STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF ADJACENT BLOCKS THAT ARE LINKED AND TIGHTENED TO ONE ANOTHER

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of the construction of architectural works from adjacent blocks, such as walls, arches, beams, or any other related construction. The invention will also find an application in the manufacture of works of art.

PRIOR ART

To achieve a structural assembly, such as a wall, several construction techniques are known. Among them, it is known to use blocks, or segments, which are adjacent to each other while generally being sealed together using a binder, such as cement or mortar. The blocks are for example stones, solid bricks, or concrete blocks.

Structural elements composed of cut or molded blocks have a long tradition. Mention may be made for example to:

• • ashlar structures made according to the “stereotomy” rules, that is to say by blocks of stone (segments) cut exactly on all sides in such a way as not to leave any empty spaces—other than joints of constant thickness-between the stone blocks assembled together within the structural element;
  • post-stressed reinforced concrete structures, such as those of segmental bridges.

These examples have in common the use of a material, such as stone or concrete, whose tensile strength is much lower than that of the compression. The materials are therefore arranged to work essentially in compression.

Consequently, the joints between segments must transmit the compressive stresses from one block to another; this compression generates resistance to sliding by friction (which may be accompanied by other sliding restraint systems, such as grips, studs, etc.).

The transmission of the compressions is normally ensured by two phenomena:

• • gravity, whose effect dominates the other external actions in the ashlar structures;
  • post-stressing.

Both of these approaches have drawbacks, in particular for the structures that are held together by gravity:

• • they are very sensitive to earthquakes; their mass is naturally important and requires appropriate foundations, which is often reflected in a weakness of the building;
  • the stability of the system can only be ensured once it is complete, making it necessary to use temporary shoring and go through a delicate shifting phase;

With particular regard to post-stressed structures:

• • the conditioning of the stress on the joints operated by the post-stress requires a surplus of elastic energy in the system compared to the one induced by the other loads (more compression in the compressed parts, tension in the cables provided for this purpose), which can generate instability in the event of cracking and whose permanence in time must be guaranteed (despite the creep of the concrete and the relaxation of the steels);
  • the dismounting is generally not possible.

Stone and concrete can be reused several times, but only provided that the dismounting of the segments is possible with a fair saving of energy and material. This dismounting is possible for the traditional structures, held by gravity, but much more difficult for the post-stressed structures.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the present invention is to propose a structural assembly overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

To do so, the invention relates to a structural assembly including a plurality of adjacent blocks connected together, said structural assembly comprising at least:

• • a first block having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side;
  • a second block having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the second side of the first block bearing against the first side of the second block;
  • a first assembly device connecting the first and second blocks together, the first assembly device being entirely housed in the first and second blocks while being mounted to the first and second blocks, the first assembly device being tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks against each other.

It is understood that the first and second blocks are linked together thanks to the first assembly device, the latter also having the function of pressing the first and second blocks against each other. The compression generated by the first assembly device therefore takes place between the first and second blocks in the interface area between these two blocks. The first and second blocks are thus fixed together, thanks to the first assembly device, so as to prevent relative sliding of the first block with respect to the second block.

The first and second blocks are adjacent, that is to say they are disposed side by side with a common interface.

It is moreover understood that the first assembly device is contained in the volume of the assembly constituted by the first and second blocks. In other words, the first assembly device has a length which is smaller than the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks.

One advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible to conceal the first assembly device, the latter not being visible to an outside observer. The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an aesthetic structural element.

The structural element according to the invention is also easily dismountable. To do so, it is necessary to release the stress existing in the first assembly device in order to remove the compression between the first and second blocks, then to disassemble the first block from the second block.

The invention is part of a sustainable development approach since it makes it technically and economically possible to reuse the blocks constituting the structural element. The invention will find its application both in construction works and in restoration works.

Another advantage of the invention is to be able to easily manufacture architectural works, which are then easily assembled and dismountable. This makes it possible, for example, to easily install an architectural work successively in several exhibition spaces.

