Arch-Lock™ construction

[@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]

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.

[@Hypercube9]

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

[@CatherineSTodd]

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

[@CatherineSTodd]

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

[@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.

[@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]

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 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.

[@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.

[@chefgiovanni]

Nothing but love here. Time to cook.

[@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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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

[@SKVPC]

This is really some great building! Nice!

[@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?

[@anteconfig5391]

That's just beautiful.

[@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.

[@dustinswan]

I really want to make my house out of these.

[@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.

[@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.

[@yowsers6475]

That's some impressive building techniques.

[@online1589]

It's a wonderful building!

[@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

[@LockBlockLtd]

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

[@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.

[@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:)

[@Chuffin_ell]

The structure is as amazing as it is creepy.

[@normanmcgill9532]

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

[@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]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

It's for a stormwater detention pond.

[@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.

[@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 ;)

[@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.

[@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.

[@steverawlings]

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

[@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 .

[@muflatu]

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

[@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.

[@fightapathy416]

Cool vault construction. Have you attempted a dome?

[@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.

[@tchnomasta]

much better design than the open mosquito breeding ponds on most sites.

[@firedathan]

In the year 3000 people will find this and say "early man couldnt have biult this on their own they must have had aliens show them how or do it for them".

[@bettypittman9354]

Fantastic...one step at a time..

[@aslongasittakesable]

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

[@TheBwalojf]

everything is awesome!

[@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.

[@DemetriusCoutinho]

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

[@flightsimulatortree]

Fascinating, humans are amazing.

[@johnbreitley2389]

LEGO for adults ?

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@claytonalexander7358]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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

[@TheMrFinneth]

Is this like a zombie apocalypse shelter?

[@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.

[@ObiWanShinobi1]

Always remember your childhood, so you can grow up and make a fortune with 1/2 ton legos made of concrete.

[@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...

[@benbisley]

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

[@tranquillitylandscaping3001]

What a machine Driver& what a great system 👍

[@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

[@Sheriffbmw]

moc pěkná práce čoveče

[@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.

[@LockBlockLtd]

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

[@lyallfairburn8377]

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

[@LockBlockLtd]

Thank you for your marketing suggestion! =)

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ilikeshroomgals]

man i would totally build a lock block castle with 40 ft walls and a draw bridge !!!

[@LockBlockLtd]

I think you'll have to talk to the people over at Merriam Webster for that!

[@CrustyAbsconder]

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 ?

[@GeoFry3]

inner child is screaming "I want I want!"

[@LockBlockLtd]

Your adult can have one! Call now! Operators are standing by.

[@topgrafter2007]

Im sure a Roman bridge builder would laugh watching this!

[@LockBlockLtd]

Most likely he would. And then, months later while he's still building his structure and we're relaxing drinking red wine in the Roman forum, we'll laugh at him. :)

[@CEMOLTU]

Lock Block Ltd. try it without construction machinery . then let's see who is best.(dies/tunnel formwork more quickly than they do what you do) on the other hand try build a dome like dome of Hagia Sophia /Byzantine handiwork or dome of Suleymaniye Mosque,Selimiye Mosque /Ottoman handiwork then we can talk about architecture.Need Respect for Humans handiworks.you do not boast with construction machines.

[@LockBlockLtd]

Cem Oltu Both the Greeks and Romans used cranes to erect structures. The mathematical principals they used to design their cranes are still used in modern construction equipment: Counterweights and leverage being the most important of those ideas.

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

they would wonder why they hadnt thot of this!

[@kikeman78]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@LockBlockLtd]

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

[@69adrummer]

Good stuff. However, I'd want to be the CAT operator for sure!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@awwwsnaps]

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

[@bohemianh]

big Legos!

[@TheDude111]

Couldn't have been easier if they were coated in KY... lol this guy

[@MikeMzeski]

I wish to build my fortress outta these.

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

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

[@synapse131]

Is "involution" a combination of evolution and innovation? We should add it to the dictionary; it's kinda cool.

[@georgelouis6515]

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

[@BonnieBlue2A]

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

[@BrassBandSheetMusic]

Good Work...