With an operator, me and my buddy built a 25 foot wall on a 6 degree angle on the vertical and were able to curve it roughly an inch per block. It was an "S" shape and was for a storage facility on the Sunshine coast. These blocks are AWESOME!!! Of course every second layer of block needed geo-grid for strength. And an engineer and proper permits. What fun!! Will be there my lifetime! Good times!
@olouiso8 жыл бұрын
I can just imagine these guys singing "Everything is Awesome!" while they build this stuff. lol
@Hypercube98 жыл бұрын
There are many differences between our system and the monolithic domes you describe. They are one piece and are structurally much different. Having natural joints in the structure means the forces that travel through it are much different. Also, since our system is modular, it does not require rebar reinforcement. They are also pre-cast, meaning they can be installed very quickly and de-constructed and re-used if needed.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
You both are so funny! LOVE this arched block technique and want to try it here in Guatemala... fabulous construction!
@CatherineSTodd11 жыл бұрын
It's a stormwater retention vault. The blocks are solid concrete with galvanized steel lifting hooks.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
Terrific video... Here I am back, 4 years later, forgot I even saw this. Still want to try it!
@CatherineSTodd7 жыл бұрын
Very fascinating and interesting to watch. It leaves your mind in total amazement when you think about the Aqueducts arches that were built by the Romans over 2000 years ago.
@prunga30810 жыл бұрын
This is really some great building! Nice!
@SKVPC9 жыл бұрын
Part of the reason the Roman designs last so long is because of the arch shape itself. Since everything is in compression, the concrete is used to its maximum capabilities. As you might know, concrete is much weaker in tension than it is in compression. If you're interested in alternate methods of constructing these arches, subscribe because we'll be showcasing it later this week.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
We made an underground water settling pond with 3 chambers. The entire thing was then paved over.
@LockBlockLtd14 жыл бұрын
That's some impressive building techniques.
@yowsers64758 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comment. The chains are rated to carry many times the weight of the block. There is absolutely no risk of them snapping.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
This is a very strong construction. No metal to rust and no concrete joints to crack with freeze-thaw cycles. It will probably outlast most buildings in the area.
@ElectricityTaster9 жыл бұрын
I really want to make my house out of these.
@dustinswan12 жыл бұрын
That's just beautiful.
@anteconfig53916 жыл бұрын
It's a wonderful building!
@online15899 жыл бұрын
What amazes me is that ancient people were building the exact same concept even through the middle ages with just hand tools and raw manpower!
@RestingScotFace10 жыл бұрын
Actually both the Greeks and Romans used cranes for their heavy construction. Still, what they accomplished is awfully impressive.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
***** dude,are you serious?...don´t you know the piramids?,just to name one...
@salaekis9 жыл бұрын
Pyramids were not arches mate......
@RestingScotFace9 жыл бұрын
Shunkawakan Okawingha i know,sorry,i didn´t get the "same concept" part...and payed more attention to the "i doubt the blocks were as big"...piramids was just an exemple of big blocks,for big arches there is the colosseum ;P=
@salaekis9 жыл бұрын
I think they must have had some kind of levitation back then or some kind of way to lift and move that we no longer have today so we have to invent machinery to do it now that they didn't need back then.
@yonderananda9 жыл бұрын
The compacted soil added at the end to cover it acts as the lateral stabilization and ensures that the arches will always be in compression.
@LockBlockLtd12 жыл бұрын
The structure is as amazing as it is creepy.
@Chuffin_ell8 жыл бұрын
Well...we learn something new each day:) I was thinking that might be but, thanx for clarifying! Its interesting and a good place to watch the fingers:)
@Webuildwaterfalls9 жыл бұрын
The structure was designed by an engineer to withstand earthquakes just fine. After the arches were finished being put together, soil was dumped on top which restricts lateral movement. For an arch to fail, 3 hinge points have to open up. Since it's back-filled, there's no chance of that happening.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
@awwwsnaps Indeed it's a classic roman arch. The internal steel cables that run through it are merely for safety during construction and to make it easier.
@LockBlockLtd13 жыл бұрын
Beautiful and smart blocking. :) I like how you leave more space before the final lock so that the side plugs fit into sockets. What must be the average weight of each block?