Preferably, the interface between the first and second blocks has a non-planar, for example curved, shape so as to ensure better continuity between the first and second blocks.

Furthermore, the first assembly device preferably extends along a longitudinal direction which is parallel or inclined with respect to the direction of the compressive force between the first and second blocks.

The first and second blocks can be segments. By block is meant, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a mass that has been preferably cut or a volumetric piece formed by molding.

Advantageously, the interface between the first and second blocks, constituted by the bearing area between the second side of the first block and the first side of the second block, is devoid of binder. This further facilitates the dismounting.

Preferably, the adjacent blocks connected together are also pressed together by a plurality of assembly devices. It is understood that two adjacent blocks of the structural assembly are pressed against each other by one of the assembly devices. A given block may be clamped against one or more other adjacent blocks. Unlike a post-stressed system, known otherwise, in which the traction and compression take place on the global scale of the structural assembly, giving rise to a tie-crank or tie-arch system, according to the invention, the traction and the compression take place locally between two adjacent blocks.

According to one preferred embodiment, the first assembly device comprises a first connecting rod and at least one first pressing member, the first connecting rod comprising a first part fixed in the first block and a second part extending into the second block, said first pressing member being engaged with the second part of the first connecting rod while being pressed in the second block so as to compress the first and second blocks against each other.

It is understood that the tensioning of the first assembly device is obtained thanks to the pressing of the first pressing member, the compressive effort being generated between the first pressing member and the first part of the first connecting rod which is fixed to the first block.

This pressing has the effect of generating a tensile tensioning in the first assembly device and a compressive effort between the first and second blocks.

Advantageously, the length of the first assembly device is equal to or greater than half the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks so as to improve the compressive engagement of the first and second blocks against each other. The length of the first assembly device is also smaller than the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks.

Also, the length of the first connecting rod is preferably equal to or greater than half the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks. The length of the first connecting rod is also smaller than the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks.

Advantageously, the first connecting rod is the only connecting rod that connects the first block to the second block.

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first part of the first connecting rod can be fixed directly to the first block, or even indirectly through an intermediate insert which is itself fixed to the first block on the one hand, and to the first part on the other hand.

Preferably, the first pressing member is a nut screwed to the first connecting rod.

The first pressing member is therefore preferably a bolt.

The nut comes into abutment against an inner side of the second block or of an intermediate piece fixed to the second block.

To facilitate the pressing of the first pressing member, the second block comprises a first hole which opens out into the second side of the second block, and the first pressing member is located in the first hole. Thus, the pressing of the first pressing member can be carried out by introducing a tool into the first hole via the second side of the second block.

Preferably, the first hole also opens out into the first side of the second block.

Still preferably, the first hole of the second block has a shoulder against which the first pressing member comes into abutment.

To do so, the first hole preferably includes a first hole portion opening out into the second side of the second block and a second hole portion opening out into the first side of the second block, the diameter of the second hole portion being smaller than the diameter of the first hole portion. The first pressing member is then preferably located in the first hole portion.

According to one embodiment, the first part of the first connecting rod is sealed in the first block. The sealing can be carried out using a binder such as an adhesive for example, or by mechanical means, for example using an expansion screw or any other sealing means.

According to another embodiment, the first block includes a first hole disposed in the continuity of the first hole of the second block and opening out into the first side of the first block, and the first part of the connecting rod is fixed in the first hole of the first block.

The first part of the connecting rod can be fixed directly to the first block or via an intermediate piece secured to the first hole of the first block. This intermediate piece can for example be fixed by bonding in the first hole of the first block.

According to one advantageous aspect of the invention, the second side of the first block and the first side of the second block are non-planar and engaged with each other in a form-fitting manner.

These first and second sides can for example be curved or have other complex complementary shapes.

Preferably, the first and second blocks are stone or concrete blocks. It can be natural stone, for example limestone, granite or marble blocks. It could, for example, be soft stone or hard stone.

Preferably, the applied compressive force will be determined so as to obtain a pressing between the two blocks allowing the transfer of the shear force from one block to the other, or the application of a pre-stress allowing, in addition to said transfer, the conditioning of the normal stress for maintaining the considered acceptable level of compression on the whole contact section.

