Patent Publication Number: US-11391032-B1

Title: Modular barrier panel and construction system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/912,704 filed Mar. 6, 2018 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/467,578 filed Mar. 6, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A great deal of interest and discussion has recently been devoted to the construction of walls, fencing, and barriers along boarders between nations as well as other properties and locations. Such barriers are desired to resist passage of unauthorized people and vehicles across those boarders. Known barriers resist such passage not only through the barrier but also over the barrier. 
     Known barriers typically comprise fencing and steel piers or panels, which may be unsightly and relatively simple to evade or defeat. More substantial barriers like, for example, the Berlin wall and similar structures have been provided as solid concrete walls. While these concrete wall structures are more difficult to pierce, they have a variety of negative aspects. For example, the cost to produce a concrete wall is much more than that to erect fencing and/or steel pier systems. Additionally, concrete walls are generally solid structures that provide little or no ability to see through the barrier. Security professionals on the ground thus cannot view activities occurring on the opposite side of the barrier without requiring additional resources like cameras or mirrors mounted on the barrier. 
     Such solid structures can also have negative environmental impacts including impeding the flow of winds and water drainage which may affect not only the land but also the nearby habitats of animals and plants. Solid wall structures also obstructing the movement of animals, insects, and plants which can affect their ability to migrate, find food, mate, pollenate, and spread among other aspects. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary embodiments are defined by the claims below, not this summary. A high-level overview of various aspects thereof is provided here to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed-Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. In brief, this disclosure describes, among other things, modular barrier panels as well as systems and methods for preparing the barrier panels and erecting a barrier. 
     The modular barrier panels are configured for simple and speedy construction and erection. The panels are preferably cast of a concrete material at or near the building site of the barrier using molds that can be carried on a mobile trailer, such as a flat-bed trailer or truck. Once sufficiently cured, the panels can be removed from the molds and moved directly to the building site for immediate installation or storage. 
     In one embodiment, each of the panels is configured with an aboveground portion and a below-grade or base portion. The aboveground portion includes a grid-like pattern that provides a plurality of vents having dimensions that are sufficiently small enough to substantially prevent passage of a human therethrough, but large enough to enable viewing through the panel as well as passage of wind, water, small animals, and other environmental aspects. The vents also reduce forces applied to the barrier by winds and reduce the weight and material needs of the panels. The base portion includes a plurality of side-by-side sections that each include a generally centrally located opening extending therethrough. 
     In another embodiment, the base portion has a configuration that is the same as the aboveground portion such that the grid-like pattern is continuous from top to bottom of the panel. The base portion may extend above grade such that the vent openings of the base portion extend above grade or ground level. In other embodiments, one or more of the vents in a panel are closed off, e.g. the opening of the vent is filled with a planar section of the concrete material during molding of the panel. Generally, the closed off vents are located in transverse rows. In another embodiment, one or more rows of the vents are replaced with a continuous concrete slab. 
     To erect a barrier using the modular barrier panels, a trenching unit is provided which digs a trench of the proper depth and width. Bearing blocks are installed within the trench and spaced along the length thereof at intervals equal to the width of the barrier panels, such that the bearing block is positioned beneath the abutting faces of adjacent ones of the barrier panels. The barrier panels are installed on the bearing blocks and supported in a vertically upright position while a concrete or similar material is poured in the trench and around the base portion of the barrier panels. The openings in the sections of the base portions allow the concrete material to flow through the panel and fill the trench on both sides of the panel. 
