Patent Publication Number: US-2023160161-A1

Title: Sound wall and method of constructing the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/640,653, filed Feb. 20, 2020, which is a National Stage Entry of International Patent Application Number PCT/CA2020/050079, filed Jan. 23, 2020, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/795,902, filed on Jan. 23, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The subject disclosure relates to a sound wall and to a method of constructing the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     High traffic through fares, such as highways, railroads and the like, produce significant noise. In urban centers, buildings such as housing developments and businesses are often built proximate to the through fares and as a result, require protection from noise and require privacy. To provide the desired noise protection and privacy, sound walls or barriers (sometimes referred to as anti-noise or acoustic walls or barriers) may be erected along stretches of through fares, primarily in urban centers, to deflect and/or dampen sound resulting from vehicular traffic and to provide privacy. 
     Canadian Patent No. 2,146,110 discloses a sound barrier including a wall having a series of adjacent elongate boards joined with overlapping sealed joints. The first and last boards in the series define first and second generally parallel side edges respectively. The series of boards further defines a lower edge extending between the first and second side edges. At least one rail is attached to the wall and extends between the first and second side edges. A skirt extends between the first and second side edges and below the lower edge. First and second generally parallel posts are mounted below the ground in concrete footings. The first post has a lengthwise groove which is adapted to receive the first edge of the wall, and the second post has a lengthwise groove which is adapted to receive the second edge of the wall. The panels are constructed from boards, upper rails, middle rails, lower rails, and a skirt. The boards are formed of wood, particle board, wafer board, plastic, and the like. 
     Canadian Patent No. 2,148,877 discloses an elongated outdoor acoustic barrier for erection along a roadway or the periphery of an airport, for reflecting and absorbing sounds emanating from the roadway or airport. The acoustic barrier includes a plurality of substantially vertical columns arrayed at spaced intervals along the length of the acoustic barrier with the lower ends of the vertical columns anchored in large cylindrical concrete caissons. Each vertical column has a recessed groove extending along its exposed above-ground lateral surface facing an adjacent spaced column. A plurality of elongated flat rectangular panels is arranged in a vertical edgewise array. Opposite ends of each panel are securely received in the recessed grooves of a pair of adjacent columns. At least one of the panels is an extruded pre-stressed hollow core concrete panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,284 discloses a sound wall for placement along a roadside for reducing the transmission of sound from a traffic area. The sound wall comprises a plurality of stiff, resilient containment members respectfully configured with a channel configuration and having an enclosed channel volume and continuous open side. Each channel volume is filled with a composite composition of rubber chips and binder compressed within the channel and substantially filling the channel volume. The containment members are stacked in nesting relationship to form a wall structure, with the open side being oriented toward the traffic area. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0131480 discloses a sound barrier that comprises a plurality of elongate sound arresting members arranged end to end and stacked vertically, one upon another, to form a barrier wall. The sound arresting members are disposed generally between a plurality of spaced vertical support members and may be secured thereto by a plurality of elongate transition connectors coupled to each support members. The elongate transition connectors have distal ends that extend in directions toward oppositely disposed support members and are received within apertures formed in respective ends of the sound arresting members at their respective ends. Alternatively, the sound arresting members may be coupled to the spaced vertical supports without transition connectors. 
     Sound walls that avoid the use of concrete footings have been considered. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0180799 discloses a supporting structure for an anti-noise barrier. The supporting structure is in the form of an S-shaped sheet pile. The sheet pile has a first part and a second part of such a length that, in use, the second part of the sheet pile is insertable into the ground to form the supporting structure foundation, while the first part of the sheet pile emerges from the ground upwards. The first part of the sheet pile is provided with connection means through which sound-absorbent panels can be connected. 
     While sound walls of the types described above have been found to provide adequate noise protection and privacy, the costs associated with constructing these sound walls can be significant. In situations where the upright vertical posts or columns are embedded in concrete footings, increased costs both in terms of time and money result. As will be appreciated, concrete footings must cure before the sound wall panels can be installed. Also, the concrete footings must be mixed and casted on site increasing the number of construction vehicles required during construction. Embedding the vertical posts or columns in the concrete footings may often be a large expense of sound wall construction. Decreasing the number of concrete footings that are required by increasing the lateral spacing between adjacent vertical posts or columns may be desired. Doing this however, can have negative impacts on the structural integrity of the sound walls. 
     Improvements in sound walls that reduce construction costs yet maintain structural integrity may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one aspect, the present application may provide a sound wall. The sound wall may include: a pair of laterally spaced posts, at least one of the pair of posts including: a elongate central member; a flange extending from the elongate central member in a direction normal to the elongate central member; and a fin extending from the central member, wherein the central member, the flange, and the fin defines a cavity for receiving elongate panels; a plurality of elongate panels extending between the laterally spaced posts, wherein end regions of the respective elongate panels are retained between the flange and the fin; and an elongate stiffener member positioned within at least one of the plurality of elongate panels. 
     In some embodiments, the fin is welded to the central member to define the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the central member and the fin are a unitary component. 
     In some embodiments, the flange extending from the central member includes an aperture proximal to an end opening of the cavity, the aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the plurality of elongate panels within the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, an elongate panel at ends of the stacked plurality of elongate panels includes the elongate stiffener member received therein. 
     In some embodiments, at least one elongate panel intermediate of the ends of the stacked plurality of elongate panels includes the elongate stiffener member received therein. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of elongate panels includes a first elongate panel having a first mating formation and a second elongate panel having a second mating formation, wherein the second mating formation is configured to receive the first mating formation to align the first elongate panel and the second elongate panel. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of elongate panels includes a first elongate panel having a tongue formation extending away from a top wall of the first elongate panel, and wherein the plurality of elongate panels includes a second elongate panel positioned adjacent the first elongate panel, the second elongate panel having a groove formation extending into the elongate panel, and wherein the groove formation of the second elongate panel is configured to receive the tongue formation of the first elongate panel. 
     In some embodiments, the fin is secured to the central member via one or more fasteners received within aligned apertures of the fin and apertures of the central member. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of elongate panels includes a panel aperture positioned proximal an end region of that elongate panel. 
     and wherein that elongate panel is secured to the fin by one or more fasteners received within the panel aperture that is aligned with a fin aperture positioned on the fin. 
     In another aspect, the present application may provide a sound wall. The sound wall may include a plurality of elongate panels extending between the elongate post and an adjacent elongate post. The elongate post may include: an elongate central member; a flange extending from the elongate central member in a direction substantially normal to the elongate central member; and a fin extending from the central member. The central member, the flange, and the fin may define a cavity for retaining end regions of the plurality of elongate panels between the flange and the fin. 
     In some embodiments, the flange includes an open end and a base end, wherein the flange includes an aperture proximal to the open end for receiving a retention fastener for retaining the plurality of elongate panels within the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the fin is welded to the central member to define the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the central member and the fin are a unitary component. 
     In some embodiments, the fin is secured to the central member via one or more fasteners received within aligned apertures of the fin and apertures of the central member. 