@ketansaart15468 жыл бұрын
everything is awesome!
@TheBwalojf9 жыл бұрын
Nothing but love here. Time to cook.
@chefgiovanni6 жыл бұрын
So do you guys use those chains to hold the blocks in place when the space your working in is too small for the truck?
@ZombieCakeHD8 жыл бұрын
If one were to make a poured in place arch, it would actually be weaker because the entire structure would be one piece instead of discretized into segments. The fact that the arch isn't a solid piece means that the load calculations on it are different. A piece-wise arch is better suited to handle the loads and far cheaper than a rebar reinforced one. Please contact us via our website to discuss pricing.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
What a machine Driver& what a great system 👍
@tranquillitylandscaping300110 жыл бұрын
North America construction is number one in the world. I love it.
@jadekim76979 жыл бұрын
Change "America" to "Canada" (where we're from) and we agree!
@LockBlockLtd9 жыл бұрын
i think the japanese are ahead of everyone else in the world :P
@cullermann27 жыл бұрын
Fantastic...one step at a time..
@bettypittman93548 жыл бұрын
That's cool how they have to put slack in the chains when applying the center piece in order for gravity to hold it.. Physics is amazing
@houstonrailfanTX10 жыл бұрын
What is the maximum arch width you can span so far? ie a 30 foot span. Can you precast utility runs in the blocks? For electric lines and such. Would this system be adaptable to utilize foamcrete or equivalent? A super light concrete building material. Very impressive system.
@charleswidmore54585 жыл бұрын
LEGO for adults ?
@johnbreitley23899 жыл бұрын
I guess they would be but they weigh as much a small car.
@JohnDoe-gm5qr9 жыл бұрын
Fascinating, humans are amazing.
@flightsimulatortree7 жыл бұрын
what are they building ?,i love the simple construction this system offers.
@steverawlings8 жыл бұрын
It all depends on the capabilities of the crew placing them and the accessibility of the site. United Lock Block Ltd. is currently working on making arch creation easier.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
In addition, the arches you see here were buried after installation and are constantly driven over by mixer trucks. The domes you describe would shatter if a fleet of trucks were parked on top of it.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
If you visit our website and navigate to the "retaining walls" tab, you can scroll down and see our various finishes. The Vertical Rib finish is very good for dissipating sound and that finish could be applied to the inside of an arch.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
Yes and we have. Please see this picture taken in the 80's outside the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Link is added to description.
@LockBlockLtd12 жыл бұрын
what are those buildings made for? Shelter in case of atomic attacks?
@olaflongerich25479 жыл бұрын
Olaf Longerich they just had to uplaod something on eeewwwwtube
@2012isRonPaul8 жыл бұрын
+Olaf Longerich Tornados are more common in the mid west
@samuraika8 жыл бұрын
+Olaf Longerich The closed in arches are for rain run off from the parking lot.
@Briebabcock80528 жыл бұрын
i was wondering how they got inside? they didnt it was for water?
@rudy1030696 жыл бұрын
cisterns?
@rudy1030696 жыл бұрын
How much weight can those things handle on top when done? awesome.
@lyallfairburn83776 жыл бұрын
They already build bridges with pre-formed concrete blocks, manufactured off-site and delivered ready to be installed, the crane required is bigger but you save in time and labour and follow on trades.
@bob841111 жыл бұрын
I swear i want a house builded like this now please :)
@muflatu10 жыл бұрын
Make a metal "arch shaped" beam that you can attach 8 blocks to, then raise the whole beam with pre-formed arch and drop on top of footings, disconnect the beam... reckon that would saves loads of time!
@AngryJoeMan11 жыл бұрын
how to you support the abutment on the left side of the final arch. is it mechanically joined to a foundation below grade or if the left abutment settles wont the arch fail?
@clarkejamin9 жыл бұрын
What the camera doesn't show is that each of those chains is connected to a counterweight (one of our standard shaped blocks) to keep it anchored.
@LockBlockLtd9 жыл бұрын
Saves a lot of bricks and bricklaying work, that is for sure. But what are these tunnels for at all? Seems there is no connection at the end.