     Sensors, such as vibration sensors may be disposed along or in the base portions and/or in the concrete material. The sensors may be configured to sense tampering with the aboveground portions of the panel, attempts to scale or climb over the aboveground portion, and attempts to tunnel under the barrier. Cameras, sensors, communication devices, and power generation devices such as solar panels, may be installed on one or more of the barrier panels. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a modular barrier panel depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the modular barrier panel of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the modular barrier panel of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged partial elevational view of a pair of modular barrier panels disposed on a bearing block depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a bearing block depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bearing block configured for use with vertically offset adjacent modular barrier panels depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 4  of a modular barrier panel disposed on a bearing block and depicted in an installed condition in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view taken at a transverse cross-section through the base portion of three modular barrier panels depicting bearing blocks disposed beneath abutting faces of the barrier panels; 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of a modular barrier panel with an electronics package and a temporary support brace disposed thereon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of the modular barrier panel of  FIG. 9  depicting a portion of the electronics package mounted on top of the panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of a barrier formed from a plurality of modular barrier panels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  is an illustrative perspective view of a barrier construction site depicting a trench with a plurality of bearing blocks disposed therein in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with an portion of a substrate along one side of the trench removed for viewing within the trench; 
         FIG. 13  is perspective view of the barrier construction site of  FIG. 12  depicting a plurality of modular barrier panels disposed on the bearing blocks and a concrete material being poured into the trench in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional plan view taken along the line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13  near the top of a pair of modular barrier panels depicting a coupling slug disposed in a pair of channels to couple the panels together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with underlying vertical reinforcing members depicted in phantom for reference; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the coupling slug of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of the barrier construction site of  FIG. 12  depicting an electronics package being disposed on a top edge of a modular barrier panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the barrier construction site of  FIG. 12  depicting a completed section of the barrier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of another panel depicted in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 18 a    is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the panel of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side-elevational view of a top edge of the panel of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of a panel having rows of closed vents depicted in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 20 a    is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the panel of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of a panel having all closed vents depicted in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 21 a    is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the panel of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevational view of a panel having a base portion with open vents and an aboveground portion without vents depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 22 a    is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the panel of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of select exemplary embodiments is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. The terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” as used herein denote deviations from the exact value by +/−10%, preferably by +/−5% and/or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant to the function. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a modular barrier panel  10  is described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The panel  10  is shown and described herein as being configured for use in construction of a barrier or fence useable to divide parcels of land and/or to control travel of people and vehicles between the parcels. The panel  10  is preferably formed from a self-leveling, high-strength, flowable, concrete material, however it is understood that any concrete or other material such as composites, plastics, metals, organic materials, or combinations thereof may be employed and selected based on desired characteristics and properties of a particular application. 
     Particular dimensions of the panel  10  and associated components are described herein, however such dimensions are not intended to limit configurations of the panels  10  and associated components. It is understood that such dimensions are of only one exemplary embodiment and that the panels  10  and associated components may be otherwise dimensioned without departing from the scope of embodiments described herein. The panel  10  is approximately twelve feet (3.7 meters) wide by about thirty-four feet (10.4 meters) high and about ten inches (0.3 meters) thick. When installed, the panel  10  extends about seven feet (2.1 meters) belowground and about twenty-seven feet (8.2 meters) aboveground. Such dimensions are considered adequate for an application of the panel  10  directed toward preventing passage of humans and vehicles through or over a barrier formed from the panels  10 , however the panels  10  may be otherwise sized to fit a desired application and purpose. 
     The panel  10  comprises a generally rectangular cuboidal form configured to be installed in a generally vertically upstanding orientation. The panel  10  is generally planar in that the height and width of the panel  10  are substantially larger than the thickness of the panel  10 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the panel  10  is generally divided along its vertical dimension into an aboveground portion  12  and a below-grade or base portion  14  which are generally delimited by a grade line  13  depicted in  FIG. 1 . The grade line  13  is provided for reference purposes only as an indication of a preferred installation depth of the panel  10  relative to the substrate, however it is to be understood that characteristics of a particular installation will determine and control construction and placement of the panel  10 . The aboveground portion  12  includes a series of vertical members  16  and horizontal members  18  arranged in a grid-like arrangement to form a plurality of apertures or open vents  20  that extend through the thickness of the panel  10 . 
