Abstract:
A free standing wall panel system including a wall panel member and an associated base member for supporting the panel is provided. The system provides versatility for on-site construction and erection of wall panels that may be positioned or erected in various orientations and may comprise temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent wall or barrier features.

Description:
[0001]    This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/174,356, filed Jun. 11, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to walls and building panels. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to precast wall members, panels, and sections and methods for erecting the same and forming walls, retaining devices and barriers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Prior art freestanding panel assemblies generally fail to provide wall panels or systems that are quick and efficient to assemble, capable of being erected or assembled on various or varied terrain surfaces, and/or that are of adequate strength to withstand various forces, such as impacts from explosions, vehicles or natural disasters, or to retain soil embankments. In general, existing devices provide either one of ease-of-assembly or adequate strength, wherein systems that are easy to assemble are severely lacking in durability and impact resistance while systems that provide adequate durability and strength are often difficult, expensive, and time consuming to erect. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,234 to Gimpel et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a panel connector system for connecting a plurality of panels and including a clip base plate. Gimpel fails to teach or disclose various novel features of the present invention including, for example, a freestanding panel and corresponding support structure adapted for quick assembly in any number of desired locations, positions, orientations, etc. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,063 to Skolasinski, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a pallet display apparatus including a platform base with a continuous groove for supporting panels. Skolasinski fails to teach or disclose various novel features of the present invention including, for example, a freestanding panel and corresponding support structure with a channel adapted for quick assembly in any number of desired locations, positions, orientations, etc. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,383 to Danielewicz, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a construction assembly for attaching thin panels to a support frame with an elongate base strip suitable for attachment to a support frame and walls or panels extending from the elongate base strip. Danielewicz fails to teach or disclose, however, various novel features of the present invention including, for example, a freestanding panel and corresponding support or base structure as shown and described herein that enables quick and efficient construction and wherein the base comprises ballast. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,608 to Grearson, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a panel wall construction with channel-shaped clips to hold or support panel wall members. Grearson fails to teach or disclose, however, various novel features of the present invention including, for example, a freestanding panel and corresponding support or base structure as shown and described herein that enables quick and efficient construction. 
         [0008]    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0263807 to Kinder, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a freestanding modular wall device with at least two base members and a plurality of panel members to be stacked or arranged to create a wall panel. Kinder fails to teach or disclose various novel features of the present invention including, for example, a wall panel and a base member as shown and described herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention provide one or more freestanding precast concrete wall sections and methods of constructing a barrier or wall structure from a plurality of precast wall sections. Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a precast concrete wall section and method of building a wall that has many novel features not offered by the prior art, that result in a new and novel freestanding precast concrete wall section and method of building a wall which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art devices, apparatus, or methods. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a freestanding precast wall panel system is provided, the system comprising a panel member comprising a substantially planar surface, a base member for supporting the panel member, and the base member comprising a support for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position. The base member generally comprises an elongate channel for receiving the panel member. In preferred embodiments, the channel comprises a laterally or horizontally extending channel for receiving the panel member. In alternative embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the channel comprises a vertically extending channel. 
         [0011]    In various embodiments, a method of erecting a wall is provided, the method comprising providing at least one wall panel and support member as shown and described herein, positioning the support or base member in a desired position, sliding the wall panel with a channel of the support member, and securing at least one of the wall panel and the support member. 
         [0012]    In various embodiments, the present invention provides wall sections as corner, angled, or shaped members. It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that although wall and panel members shown and described herein comprise flat or planar elements, various alternative shapes and orientations are also contemplated by the present invention. Such shapes include, for example, right-angled members for constructing a corner of a structure. It is to be further understood that the first and second wall panel support footings allow for corner or angled turns while still utilizing the same unmodified support footings. 