According to the invention, the structural assembly according to the invention further comprises at least:

• • a third block having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side of the third block bearing against one of the sides of the second block;
  • a second assembly device connecting the second and third blocks together, the second assembly device being entirely housed in the second and third blocks while being mounted to the second and third blocks, the second assembly device being tensioned so as to compress the second and third blocks against each other.

According to the invention, the first side of the third block is bearing against the second side of the second block, and the second assembly device is parallel and non-coaxial with the first assembly device.

In other words, the second assembly device extends along an axis which is parallel and distant from another axis along which the first assembly device extends.

Advantageously, the structural assembly includes a single first assembly device connecting the first block to the second block, and a single second assembly device connecting the second block to the third block.

Advantageously, the second assembly device comprises a second connecting rod and a second pressing member, the second connecting rod comprises a first part fixed in the second block and a second part extending into the third block, said second pressing member being engaged with the second part of the second connecting rod while being pressed in the third block so as to compress the second and third blocks against each other.

It is understood that the second connecting rod is parallel and non-coaxial with the first connecting rod.

Advantageously, the second connecting rod is the only connecting rod that connects the second block to the third block.

It is understood that the invention makes it possible to produce structural elements of various shapes.

According to another preferred embodiment, the structural element according to the invention further comprises at least:

• • a fourth block having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side of the fourth block bearing against the second side of the third block, while the first side of the third block is bearing against the second side of the second block;
  • a third assembly device connecting the third and fourth blocks together, the third assembly device being entirely housed in the third and fourth blocks while being mounted to the third and fourth blocks, the third assembly device being tensioned so as to compress the third and fourth blocks against each other.

Preferably, the first and third assembly devices are coaxial.

The invention also relates to a wall including a structural assembly according to the invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the wall further includes a central structure constituted by central blocks juxtaposed to each other and surrounded by the structural assembly according to the invention.

At least some of the central blocks include sides that are non-horizontal and/or non-vertical. One advantage is to improve the stability of the wall by increasing the capacity of the beds to transmit forces, both in the plane of the wall (membrane efforts) and in the direction orthogonal to this plane (shear forces).

The structural assembly may completely surround the central structure or only flank some edges of the central structure, for example the side and upper edges if the central structure rests on the ground.

Preferably, the central blocks bear against each other without being linked to each other by a binder. One advantage is to facilitate the subsequent dismounting of the wall.

The invention also relates to a beam including a structural assembly according to the invention.

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other construction elements could incorporate the structural element according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising a first block and a second block connected together by a first assembly device;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the structural assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the structural element of FIG. 2, in which the first assembly device comprises a first connecting rod fixed to the first block and a nut cooperating with the first connecting rod and bearing against a shoulder of the second block;

FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the structural element of FIG. 3, in which the interface between the first and second blocks is not planar;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second and third blocks, the third block bearing against a side of the second block which is perpendicular to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the example of a structural assembly of FIG. 5, which comprises assembly devices of the type of that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second and third blocks, the third block bearing against a side of the second block which is parallel to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second, third and fourth blocks, the fourth block bearing against a side of the third block which is parallel to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a wall including a structural element of the type of FIG. 5 which surrounds a central structure consisting of juxtaposed central blocks;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a wall including a structural element of the type of FIG. 6 which surrounds a central structure consisting of juxtaposed central blocks; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a beam according to the invention including a structural element of the type of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of a structural assembly in accordance with the invention including two adjacent blocks connected together will first be described using FIGS. 1 to 4.

Of course, these examples are not limiting.

Each of the structural assemblies illustrated here in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes a first block 12. In this example, the block is a regular polyhedron, namely a cube. This first block is solid. Other geometries of regular or non-regular polyhedra could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The blocks can be segments.

More specifically, in this example, the first block 12 has a first side 12a and a second side 12b opposite to the first side 12a.

The structural assembly 10 further includes a second block 14 which, in this non-limiting example, has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions as the first block 12. The second block 14 could have different dimensions and a different geometric shape from that of the first block 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second block 14 is solid.

