smaller holes spaced apart around the or each larger hole; and wherein each of the end portions at opposing ends of the block comprises at least one protruding tongue extending between the top and the bottom of the block, the or each of which is transversely offset with respect to the or each protruding tongue at the opposite end of the block.

[0009] That is to say, the cuboid body comprises six faces at right angles to each other.

[0010] In a further aspect, there is provided a block portion divided from the above described block, by a cut made at the at least one dividing slot. Similarly, the or each block portion comprises six faces at right angles to each other.

[0011] In one form, the or each of the protruding tongues at one end of the block are rotationally symmetrical to the or each of the protruding tongues at the opposite end of the block. Consequently, if the block is rotated 180 degrees end to end it is the same. This eliminates “endedness”, such as is the case with a block having male and female ends.

[0012] In one form, each of the end portions at opposing ends of the block comprises a pair of transversely spaced protruding tongues extending between the top and the bottom of the block. [0013] In one form, the pair of protruding tongues at one end of the block are transversely offset with respect to the pair of protruding tongues at the opposite end of the block.

[0014] In one form, the pair of protruding tongues at one end of the block are rotationally symmetrical to the pair of protruding tongues at the opposite end of the block.

[0015] In one form, each of the tongues comprises a flat surface extending parallel to the surface of the end of the block, and sloping ramp surfaces extending either side down from the surface to the surface of the end of the block.

[0016] In one form, each of the block portions comprise at least one larger hole at least partially surrounded by a plurality of smaller holes.

[0017] In one form, each of the block portions comprises a pair of larger holes spaced apart transversely across the block portion.

[0018] In one form, in an alternative, each of the block portions comprise a larger hole substantially surrounded by a plurality of smaller holes.

[0019] In one form, each of the larger holes is substantially square.

[0020] In one form, the pair of opposed sides comprise a plurality of grooves that extend between the top and bottom of the block and are spaced equidistant between the ends.

[0021] In one form, the pair of opposed sides comprises a plurality of grooves that extend between the top and bottom of the block, wherein for each block portion a pair of grooves are separated by a smooth flat side portion that is aligned with and has a width substantially the same as the at least one larger hole.

[0022] In one form, each of a plurality of the smaller holes is elongate.

[0023] In one form, each of a plurality of the smaller holes is a slot.

[0024] In one form, at least one slot extends parallel to each edge of each block portion.

[0025] In one form, where two or more slots extend parallel to an edge of the block portion, these slots are aligned lengthwise.

[0026] In one form, each dividing slot is located in a predetermined position denoting where the block is intended to be cut. [0027] In one form, where two or more dividing slots are located between a pair of adjacent block portions, these dividing slots are aligned transversely across the block, and separated by one or more of the connecting slender webs.

[0028] In one form, the dividing slots are spaced substantially equidistant longitudinally along the block.

[0029] In one form, each of the block portions is substantially equisized.

[0030] In one form, each of the block portions is substantially identical.

[0031] In one form, each of the webs is wider at or near its centre than it is at its ends.

[0032] In one form, in an alternative, each of the webs is narrower at or near its centre than it is at its ends.

[0033] In one form, in an alternative, each of the webs comprises a thickness which is substantially constant throughout its length.

[0034] The dividing slots notionally divide the block into fractions, for example, into fifths, so that a cut block can be divided into a fifth length, two-fifths length, three-fifths length, and four-fifths length. Alternatively the block could be longer and dividable into sixths or more.

[0035] In one form, the dividing slots have a width commensurate with the thickness of a cutting blade or slightly less and are provided to speed the process of cutting through the block.

[0036] In one form, once cut, each of the remaining slender web portions is adapted to be broken off of its respective block portion.

[0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided a building block system for automated building construction, the building system comprising two types of block, both types being as described above, and wherein one type is a wide block comprising a width which is greater than that of the other block type.

[0038] In one form, the wide block is for use in constructing an external wall.

[0039] In one form, the other block is for use in constructing an internal wall.

[0040] In one form, each of the larger holes in an external wall block or block portion aligns with a corresponding hole in an internal wall block or block portion when one is stacked atop of the other. [0041] In a further aspect, there is provided a wall assembly comprised of a plurality of the above described blocks laid in a plurality of courses, and an adhesive applied between each course of blocks and a successive course to bond these.

[0042] In one embodiment, the adhesive is machine applied to the base of a block before it is laid onto a lower course.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least two parallel beads of adhesive are applied onto the base of a block along a lengthwise extent thereof.

[0044] In one embodiment, the adhesive is further applied onto one or more end faces of a block so as to form a perp joint with an adjacent block in a course.