@FRA66ER611 жыл бұрын
Since the entire structure is engineered to be in compression, there is no need for mortar between the joints. The joints CAN be sealed if needed though.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
If I could use the original Roman technology I would use that. It would last thousands of years and it wouldn't require such expensive tools. A great example of technological involution.
@EngineeringFun11 жыл бұрын
Really nice
@MdManik-ux3sc7 жыл бұрын
It's a little more complex because it has to be engineered to last for 75 years or more and handle industrial traffic driving over it. I'd like to see lego do that ;)
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
Always remember your childhood, so you can grow up and make a fortune with 1/2 ton legos made of concrete.
@ObiWanShinobi111 жыл бұрын
Good Work...
@BrassBandSheetMusic9 жыл бұрын
So the structure is supported by itself, using the compression of its own weight? Wouldn't it 'wobble' if there's an earthquake or construction nearby. They can't use this method for larger span or arc right?
@AimlessSky10 жыл бұрын
When the structure is backfilled (covered with dirt, in this case), it's not going to wobble anywhere. If you wanted to build a free standing arch, you'd want to secure its outside radius with a steel cable to keep it sturdy while in motion. Or, you could thread it through the inside of the arch through a pre-cast conduit.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
I want my bug-out bunker built of this stuff. It looks like it would be incredibly strong, fairly quick and easy to install, and last a good long time. Certainly outlast me and a generation or two, anyway.
@joeguitargod9 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your marketing suggestion! =)
@LockBlockLtd12 жыл бұрын
much better design than the open mosquito breeding ponds on most sites.
@tchnomasta11 жыл бұрын
@MillyVanillification Only for this method of construction. You can also make a mold of the arch underneath to support the blocks. That's what the Romans did.
@LockBlockLtd13 жыл бұрын
so what's the cost for these blocks, thinking they would be great to use to build a home with
@claytonalexander73587 жыл бұрын
Thats really cool! Play with Lego is a experience requirement for job applications?
@DemetriusCoutinho8 жыл бұрын
The blocks sure do fit together nicely. I assume that the stored water is used for some purpose? Pete
@normanmcgill953210 жыл бұрын
man i would totally build a lock block castle with 40 ft walls and a draw bridge !!!
@ilikeshroomgals9 жыл бұрын
@SuperNorthAmerica They're concrete without rebar. Since the entire arch is in compression, there's no need for reinforcement.
@LockBlockLtd14 жыл бұрын
Great job for sure! But why would someone need a structure like that? Why not a regular concrete underground garage type structure?
@aslongasittakesable11 жыл бұрын
big Legos!
@bohemianh8 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't a poured in place rebar reinforced argh be a lot stronger? How much do these blocks actually cost?
@IntenseGrid11 жыл бұрын
1:34 he was like damn!.......f*** it. Its level for me! :) But for this arch they could have build a frame from steel that you can adjust and lower when the headstone is in place. Then move the frame again. No chains needed. Of course the frame needs to be higher then the arch in order the get the headstone in. But the chains work pretty fast and every project is different. And chains work saver...you do not have to get under it in order to lower the frame. The frame needs to be standardized in order to let it work profitable and make it useful for different projects. Respect your work! I learned from it as a student construction engineer.
@fanfam6 жыл бұрын
Cool vault construction. Have you attempted a dome?
@fightapathy41612 жыл бұрын
Is their something you have to do to the ground first or can you build that temple to Zeus anywhere?
@georgelouis651511 жыл бұрын
Cool Stuff.
@junglistmilitiaclover6 жыл бұрын
very cool
@farmallmodifier9 жыл бұрын
great idea for a wine cellar :)
@ajsiemers9 жыл бұрын
Very true but those require a lot of reinforcement. These blocks are just solid concrete.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
That's still a massive amount of concrete for the usable floor space created... And what happens in a Seismic event... One lost block and it de-engineers itself...
@bosatsu7611 жыл бұрын
Now that is pretty cool. How long did it take to set all 3 arches? What was the cost for all three arches?