The second block 14 has a first side 14a and a second side 14b opposite to the first side 14a. As understood in the aforementioned figures, the second side 12b of the first block 12 is bearing against the first side 14a of the second block 14. In other words, the second side of the first block is in contact with the first side of the first block. The side common to the first and second blocks could be hereinafter referred to as the interface between the first and second blocks.

Furthermore, each structural assembly 10 includes a first assembly device 20 connecting together the first and second blocks 12, 14. The first assembly device 20 is entirely housed in the first and second blocks 12, 14 while being mounted to the first and second blocks 12, 14. Furthermore, the first assembly device 20 is tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other.

It is understood that the first and second blocks 12, 14 are pressed against each other thanks to the first assembly device, the compressive effort between the first and second blocks being localized on an interface 15 constituted by the second side 12b of the first block 12 and the first side 14a of the second block 14 which are in contact with each other.

The first assembly device 20 of this first embodiment of the two-block structural assembly will now be described in more detail using FIGS. 1 and 2. The first assembly device 20 comprises a first connecting rod 22 and at least one first pressing member 24. The first connecting rod 22 comprises a first part 22a which is fixed in the first block 12 and a second part 22b which is extends into the second block 14. Preferably, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the length of the first connecting rod 22 is equal to or greater than half the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks 12, 14. It is also observed that the length of the first rod remains smaller than the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks.

The first pressing member 24 is engaged with the second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 while being pressed in the second block 14 so as to tension the first assembly device 20 and compress the first and second blocks against each other.

In this embodiment, the first part 22a of the first connecting rod 22 is sealed in the first block 12. More specifically, the first block 12 includes a first hole 30 which opens out into the first part 22a of the first connecting rod 22 is engaged in an orifice 30 arranged in the first block 12. In this example, the end of the first part 20a of the first connecting rod 22 includes an expansion end which has the effect of securing in rotation and in translation the first connecting rod 20 relative to the first block 12.

The second block 14 also includes a first hole 32 which opens out into the second side 14b of the second block 14. The second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 extends into the first hole 32. The first hole 32 of the second block 14 includes a first hole portion 32a which opens out into the second side 14b and a second hole portion 32b, of smaller diameter, which opens out into the first side 14a of the second block 14. The differences in diameter between the first hole portion 32a and the second hole portion 32b define a shoulder 34 against which the first pressing member 24 comes into abutment.

It is furthermore understood that the first pressing member 24 is located in the first hole 32, and more specifically in the first portion 32a of the first hole 32. Furthermore, the second portion 32b of the first hole 32 is disposed in the continuity of the orifice 30 and has substantially the same diameter.

In this example, the pressing member 24 is a nut screwed to the first connecting rod 22.

The structural assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is assembled as follows.

First of all, the first block 12 comprising the orifice 30 which is blind and which opens out into the second side 12b of the first block 12 is provided.

The first connecting rod 22 is then inserted into the orifice 30, and the first part 22a is secured in the orifice 30, if necessary using an adhesive. The second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 protrudes out of the first block 12 substantially perpendicularly to the second side 12b of the first block 12. In other embodiments of the invention, the second part of the first connecting rod can protrude out of the first block transversely to the second side of the first block without necessarily being perpendicular to said side.

The second block 14 is placed against the first block 12, so that the first side 14a of the second block 14 is in contact with the second side 12b of the first block 12. The second part 20b of the first connecting rod 22 is engaged in the second portion 32b of the first hole 32, the length of the first connecting rod 22 being chosen so that a portion of the end of the second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 extends into the first portion 32a of the first hole 32.

The pressing member 24 is then engaged with the second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22. To do so, the pressing member 24, constituted by a nut, is screwed to the first connecting rod 22.

The operator then introduces a pressing tool—for example a simple or torque wrench-into the first hole 32 from the second side 14b of the second block 14 into which the first hole 32 opens out. Thanks to this pressing tool, the operator screws the nut. Insofar as the pressing member 24 bears against the shoulder 34, it is understood that the pressing of the pressing member 24 has the effect of compressing the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other at the interface 15.