     The open vents  20  are preferably configured with dimensions sufficiently small enough to prevent passage of a human therethrough but large enough to allow environmental elements, such as wind, water, airborne debris, small animals, insects, and the like to pass through. For example, the opening of the vents  20  may be about 5.5 inches (about 14 cm) wide. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the panel  10  includes three vertically stacked and aligned rows of uniformly dimensioned vents  20 , but a variety of other configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of embodiments described herein. For example, various ones of the vents  20  might be differently sized or one or more of the vents  20  might be offset vertically or horizontally. One or more of the vents may be configured as closed vents  48  in which the vents are molded or otherwise constructed with a portion of concrete or other material extending thereacross. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the vertical members  16  are provided with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional form. This form provides draft to aid the molding or casting process but may be configured otherwise in other embodiments. The horizontal members  18 , as well as any other surfaces of the panel  10  may also be configured with a drafted or angled surface. In one embodiment, a draft of about 45° is provided on the vertical members  16  and the horizontal members  18  which may aid to increase the difficulty of scaling or climbing the panel  10 . 
     Also as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the panel  10  may include one or more reinforcement members  22 , such as a steel rebar that is integrated within the panel  10  during casting. The type and configuration of the reinforcement members  22  may be selected based on a particular application of the panel  10  and the conditions to which it may be exposed. In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 14  steel railroad track rails are employed as reinforcement members  22 ′. The rails are disposed generally centrally within the thickness of the vertical members  16 . The reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′ and the vertical members  16  generally may extend substantially the height of the panel  10  or, as depicted in  FIG. 1-3 , in some embodiments some of the reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′ and their associated vertical members  16  terminate at the top of the base portion  14  and do not extend through the base portion  14  to the bottom edge of the panel  10 . The rails may be newly manufactured or may be constructed or recycled from used rails that are no longer suitable for rail service. The sizing of the vertical members  16  enables rails of a variety of sizes or gages to be employed without need for alteration of the panel design. 
     Also as shown in  FIG. 14 , transverse reinforcement members  23  may be incorporated into the panels  10 . A pair or reinforcement members  23  comprising steel rebar or similar components may be disposed within the horizontal members  18 . The transverse reinforcement members  23  may be spaced just forwardly and just rearwardly of the vertical reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′ or may abut or engage the vertical reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′. It is understood that more or fewer transverse reinforcement members  23  may be employed as desired for a particular application. 
     Additional components may also be integrated into the panel  10 , such as conduits, pipes, electrical conductors, anchoring or connecting components, and sensors, among a variety of other components. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10 , a conduit  24  may be integrated into a center-most vertical member  16  and positioned generally centrally within the thickness of the panel  10 . In other embodiments, the conduit  24  may be integrated into others of the vertical members  16  and positioned therein as desired, e.g. to avoid obstructing a vertical reinforcement member  22  disposed therein. In one embodiment, the vertical reinforcement member  22  is omitted from the vertical member  16  in which the conduit  24  is disposed. Upper and a lower junction boxes  26 ,  28  coupled to respective ends of the conduit  24  may also be at least partially integrated into the panel  10 . An electrical conductor can be disposed in the conduit  24  to provide electrical communication and power between components mounted at or near the top and bottom of the aboveground portion  12  or the panel  10  as described more fully below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 3-4, and 7-8 , the base portion  14  of the panel  10  is provided with a waffle-pattern configuration that includes a plurality of uniform sections or depressions  30  disposed side-by-side across the width of the panel  10 . The depressions  30  extend from one surface of the panel  10  part way into the thickness thereof. A window or opening  32  may be provided in each of the depressions  30  which extends through the thickness of the panel  10 . The openings  32  are sufficiently large to enable a concrete  46  poured on one side of the base portion  14  to flow through the opening  32  to the opposite side of the base portion  14 , as depicted in  FIG. 11 . It is understood that the base portion  14  may be configured without the openings and/or with the depressions  30  configured in different shapes, dimensions, or arrangements. 