@RockCreekEnterprisesNM10 жыл бұрын
It took under a week to complete the project. For cost, please contact us through our website.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
moc pěkná práce čoveče
@Sheriffbmw11 жыл бұрын
Great concept, but I see at least 5-different geometrical shapes used. How many are there, total in the 'LockBlock' system? I see how you can use 10-mil wrap to water-proof at subsurface levels, and industrial sealants above surface; and I see a definite thermal advantage with a foam insulator subsurface - but don't you have the same disadvantages as ANY castle above surface? (thermal loss, dampness, etc.)? What's the per-block cost on those, anyhow, and what is the block's composition - concrete?
@dustdevil31710 жыл бұрын
The blocks are solid concrete and weigh approximately 4400 lbs. There are many different shapes that can be found on our website. For insulation and waterproofing, the system can be supplemented with other building envelope technology to suit the needs of the project. The Arch-Lock system is much cheaper than typical form and cast systems because of the speed of installation and low material cost.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
Good job
@cem783213 жыл бұрын
inner child is screaming "I want I want!"
@GeoFry310 жыл бұрын
Your adult can have one! Call now! Operators are standing by.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
that is cool, what is this building for?
@jimritzheimer74659 жыл бұрын
Poopingbotham yeah your probably right
@jimritzheimer74658 жыл бұрын
That's what we're all wondering,but no one is replying with the answer.Those arced structures are blocked off at each end???.Very confusing..
@SKYLANDBAK8 жыл бұрын
Looks like a water Retention system
@suit13376 жыл бұрын
Water reservoir for rain runoff under parking lot. Said somewhere above in a different comment thread.
@Kharnellius6 жыл бұрын
To construct an arch with formwork would take much longer and require specialized labourers to build. Creating the custom formwork for a pour in place job would also be very expensive and not re-usable as wood is typically used. In addition, the engineering of a structure that is poured in one piece is completely different and far inferior than individual blocks. Building the arch from pre-cast pieces is also quite a bit faster. In short: Less time, cheaper labour, cheaper materials.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
Lock Block Ltd, This video seem to be a good one, but can u show us the finale result when the job /project was finished , just to show this arches what they are used for ? ( I trying to understand what was the purpose of all this job at the end of the day ). Thank u
@brightsunlight94495 жыл бұрын
doomsday preppers on a large scale
@Mikelnjello10 жыл бұрын
It's for a stormwater detention pond.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
Interesting. The sarsen stones in stonehenge have pegs and sockets.
@benbisley10 жыл бұрын
@sain0777 No problem, but you would still have to have an engineer run through the design to be sure.
@LockBlockLtd13 жыл бұрын
Good stuff. However, I'd want to be the CAT operator for sure!!
@69adrummer10 жыл бұрын
Increíble y peligroso....muy bueno
@josesegundocamposaguilera65098 жыл бұрын
Do you make these on a smaller scale for residential and smaller commercial use?
@BonnieBlue2A11 жыл бұрын
Well if this one sends a shiver up your spine, you should check out our other arch construction video!
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
The advantage of using the Arch-lock system is that it is much faster and cheaper to construct than a structure made with conventional techniques.
@LockBlockLtd11 жыл бұрын
What are you building here? Looks like cellars or something. What are the blocks made of?
@SimonDeBelleme110 жыл бұрын
Aaaaawsome!!
@studisme10 жыл бұрын
Couldn't have been easier if they were coated in KY... lol this guy
@TheDude1117 жыл бұрын
can i ask what this site is going to be? i mean the arches look like bunkers....
@nexus.shadow8 жыл бұрын
good job from Egyp
@amrelghandour93498 жыл бұрын
No concrete between the blocks/joints?
@SimTune11 жыл бұрын
do the male sides of the blocks ever chip or crack during placing?
@doloswanga98369 жыл бұрын
dr pheel No, they do not. They are solid concrete and would require significant jackhammering to get them to break off.
@LockBlockLtd9 жыл бұрын
Hi.This is pretty cool! What is the point of the Dome Top?
@Webuildwaterfalls9 жыл бұрын
well long story short a dome top or arch can with stand more weight than any other shape like a concrete box people have bin useing arch designs for hundreds of years around the world
@XpsiXopsX9 жыл бұрын
XpsiXopsX thousands of years
@clarkejamin9 жыл бұрын
Good One!