     In another aspect, the present application may provide an elongate post for a sound wall, the sound wall including a plurality of elongate panels extending between the elongate post and an adjacent elongate post. The elongate post may include: a pair of opposing flanges; a central member connecting the opposing flanges, and a sleeve at least partially wrapping around one of the pair of opposing flanges to form a cavity structure extending towards the other of the pair of opposing. The cavity structure, the central member, and the other of the pair of opposing flanges may define a cavity configured to retain end regions of the plurality of elongate panels. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve is constructed of at least one of extruded material or formed material substantially different than material of the central member. 
     In some embodiments, each of the pair of opposing flanges includes the sleeve to form a respective cavity structure extending towards an opposing cavity structure of the opposing sleeve, wherein the pair of opposing sleeves is configured to retain end regions of the plurality of elongate panels. 
     In another aspect, the present application may provide a method of constructing a sound wall. The method may include: positioning a plurality of support posts at laterally spaced locations, the mounted support posts being substantially perpendicular to a grade, the respective posts including a central member, a flange extending from the elongate central member in a direction normal to the central member, and a fin extending from the central member, wherein the flange, the central member, and the fin defines a cavity for receiving at least one elongate panel; inserting a plurality of successive elongate panels within at least one cavity of the adjacent support posts; and securing the plurality of successive elongate panels within the respective cavities of the adjacent support posts. 
     In some embodiments, securing the plurality of successive elongate panels includes securing a fastener within an aperture positioned on the flange and proximal to an opening end of the respective cavities. 
     In some embodiments, securing the plurality of successive elongate panels includes securing, using a fastener, at least one elongate panel to the fin. 
     In some embodiments, securing the plurality of successive elongate panels includes securing, using a fastener, at least one elongate panel to the flange extending from the elongate central member of one of the support posts. 
     In some embodiments, inserting the plurality of successive elongate panels within the respective cavities includes inserting one elongate panel successively after another elongate panel within the respective cavities of adjacent support posts. 
     In some embodiments, inserting the plurality of successive elongate panels within the respective cavities includes: securing the plurality of elongate panels to form a combination panel unit; raising the combination panel unit proximal to an opening of end of the respective cavities; and inserting the combination panel unit between the adjacent support posts to retain the plurality of elongate panels between the adjacent support posts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a sound wall; 
         FIG.  2    is a partial exploded, perspective view of the sound wall of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged perspective view of end regions of elongate panels of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of elongate panels and two support posts of the sound wall of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate enlarged, top views of end regions of elongate panels and support posts for the sound wall of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate perspective views of mounting bases; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a series of elongate panels; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an enlarged view of elongate panels in the series of elongate panels of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  illustrate a side view of a stiffener member and a side view of the stiffener member received within a hollow elongate panel, respectively; 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrate side views of alternate stiffener members; 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  illustrate side views of alternate stiffener members; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of a sound wall; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an enlarged exploded perspective view of end regions of the sound wall of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates an enlarged top view of an end region of the sound wall of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels; 
         FIG.  18 A  illustrates a perspective view of a fastener assembly and an elongate panel; 
         FIG.  18 B  illustrates a perspective view of a conduit and an elongate panel; 
         FIGS.  19 A and  19 B  illustrate perspective views of alternate fastener assemblies; 
         FIGS.  20  and  21    illustrate a perspective view of another embodiment of a sound wall and a partially exploded view of the sound wall, respectively; 
         FIGS.  22 A and  22 B  illustrate a perspective view of abutting elongate panels and a side view of the abutting elongate panels, respectively; 
         FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  illustrate a partial side view of a series of elongate panels having a threaded rod for mechanically affixing the series of elongate panels to one another and a partial perspective view of the series of elongate panels, respectively; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the series of elongate panels illustrated in  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a side view of a series of elongate panels subject to an example wind load; and 
         FIGS.  26 A and  26 B  illustrate a partial perspective view of a support post and a top view of the support post retaining an end region of a panel, respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to “one example” or “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments “comprising” or “having” or “including” an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms “comprises”, “has”, “includes” means “including but not limited to” and the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” have equivalent meanings. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features. 
     It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “affixed” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc. another element or feature, that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly affixed” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features present. 
     It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
     Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the subject disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” and similar language throughout the subject disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. 
     Reference herein to “configured” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the element or feature to the physical characteristics of the element or feature preceding the phrase “configured to.” 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of a lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and/or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item). 
     As used herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and “generally” represent an amount close to the stated amount or a deviation from a strict definition that still results in the desired function or result being performed or achieved. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and “generally” may refer to an amount or a deviation that is within engineering tolerances that would be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art. 
     In the present application, various embodiments of a sound wall are described with reference to the figures. The sound wall includes a pair of laterally spaced posts. The laterally spaced posts may be generally vertical posts relative to a foundation ground or grade G. A plurality of elongate panels may extend between the posts, and the elongate panels may be stacked vertically one on top of another. At least one of the plurality of elongate panels may include an elongate stiffener member therein. For example, a top elongate panel and a bottom elongate panel in the stack may respectively accommodate an elongate stiffener member therein. 
     In another example, one or more elongate panels positioned between the top elongate panel and the bottom elongate panel may include an elongate stiffener member therein. In some embodiments, the number of elongate panels within a plurality of elongate panels that are reinforced with stiffener members may be a function of at least one of: maximum expected wind load incident on the constructed sound wall or the distance between the laterally spaced posts (e.g., the length of the respective elongate panels). Other criteria for identifying the number of reinforced elongate panels may be contemplated. 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  1   , which illustrates a perspective view of a sound wall  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The sound wall  100  may be configured to deflect or dampen sound. 
     The sound wall  100  includes a pair of laterally spaced support posts  122  extending upwardly from an underlying earth formation (e.g., the ground G). The respective support posts  122  may be configured to be generally vertical relative to the underlying earth formation. The sound wall  100  includes a plurality of elongate panels  124  stacked one on top of another in a vertical direction. The plurality of elongate panels  124  extends between the laterally spaced posts  122 . 
     In the present example, the elongate panels  124  can be hollow or tubular. In some examples, the elongate panels  124  may be formed of plastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). Other materials for forming the elongate panels  124  may be contemplated. 
     For ease of exposition,  FIG.  1    is illustrative of two laterally spaced, support posts  122  with elongate panels  124  extending there between. The sound wall  100  may span a larger distance and may include a series of laterally spaced support posts  122 , and stacked elongate panels  124  extend between pairs of adjacent support posts  122 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  2   , which illustrates a partial exploded, perspective view of the sound wall  100  of  FIG.  1   . The respective support posts  122  include a central member  126 . The central member  126  may have a member edge extending in an elongate direction of the respective support post  122 . The support post  122  may include a flange  128  extending along the member edge and positioned substantially normal to the central member  126 . In some examples, the respective support post  122  may include a pair of flanges  128 . The pair of flanges  128  may be positioned on opposing member edges of the central member  126 . 
     In some examples, the respective support posts  122  may be an elongate beam member in the form of an H-beam or an I-beam formed of steel or other suitable structural material. The flanges  128  may be generally at right angles to the central member  126  and present opposing and generally planar outer surfaces  130 . For example, the flanges  128  may be generally at right angles to a web of the H/I-beam. 