The structural assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the first assembly device 20′ is a bolt.

The first connecting rod 22′ of the first assembly device 20′ also includes a first part 22′a which extends into the first block 12 and a second part 22′b which extends into the second block 14.

In this example, the first block 12 includes a first hole 36 which is disposed in the continuity of the first hole 32 of the second block 14. This first hole 36 opens out into the first side 12a of the first block 12. The first part 22′a of the first connecting rod 22′ is fixed in the first hole 36 of the first block 12.

The first part 22′a of the first connecting rod 22′ includes a head 22′c which is located in the first portion 36a of the first hole 36 of the first block 12. The first part 22′a of the first connecting rod 22′ extends into the second portion 36b of the first hole 36 of the first block 12.

It can be observed that the first portion 36a of the first hole 36 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the second portion 36b of the first hole 36 so as to define a shoulder 38 against which the head 22′c bears. Means are also provided for blocking in rotation the first connecting rod 22′ about its axis. Also, when the operator serves the pressing member 24, the first connecting rod 22′ does not turn on itself. The head 22′c approaches the pressing member 24, which causes the compression of the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other.

The assembly of the structural element 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is carried out as follows:

First of all, the first block 12 is provided into which the first connecting rod 22′ is inserted through the first hole 36 of the first block 12. The head 22′c of the first connecting rod 22′ bears against the shoulder 38, the second part 22′b of the first connecting rod 22′ protruding out of the first block substantially perpendicularly to the second side 12b of the first block 12.

The first connecting rod 22′ is secured with respect to the first block 22 so as to prevent the first connecting rod 22′ from rotating on itself about its axis.

Then, as in the assembly of the structural element of FIG. 2, the second block 14 is placed so as to engage the second part 22′b of the first connecting rod 22′ in the first hole 32 of the second block 14. The operator then places the pressing member 24 on the first connecting rod 22′ and presses said pressing member 24 so as to compress the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other.

A variant of embodiment of the structural assembly of FIG. 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this variant, the second side 12b of the first block 12 and the first side 14a of the second block 14 are non-planar and engaged with each other in a form-fitting manner. This ensures better continuity between the blocks, and in particular better transmission of the shear forces.

Other embodiments of the structural assembly 1000, 2000 according to the invention have been illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.

In these embodiments according to the invention, the structural assembly 1000, 2000 includes three blocks.

Referring first to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the structural assembly 1000 further comprises a third block 40 having a first side 40a and a second side 40b opposite to the first side. The first side 40a of the third block 40 is bearing against one of the sides of the second block 14. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the first side 40a of the third block 40 is bearing against a third side 14c of the second block 14. This third side 14 is inclined, in this example perpendicular, with respect to the first side 14a of the third block.

It can be observed that the first and second blocks 12, 14 of the example of FIG. 5 are similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 3. Furthermore, the structural assembly 1000 of FIG. 5 includes a first assembly device 50 which is similar to the first assembly device 20′ of the structural assembly of FIG. 3.

The structural element 1000 moreover includes a second assembly device 60 which connects the second and third blocks 14, 40 together. The second assembly device 60 is entirely housed in the second and third blocks 14, 40 while being mounted to the second and third blocks. Furthermore, the second assembly device 60 is tensioned so as to compress the second and third blocks 14, 40 against each other.

To do so, in this example, the second assembly device 60 comprises a second connecting rod 62 and a second pressing member 64. The second connecting rod 60 comprises a first part 62a which is fixed in the second block 14. To do so, like the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first part 62a is sealed in an orifice 63 provided in the second block 14. The second connecting rod 62 further includes a second part 62b which extends into the third block 40. Similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the third block 40 includes a first hole 66 opening out into the second side 40b of the third block 40, the second pressing member 64 being disposed in this first hole 66. The second pressing member 64 is also engaged with the second part 62b of the second connecting rod 62 while being pressed in the third block 40 so as to compress the second and third blocks 14, 40 against each other.