@Webuildwaterfalls9 жыл бұрын
Clarkejamin - hundreds of thousands of years!
@SKYLANDBAK8 жыл бұрын
SKYLANDBAK Lol. No the oldest know arch is from 1850 BC
@AnonyMous-hf5dz8 жыл бұрын
Can you make the world's large maze and charge people to get lost in it ? or have a marathon race ? Or a rollercoaster in the dark ? or a giant bat cave ? or a subway ?
@CrustyAbsconder5 жыл бұрын
I think this is really cool. Why not use a white oak dowel the size of a baseball bat to hold them together as they are stacked. The crane (backhoe) could then place them without help, and without all that complicated chain business - looks like a pretty dangerous operation in this form. With a little improvement in design and the right machine/operator, I think you could build one of these in a single day with only man.
@BradleyBrandFurnitur10 жыл бұрын
The dowels are an interesting idea, but then you'd still have the problem of the whole thing tipping over in one piece before the keystone is put in. Also, keep in mind this is a crew that has never built one of these before, so they were learning as they went. I have no doubt that they could build one in much shorter order if they were to make another.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
Well. I never thought of the tipping over, but presumably, you could put the first dowel into a footing and first block on that dowel/footing. Possibly, you could assemble the arch/blocks flat and then tip/pick it upright, although that's not very elegant and you might really need a crane then. Plus it would be tricky to stagger. I think you guys are on a great track with this modular construction method in general. Still room for some improvement on making these blocks stack more easily/faster. Good work so far though - they remind me a little bit of legos (a toy I was too poor to have as a child).
@BradleyBrandFurnitur10 жыл бұрын
Bradley Brand You might even consider employing some woodworking joints (e.g. classic mortise and tenon) into this type of member on member construction, perhaps elements of frame and panel as well.
@BradleyBrandFurnitur10 жыл бұрын
Bradley Brand Keep in mind that each of these blocks weighs 4400 lbs and the goal is to be able to assemble it with common equipment. Also, the fewer pieces, the better. As for doweling it all together, that would negate the advantage of having it modular. Keeping the joints flexible means that it can take higher loads than if it's all rigid in one piece.
@LockBlockLtd10 жыл бұрын
the chian are only need to put the thing together once the last piece put in! it whole self together, that why called the KEYSTONE
@HerveKeptner9 жыл бұрын
IT doesn't look too easy to assemble and not all that precise. Is this method used a lot or is it something experimental? Anyway it is probably super strong
With an operator, me and my buddy built a 25 foot wall on a 6 degree angle on the vertical and were able to curve it roughly an inch per block. It was an "S" shape and was for a storage facility on the Sunshine coast. These blocks are AWESOME!!! Of course every second layer of block needed geo-grid for strength. And an engineer and proper permits. What fun!! Will be there my lifetime! Good times!
I can just imagine these guys singing "Everything is Awesome!" while they build this stuff. lol
There are many differences between our system and the monolithic domes you describe. They are one piece and are structurally much different. Having natural joints in the structure means the forces that travel through it are much different. Also, since our system is modular, it does not require rebar reinforcement. They are also pre-cast, meaning they can be installed very quickly and de-constructed and re-used if needed.
You both are so funny! LOVE this arched block technique and want to try it here in Guatemala... fabulous construction!
It's a stormwater retention vault. The blocks are solid concrete with galvanized steel lifting hooks.
Terrific video... Here I am back, 4 years later, forgot I even saw this. Still want to try it!
Very fascinating and interesting to watch. It leaves your mind in total amazement when you think about the Aqueducts arches that were built by the Romans over 2000 years ago.
This is really some great building! Nice!
Part of the reason the Roman designs last so long is because of the arch shape itself. Since everything is in compression, the concrete is used to its maximum capabilities. As you might know, concrete is much weaker in tension than it is in compression. If you're interested in alternate methods of constructing these arches, subscribe because we'll be showcasing it later this week.
We made an underground water settling pond with 3 chambers. The entire thing was then paved over.
That's some impressive building techniques.