     In some embodiments, the base portion  14  may be configured identically to that of the aboveground portion  12  to continue the grid-like pattern of the aboveground portion  12  with the vertical and horizontal members  16 ,  18 , as depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 18   a . In such embodiments, the base portion  14  may include the open vents  20  that extend through the thickness of the panel  10  or the vents may be closed vents  48  that are molded with a section of concrete extending thereacross, as depicted in  FIGS. 20, 20   a ,  21 , and  21   a . The base portion  14  may also be configured to extend at least partially above ground or above grade to expose at least a portion of the vents  20  therein. Exposure of the open vents  20  at ground level may provide ease of access for wildlife to pass through the panel  10  as well as water, wind, and the like. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 4-8 , bearing blocks  34  may be provided to aid installation of the panels  10 . The bearing blocks  34  are preferably cast from the concrete used to cast the panels  10  but may be cast or constructed from another material. The bearing blocks  34  have a generally truncated-pyramidal form that provides a top surface  36  in which a trough  38  is formed. The trough  38  extends the width of the top surface  36  and is dimensioned to receive a bottom edge of the panel  10  therein. The bearing block  34  is preferably sized to be positioned beneath the joint or seam between adjacent panels  10  and to sufficiently support both panels  10 . The bearing block  34  is also configured to space the bottom edge of the panel  10  above a bottom surface of a trench  44  when installed therein, as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . The spacing above the bottom of the trench  44  is preferably sufficient to enable the concrete  46  poured into the trench  44  to flow beneath the panel  10  as described more fully below. 
     A variety of bearing blocks  34  may be provided to accommodate a variety of installation conditions. For example, a bearing block  34 ′ which includes a vertical slot  40  disposed along a side surface thereof may be provided, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The bearing block  34 ′ may be used when adjacent panels  10  are to be offset vertically, such as when moving up or down a grade. In such an application, the vertical slot  40  may receive a side edge of an adjacent panel  10  while the bottom edge of the overlying panel  10  is received in the trough  38  of the bearing block  34 ′. Alternatively, the bearing block  34  may be employed when moving up/down a grade by positioning the bearing block  34  inward along the width of the panel  10  a sufficient distance that the bearing block  34  does not interfere with or contact the adjacent panel  10 . 
     A bearing pad  42  may be provided for installation between the bearing block  34  and the overlying panels  10 . The bearing pad  42  preferably comprises a high-density rubber or plastic shim like those known in the art. 
     With additional reference now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the panel  10  may include an electronics package  50 . The electronics package  50  includes a control unit  52 , a power unit  54 , and a plurality of sensors including one or more cameras  56  and a vibration sensor  58 , among others. The control unit  52  comprises one or more computing devices or logical processing units configured to control and/or oversee operation of the power unit  54  and sensors and to send/receive communications from a main control station. One of skill in the art will recognized that the control unit  52  may take any of a variety of forms and configurations without departing from the scope of exemplary embodiments described herein. 
     The power unit  54  comprises one or more photovoltaic cell arrays or solar panels  60 , one or more batteries  62 , and any components necessary for operation of the solar panels  60 . Such components may include transformers, cooling units, positioning apparatus for moving and/or maintaining a position of the solar panels  60 , and the like. In another embodiment, the power unit  54  may include one or more turbines among other apparatus configured to generate electricity using wind, water, or solar power. 
     The cameras  56  can comprise one or more visible light or infrared camera units configured to capture video and/or still images. The cameras  56  can be configured to capture images continuously, according to a scheduled sequence, intermittently, as instructed by the control unit  52 , and/or in response to a detected condition. For example, the cameras  56  may comprise, include, or be communicably coupled to a motion sensor that, when triggered, causes the cameras  56  to capture one or more images or a video. The motion sensor may be a component of the electronics package  50  generally and the control unit  52  may instruct operation of the cameras  56  based on inputs received from the motion sensor. 
     The electronics package  50  preferably includes two cameras  56  which can be directed in opposite directions along a barrier formed by the panels  10 . However, more or fewer cameras  56  may be employed. For example, a single wide-angle camera  56  that provides a sufficient field of view might be employed. Or one or more short range cameras  56  can be included to provide a view near the camera  56  mounting location and one or more long-range cameras  56  can be included that provide a view of areas a further distance away from the camera  56  mounting location. 