     In some embodiments, the sound wall  100  may include an elongate stiffener member  190  positioned within at least one of the plurality of elongate panels  124 . In the illustration of  FIG.  2   , the elongate stiffener member  190  may be positioned within several elongate panels of the stack of elongate panels, including a top elongate panel, a bottom elongate panel, and one or more intermediate elongate panels. Placing the elongate stiffener member  190  within one or more elongate panels  124  can structurally enhance the respective elongate panels  124  by reducing vertical deflection of the combined stack of elongate panels  124 . In some scenarios, vertical deflection of the combined stack of elongate panels  124  may be caused in part by gravitational force on the weight of the stacked elongate panels  124 . Vertical deflection of elongate panels may manifest as: (i) a central portion of a given elongate panel sagging or drooping towards the grade G; and (ii) end regions of the given elongate panel sitting at an elevation greater than the corresponding sagging or drooping central portion of the elongate panel. 
     Further, placing the elongate stiffener member  190  within one or more elongate panels  124  can structurally enhance the respective elongate panels  124  by reducing horizontal deflection of the combined stack of elongate panels  124 . An example of horizontal deflection shown from a side view of elongate panels is illustrated, for example, at  FIG.  25    of the present application. 
     In some examples, by extending at least a reinforced top elongate panel and a reinforced bottom elongate panel between laterally spaced support posts  122 , the combination of the support posts  122  and the reinforced elongate panels can define a reinforced frame for confining the plurality of elongate panels  124 . 
     For ease of exposition, the elongate stiffener members  190  are illustrated as protruding from the respective elongate panels  124  to illustrate positioning of the respective elongate stiffener members  190 . However, when the sound wall is assembled, the elongate stiffener members  190  are received substantially within the respective elongate panels  124 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  3   , which illustrates an enlarged perspective view of end regions of elongate panels  124  of  FIG.  1   . In  FIG.  3   , the support post  122  includes the central member  126  having a member edge  136 . The support post  122  includes the flange  128  extending along the member edge  136 . The flange  128  may be positioned substantially normal to the central member  126 . 
     The support post  122  includes a fin  140  extending from the central member  126  to define a cavity  142 . The cavity  142  may be circumscribed at least by a portion of the flange  128 , the central member  126 , and the fin  140 . In some embodiments, the fin  140  may be welded to the central member  126 . In some other embodiments, the central member  126  and the fin  140  may be a unitary component, and the fin  140  may extend substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the central member  126 . End regions  144  of the respective elongate panels  124  may be retained between the flange  128  and the fin  140 . 
     To minimize occurrences of one or more elongate panels  124  being displaced from the opening of the cavity  142 , in some embodiments, the support post  122  may include an aperture positioned on the flange  128  and positioned proximal to an opening end of the cavity  142 . The aperture may be configured to receive a retaining fastener  146 . The retaining fastener  146  may be a removable screw, a dowel, or other protrusion for maintaining the top elongate panel and the series of elongate panels within the cavity  142 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  4   , which illustrates a top view of the support posts  122  and elongate panels  124  extending between the laterally spaced support posts  122  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The sound wall  100  may be installed based on a series of steps. Adjacent support posts  122  may be erected and configured to extend substantially perpendicular from the underlying earth formation. In  FIG.  4   , the support posts  122  may extend into/out of the illustrated page and a cavity  142  of the respective support posts  122  may extend into/out of the illustrated page. The respective cavities  142  may receive one or more elongate panels from a top portion of the respective support posts  122 , and the one or more elongate panels may extend between the laterally spaced posts and stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., into/out of the page of  FIG.  4   ). 
     In some examples, the respective elongate panels may be successively inserted into the cavity  142  of the respective support posts  122 , beginning with a bottom most panel, followed by intermediate elongate panels, and concluding with a top most panel. That is, the respective elongate panels may be individually raised to an opening of the cavity  142  at a top side of the support posts  122  and lowered within the cavity  142 . The upstanding tongue formations of an elongate panel may mate with an upstanding groove formation of a subsequent elongate panel inserted between the respective posts  122 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   , once the series of elongate panels  124  have been inserted between adjacent support posts  122 , a retaining fastener  146  may be inserted proximal to an opening of the cavity  142  of respective support posts for maintaining the stacked plurality of elongate panels between the adjacent support posts  122 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , which illustrate an enlarged, top views of end regions  144  of elongate panels  124  and example support post  122  for the sound wall of  FIG.  1   . 
     In  FIG.  5 A , the support post  122  includes the central member  126 , the flange  128  extending along respective member edges of the central member  126 , and the fin  140  extending from the central member  126 . The cavity  142  is defined by at least a portion of the flange  128 , the central member  126 , and the fin  140 . 
     The support post  122  may be an elongate post configured to include the central member  126  and opposing flanges  128  positioned substantially normal to the central member  126 . The relative dimensions of the central member  126  and the opposing flanges  128  may be sized to withstand torsional, lateral, or other type of load based on environmental factors (e.g., wind load). In some examples, the distance between the opposing flanges  128  may be greater than the panel depth  102  of the plurality of elongate panels  124 . To retain the end regions of the elongate panels  124 , the support post  122  includes the fin  140  extending from the central member  126 , such that the end regions of the respective elongate panels  124  may be retained between one of opposing flanges  128  (illustrated in  FIG.  5   ) and the fin  140 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the end region of the elongate panel  124  may substantially abut or touch the flange  128  and the fin  140  (e.g., substantially snug fit). In some other embodiments, the end region of the elongate panel  124  may be retained between one of the opposing flanges  128  and the fin  140  without abutment of both the flange  128  and the fin  140 . That is, in the present example, there may be a gap between the end region of the elongate panel  124  and one of the opposing flanges  128  and the fin  140 . 
     In  FIG.  5 A , the fin  140  is configured as an angled device, where the fin  140  may include at least two portions. A first portion  140   a  may be substantially perpendicular to a second portion  140   b  (as illustrated in the top view in  FIG.  5 A ). In  FIG.  5 A , the fin  140  may be welded to the central member  126  via the second portion  140   b.    
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates a support post  122  including a variant fin  180 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present application. The fin  180  may have a substantially rectilinear cross-section (as illustrated in the top view in  FIG.  5 B ) and may be welded to the central member  126 . Other shapes or configurations of a fin may be contemplated for retaining an end region  144  of an elongate panel  124  against the flange  128 . 
     The support post  122  may include a mounting base  134  configured to be mounted to support post casing or other anchoring structure. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , which illustrate perspective views of mounting bases, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a partial view of the support post  122  of  FIG.  5   . The support post  122  may include a substantially rectangular mounting base  134 . The mounting base  134  having other geometric shapes may be contemplated. 
     The mounting base  134  may be secured to a footing  140 . In  FIG.  6 A , the footing includes a cage  142  encased within a concrete casting  144 . In some embodiments, the cage  142  or the concrete casting  144  may be generally cylindrical. Other geometric shapes may be contemplated. In the present example, a plurality of spaced apart, threaded rods  146  may extend from a top surface of the concrete casting  144  and pass through corresponding holes provided in the mounting base  134 . Threaded nuts  148  may engage the threaded rods  146  to fasten the support post  122  to the footing  140 . In some embodiments, the threaded rods  146  may include a series of threaded nuts between which the mounting base  134  may be received. The series of threaded nuts may be configured to adjust an angle between the support post and the grade (e.g., to adjust tilt of the support post relative to the grade). 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates an example of an alternate footing  150 . In  FIG.  6 B , the support post  122  may be devoid of a mounting base. An extended length of the support post  122  may be positioned within the concrete casting  144  to a desired depth to provide support for the support post  122 . 