Thank you for your comment. The chains are rated to carry many times the weight of the block. There is absolutely no risk of them snapping.
This is a very strong construction. No metal to rust and no concrete joints to crack with freeze-thaw cycles. It will probably outlast most buildings in the area.
I really want to make my house out of these.
That's just beautiful.
It's a wonderful building!
What amazes me is that ancient people were building the exact same concept even through the middle ages with just hand tools and raw manpower!
Actually both the Greeks and Romans used cranes for their heavy construction. Still, what they accomplished is awfully impressive.
***** dude,are you serious?...don´t you know the piramids?,just to name one...
Pyramids were not arches mate......
Shunkawakan Okawingha i know,sorry,i didn´t get the "same concept" part...and payed more attention to the "i doubt the blocks were as big"...piramids was just an exemple of big blocks,for big arches there is the colosseum ;P=
I think they must have had some kind of levitation back then or some kind of way to lift and move that we no longer have today so we have to invent machinery to do it now that they didn't need back then.
The compacted soil added at the end to cover it acts as the lateral stabilization and ensures that the arches will always be in compression.
The structure is as amazing as it is creepy.
Well...we learn something new each day:) I was thinking that might be but, thanx for clarifying! Its interesting and a good place to watch the fingers:)
The structure was designed by an engineer to withstand earthquakes just fine. After the arches were finished being put together, soil was dumped on top which restricts lateral movement. For an arch to fail, 3 hinge points have to open up. Since it's back-filled, there's no chance of that happening.
@awwwsnaps Indeed it's a classic roman arch. The internal steel cables that run through it are merely for safety during construction and to make it easier.
Beautiful and smart blocking. :) I like how you leave more space before the final lock so that the side plugs fit into sockets. What must be the average weight of each block?
everything is awesome!
Nothing but love here. Time to cook.
So do you guys use those chains to hold the blocks in place when the space your working in is too small for the truck?
If one were to make a poured in place arch, it would actually be weaker because the entire structure would be one piece instead of discretized into segments. The fact that the arch isn't a solid piece means that the load calculations on it are different. A piece-wise arch is better suited to handle the loads and far cheaper than a rebar reinforced one. Please contact us via our website to discuss pricing.
What a machine Driver& what a great system 👍
North America construction is number one in the world. I love it.
Change "America" to "Canada" (where we're from) and we agree!
i think the japanese are ahead of everyone else in the world :P
Fantastic...one step at a time..
That's cool how they have to put slack in the chains when applying the center piece in order for gravity to hold it.. Physics is amazing
What is the maximum arch width you can span so far? ie a 30 foot span. Can you precast utility runs in the blocks? For electric lines and such. Would this system be adaptable to utilize foamcrete or equivalent? A super light concrete building material. Very impressive system.
LEGO for adults ?
I guess they would be but they weigh as much a small car.
Fascinating, humans are amazing.
what are they building ?,i love the simple construction this system offers.
It all depends on the capabilities of the crew placing them and the accessibility of the site. United Lock Block Ltd. is currently working on making arch creation easier.
In addition, the arches you see here were buried after installation and are constantly driven over by mixer trucks. The domes you describe would shatter if a fleet of trucks were parked on top of it.
If you visit our website and navigate to the "retaining walls" tab, you can scroll down and see our various finishes. The Vertical Rib finish is very good for dissipating sound and that finish could be applied to the inside of an arch.
Yes and we have. Please see this picture taken in the 80's outside the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Link is added to description.
what are those buildings made for? Shelter in case of atomic attacks?
Olaf Longerich they just had to uplaod something on eeewwwwtube
+Olaf Longerich Tornados are more common in the mid west
+Olaf Longerich The closed in arches are for rain run off from the parking lot.
i was wondering how they got inside? they didnt it was for water?
cisterns?
How much weight can those things handle on top when done? awesome.
They already build bridges with pre-formed concrete blocks, manufactured off-site and delivered ready to be installed, the crane required is bigger but you save in time and labour and follow on trades.
I swear i want a house builded like this now please :)
Make a metal "arch shaped" beam that you can attach 8 blocks to, then raise the whole beam with pre-formed arch and drop on top of footings, disconnect the beam... reckon that would saves loads of time!
how to you support the abutment on the left side of the final arch. is it mechanically joined to a foundation below grade or if the left abutment settles wont the arch fail?