     The vibration sensor  58  is disposed in, on, or near the base portion  14  of the panel  10 . For example, the vibration sensor  58  may be integrated within the panel  10  or can be mounted on the base portion  14  after casting. The vibration sensor  58  can be disposed in the concrete  46  that is poured around the base portion  14  during installation of the panel  10 . In one embodiment, the vibration sensor  58  is disposed in a housing  64  coupled to the base portion  14  via the lower junction box  28 . The housing  64  is positioned to be encased in the concrete  46  poured around the base portion  14  but with a top wall  66  of the housing  64  exposed and accessible from above the concrete  46 . The top wall  66  preferably includes a lockable door or access opening to provide access to the vibration sensor  58  for maintenance or repair as needed. The vibration sensor  58  is electronically coupled to the control unit  52  via the electrical conductor disposed in the conduit  24  to provide signals to the control unit  52  depicting sensed vibrations and to receive power from the power unit  54 . In one embodiment, a plurality of vibration sensors  58  are provided. For example, one vibration sensor  58  may be mounted in the housing  64  for sensing vibrations in the panel  10  while one or more additional vibration sensors  58  may be disposed in the concrete  46  poured around the base portion  14  of the panel  10  or in an underlying substrate  68 . 
     The vibration sensor  58  is configured to sense vibrations in the panel  10 , the concrete  46  poured around the panel  10 , as well as in the underlying substrate  68  around and beneath the panel  10 . As such, the vibration sensor  58  can detect tampering with the panel  10 , people attempting to climb over the panel  10  or defeat the panel, and people located on the concrete  46  or the nearby substrate  68 , as well as underground activities such as attempts to tunnel through the substrate  68  underneath the panel  10 . 
     In another embodiment, a variety of other sensors and sensing devices may be included with the electronics package  50 . For example, a radar unit, LIDAR unit, or similar device for sensing ground-based or airborne objects such as airplanes, drone aircraft, or projectile objects can be included. In one embodiment, antiaircraft armaments might be included and deployable to take down unauthorized aircraft. Environmental sensing units for detecting environmental conditions like temperature, air quality, humidity, or the like might also be included among a variety of other sensing units and components. 
     Communications units configured to provide or extend cellular or radio communications can also be included in the electronics package  50 . Such communications units may provide or increase voice and data connectivity for personnel working or traveling along or near the panels  10 . The communications units may also aid communication of data between various control units  52  mounted along a long barrier  86  and a control center tasked with oversight of the barrier  86 . For example, communication between a distant control unit  52  and the control center might be relayed from one control unit  52  to the next along the barrier  86  when the distant control unit  52  is too far from the control center to communicate directly. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the electronics package  50  is disposed on a mounting saddle  70  configured to be disposed on the top edge of the panel  10 . It is understood that one or more components of the electronics package  50  may be otherwise mounted on the panel  10  without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein. The mounting saddle  70  is preferably disposed to overlie the upper junction box  26  to enable coupling of the control unit  52  with the electrical conductor disposed in the conduit  24 . 
     The mounting saddle  70  comprises a generally inverted, U-shaped member having a pair of legs  72 ,  74  extending vertically downward along opposing faces of the panel  10 . Each of the legs  72 ,  74  extends downwardly along the respective face of the panel  10  a respective distance before turning outwardly from the panel  10  for a distance and then turning again to extend upwardly. The legs  72 ,  74  thus each form a trough in which components of the electronics package  50  can be mounted. As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the control unit  52  is mounted in the trough of the leg  72  while the power unit  54 , including the solar panel  60  and batteries  62  are mounted on the leg  74 . 
     A mast  76  is coupled to the mounting saddle  70  along the apex of the inverted U-shape and extends vertically upward from the top edge of the panel  10 . The cameras  56  are mounted to the mast  76  and an antenna  78  is disposed on a distal end thereof. Each of the components of the electronics package  50  are electrically and communicatively coupled to the control unit  52  via one or more electrical conductors which may be disposed in one or more conduits  80 . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 11-17 , construction of a barrier  86  formed from a plurality of the panels  10  is described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The construction is described below with respect to a mobile construction configuration that can be moved as a construction location moves along the barrier  86 . Such description is not intended to limit embodiments of the invention; it is understood that the panels  10  may be constructed at a single location and shipped to the construction location as needed. The panel  10  is configured to be cast from a concrete that is poured into a mold (not shown). The concrete preferably comprises a fiber reinforced, high-strength concrete or similar material, but other materials may be employed. 