[0045] In one form, internal walls are tied into external walls by inserting internal wall blocks between adjacent external (i.e. wide) wall blocks for at least alternating courses of blocks so that ends of the internal wall block lay flush with an outer face of an external wall.

[0046] In one form, the external wall block comprises a length of approximately 500mm; a width of approximately 190mm; and, a height of approximately 250mm. In another form, the external wall block comprises a length of approximately 600mm; a width of approximately 190mm; and a height of approximately 400mm. In yet a further form, the external wall block comprises a length of approximately 600mm; a width of approximately 290mm; and a height of approximately 400mm.

[0047] In one form, the internal wall block comprises a length of approximately 500mm; a width of approximately 90mm; and, a height of approximately 250mm. In another form, the internal wall block has a length of approximately 600mm; a width of approximately 90mm and a height of approximately 400mm.

[0048] In one form, each of the protruding tongues protrudes approximately 5mm from an end of the block.

[0049] In one form, the block is made from clay.

[0050] In a further aspect, there is provided an internal wall block for automated building construction, the block for use in constructing an internal wall of a building, said block comprising a cuboid body including an opposed top and a bottom, a pair of opposed ends, and a pair of opposed sides; the block dividable lengthwise into a plurality of block portions, where between each pair of adjacent block portions there is at least one dividing slot extending between the top and the bottom and transversely across the block, the or each dividing slot separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions; each of the block portions including a plurality of holes extending between the top and the bottom thereof, where the plurality of holes comprises one larger hole positioned at or near a geometric centre of a top of the block portion, and a plurality of smaller holes spaced apart around the larger hole; and wherein each of the end portions at opposing ends of the block comprises at least one protruding tongue extending between the top and the bottom of the block, the or each of which is transversely offset with respect to the or each protruding tongue at the opposite end of the block.

[0051] In a further aspect, there is provided an external wall block for automated building construction, the block for use in constructing an external wall of a building, the block comprising a cuboid body including an opposed top and a bottom, a pair of opposed ends, and a pair of opposed sides; the block dividable lengthwise into a plurality of block portions, where between each pair of adjacent block portions there is at least one dividing slot extending between the top and the bottom and transversely across the block, the or each dividing slot separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions; each of the block portions including a plurality of holes extending between the top and the bottom thereof, where the plurality of holes comprises a pair of larger holes spaced apart transversely across the block portion, and a plurality of smaller holes spaced apart around and between the larger holes; and wherein each of the end portions at opposing ends of the block comprises at least one protruding tongue extending between the top and the bottom of the block, the or each of which is transversely offset with respect to the or each protruding tongue at the opposite end of the block.

[0052] For ease of description, a block embodying the present features is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the block may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] Forms of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0055] Figure 1 is an upper isometric view of a block according to a first form; [0056] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the block of Figure 1 ;

[0057] Figure 3 is a right side plan view of the block of Figure 1;

[0058] Figure 4 is an end view of the block of Figure 1 ;

[0059] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the block of Figure 1;

[0060] Figure 6 is a left side plan view of the block of Figure 1;

[0061] Figure 7 is an end view of the block of Figure 1 ;

[0062] Figure 8 is a lower isometric view of the block of Figure 1;

[0063] Figure 9 is an upper isometric view of a block according to a second form;

[0064] Figure 10 is a top plan view of the block of Figure 9;

[0065] Figure 11 is a right side plan view of the block of Figure 9;

[0066] Figure 12 is an end view of the block of Figure 9;

[0067] Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the block of Figure 9;

[0068] Figure 14 is a left side plan view of the block of Figure 9;

[0069] Figure 15 is an end view of the block of Figure 9;

[0070] Figure 16 is a lower isometric view of the block of Figure 9;

[0071] Figure 17 is an upper isometric view of a block according to a third form;

[0072] Figure 18 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the block of Figure 1;

[0073] Figure 19 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the block of Figure 9;

[0074] Figure 20 is an isometric view of a further alternative embodiment of the block of Figure 9;

[0075] Figure 21 is an upper isometric view of a block according to a fourth form; [0076] Figure 22 is an upper isomeric view of a block according to a fifth form;

[0077] Figure 23 is a top plan view of a block according to a sixth form; and,

[0078] Figure 24 is a right side plan view of the block of Figure 23.

[0079] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0080] An example of a block 1 for automated building construction shall now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0081] In this example, the block 1 comprises a generally cuboid body 2 of clay comprising a top 4 and a bottom 6 (which are interchangeable with inversion of the block 1), a length extending between a pair of opposed ends 8 and a width extending between a pair of opposed sides 10.