What the camera doesn't show is that each of those chains is connected to a counterweight (one of our standard shaped blocks) to keep it anchored.
Saves a lot of bricks and bricklaying work, that is for sure. But what are these tunnels for at all? Seems there is no connection at the end.
Since the entire structure is engineered to be in compression, there is no need for mortar between the joints. The joints CAN be sealed if needed though.
If I could use the original Roman technology I would use that. It would last thousands of years and it wouldn't require such expensive tools. A great example of technological involution.
Really nice
It's a little more complex because it has to be engineered to last for 75 years or more and handle industrial traffic driving over it. I'd like to see lego do that ;)
Always remember your childhood, so you can grow up and make a fortune with 1/2 ton legos made of concrete.
Good Work...
So the structure is supported by itself, using the compression of its own weight? Wouldn't it 'wobble' if there's an earthquake or construction nearby. They can't use this method for larger span or arc right?
When the structure is backfilled (covered with dirt, in this case), it's not going to wobble anywhere. If you wanted to build a free standing arch, you'd want to secure its outside radius with a steel cable to keep it sturdy while in motion. Or, you could thread it through the inside of the arch through a pre-cast conduit.
I want my bug-out bunker built of this stuff. It looks like it would be incredibly strong, fairly quick and easy to install, and last a good long time. Certainly outlast me and a generation or two, anyway.
Thank you for your marketing suggestion! =)
much better design than the open mosquito breeding ponds on most sites.
@MillyVanillification Only for this method of construction. You can also make a mold of the arch underneath to support the blocks. That's what the Romans did.
so what's the cost for these blocks, thinking they would be great to use to build a home with
Thats really cool! Play with Lego is a experience requirement for job applications?
The blocks sure do fit together nicely. I assume that the stored water is used for some purpose? Pete
man i would totally build a lock block castle with 40 ft walls and a draw bridge !!!
@SuperNorthAmerica They're concrete without rebar. Since the entire arch is in compression, there's no need for reinforcement.
Great job for sure! But why would someone need a structure like that? Why not a regular concrete underground garage type structure?
big Legos!
Wouldn't a poured in place rebar reinforced argh be a lot stronger? How much do these blocks actually cost?
1:34 he was like damn!.......f*** it. Its level for me! :) But for this arch they could have build a frame from steel that you can adjust and lower when the headstone is in place. Then move the frame again. No chains needed. Of course the frame needs to be higher then the arch in order the get the headstone in. But the chains work pretty fast and every project is different. And chains work saver...you do not have to get under it in order to lower the frame. The frame needs to be standardized in order to let it work profitable and make it useful for different projects. Respect your work! I learned from it as a student construction engineer.
Cool vault construction. Have you attempted a dome?
Is their something you have to do to the ground first or can you build that temple to Zeus anywhere?
Cool Stuff.
very cool
great idea for a wine cellar :)
Very true but those require a lot of reinforcement. These blocks are just solid concrete.
That's still a massive amount of concrete for the usable floor space created... And what happens in a Seismic event... One lost block and it de-engineers itself...
Now that is pretty cool. How long did it take to set all 3 arches? What was the cost for all three arches?
It took under a week to complete the project. For cost, please contact us through our website.
moc pěkná práce čoveče
Great concept, but I see at least 5-different geometrical shapes used. How many are there, total in the 'LockBlock' system? I see how you can use 10-mil wrap to water-proof at subsurface levels, and industrial sealants above surface; and I see a definite thermal advantage with a foam insulator subsurface - but don't you have the same disadvantages as ANY castle above surface? (thermal loss, dampness, etc.)? What's the per-block cost on those, anyhow, and what is the block's composition - concrete?
The blocks are solid concrete and weigh approximately 4400 lbs. There are many different shapes that can be found on our website. For insulation and waterproofing, the system can be supplemented with other building envelope technology to suit the needs of the project. The Arch-Lock system is much cheaper than typical form and cast systems because of the speed of installation and low material cost.
