Arch-Lock™ construction

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@olouiso]

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!

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

It's a stormwater retention vault. The blocks are solid concrete with galvanized steel lifting hooks.

[@CatherineSTodd]

You both are so funny! LOVE this arched block technique and want to try it here in Guatemala... fabulous construction!

[@LockBlockLtd]

@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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@johnbreitley2389]

LEGO for adults ?

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

I guess they would be but they weigh as much a small car.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@prunga308]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Very true but those require a lot of reinforcement. These blocks are just solid concrete.

[@LockBlockLtd]

@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.

[@Hypercube9]

I can just imagine these guys singing "Everything is Awesome!" while they build this stuff. lol

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

@SuperNorthAmerica They're concrete without rebar. Since the entire arch is in compression, there's no need for reinforcement.

[@claytonalexander7358]

so what's the cost for these blocks, thinking they would be great to use to build a home with

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@bob8411]

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.

[@charleswidmore5458]

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.

[@olaflongerich2547]

what are those buildings made for? Shelter in case of atomic attacks?

[@2012isRonPaul]

Olaf Longerich they just had to uplaod something on eeewwwwtube

[@samuraika]

+Olaf Longerich Tornados are more common in the mid west

[@Briebabcock8052]

+Olaf Longerich The closed in arches are for rain run off from the parking lot.

[@rudy103069]

i was wondering how they got inside? they didnt it was for water?

[@rudy103069]

cisterns?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Terrific video... Here I am back, 4 years later, forgot I even saw this. Still want to try it!

[@RestingScotFace]

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!

[@LockBlockLtd]

Actually both the Greeks and Romans used cranes for their heavy construction. Still, what they accomplished is awfully impressive.

[@salaekis]

***** dude,are you serious?...don´t you know the piramids?,just to name one...

[@RestingScotFace]

Pyramids were not arches mate......

[@salaekis]

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=

[@yonderananda]

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.

[@ElectricityTaster]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@brightsunlight9449]

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

[@FRA66ER6]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

It's for a stormwater detention pond.

[@clarkejamin]

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?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@EngineeringFun]

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.

[@jimritzheimer7465]

that is cool, what is this building for?

[@jimritzheimer7465]

Poopingbotham yeah your probably right

[@SKYLANDBAK]

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..

[@suit1337]

Looks like a water Retention system

[@Kharnellius]

Water reservoir for rain runoff under parking lot. Said somewhere above in a different comment thread.

[@AimlessSky]

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?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@lyallfairburn8377]

How much weight can those things handle on top when done? awesome.

[@LockBlockLtd]

@sain0777 No problem, but you would still have to have an engineer run through the design to be sure.

[@steverawlings]

what are they building ?,i love the simple construction this system offers.

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

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?

[@AngryJoeMan]

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!

[@SKVPC]

This is really some great building! Nice!

[@LockBlockLtd]

Well if this one sends a shiver up your spine, you should check out our other arch construction video!

[@aslongasittakesable]

Great job for sure! But why would someone need a structure like that? Why not a regular concrete underground garage type structure?

[@jadekim7697]

North America construction is number one in the world. I love it.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Change "America" to "Canada" (where we're from) and we agree!

[@cullermann2]

i think the japanese are ahead of everyone else in the world :P

[@greg55666]

It looks like they did it wrong at 5:25. It looks like the key stone is not on top of the arch.

[@LockBlockLtd]

The block at the top of the arch, regardless of what it's shaped like, is the keystone. I can't remember why they chose to put it on the side like that, but it's just as structurally sound.

[@dustdevil317]

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?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@ZombieCakeHD]

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?

[@doloswanga9836]

do the male sides of the blocks ever chip or crack during placing?

[@LockBlockLtd]

dr pheel No, they do not. They are solid concrete and would require significant jackhammering to get them to break off.

[@benbisley]

Interesting. The sarsen stones in stonehenge have pegs and sockets.

[@houstonrailfanTX]

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

[@LockBlockLtd]

We made an underground water settling pond with 3 chambers. The entire thing was then paved over.

[@Webuildwaterfalls]

Hi.This is pretty cool! What is the point of the Dome Top?

[@XpsiXopsX]

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

[@clarkejamin]

XpsiXopsX thousands of years

[@Webuildwaterfalls]

Good One!

[@SKYLANDBAK]

Clarkejamin - hundreds of thousands of years!

[@AnonyMous-hf5dz]

SKYLANDBAK Lol. No the oldest know arch is from 1850 BC

[@bosatsu76]

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...

[@fanfam]

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.

[@boraboy4ever]

What was the purpose of the arch?

[@rudy103069]

they are just showing off is all?

[@dustinswan]

I really want to make my house out of these.

[@TheMrFinneth]

Is this like a zombie apocalypse shelter?

[@LockBlockLtd]

Not at all. Since they're designed to be used in compression, there's no need for costly rebar reinforcement. They cost only a small fee above what that much concrete would cost by itself.

[@normanmcgill9532]

The blocks sure do fit together nicely. I assume that the stored water is used for some purpose? Pete

[@IntenseGrid]

Wouldn't a poured in place rebar reinforced argh be a lot stronger? How much do these blocks actually cost?

[@Chuffin_ell]

The structure is as amazing as it is creepy.

[@georgelouis6515]

Is their something you have to do to the ground first or can you build that temple to Zeus anywhere?

[@yowsers6475]

That's some impressive building techniques.

[@anteconfig5391]

That's just beautiful.