     In another example, the underlying grade may be devoid of footings and the support post  122  may include features disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/795,724 filed on Jan. 23, 2019 and entitled, “Post for a Sound Wall and Sound Wall Employing the Same”, the relevant content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , which illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. The elongate panels extending between the support posts  122  may include mating formations. As will be described in the present application, the mating formations may be configured to fit adjacent or stacked elongate panels together and to reduce openings between the adjacent elongate panels of the sound wall  100  through which acoustic waves are able to pass unimpeded. 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates a partial perspective view of an intermediate elongate panel  764 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The intermediate elongate panel  764  may be an example of an elongate panel of the sound wall  100  of  FIG.  1   . In the present example, the elongate panel  764  includes mating formations, such as tongue and groove formations complementary in shape, allowing adjacent elongate panels  764  to fit together (e.g., align and interlock). The mating formations may be configured to minimize openings between adjacent elongate panels  764 . 
     Some examples of mating formations may include complementary upstanding groove formations and upstanding tongue formations. Other examples of mating formations may include other geometric configurations. 
     The elongate panel  764  includes a substantially planar, continuous front wall  730  and a rear wall  732 . The front wall  730  and the rear wall  732  respectively extend from one of opposing sides of a top wall  734 . The top wall  734  includes an upstanding tongue formation  736 . 
     The elongate panel  764  includes a bottom wall  738  configured, along a central region, to define an upstanding groove formation  740  extending substantially the length of the elongate panel  764 . The upstanding groove formation  740  may receive an upstanding tongue formation  736  of an adjacent elongate panel  764 , thereby configuring two or more elongate panels  764  to be aligned or interlocked for reducing openings between the series of elongate panels  764  through which acoustic waves or sound may pass. 
       FIG.  7 B  illustrates a partial perspective view of a top elongate panel  762 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The top elongate panel  762  may be placed at an end of a series of stacked elongate panels. The elongate panel  762  includes a substantially planar top wall  710 . The elongate panel  762  includes a substantially planar front wall  730  and rear wall  732  respectively extending from one of opposing sides of the planar top wall  710 . 
     The bottom wall  738  is configured, along a central region, to define an upstanding groove formation  740  extending substantially the length of the elongate panel  762 . The upstanding groove formation  740  may receive an upstanding tongue formation  736  of an adjacent intermediate elongate panel  764  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . 
     The substantially planar front wall  730  and rear wall  732  of elongate panels may be configured to reflect acoustic waves from the wall surface or block passage of acoustic waves, thereby reducing acoustic waves from being transmitted from one side of a given elongate panel to an opposing side of the given elongate panel. 
     Although some embodiments described herein may describe features indicating direction or position (e.g., bottom wall, front wall, rear wall, top wall, lower wall, or the like), in some embodiments, the direction or relative position of the respective wall may not be a requirement of the one or more features. For example, an embodiment of the intermediate elongate panel may include a first end wall including an upstanding tongue. The intermediate elongate panel may include a first side wall and a second side wall extending from opposing sides of the first end wall. Further, the intermediate elongate panel may include a second end wall having a groove formation formed by a pair of inner walls and extending a length of the hollow elongate panel. The groove formation may extend into the hollow elongate panel. Accordingly, references to top wall, bottom wall, front wall, rear wall, or the like are for convenience, and in some embodiments the direction or relative position of the wall shall not be limiting. 
     In some embodiments, elongate panels may be configured to reduce acoustic waves from being transmitted through a sound wall by dampening acoustic waves using an absorptive member. Reference is made to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , which illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates an example elongate panel  864  similar to the intermediate elongate panel  764  of  FIG.  7 A , and further includes an array of slots  820  formed in a rear wall  832  or a front wall  830  of the elongate panel  864 . Acoustic mineral wool or other sound dampening material may be placed within the elongate panel  864  to fill the hollow core of the elongate panel  864 . 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates an example elongate panel  862  similar to the elongate panel  762  illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , and further includes an array of slots  820  formed in a rear wall  832  or a front wall  830  of the elongate panel  862 . In some embodiments, acoustic mineral wool or other sound dampening material may be placed within the elongate panel  862 . The absorptive material may reduce the quantity of acoustic waves passing through the array of slots  820  and reducing reflection of acoustic waves incident on the front wall  830  or the rear wall  832 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  9   , which illustrates a series of elongate panels  964 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The series of intermediate panels  964  may include one or more intermediate panels accommodating an elongate stiffener member  990 . The respective intermediate panels may have a hollow core for receiving or accommodating the elongate stiffener member  990 . The elongate stiffener member  990  may extend substantially the length of the respective elongate panel. For ease of exposition, the top most elongate panel in  FIG.  9    illustrates the elongate stiffener member  990  as protruding from an end of the intermediate panel. However, the elongate stiffener member  990  may be substantially the same length of the respective elongate panel and may be configured to line one or more interior surfaces of the intermediate panel. In some embodiments, the elongate stiffener member  990  may be shorter in length than the elongate panel and may be configured to line a sub-portion of the one or more interior surfaces of the intermediate panel. 
     In  FIG.  9   , the elongate stiffener member  990  may be placed within panels at opposing ends (e.g., top end or bottom end) of the series of intermediate panels  964 . It may be appreciated that, in some embodiments, any number of intermediate panels in the series may accommodate the elongate stiffener member  990 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  10   , which illustrates an enlarged view of the top most elongate panel and the bottom most elongate panel in the series of intermediate panels  964  illustrated in  FIG.  9   . The respective intermediate panels in the series of intermediate panels  964  include a top wall  934 . The respective intermediate panels include a front wall  930  and a rear wall  932  respectively extending from one of opposing sides of the top wall  934 . In some embodiments, the top wall  934  of the intermediate panel may include an upstanding tongue formation  936  configured to be received within an upstanding groove formation  940  of an adjacent panel. That is, the upstanding tongue formation  936  and the upstanding groove formation  940  may be complimentary in shape allowing adjacent intermediate panels to fit together (i.e., align and interlock) or may be otherwise configured to structurally engage with each other. The interlocking of adjacent intermediate panels may be configured to minimize openings between the intermediate panels through which sound is able to pass unimpeded. 
     In some embodiments, adjacent intermediate panels  964  may be affixed together based on an adhesive or bonding agent at one or more contact planes of the upstanding tongue formation  936  and the upstanding groove formation  940 . In some embodiments, the upstanding tongue formation  936  and the upstanding groove formation  940  may include features for mechanically engaging the formations to one another. Features to engage the upstanding tongue formation  936  and the upstanding groove formation  940  combination can increase propensity of the series of panels  964  to counteract lateral forces on the sound wall. 
     The respective intermediate panels include a bottom wall  938  joining the front wall  930  and the rear wall  932 . The bottom wall  938  may include the upstanding groove formation  940 , where the upstanding groove formation  940  may be formed by a pair of inner walls  944 . The pair of inner walls  944  may delineate the sides of the upstanding groove formation  940 . The bottom wall  938  and the upstanding groove formation  940  may extend substantially the length of the respective intermediate panels. 