     The molds may be constructed from a thermoformed plastic, resin, or similar material and may include a support structure constructed from a plurality of structural members, such as extruded aluminum beams, channels, tubes, or the like. A plurality of molds are constructed and disposed on one or more flat-bed trucks, trailers, or the like. The molds are thus easily moveable from one location to the next to enable the panel  10  construction location to remain near a location in which the panels  10  are to be installed in the barrier  86 . The flat-bed trucks/trailers on which the molds are disposed may include outriggers or other leveling means configured to place the molds in a level position for casting of the panels  10 . 
     The molds are driven to a location near the installation location for the panels  10  to be cast and prepared for casting. Preparation for casting may include leveling of the molds, application of release agents, and cleaning of the molds, among other processes. If the panel  10  to be cast is to be a non-standard size or form, dividers may be placed into the mold cavity to block the flow of concrete as desired. Additionally, reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′,  23 , the conduit  24 , and/or the upper and lower junction boxes  26 ,  28  may be positioned within the mold cavity. The concrete is prepared and poured into the molds. Vibration means, such as heavy-duty electric vibrators may be employed to insure proper filling of the mold cavity, and elimination of voids in the concrete, among other characteristics. Insulating blankets may be disposed over the molds to aid curing which is preferably substantially completed overnight to allow removal of the cured panel  10  from the mold and reuse of the mold each day. The curing of the concrete is preferably completed without use of external heating means, such as steam or radiant heating elements. 
     After sufficient curing, the panels  10  are removed from the molds and moved directly to their installation location or disposed in a holding location until needed. The vibration means may also be employed to aid removal of the panels  10  from the molds. The molds can then be prepared for subsequent castings, e.g. cleaned and moved to a next location. 
     The panels  10  are configured for installation in a trench  44 . The trench  44  may be formed by any desired means including for example a specialized trencher that is configured to form the trench  44  at a predetermined depth and width. In one embodiment, the trench  44  is about 3.0 feet (about 1.0 meter) wide and about 8.5 feet (about 2.6 meters) deep, however other dimensions may be employed based on design characteristics of a particular application. 
     Bearing blocks  34  are positioned in the trench  44  at spaced apart locations to be aligned with the joints between adjacent panels  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 12 . The bearing blocks  34  may be cast on-site in a manner similar to that of the panels  10  and from similar or dissimilar materials. In one embodiment, the bearing blocks  34  are cast from a concrete that employs aggregate and/or other materials obtained from digging the trench  44 . Bearing pads  42  may be disposed in the troughs  38  in the top surfaces  36  of the bearing blocks  34 . The bearing blocks  34  are aligned and leveled as needed to ensure a level support base for the panels  10 . When the trench  44  moves up or down a grade specialized bearing blocks, such as the bearing blocks  34 ′ may be employed. 
     A first panel  10  is disposed on top of two adjacent bearing blocks  34  with the bottom edge of the panel  10  being positioned within the trough  38  in the bearing blocks  34 , as depicted in  FIG. 13 . The troughs  38  in the bearing blocks  34  aid to ensure proper alignment of the panels  10 . The first panel  10  is leveled and oriented vertically and a support brace  90  is installed to retain the panel  10  in position. The support brace  90  may be extendable or otherwise adjustable to ensure proper vertical alignment of the panel  10 . An opposite end of the support brace  90  may be anchored to a deadman anchor  92  to secure it in position. 
     A next panel  10  is disposed alongside and abutting the first panel  10  along lateral edges thereof and with their adjacent bottom corners sharing an underlying bearing block  34 . The next panel  10  is leveled and a support brace  90  installed. As depicted in  FIGS. 14-15 , a coupling slug  94  may be employed to couple adjacent panels  10  together. Vertically oriented, C-shaped channels  96  may be molded into or coupled along at least a portion of the lateral edge of each panel  10 . Preferably, the channels  96  extend downwardly from a top edge of the panel  10  along the lateral edge and are open at the top edge to allow insertion of the slug  94 . The channels  96  extend between about 6 inches (15 cm) and about 24 inches (61 cm), but may extend any desired distance along the side edges. The slug  94  comprises a bar having an I-shaped cross-section with dimensions configured to closely cooperate with those of the channels  96  to enable opposing ends or flanges  98  of the slug  94  to be received within respective ones of the channels  96  in a close-fitting relationship. Interaction between the C-shape of the channels  96  and the flanges  98  of the slug  94  resists movement of the two joined panels  10  relative to one another. 