[@awwwsnaps]

so you guys just use the weight of the blocks to hold the rest of the archway in place?

[@BonnieBlue2A]

Do you make these on a smaller scale for residential and smaller commercial use?

[@chefgiovanni]

Nothing but love here. Time to cook.

[@SimTune]

No concrete between the blocks/joints?

[@LockBlockLtd]

@fightapathy416 No we have not, but it is completely feasible

[@RockCreekEnterprisesNM]

Now that is pretty cool. How long did it take to set all 3 arches? What was the cost for all three arches?

[@LockBlockLtd]

It took under a week to complete the project. For cost, please contact us through our website.

[@iksralquyuud]

But I really cannot see the point of using such heavy and massive blocks, unless you are building massive structures such as a huge cathedral. Better to have the same blocks made of polystyrene to1/5 scale, put together without the need for huge cranes and then covered with galv. steel mesh and rendered with a malleable cement/mud mix and voila!

[@LockBlockLtd]

Polystyrene has a fraction of the compressive strength of concrete and is unsuitable for this task.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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 ;)

[@nexus.shadow]

can i ask what this site is going to be? i mean the arches look like bunkers....

[@BradleyBrandFurnitur]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@BradleyBrandFurnitur]

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).

[@BradleyBrandFurnitur]

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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@HerveKeptner]

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

[@MrMalarix]

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

[@fightapathy416]

Cool vault construction. Have you attempted a dome?

[@kikeman78]

I wonder how many of those blocks you can place in a day...

[@nathandean1687]

flase work is a preferred method in alot of arch construction.

[@LockBlockLtd]

If you view our video of the zipper truck, you can see that we have our own version of falsework too. This is just an alternate method of construction used when the falsework would be too cumbersome to fit on site.

[@Webuildwaterfalls]

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:)

[@investornator]

So how is this cheaper than using form work to make an arch? I dont see the savings here. They are preformed ,trucked onto site ,plant equipment used to place blocks in position ,labour intensive.

[@online1589]

It's a wonderful building!

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

It might be safer easier to use pole/screw jacks to hold those blocks.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Space is a concern on this site and everything undertaken on the site was done under supervision and design of an engineer familiar with construction loading of the arch during placing. The factor of safety was much higher than required and there were absolutely no issues with the project. The crew knew how to communicate with each other very well and work in the rain with proper safety gear and procedures. Thank you for your concern.

[@therealjimvick]

Lock Block Ltd. Was there a reason why falsework wasn't feasible?

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

What are you building here? Looks like cellars or something. What are the blocks made of?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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.

[@USNeuronics]

The castle link is broken. Would like to see it. Brick world and cinder block are not approved for use in earthquake zones. It would be interesting to see how you got the castle approved in BC, given that it sits on a fault.

[@Mikemaladar]

Can you make a house/castle with these?

[@joeguitargod]

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.

[@jdm1066]

What do these blocks weigh, on average?

[@jimmartin7899]

Why not take a cement barricade zipper machine and design a machine that lays the blocks has it moves and turns forming a tunnel?

[@LockBlockLtd]

If you look at our Zipper truck video, you can see that's exactly what we did. This one was done with chains due to space constraints. The property basically ends where the camera is stationed.

[@jimmartin7899]

I watched a video with a brick laying machine laying a brick road way. I thought a machine could be designed to do the very same thing with the blocks used to form tunnels. Laying the blocks and riding on top of the blocks already placed. Crazy idea.

[@каменщикплиточник]

*Lock Block Ltd а что это за объект и его назначение ? , очень интересно узнать .Строители молодцы а экскаваторщик ювелир хорошая работа* ! _Лайк_ .

[@LockBlockLtd]

Спасибо за Ваш комментарий, это удержание ливневой хранилище. Перевод Google.

[@каменщикплиточник]

хорошие качественные блоки , жаль у нас в России таких не делают .

[@LockBlockLtd]

@enlightenment2u We made an underground water settling pond with 3 chambers. The entire thing was then paved over.

[@pavel1809]

how the hell the the blocks do not fall down

[@Briebabcock8052]

+pavel1809 The blocks have male and female ends.

[@carmelpule6954]

+pavel1809 Through knowing how to use vectors!

[@michaelmcnamara7971]

+pavel1809 Ironically Gravity kept them up!

[@1100101food]

+pavel1809 Ironically, gravity.

[@DemetriusCoutinho]

Thats really cool! Play with Lego is a experience requirement for job applications?

[@LockBlockLtd]

4400 lbs each.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Yes, please view our other video under this account.

[@a2zhandi]

The only thing that comes to mind is, It's not earthquake proof. I didn't see any lateral locks. Maybe work on designing to install like bricks. Thanks

[@damiaxxx]

What was this for ?

[@muflatu]

I swear i want a house builded like this now please :)

[@munammadsuleyman7519]

вот только я непонял почему без фундамента?

[@LockBlockLtd]

Инженер сделал дизайн и почва была признана подходит для структуры. С замком-Block системы, фонды редко. Простите мой русский, но я использую Google Translate.

[@N0Fat3]

Потому что сами блоки и есть фундамент. У нас тоже дофига домов строят с основой из бетонных блоков.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Сершшш Там нет никаких оснований, потому что давление подшипник является очень низким в этом случае. Инженер определено, что родная земля была удовлетворительной. Перевод googlle перевести.

[@TheSquidly1]

im curious to know if the guy who developed this building system played with lego blocks when he/she was a kid? ;)

[@LockBlockLtd]

Actually he watched his kids playing with lego a lot.