     As described, one or more of the series of intermediate panels  964  may accommodate a stiffener member  990 . The stiffener member  990  may include a bight member  992  having opposing ends. The bight member  992  may be substantially planar. The bight member  992  may abut and lie against at least a portion of the top wall  934  and may span an interior channel of an interior channel defined by the upstanding groove formation  936 . 
     The stiffener member  990  includes a pair of arm members  994  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of the bight member  992  to provide a substantially U-shaped configuration. For example, the U-shaped configuration may be seen when viewed from an end of the stiffener member  990 . 
     In some embodiments, the stiffener member having the U-shaped configuration may be constructed with material including metal having a given thickness. When the stiffener member having the given material thickness (e.g., thickness A) is received within one of the intermediate panels  964 , the stiffener member may provide reinforcing structural support to that intermediate panel  964 , reducing torsional flexing or reducing deflection in response to wind loads. 
     To reduce manufacturing cost or to reduce panel weight, it may be desirable to provide a stiffener member constructed of comparatively thinner material for providing substantially similar reinforcing structural support as a U-shaped stiffener member having “thickness A”. Accordingly, embodiments described in the present application include stiffener member features configured to reduce buckling of the stiffener member  990 . 
     For example, the stiffener member  990  may include a flange member  996  extending from each of the pair of arm members  994 . The flange member  996  may extend inwardly to abut one of the pair of inner walls  944  of the groove formation  940 . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the flange member  996  may extend substantially orthogonally from a distal end  998  of the respective arm members  994  to abut one of the pair of inner walls  944  of the groove formation  940 . That is, the flange member  996  may extend substantially orthogonally from the distal end  998  of the respective arm members  994  to touch one of the pair of inner walls  944 . In some scenarios, the respective flange member  996  abuts an inner wall  944  of the groove formation  940  to resist inward buckling of the elongate stiffener member  990  within the respective intermediate panel. By including flange members  996  to resist inward buckling of the elongate stiffener member  990 , the stiffener member  990  may be able to provide substantially similar reinforcing structural support as compared to a stiffener member constructed of thicker material and without the flange members. That is, when the flange members  996  resist inward buckling of the elongate stiffener member  990 , the respective intermediate panels may be strengthened to resist bending or deformation. 
     The elongate stiffener member  990  may be configured to line interior surfaces of one or more of the series of intermediate panels  964 . For example, the pair of arm members  994  may be configured to respectively abut and/or lie against one of the front wall  930  or the rear wall  932  of the hollow elongate intermediate panel. Further, the respective flange member  996  may be configured to abut and/or lie against at least a portion of the bottom wall  938 . Additionally, the bight member  992  may be configured to abut and/or lie against a portion of the top wall  934 . 
     Where the top wall  934  includes the upstanding tongue formation  936 , the bight member  992  may span an interior channel defined by the upstanding tongue formation  936 . 
     As will be described in another embodiment of the present application, the bight member  992  may be configured to include an upstanding formation corresponding to the upstanding tongue formation  936 , such that the upstanding formation may fit within the interior channel defined by the upstanding tongue formation  936 . 
     In some embodiments, the elongate stiffener member  990  may be constructed of a unitary component such that the bight member  992 , the pair of arm members  994 , and the flange members  996  may be a unitary component. 
     In some other embodiments, during manufacturing, the flange member  996  may be affixed or joined using adhesive, welding, or other affixing means to a respective arm member of the pair of arm members  994 . Further, the respective arm member may be joined to one of the opposing ends of the bight member  992  to provide the elongate stiffener member  990 . 
     In some embodiments, the stiffener member  990  may be constructed of cold formed steel or other structural material for extending substantially the length of the elongate panel. In some embodiments, the stiffener member  990  may be constructed of aluminum. In some examples, cold formed steel may be constructed by roll forming elongate metal strips. Other processes for constructing cold formed steel may be contemplated. 
     The stiffener member  990  described with reference to  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  10    may be configured to fit within an elongate hollow intermediate panel. It may be appreciated that the stiffener member  990  described with reference to  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  10    may also be suitable for fitting within a top most elongate panel, such as the example top elongate panel illustrated in  FIG.  7 B or  8 B . 
     In some examples, when the top most elongate panel and the bottom most elongate panel are configured to receive a stiffener member therein, the combination of the top most elongate panel, the bottom most elongate panel, and the support posts retaining respective end regions of the of elongate panels may effectively provide a frame for reducing torsional force effects on the sound wall or elongate panels. 
       FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  illustrate a side view of a stiffener member and a side view of the stiffener member received within a hollow elongate panel, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
     In  FIG.  11 A , the stiffener member  990  includes a bight member  992  having opposing ends. The stiffener member  990  includes a pair of arm members  994  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of the bight member  992  to provide a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. The stiffener member  990  includes a flange member  996  extending from each of the pair of arm members  994 . 
     In  FIG.  11 B , the stiffener member  990  is received within the elongate panel  964 . The flange members  996  extend inwardly to abut one of the pair of inner walls  944  of an upstanding groove formation  940  of an elongate panel  964 . The flange members  996  abut a respective inner wall  944  to resist inward buckling of the stiffener member  990  within the elongate panel  964 . By including flange members  996  to resist inward buckling of the stiffener member  990 , the stiffener member  990  may be able to provide similar reinforcing structural support as compared to a stiffener member constructed of thicker material and without the flange members. 
     The stiffener member  990  may be oriented within the elongate panel  964  such that the bight member  992  is configured to abut or lie against a portion of the top wall  934 . The pair of arm members  994  may be configured to abut or lie against one of the front wall  930  or the rear wall  932 . The flange members  996  may be configured to abut or lie against a portion of the bottom wall  938 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , which illustrate side views of stiffener members, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  12 A  illustrates a stiffener member  1290  including a bight member  1292  having opposing ends, and a pair of arm members  1294  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of the bight member  1292  to provide a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. The stiffener member  1290  is received within the elongate panel  1264 . The elongate panel  1264  includes an upstanding groove formation having inner walls  1244 . 
     The stiffener member  1290  includes a flange member  1296  extending from each of the pair of arm members  1294 . The flange member  1296  extends inwardly to abut one of the pair of inner walls  1244  of the upstanding groove formation. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  12 A , an angle between the flange members  1296  and a respective arm member  1294  is an acute angle. 
       FIG.  12 B  illustrates an alternate stiffener member  1280  including a bight member  1282  having opposing ends, and a pair of arm members  1284  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of the bight member  1282  to provide a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. 
     The stiffener member  1280  includes a flange member  1298  extending from each of the pair of arm members  1284 , and extending inwardly to abut one of the pair of inner walls  1244 . In  FIG.  12 B , an angle between the flange members  1298  and a respective arm member  1284  is an obtuse angle. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , which illustrate side views of stiffener members, in accordance with further embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  13 A  illustrates an elongate panel similar to the elongate panel  764  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . The elongate panel  764  includes mating formations, such as the upstanding groove formation  740  and the upstanding tongue formation  736 . 
     In  FIG.  13 A , a stiffener member  1370  is received within the elongate panel  764  and lines or is proximal to at least some portions of inner walls of the elongate panel  764 . The stiffener member  1370  includes a pair of arm members  1394  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of a bight member  1372  of the stiffener member. The stiffener member  1370  includes a flange member  1396  extending from each of the pair of arm members  1394 , and may extend inwardly to abut one of the pair of inner walls  744 . 