         [0013]    One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a precast wall panel and method of use and assembly thereof that prevents the wall panel from sliding or other undesired movement. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a precast wall panel comprising one or more blockouts formed through a base member of the wall panel. The blockouts, which may comprise voids or apertures in the base member are adapted to receive a material. The material, which may comprise various soil or cementitious materials, may be poured or deposited through the blockouts to fill voids between the soil of the subgrade and the wall panel, thereby securing or partially securing the wall panel in a desired location and orientation. The material may be any material that fills the voids and replicates the strength of compacted soil such as grout, cement, concrete, mortar, controlled density fill, adhesives, hydro compacted sand, or any combination thereof. 
         [0014]    Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate wall and panel members and associated footings or supports manufactured from precast concrete. It will be recognized, however, that the present invention is not limited to any particular material or combination of materials. For example, metal, wood, composites, plastics, as well as other materials not referred to herein but that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the present invention may comprise impact resistant materials including but not limited to KEVLAR®, steel mesh, DUCON®, fabric, composite fibers, carbon, rubber, polymers, as well as others not referred to herein. 
         [0015]    In various embodiments, devices of the present invention serve to structurally support cable or wire retention or management apparatus including electrified cable or wire such as that found in substation applications, whereby the apparatus can be attached to the wall panels or the wall panel end cap columns. 
         [0016]    In various embodiments, the present invention disclosed herein will also serve to structurally support attached components such as fencing, gates, security equipment, platforms, towers, building structures, signage, as well as other structures not referred to herein. The present invention disclosed herein can be installed below grade resulting in greater structural stability for the assembled wall as well as for any attached structures. 
         [0017]    Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise oversized wall panels and/or support members and footings thereby creating impact barriers for resisting and withstanding impacts from vehicles, explosions, natural disasters, etc. 
         [0018]    It is to be understood that the present invention may embody refractory capabilities within the wall material. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention provide materials comprising refractory concreted to withstand high temperatures without degradation. Such refractory materials include, but are not limited to, cementitious blends with aggregates and other materials intended to withstand high temperature and impact. The commercially available TUFFLOOR offered by Allied Mineral Products, Inc. is one such product that may be used with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the present invention may utilize form liners during the production process thereby resulting in a wide variety of patterns and finishes on the wall panels. 
         [0020]    Various wall panel members of the present disclosure are contemplated as comprising one or more lifting anchors embedded within the wall panel and operable to contact a lifting device in order to lift and transmit the wall panel(s), for example. Such lifting anchors include, but are not limited, those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,959,847 to Recker et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, a precast wall panel system is provided comprising a plurality of wall panel members, wherein each of the plurality of wall panel member comprise: a height, a width and a depth, a first face comprising a substantially planar surface, a second face provided in opposing relationship from the first face, and a base member extending from the second face for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position. The base member comprises an elongate open channel for receiving at least one of a fill material and a ballast material, and the elongate open channel comprises an open channel. A first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge are provided on lateral sides of the wall panel members and separated by the width, wherein the first peripheral edge comprises a male connection member and the second peripheral edges comprises a female connection member. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, a precast wall panel member is provided comprising: a height, a width and a depth, a first face comprising a substantially planar surface, a second face provided in opposing relationship from the first face, and a base member extending from the second face for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position. The base member comprises an elongate open channel for receiving at least one of a fill material and a ballast material, the elongate open channel comprises an open channel extending along an entirety of the width of the panel. The wall panel member comprises a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge, the first peripheral edge comprises a male connection member and the second peripheral edge comprises a female connection member. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, a method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system is provided, the method comprising: forming in a precast operation a plurality of wall panel members comprising a height, a width and a depth, a first face comprising a substantially planar surface, a second face provided in opposing relationship from the first face, and a base member extending from the second face for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position; preparing a ground surface by excavating a predetermined portion below grade to receive at least one of a bedding member and the base member; placing a base member of a first wall panel member on the prepared ground surface, wherein the base member comprises an elongate open channel; providing at least one of a fill material and a ballast material within the elongate open channel; placing a base member of a second wall panel member on the prepared ground surface and in contact with the first wall panel member; and wherein the first wall panel member and the second wall panel member each comprise a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge, wherein the first peripheral edge comprises a male connection member and the second peripheral edges comprises a female connection member, and wherein the step of placing the second wall panel member in contact with the first wall panel member comprises placing the male connection member of the second wall panel member at least partially within the female connection member of the first wall panel member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a wall panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a wall panel according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of wall panels provided in an assembled state and according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a plurality of wall panels in a corner section according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a plurality of wall panels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a plurality of wall panels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7 a    is a top plan view of a plurality of wall panels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7 b    is a detailed top plan view of a plurality of wall panels according to the embodiment of  FIG. 7   a.    