[0082] Each of the sides 10 of the block 1 comprises a plurality of grooves 11. These grooves 11 extend between the top 4 and the bottom 6 of the block 1, and are substantially parallel, identical and equispaced. These grooves 11 will aid render adhesion in instances where render is applied.

[0083] The block 1 is dividable lengthwise into a plurality of block portions 20, where between each pair of adjacent block portions 20 there is at least one dividing slot 12 extending through the body 2 of the block 1 from the top 4 to the bottom 6 and transversely across the block. The or each dividing slot 12 is separated from the opposed sides 10 or an adjacent dividing slot 12 by slender webs 14 which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions 20. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, two aligned dividing slots 12 extend between, or are otherwise separated by three webs 14. The webs 14 include a pair of outer webs proximate the opposing sides 10 and an inner or intermediate web located between the dividing slots 12. The dividing slots 12 provide a cutting guide for a saw blade or the like, and typically each slot 12 is at least the width of a cutting blade employed by a saw of the robotic machine or a saw located in a block manufacturing plant or the like if blocks are cut prior to being loaded into the machine.

[0084] In one form, the thickness of the outer webs 14 at the cut locations created by these dividing slots 12 is minimised to reduce the amount of material which must be cut through in order to divide the block 1. The webs 14 may comprise sharp notches to facilitate their cutting with a chisel, or to facilitate breaking the webs 14 and then knocking a remainder of them off. [0085] Each of the block portions 20 is nearly identical, having substantially identical overall dimensions, hole dimensions and hole placements.

[0086] Each of the block portions 20 comprise one larger hole 30 at least partially surrounded by a plurality of smaller holes. All of the holes 30, 40, 50 and 60 comprise a rectilinear cross-sectional shape, although other shapes could be employed.

[0087] The larger holes 30 comprise a square cross-sectional shape with rounded comers. Each of the smaller holes 40, 50 and 60 is elongated, with rounded comers.

[0088] A first pair of elongated rectilinear holes 40 is positioned on each side of the larger hole 30 of each block portion 20. Each of these elongated rectilinear holes 40 is positioned between the larger hole 30, and an edge of a side 10 of the block 1.

[0089] Some of the smaller elongated holes could be characterised as slots 50 and 60. A first pair of slots 50 extends parallel to each edge of an end of each block portion 20. The larger hole 30 is between this pair of slots 50.

[0090] Two lengthwise aligned slots 60 extend parallel to each side edge of each block portion 20. One of the elongated holes 40 is positioned between an aligned pair of these slots 60 on each side of the block portion 20.

[0091] Slots 60 create a double shell in the side walls 10. Similarly, slots 50 create a double shell in the end walls 8. These double shells provide thermal insulation, and are suited to accept conventional fasteners (eg wall bolts, picture hooks etc). It should be noted also that the transverse webs adjacent to the dividing slots 12 are thicker than the webs surrounding the large holes or cores 30 to ensure strength on the cut ends.

[0092] Each of the block portions 20 at opposing ends of the block 1 differ from a remainder of the block portions 20 that form a block 1 in that these comprise a pair of transversely spaced protruding tongues or spigots 22 extending between the top 4 and the bottom 6 of the block 1.

[0093] The pair of protruding tongues 22 at one end of the block 1 are transversely offset with respect to the pair of protruding tongues 22 at the opposite end of the block 1. Consequently, if the block is rotated 180 degrees end to end (i.e. reversed endwise) it is the same. This eliminates “endedness”, such as is the case with a block having male and female ends. [0094] Each of the tongues 22 comprises a flat surface 24 extending parallel to the surface of the end 8 of the block 1, and a pair of sloping ramp surfaces 26 extending either side down from the flat surface 24 to the surface of the end 8. In use, the ramp surfaces 26 of tongues 22 of two endwise laid blocks can bear against each other, providing opposing surfaces between which adhesive can be applied. The tongues 22 further act as light blocking protrusions such that when blocks 1 are laid in end-to-end abutment, the protrusions block the path of light through any perp gap.

[0095] Referring now to Figures 9 to 16 where there is illustrated a block 1 A according to a further form. Those parts of the block 1 A which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the block 1 of Figures 1 through 8, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0096] In some examples, the block 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 is intended for the construction of internal walls of a building structure, and the block 1 A illustrated in Figures 9 to 16 is intended for the construction of external walls of the building structure (i.e. around the periphery of the building). These will hereinafter be referred to as internal wall block 1 and external wall block 1 A. It is however to be appreciated that in other examples, an entire building could be constructed with either block 1 or alternatively 1A. For instance, in some markets, external walls could be constructed with block 1, either in a single leaf or double leaf construction (i.e. a cavity wall).