     In  FIG.  13 A , the bight member  1372  may be configured to include a formation corresponding to the upstanding tongue formation  736 . In the present example, the bight member  1372  may substantially line an interior surface of the upstanding tongue formation  736 . 
       FIG.  13 B  illustrates a stiffener member  1360  includes a bight member  1362  and a pair of arm members  1364  respectively extending from one of the opposing ends of the bight member  1362 . In the example illustrated in  FIG.  13 B , the stiffener member  1360  may be devoid of flange members extending from the pair of arm members  1364 . In the present example, the stiffener member  1360  may substantially line an interior surface that corresponds to a front wall  1330 , a rear wall  1332 , and the top wall  1334 , and may not line the bottom wall  1338 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , which illustrate a partial exploded, perspective view of an alternate sound wall  1400  and an enlarged exploded perspective view of end regions, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
     The sound wall  1400  includes elongate tie members  1460  associated with support posts  1422 . When installed, the elongate tie members  1460  may be configured to be generally vertical or substantially perpendicular to the grade G. The tie members  1460  may be configured to secure elongate panels  1424  to the support posts  1422 . 
     The tie members  1460  may be configured to form an angle including a pair of flanges (identified by reference numerals  1462  and  1464  in  FIG.  15   ). The pair of flanges may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to one another. A first flange  1462  may overlie a portion of a central member  1426  of a support post  1422 . The first flange  1462  may include a plurality of spaced holes  1466  and may be configured to align with corresponding holes  1468  of the central member  1426 . Fasteners  1470  may be configured to pass through the first flange  1462  and the central member  1426  via the aligned holes  1466 ,  1468  to secure the first flange  1462  to the central member  1426 . 
     In some embodiments, the fasteners  1470  include a bolt that passes through the first flange  1462  and central member  1426  via the aligned holes  1466 ,  1468 , and a nut is threaded onto a distal end of the bolt. In some examples, washers may be placed between the nut and one major surface of the central member  1426  and another washer may be placed between the head of the bolt and the other major surface of the central member  1462 . Alternate fastening methods (such as rivets, welds, etc.) to secure the first flange  1462  to the central member  1426  may be contemplated. Example alternate fastening methods are described in the present application. 
     The second flange  1464  may be substantially parallel to one or more flanges  1428  of the support post  1422 . End regions of the series of elongate panels  1424  may be sandwiched, trapped, or retained between the second flange  1464  and a flange  1428  of the support post  1422 . The second flange  1464  may include a plurality of spaced holes  1490  for aligning with: (i) panel slots  1494 ; (ii) slots positioned on an end region of a stiffener member received within respective elongate panels; and (iii) spaced holes positioned in a flange  1428  of the support post  1422 . 
     Fasteners  1496  may be threaded through the above described holes and slots and configured to fasten the series of elongate panels  1424  to the support post. The fasteners  1496  may respectively pass through: (a) the flange  1428  of the support post; (b) a respective elongate panel  1424  (including any stiffener member received therein); (c) the second flange  1464 , via aligned holes and slots, and/or (d) a nut  1498  threaded onto a distal end of the fastener  1496 . Other fastening methods and mechanisms for securing the second flange  1496  to end regions of the series of elongate panels  1424  may be contemplated. Example alternate fastening methods are described in the present application. 
     Although a single tie member associated with each support post may be described, variations may be contemplated. For example, in environments where the height of a sound wall is significant, each tie member may be in the form of a series of discrete and aligned tie member segments. Each tie member segment may be associated a subset of the series of stacked elongate panels. Each tie member segment may physically secure elongate panels in the associated subset to the associated support post. In some examples, each subset of elongate panels may comprise one or more elongate panels that accommodate a stiffener member. 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  16   , which illustrates an enlarged top view of an end region of the sound wall of  FIG.  14   . 
     The tie member  1460  is fastened to the support post  1422  by the fastener  1470 . The fastener  1470  includes a bolt and a nut. Once the bolt is received through aligned holes of the first flange  1462  and the central member  1426 , the nut may be threaded onto a distal end of the bolt. 
     The tie member  1460  may also be fastened to the elongate panel  1424  by a second fastener  1496 . The second fastener  1496  may include a bolt and a nut. Once the bolt is received through aligned holes of the flange  1428  of the support post, the elongate panel  1424  (including any stiffener member received therein), and the second flange  1464 , the nut may be threaded onto a distal end of the bolt. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  16   , end regions of respective elongate panels may be retained between the flange  1428  of the support post  1422  and the tie member  1460 . 
     Securing one or more elongate panels, such as the top most or bottom most panels of a series of panels, to support posts, the likelihood that the elongate panels in the series of stacked panels may be pushed out of the cavity defined at least by portions of the flange (of the support post), the central member, and the tie member or fin described in the present application may be reduced. 
     In some examples, an intermediate panel between the top most panel and the bottom most panel may additionally be secured to: (i) the flange  1428  of the support post; (ii) the second flange  1464  of the tie member  1460 ; or (iii) both the flange of the support post and the second flange  1464  of the tie member  1460 . 
     In some embodiments, operations for constructing a sound wall include mounting a plurality of support posts at laterally spaced locations on a grade (e.g., underlying earth formation). The support posts may be mounted to be substantially perpendicular to the grade. The plurality of elongate panels may be successively received within respective cavities of the adjacent support posts. The respective elongate panels may extend between the adjacent support posts and be retained within the respective cavities of the support posts. 
     In some examples, the plurality of elongate panels are inserted between the adjacent support posts one at a time, in series. In some other examples, the plurality of elongate panels may be joined to form a combination unit and, subsequently, the combination unit may be raised and inserted to an opening of cavities of the support posts and inserted between the adjacent support posts. 
     When the plurality of elongate panels are in place/inserted between adjacent support posts, the fasteners  1496  may be inserted to secure, at least, one or more elongate panels to the tie member  1460  via the plurality of spaced holes  1490 . Further, the tie member  1460  may be secured to the central member  1426  of an associated support post. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B , which illustrate partial perspective views of elongate panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  17 A  illustrates a partial perspective view of an intermediate elongate panel  1764  that may include features similar to the intermediate elongate panel  764  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . For example, the intermediate elongate panel  1764  may include a top wall  1734  having an upstanding tongue formation  1736 . The intermediate elongate panel  1764  includes a front wall  1730  and a rear wall  1732  respectively extending from one of opposing sides of the top wall  1734 . 
     The intermediate elongate panel  1764  includes a bottom wall  1738  configured, along a central region, to define an upstanding groove formation  1740  extending substantially the length of the elongate panel  1764 . 
     The intermediate elongate panel  1764  may also include elongate slots  1742  positioned in the front wall  1730  and the rear wall  1732  at an end region of the elongate panel. The elongate slots  1742  may be configured to receive fasteners  1496  described with reference to  FIGS.  14  to  16    for retaining the end regions of the elongate panel  1764  between the flange  1428  of the support post  1422  and the tie member  1460 . In some embodiments, the elongate slots  1742  may be similar to the panel slots  1494  illustrated in  FIG.  15   . 
     In some embodiments, the elongate slots  1742  may be configured to receive fasteners for retaining the end regions of the elongate panel  1764  between the flange  128  of the support post  122  ( FIG.  2   ) and a fin  140  ( FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, the fin may be configured with corresponding apertures for receiving the fasteners for retaining the end regions of the elongate panel  1764  between the flange  128  of the support post and the fin. 