     In another embodiment, a coupling tab (not shown) may be installed on the top edges of the two panels  10  and extending across the joint therebetween. The tab is attached to each of the panels  10  using one or more bolts or other fastening means. When the adjacent panels  10  are level with one another, the tab may comprise an elongate planar member. When the adjacent panels  10  are vertically offset from one another, such as when moving up or down a grade, the tab may comprise an L-shaped bracket that couples to a top edge of one panel  10  and to a lateral edge of the adjacent panel  10 . Installation of the panels on the bearing blocks  34  in the trench  44  continues until a desired length of the barrier  86  is formed. 
     The housing  64  for the vibration sensors  58  may be installed on the desired panels  10  and the vibration sensors  58  installed therein. Preferably only select ones of the panels  10  include the electronics package  50  and/or the conduit  24  and junction boxes  26 ,  28  installed thereon. In some applications, the panels  10  with the electronics package  50  are spaced apart at a desired interval along the length of the barrier  86 . The interval may be about every half mile (0.8 kilometers) or any other interval needed based on a range of the cameras  56  and vibration sensors  58 , as well as a particular application, terrain, environment, or purpose. The panels  10  with and without the electronics package may be identical but for the absence of the electronics package  50  and/or the conduit  24  and junction boxes  26 ,  28 . 
     In one embodiment, a conductor is installed along the base portions  14  of the adjacent panels  10  extending along the length of the trench  44  to enable installation of a plurality of vibration sensors  58  on one or more of the panels  10 , in the trench  44  or into the underlying substrate  68 ; those vibration sensors are electronically and communicatively coupled to an electronics package  50  via the conductor. Those vibrations sensors may be disposed in a housing similar to the housing  64  or may be configured to be encased in the concrete  46 . 
     One or more temporary barriers (not shown) or expansion gap components may be installed along the length of the trench  44  and transverse to the length of the trench  44  using common techniques and materials. Concrete  46  is poured into the trench  44  around the base portions  14  of the adjacent panels  10  and filled up to a desired level, as depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 17 . The concrete  46  can be poured into the trench  44  on one side of the barrier  86  with spacing beneath the panels  10  provided by the bearing blocks  34  allowing the concrete  46  to flow beneath the panels  10  and to fill both sides of the trench  44 . Additionally, the openings  32  in the base portion  14  allow the concrete to flow through the panels  10  and fill both sides of the trench  44 . The waffle-like shape provided by the depressions  30  and/or the openings  32  provide a strong engagement and interlocking between the concrete  46  and the base portions  14  of the panels  10  and distributes forces and load transfer from the panels  10  into the concrete  46  foundation. 
     Following sufficient curing of the concrete  46 , the support braces  90  and deadman anchors  92  can be removed. The electronics package  50 , including the mounting saddle  70  can be installed on the selected ones of the panels  10 , as depicted in  FIGS. 16-17 , and operation thereof commenced. 
     During operation of the barrier  86 , the vibration sensors  58 , the cameras  56 , and/or any other sensing units included in the electronics package  50  may detect movements on, near, under, or over the barrier  86 . The electronics package  50  may remain in a low power state until such movement or activity is detected. Upon detection, the cameras  56  may begin capturing images/video which may be stored by the control unit  52  in an onboard memory or transmitted to a central control station for viewing and/or storage. The control unit  52  may also provide a signal to a central control station to alert personnel of the activity. The personnel may access the cameras  56  to view the activity in real-time or near real-time and determine whether further action need be taken. In one embodiment, the control unit  52  may sound an audible and/or visual alert via an alert system contained in the electronics package  50  to alert trespassers that they have been detected and/or that they should cease and desist among other alert actions. 
     Provision of the vibration sensors  58  (and the electronics packages  50  generally) along the length of the barrier  86  also enables personnel to determine a location along the barrier  86  at which the activity is occurring, thereby narrowing the area that must be viewed. Additionally, provision of the expansion gaps within the concrete  46  may aid to limit an area in which the vibration sensors  58  can detect movements, thus further increasing the precision in associating a detected movement with a location along the barrier  86 . 