[0097] Internal wall block 1 has a length of approximately 500mm; a width of approximately 90mm; and, a height of approximately 250mm. In another example, internal wall block 1 may have a longer length of approximately 600mm; the same width of approximately 90mm; and a taller height of approximately 400mm. This larger example of internal wall block 1 is best illustrated in Figure 18, and is contemplated for use in automated building construction applications where larger internal wall blocks are required or can be handled by the construction robot.

[0098] External wall block 1A has a length of approximately 500mm; a width of approximately 190mm; and, a height of approximately 250mm. In another example, external wall block 1A may have a longer length of approximately 600mm; the same width of approximately 190mm; and a taller height of approximately 400mm. This larger example of external wall block 1A is best illustrated in Figure 19, and is contemplated for use in automated building construction applications where larger external wall blocks are required or can be handled by the construction robot. In a further example, external building block 1 A may have the longer length of approximately 600mm; a wider width of approximately 290mm; and the same taller height of approximately 400mm. This further example is best illustrated in Figure 20, and is suitable for those applications in automated building construction where additional holes 30 and 60 A in external wall block 1 A are required which provide more options for routing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) services through the wall. [0099] It will be appreciated that further examples of internal 1 and external 1 A wall block sizes and geometries other than those disclosed above are envisaged, and the length/width/height of the blocks 1 or 1 A may be selected in accordance with handling capabilities of the construction robot, and building design/performance requirements.

[00100] Each of the protruding tongues 22 protrudes approximately 5mm from an end of the blocks 1 and 1 A, giving the blocks 1 and 1A a 500mm total envelope lengthwise.

[0101] The width of external wall block 1 A and each of its block portions 20 A is greater than the width of internal wall block 1 and each of its block portions 20. The length of each external wall block portion 20A is the same as the length of each internal wall block portion 20.

[0102] Each external wall block portion 20A comprises a pair of the larger holes 30 spaced apart transversely across the block portion 20 A.

[0103] For each of the larger holes 30, each external wall block portion 20A comprises an elongated hole 40, a pair of the slots 50, and a pair of the slots 60.

[0104] In between the larger holes 30, each external wall block portion 20 A comprises a further slot 40 A between a pair of larger elongate, rectilinear holes 60 A. Each of slots 40A and holes 60A has a direction of elongation extending transversely across the external wall block portion 20 A.

[0105] Slot 40A has a width which matches the width of hole 40. Each of the holes 60A has a width which matches the length of the slots 60.

[0106] The block 1A is dividable lengthwise into a plurality of block portions 20 A, where between each pair of adjacent block portions 20A there is at least one dividing slot 12 extending through the body 2 of the block 1A from the top 4 to the bottom 6 and transversely across the block, the or each dividing slot separated from the opposed sides or an adjacent dividing slot by slender webs 14 which bridge and connect the adjacent block portions 20A. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, three aligned dividing slots 12 extend between, or are otherwise separated by four webs 14. The webs 14 include a pair of outer webs proximate the opposing sides 10 and a pair of inner or intermediate webs located between the dividing slots 12. The dividing slots 12 provide a cutting guide for a saw blade or the like, and typically each slot 12 is at least the width of a cutting blade employed by a saw of the robotic machine or a saw located in a block manufacturing plant or the like if blocks are cut prior to being loaded into the machine. In this example, the webs 14 disposed between the sidewalls and the dividing slots or between adjacent dividing slots have sharp notches and provide a generally convex profile to allow cutting by chisel or breaking and then knocking off tabs. [0107] In another example, the webs 14 separating the dividing slots from each other and the sidewalls have a rectilinear profile with no notches as shown in Figure 17. Such an embodiment is more suited for cutting by a saw blade instead of a chisel. In some examples, such as shown in Figure 23, the intermediate or inner webs 14A between the dividing slots 12 are offset with respect to horizontal ribs or wall sections 84, 86 so they form a T-junction with vertical ribs or wall sections 82 adjacent to the dividing slots 12. This arrangement may be preferable in strengthening the block and reducing the likelihood of cracking.

[0108] It is preferable that the webs 14 which comprise webs to be cut from the block are thinner than other parts of the block. In one example, the webs 14 have a thickness of 5mm, whilst external wall sections have a thickness of 8mm and other internal webs of the blocks have a thickness of 6mm.