       FIG.  17 B  illustrates a partial perspective view of a top elongate panel  1762 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The top elongate panel  1762  may be placed at an end of a series of stacked elongate panels. The top elongate panel  1762  may include features similar to the top elongate panel  762  illustrated in  FIG.  7 B . For example, the top elongate panel  1762  may include a substantially planar top wall  1710 , and a substantially planar front wall  1712  and rear wall  1714  respectively extending from one of opposing sides of the planar top wall  1710 . 
     The top elongate panel  1762  includes a bottom wall  1716  configured, along a central region, to define an upstanding groove formation  1718  extending substantially the length of the elongate panel  1762 . 
     The top elongate panel  1762  includes elongate slots  1720  positioned in the front wall  1712  and the rear wall  1714  at an end region of the elongate panel. The elongate slots  1720  may be configured to receive fasteners  1496  for retaining the end regions of the elongate panel between the flange of a support post and at least one of: (a) a tie member (described with reference to  FIG.  14   ) or (b) a fin (described with reference to  FIG.  3   ) having apertures for receiving fasteners. The elongate slots  1720  may be similar to the panel slots illustrated in  FIG.  15   . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  18 A , which illustrates a perspective view of a fastener assembly  1870  and an elongate panel  1864 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The fastener assembly  1870  may be configured for securing the elongate panel  1864  to a tie member (e.g., time member  1460  described with reference to  FIG.  14   ) or to a flange  1428  ( FIG.  14   ) of a support post. 
     It may be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the fin  140  described with reference to  FIG.  3    may include one or more spaced holes thereon and the elongate panel  1864  illustrated in  FIG.  18 A  may be secured to the fin  140 . In  FIG.  1   , the fin  140  may be welded to the support post. 
     The fastener assembly  1870  may include a carriage bolt  1872  and a speed clip  1874 . The carriage bolt  1872  may be placed within elongate slots  1820  of the elongate panel  1864  and may be secured or threaded to the speed clip  1874 .  FIG.  18 A  illustrates an exploded view of the fastener assembly  1870  and an assembled view of the fastener assembly  1870  received within an elongate slot  1820 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  18 B , which illustrates a perspective view of a conduit  1860  and an elongate panel  1864 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The conduit  1860  may be a hollow cylindrical structure, or a hollow structure having any other geometric configuration. The conduit  1860  may extend between a front wall  1830  and a rear wall  1832  of the elongate panel  1864 . The conduit  1860  may be configured to extend between the front wall  1830  and the rear wall  1832  while being aligned with a pair of corresponding elongate slots  1820  of the elongate panel  1864 . The conduit  1860  may allow fasteners, such as the carriage bolt  1872  ( FIG.  18 A ), to be readily threaded or inserted through the elongate panel  1864  during sound wall installation. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B , which illustrate perspective views of alternate fastener assemblies, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
       FIG.  19 A  illustrates the elongate panel  1864  and elongate slots  1820  positioned on the front wall and the rear wall of the elongate panel  1864 . A fastener assembly including a bolt  1972  and a cage nut  1974  may be configured to secure the elongate panel  1864  to a tie member or to a flange of a support post. The bolt  1972  may include various example of bolts, such as carriage bolts, self tapping screws, or other types of bolts. 
       FIG.  19 B  illustrates another example fastener assembly including a bolt  1962  and an extruded U-nut  1964 . The extruded U-nut may be configured to be positioned about an elongate slot  1820  and configured to receive the bolt  1962  for securing the elongate panel  1864  to a tie member or to a flange of a support post. 
     In some situations, by structurally enhancing one or more elongate panels with elongate stiffener members and by securing the elongate panels to embodiment support posts described in the present application, deflection of a series of stacked panels may be reduced or minimized. 
     Further, in some situations, structurally enhancing one or more elongate panels with elongate stiffener members may allow lateral spacing between adjacent support posts to be greater as compared to lateral spacing between adjacent support posts of a sound wall devoid of structurally stiffened elongate panels. By structurally enhancing the one or more elongate panels with elongate stiffener members, the elongate panels may experience reduced sagging or lateral deformation due to wind loads or other forces acting on the sound wall. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  20  and  21   , which illustrate a perspective view of a sound wall  2000  and a partially exploded view of the sound wall  2000 , respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
     The sound wall  2000  includes at least a pair of support posts  2022  and a plurality of elongate panels extending between the support posts  2022 . The plurality of elongate panels may include one or more continuous length elongate panels  2026  and one or more sets of joined elongate panels  2024 . In some embodiments, the one or more sets of joined elongate panels  2024  may be reinforced with stiffener members received therein. Similar to the sound wall described with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the combination of the support posts  2022  and the one or more sets of joined elongate panels with stiffener members received therein may define a frame for retaining the plurality of elongate panels  2026  within the sound wall. 
     In  FIG.  21   , a set of joined elongate panels  2024  may include corresponding stiffener members  2090  received within respective elongate panels  2024 . Further, a joiner panel  2050  may be received within and at an interface of abutting ends of elongate panels  2024  for joining the respective elongate panels  2024 . The joiner panel  2050  may be configured to be received within the respective elongate panels  2024  and one or more stiffener members  2090  (in scenarios where the stiffener members  2090  are received within the respective elongate panels). 
     The joiner panel  2050  may include one or more joiner apertures  2052  within a front wall or a rear wall of the joiner panel  2050 , and the joiner apertures  2052  may be configured to align with one or more slots positioned on the respective elongate panels  2024  and the one or more stiffener members  2090 , if installed. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B , which illustrate a perspective view of abutting elongate panels  2024  and a side view of the abutting elongate panels  2024 , respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. For ease of exposition,  FIG.  22 A  illustrates a relatively shortened elongate panels  2024  for illustrating positioning of adjacent elongate panels  2024 . 
       FIG.  22 A  illustrates one or more slots  2020  positioned on a front wall  2030  or a rear wall  2032  of the respective elongate panels  2024 . The one or more slots  2020  may be configured to receive fastener assembly components, such as carriage bolts, screws, dowels, or the like. When a combination of adjacent elongate panels  2024 , corresponding stiffener members  2090 , and the joiner panel  2050  ( FIG.  22 B ) is assembled such that joiner apertures  2052  are aligned with: (a) one or more slots  2020  of the respective elongate panels  2024 ; and (b) one or more slots of the stiffener members  2090 , fasteners may be inserted within the aligned slots and joiner apertures  2052  such that the combination of components are affixed to form a combined structure. The joiner panel  2050  (illustrated in  FIG.  21   ) may be configured for combining abutting elongate panels  2024  to provide a lengthier resultant elongate panel. The lengthier resultant elongate panel may be configured to extend the distance between adjacent support posts  2022  of a given sound wall. Further, by structurally enhancing elongate panels  2024  joined by the joiner panel  2050 , the combination of elongate panels  2024 , stiffener members  2090 , and joiner panels  2050  may be configured to reduce deflection or deformation of sound wall components due to external forces (e.g., lateral wind forces, etc.). 