Good job
inner child is screaming "I want I want!"
Your adult can have one! Call now! Operators are standing by.
that is cool, what is this building for?
Poopingbotham yeah your probably right
That's what we're all wondering,but no one is replying with the answer.Those arced structures are blocked off at each end???.Very confusing..
Looks like a water Retention system
Water reservoir for rain runoff under parking lot. Said somewhere above in a different comment thread.
To construct an arch with formwork would take much longer and require specialized labourers to build. Creating the custom formwork for a pour in place job would also be very expensive and not re-usable as wood is typically used. In addition, the engineering of a structure that is poured in one piece is completely different and far inferior than individual blocks. Building the arch from pre-cast pieces is also quite a bit faster. In short: Less time, cheaper labour, cheaper materials.
Lock Block Ltd, This video seem to be a good one, but can u show us the finale result when the job /project was finished , just to show this arches what they are used for ? ( I trying to understand what was the purpose of all this job at the end of the day ). Thank u
doomsday preppers on a large scale
It's for a stormwater detention pond.
Interesting. The sarsen stones in stonehenge have pegs and sockets.
@sain0777 No problem, but you would still have to have an engineer run through the design to be sure.
Good stuff. However, I'd want to be the CAT operator for sure!!
Increíble y peligroso....muy bueno
Do you make these on a smaller scale for residential and smaller commercial use?
Well if this one sends a shiver up your spine, you should check out our other arch construction video!
The advantage of using the Arch-lock system is that it is much faster and cheaper to construct than a structure made with conventional techniques.
What are you building here? Looks like cellars or something. What are the blocks made of?
Aaaaawsome!!
Couldn't have been easier if they were coated in KY... lol this guy
can i ask what this site is going to be? i mean the arches look like bunkers....
good job from Egyp
No concrete between the blocks/joints?
do the male sides of the blocks ever chip or crack during placing?
dr pheel No, they do not. They are solid concrete and would require significant jackhammering to get them to break off.
Hi.This is pretty cool! What is the point of the Dome Top?
well long story short a dome top or arch can with stand more weight than any other shape like a concrete box people have bin useing arch designs for hundreds of years around the world
XpsiXopsX thousands of years
Good One!
Clarkejamin - hundreds of thousands of years!
SKYLANDBAK Lol. No the oldest know arch is from 1850 BC
Can you make the world's large maze and charge people to get lost in it ? or have a marathon race ? Or a rollercoaster in the dark ? or a giant bat cave ? or a subway ?
I think this is really cool. Why not use a white oak dowel the size of a baseball bat to hold them together as they are stacked. The crane (backhoe) could then place them without help, and without all that complicated chain business - looks like a pretty dangerous operation in this form. With a little improvement in design and the right machine/operator, I think you could build one of these in a single day with only man.
The dowels are an interesting idea, but then you'd still have the problem of the whole thing tipping over in one piece before the keystone is put in. Also, keep in mind this is a crew that has never built one of these before, so they were learning as they went. I have no doubt that they could build one in much shorter order if they were to make another.
Well. I never thought of the tipping over, but presumably, you could put the first dowel into a footing and first block on that dowel/footing. Possibly, you could assemble the arch/blocks flat and then tip/pick it upright, although that's not very elegant and you might really need a crane then. Plus it would be tricky to stagger. I think you guys are on a great track with this modular construction method in general. Still room for some improvement on making these blocks stack more easily/faster. Good work so far though - they remind me a little bit of legos (a toy I was too poor to have as a child).
Bradley Brand You might even consider employing some woodworking joints (e.g. classic mortise and tenon) into this type of member on member construction, perhaps elements of frame and panel as well.
Bradley Brand Keep in mind that each of these blocks weighs 4400 lbs and the goal is to be able to assemble it with common equipment. Also, the fewer pieces, the better. As for doweling it all together, that would negate the advantage of having it modular. Keeping the joints flexible means that it can take higher loads than if it's all rigid in one piece.
the chian are only need to put the thing together once the last piece put in! it whole self together, that why called the KEYSTONE
IT doesn't look too easy to assemble and not all that precise. Is this method used a lot or is it something experimental? Anyway it is probably super strong