[0109] In an alternative example, each of the sides 10 of either internal 1 or external 1A block comprises a plurality of smooth sections 15. These smooth sections 15 extend between the grooves 11 as previously described, and are substantially parallel, identical and equispaced. The purpose of the smooth sections 15 is for aiding in the location or delineation of the larger holes or cores 30 by simply locating the smooth section 15 between the grooves 11 of the internal or external wall block portions 20, 20 A. These smooth sections 15 in either of internal wall block 1 or external wall block 1A are best illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 respectively, however, it will be appreciated that smooth sections 15 may replace one or more grooves 11 in any one of the previous examples provided.

[0110] Typically, the pair of opposed sides of a block comprise a plurality of grooves that extend between the top and bottom of the block, wherein for each block portion a pair of grooves are separated by a smooth flat side portion that is aligned with and has a width substantially the same as the at least one larger hole. Advantageously, blocks made in accordance with the above embodiments having smooth sections 15 allow a tradesperson or construction technician to quickly identify where the larger holes or cores 30 are located (through which MEP services such as electrical cabling, plumbing services etc. may be routed) enabling them to drill holes etc. in the right location.

[0111] According to a further aspect, there is provided a wall assembly including a plurality of the aforementioned blocks 1 and 1 A laid in a plurality of courses, and an adhesive applied between each course of blocks and a successive course to bond these. In this regard, it is to be appreciated that the adhesive is machine applied to the bottom 6 of a block before it is laid onto a lower course. At least two parallel beads of adhesive are typically applied onto the bottom 6 of a block along a lengthwise extent thereof.

[0112] In a further example, the adhesive is further applied onto one or more end 8 faces of a block so as to form a perp joint with an adjacent block in a course. By gluing the perps, flexural strength of the wall is increased which makes the structure more suitable for use in cyclone rated areas. In other examples, there is no adhesive between the perps as application of such is more difficult in the context of an automatic bricklaying machine.

[0113] In one example, the wall assembly includes one or more block portions 20 or 20A divided from the block 1 or 1A or a remainder thereof by a cut made at dividing slots 12. As described in further detail below, a grid system may be used in the design of the wall based around the size of the smallest divisible block portion 20 or 20A which enables every block portion to be used in the construction of the wall with no building waste.

[0114] In another aspect, there is provided a building system using the aforementioned blocks 1 and 1 A.

[0115] The blocks 1 and 1 A are configmed to assemble in a grid system, comprising a 100mm square grid. The bounding box of each block 1 and 1A is nominally 500mm long and can be cut into fifths, and be placed on the grid. Internal walls constructed of blocks 1 can tie to external walls constructed of blocks 1 A in any position corresponding to a hole of the external wall. The advantage of using such a grid system is that waste is completely eliminated as any remaining off cut of a trimmed block 1 or 1 A is of a useful length and can therefore be used elsewhere in the building. The grid system increases the efficiency of the design process and the building process.

[0116] Optionally, the block portions 20 and 20A can be cut at a lengthwise midpoint, creating a partial block portion of 50mm in length.

[0117] In one form, internal walls are tied into external walls by inserting internal wall blocks 1 between adjacent external wall blocks 1A for at least alternating courses of blocks so that ends of the internal wall blocks 1 lay flush with an outer face of an external wall.

[0118] The sizing and alignment of the holes ensures alignment of holes in blocks 1 and 1A and orblock portions 20 and 20A in different courses of a wall assembly, including where these are a part of a keyed in T wall of blocks 1 or 1 A, and at comers formed by an intersection of walls formed from blocks 1 and/or 1A.

[0119] All of the holes, and particularly the large holes 30, as well as holes 60 A, provide useful access for services such as electrical, plumbing or tie rods. These holes 30 and 60 A, as well as the protruding tongues or spigots 22, are also easily recognisable by vision systems to identify block position (e.g. deviation from expected position and orientation) for robotic pick up. The webs around the large holes 30 are suited for grasping by the grippers on the robotic machine, where the fingers of the grippers could be inserted into these holes for grasping. Alternatively, the blocks or block portions could be picked up externally by gripper clamps. [0120] Advantages of making the block according to the present disclosure from clay include clays thermal and acoustic properties, its fire resistance, and its high dimensional stability and compressive strength. The thermal and acoustic properties of clay are aided by the incorporation of the holes in the block, as well as the fact that the internal webs around the internal holes in the blocks 1 and 1 A are offset to increase thermal bridging path length (but not adjacent to cuts, so cut ends are smooth).

[0121] Disclosed herein then is a block which is well suited to use in an automated brick laying machine, for assembly of a wall constructed from the blocks, by the machine. The block is reversible vertically and endwise, and well suited for positional recognition by a vision system, handling by a gripper and division by a cutter, whether incorporated as part of a machine or otherwise.

[0122] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0123] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0124] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0125] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.