       FIG.  22 B  illustrates a side view of the set of joined elongate panels  2024 . The set of joined elongate panels  2024  includes the one or more stiffener members  2090  received within the elongate panels  2024 . The one or more stiffener members  2090  may be any one of the plurality of embodiments of stiffener members described in the present application. Further, the set of joined elongate panels  2024  includes the joiner panel  2050  received within the set of joined elongate panels  2024 . 
     As described in the present application, mating formations may be configured to fit adjacent or stacked elongate panels together and to reduce openings between the elongate panels of the sound wall through which acoustic waves may pass unimpeded. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to affix the series of elongate panels based in part on the mating formations. That is, by adhesively or mechanically affixing complementary mating formations of respective elongate panels to one another, the structural integrity of the series of elongate panels, as a combination, may be increased. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  23 A and  23 B , which illustrate a partial side view of a series of elongate panels having a threaded rod for mechanically affixing the series of elongate panels to one another and a perspective view of the series of elongate panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present application. 
     In  FIG.  23 A , the series of elongate panels includes a plurality of intermediate panels  2364  and a top panel  2362  at an end of the series of elongate panels. The top panel  2362  includes a top aperture  2380  configured to receive a threaded rod  2340  there through. 
     Further, respective upstanding groove formations of the intermediate panels  2364  and the top panel  2362  may include a first through-hole aperture for receiving the threaded rod  2340 . Further, the intermediate panels  2364  may include a second through-hole aperture within the respective upstanding tongue formations. When the series of elongate panels are stacked, adjacent first through-hole apertures aligned with second through-hole apertures may align and the threaded rod  2340  may be positioned through the aligned apertures for retaining the series of elongate panels in positional alignment. In some examples, the threaded rod  2340  may be a vertical support rod extending through the series of elongate panels at laterally spaced locations, similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,284. 
       FIG.  23 B  illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of the series of elongate panels illustrated in  FIG.  23 A . The threaded rod  2340  may be inserted through the top aperture  2380  or via a through-hole aperture in an intermediate panel  2364  at an end of the series of elongate panels. 
       FIG.  24    illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of the series of elongate panels illustrated in  FIG.  23   .  FIG.  24    illustrates the threaded rod  2340  positioned in an affixed position to retain the series of elongate panels in positional alignment. For example, when the threaded rod  2340  is positioned in the affixing position, the series of elongate panels may be maintained in vertical and/or horizontal alignment relative to support posts (not illustrated in  FIG.  24   ). 
     In some embodiments described in the present application, example support posts may be configured as H-beams or I-beams formed of steel or other structural material. Other shapes or configurations of support posts may be contemplated. For example, support posts may be in the form of a C-section or a T-section including a central member and a sole flange member extending along an edge of the central member. The sole flange member may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the central member. In some other embodiments, the support posts may include hollow sections resembling H-beams or I-beams and formed of plastic or other material. 
     As described in the present application, embodiments of sound walls may include a series of laterally spaced support posts and a plurality of substantially hollow elongate panels extending between adjacent support posts. The elongate panels may be a series in a stacked configuration. 
     One or more of the elongate panels in the series may include embodiments of stiffener members described in the present application. Features of the stiffener member in combination with features of the respective elongate panels may be configured to resist buckling of the elongate stiffener member, thereby reducing deflection of the series of elongate panels of the sound wall. 
     In some embodiments, when designing a sound wall, a threshold (or maximum) allowable elongate panel deflection measurement may be a design parameter. Determining (a) an optimal number of elongate stiffener members to be integrated into elongate panels and (b) spatial separation of reinforced elongate panels in the stacked configuration for a given threshold (or maximum) allowable elongate panel deflection measurement may be a function of: (i) the number of stacked elongate panels in the series for constructing the sound wall between adjacent support posts; and/or (ii) the length of the respective elongate panels (e.g., the approximate distance between a pair of adjacent support posts). A maximum allowable deflection of the elongate panels may be prescribed by regional regulatory bodies regulating building structures. That is, sound wall engineers may identify a given threshold allowable deflection of elongate panels in one geographical region (e.g., based on local regulatory requirements) that is different than another threshold allowable deflection of elongate panels in another geographical region (e.g., based on different local regulatory requirements). 
     In some scenarios, setting the above-described threshold allowable elongate panel deflection measurement may be dependent on a maximum expected wind load to be incident on the series of elongate panels. For example, a sound wall installed in an open coastal area that is adjacent a lake or ocean may normally experience a higher expected wind load to be incident on the series of panels than an expected wind load to be incident on another sound wall installed in an urban or heavily populated area. Accordingly, the sound wall installed in the open coastal area may be designed to with a more constrained panel deflection allowance than the sound wall installed in the heavily populated area. 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  25   , which illustrates a side view of a series of elongate panels of a sound wall being subject to a lateral wind load, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. In the illustrated example, the series of elongate panels may include at least a reinforced elongate panel  2502  (e.g., stiffener member received within the elongate panel) and ten corresponding un-reinforced elongate panels (indicated by reference numeral  2504 ). In  FIG.  25   , the series of panels include a repeating pattern of one reinforced elongate panel  2502  followed by 9 un-reinforced elongate panels  2504 ). When the illustrated series of elongate panels are subjected to a lateral load, such as a wind load, the respective elongate panels can experience different mid-span deflection or displacement depending on the position of that respective elongate panel relative to a reinforced elongate panel  2502 . 
     Based on the illustration in  FIG.  25   , it may be appreciated that when a greater number of elongate panels in the series are reinforced, the amount of mid-span deflection or displacement experienced by the series of elongate panels may be reduced. That is, by decreasing the ratio of un-reinforced elongate panels to reinforced elongate panels in a series of panels for embodiments of sound walls described in the present application, deflection or displacement of components of the sound wall due to external loads, such as wind loads, may be reduced. 
     By structurally enhancing selected elongate panels  124  using elongate stiffener members  190 , horizontal (e.g., illustrated in  FIG.  25   ) or vertical deflection of the stacked, elongated panels may be reduced or minimized. This allows the lateral distance between adjacent support posts  122  to be increased while avoiding sagging of the stacked, elongate panels. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  26 A and  26 B , which illustrate a partial perspective view of a support post  2600  and a top view of the support post  2600  retaining an end region of a panel  2624 , respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. 
     The elongate post  2600  includes a pair of opposing flanges  2628  and a central member  2626  connecting the opposing flanges  2628 . At least a portion of the respective opposing flanges  2628  and the central member  2626  may define a cavity  2602 . 
     The cavity  2602  may be circumscribed by a portion of the pair of opposing flanges  2628  and the central member  2626 . The cavity  2602  may have a cavity depth in a direction corresponding to the length of the central member  2626 . That is, the cavity depth may be approximately the length of the central member  2626 . 
     The elongate post  2600  may include a sleeve  2650  at least partially wrapping around one of the pair of opposing flanges  2628  to form a cavity structure  2652  extending towards the other of the pair of opposing flanges to provide a decreased cavity depth  2604 . The length dimension of the decreased cavity depth  2604  may be less than the length dimension of the length of the central member  2626 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG.  26 B , a resultant cavity  2606  circumscribed by at least a cavity structure  2652 , the central member  2626 , and one of: (i) an opposing cavity structure  2652  or; (ii) an opposing flange  2628  of the support post  2600  is configured to retain end regions of elongate panels. 
     Although embodiments have been shown and described, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.