     The configuration of the panels  10  and the tasks required to construct the barrier  86  enables the construction to take place substantially from one side of the barrier  86  and with minimal land requirements and disruption. The trench  44  is relatively narrow. Thus issues associated with obtaining rights to land or right-of-ways is reduced, and disruption of the environment is minimized. Following formation of the trench  44 , construction of the panels  10  and installation of the panels  10  in the trench  44  can be substantially or completely performed on one side of the trench  44 . For example, the panels  10  can be cast and installed along with the support braces  90  from one side of the trench  44 . And the concrete  46  can be poured and the electronics packages  50  installed from the same side of the trench  44 . Such a configuration increases the safety of workers, for example when installing the panels  10  in a hostile environment, e.g. the workers may remain substantially behind the panels  10  and out of line-of-sight from would-be attackers on the opposite side of the barrier  86 . The configuration may also substantially eliminate the need for workers to cross boundaries into territories that they may not be authorized to occupy. 
     The configuration of the panels  10  also provides a variety of beneficial features. The incorporation of the vents  20  reduces the amount of concrete needed and thus the costs for production of the panels  10 . The weight of the panels  10  is also decreased which eases handling, installation, and reduces the support requirements of the foundation concrete  46 . The vents  20  also provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance over solid walls, allow passage of sunlight, wind, rain, snow, small animals, insects, and airborne particles such as seeds, dust, sand, and the like through the barrier  86 . Similarly, the vents  20  enable viewing through the barrier  86  by personnel stationed on either side thereof. 
     The stresses applied on the panels  10  by wind is reduced by allowing the wind to at least partially pass through the vents  20 , thus further reducing the forces applied to the foundation concrete  46  and reducing the amount of reinforcement needed in the panels  10 , e.g. reducing the requirements on the reinforcement members  22 . Additionally, allowing winds to at least partially pass through the panels  10  reduces the accumulation of dust, sand, and other debris along the barrier  86  which reduces the need for maintenance to remove such debris. 
     A variety of additional configurations of the panels  10  are depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 20-22  and referred to as panels  110 ,  210 , and  310 .  FIGS. 18 and 18   a  depict a panel  110  that includes a uniform configuration throughout both the aboveground and base portions  12 ,  14 . The configuration includes four rows of open vents  20 , the lowermost row forming the base portion  14  which is configured to extend at least partially above grade when installed. As such, open vents  20  are provided at the ground level for passage of animals, water, and the like. 
     The panel  110  also includes a rounded top edge  198 , as depicted in  FIG. 19 , which may make it more difficult for barrier scaling devices like grappling hooks or the like to engage the top edge for aiding people attempting to scale or climb the panel  110 . The top edge  198  may also be fitted with other anti-scaling devices such as razor-wire, spikes, or the like as desired. 
     A panel  210 , depicted in  FIGS. 20 and 20   a , is configured similarly to that of the panel  110  but with closed vents  48  forming the top two rows of vents. The closed vents  48  may increase the difficulty encountered by persons attempting to scale or climb over the panel  210  by eliminating locations at which to obtain a handhold or to engage another support means such as a rope. 
       FIGS. 21 and 21   a  depict a panel  310  that is also configured like the panel  110  but with all closed vents  48  and no open vents  20 .  FIGS. 22 and 22   a  depict another panel  410  that includes a base portion  14  configured like that of the panel  110  with open vents  20 , but with an aboveground portion  12  that comprises a planar slab with no closed or open vents formed therein. The panel  410  may include the vertical and/or transverse reinforcement members  22 ,  22 ′,  23 . 
     Although particular configurations of the panels  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  and  410  are described herein, it is understood that portions of each of the described configurations may be interchangeable. For example, the panel  110  may be configured with one row of the open vents  20  replaced with a section of no vents like that of the panel  410 . 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Identification of structures as being configured to perform a particular function in this disclosure and in the claims below is intended to be inclusive of structures and arrangements or designs thereof that are within the scope of this disclosure and readily identifiable by one of skill in the art and that can perform the particular function in a similar way. Certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.