The assembly of the first and second third blocks 12, 14 is similar to the assembly of the first and second blocks 12, 14 of the embodiment of FIG. 2. As in the example of FIG. 3, the first and second blocks are compressed against each other by the first assembly device 50.

The embodiment of the structural assembly 1000 of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIG. 5 in that the second assembly device 60′ is a bolt, in this case identical to the first assembly device 50′ which connects the first and second blocks 12, 14. In this embodiment, the second assembly device 60′ includes a second connecting rod 62′ and a second pressing member 64′ which is disposed in a second hole 65 of the second block 14, this second hole 65 opening out on the one hand into the first side 40a of the third block 40 and on the other hand into a third side 14c of the second block 14, which is opposite to the first side 40a of the third block 40.

In this example, the second hole 65 and the first hole 32 of the second block intersect. It is understood that this second hole 65 allows the operator to access the second pressing member 64′ in order to press it.

Referring to the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be observed that the second assembly device 60, 60′ is inclined relative to the first assembly device 50, 50′. In this case, in these examples, the second assembly device 60, 60′ is orthogonal to the first assembly device 50, 50′.

A structural assembly 2000, which is a variant of embodiment of the structural assembly 1000 of FIG. 6, is illustrated in FIG. 7. In this example, the first side 40a of the third block 40 is bearing against the second side 14b of the second block 14. Furthermore, the second assembly device 60′ is parallel and non-coaxial with the first assembly device 50′. In this example, the second hole 65 of the second block 14 is parallel and distant from the first hole 32.

It is also observed that in this example, the third block 40 is identical to the first block 12.

The third block 40 includes a first hole 42 which is coaxial with the first hole 32 of the second block 14. The third block 40 further includes a second hole 44 which is coaxial with the second hole 65 of the second block 14. The first holes of the second and third blocks 14, 40 therefore extend in continuity with each other. The same applies to the second hole 37 of the first block 12 and to the second hole 65 of the second block 14. The first holes 32, 42 therefore extend along an axis which is parallel to and distant from the common axis of the second holes 44, 65.

FIG. 8 illustrates a structural assembly 3000 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention which further includes a fourth block 70 having a first side 70a and a second side 70b opposite to the first side 70a, the first side 70a of the fourth block 70 bearing against the second side 40b of the third block 40, while the first side 40a of the third block is bearing against the second side 14b of the second block 14.

In this exemplary embodiment, the structural assembly 3000 includes a third assembly device 80′, similar to the first assembly device 50′ of FIG. 7, connecting together the third and fourth blocks 40, 70. The third assembly device 80′ is entirely housed in the third and fourth blocks 40, 70 while being mounted in the third and fourth blocks. The third assembly device 80′ is tensioned so as to compress the third and fourth blocks 40, 70 against each other.

In this example, the first and third assembly devices 50′, 80′ are coaxial. In this example, these are bolts similar to those described above.

In FIG. 9, a wall 4000 including a structural assembly 4002 is illustrated. In this example, the structural element 4002 includes blocks 4004 which are adjacent to each other while being connected together by mounting devices 4006, of the same type as the one described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The assembly devices 4006 connect the blocks 4004 together and are tensioned so as to compress two adjacent blocks 4004 against each other.

Using FIG. 9, it can be observed that the wall further includes a central structure consisting of central blocks 4008 juxtaposed to each other. In this example, the structural assembly 4002 surrounds the central structure. As can be observed in FIG. 9, some of the central blocks include non-horizontal and/or non-vertical interfaces. This conformation ensures better transmission of the shear forces, which ensures better continuity between the different central blocks 4008.

A wall 5000 similar to the wall 4000 of FIG. 9 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The wall of FIG. 10 differs from that of FIG. 9 in that the mounting devices are constituted by bolts of the type of FIG. 3.

Finally, FIG. 11 illustrates a beam 6000 including a structural assembly 6002 according to the invention. The constituent blocks 6004 of the structural assembly 6002 are here again pressed two by two thanks to assembly devices 6006 of the bolt type.