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of a plurality of wall panels provided in an assembled state and according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a wall member and a base member; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a wall member and a base member; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention showing a wall member and a base member; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention showing a wall member and a base member. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of the present invention showing a wall member and a base member. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a wall panel  2  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a wall panel  2  is provided as a substantially freestanding wall panel adapted to be provided in combination with one or more additional wall panels or other structures to form a wall of desired dimensions, positions, etc. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that wall panels  2  of the present disclosure are designed and suited for providing perimeter walls. For example, a plurality of wall panels may be provided to form a secure perimeter around various facilities and properties, or to retain soil or other material. It will be recognized, however, that wall panels of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular use or arrangement. Various panels and related features as shown and described herein are useful for and contemplated as being used for walls, barriers, corrals, fences, retaining walls, enclosures and perimeters of various types. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a wall panel  2  is provided comprising a height H of between approximately 6 feet and approximately 24 feet, and preferably of approximately 16 feet. The panel  2  comprises a width W of between approximately 3 feet and 15 feet, and preferably of approximately 8 feet. The wall panel  2  preferably comprises a substantially rectangular front face  4 . The front face  4  of the panel  2  preferably comprises a planar member. In alternative embodiments, the front face  4  of the wall panel comprises a convex portion, a concave portion, a decorative portion, and various combinations thereof. An upper portion of the wall panel  2  comprises various security and surveillance features including, for example, lighting elements  6  and camera features  8 . One or more conduits  10  are provided internally to the wall panel  2  for routing cables, wiring and other elongate features. In certain embodiments, external conduits are provided in addition to or in lieu of the internal conduit  10 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the wall panel  2  is provided on a ground surface  12 . The ground surface  12  may comprise any number of materials and surfaces including, but not limited to, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, cement, stone and other materials as will be recognized by one of skill in the art. In the depicted embodiment, a wall panel assembly comprises a bedding member  14  provided at least partially beneath a wall panel  2 . The bedding member  14  preferably comprises an anti-burrow bedding structure to prevent or minimize burrowing and sinkage of the wall panel  2  into the underlying ground or substrate. The bedding member  14  preferably comprises a porous plastic member to provide enhanced structural support and allowing for fluid drainage through the bedding member  14 . The size and spacing of the bedding member  14  may be varied based on the size and weight of the wall panel  2  intended to be provided in connection with the bedding member and the type of substrate underneath the wall panel  2 , for example. However, in certain embodiments, the bedding member  14  comprises a depth extending into the ground surface  12  of between approximately 6 inches and approximately 3 feet, and preferably of approximately 1.5 feet. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the wall panel  2  according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the wall panel  2  comprises a front face  4  as a portion of a substantially vertical member  16 . The substantially vertical member  16  of the embodiment provided in  FIG. 2  comprises a tapered feature wherein the base of the member  16  comprises a greater thickness than an upper portion of the member  16 . Specifically, in the embodiment provided in  FIG. 2 , a thickness at the base of the vertical member  16  is between approximately 5 inches and approximately 24 inches, and preferably is approximately 10 inches. A thickness at the top of the vertical member  16  is between approximately 2 inches and approximately 12 inches, and preferably is approximately 6 inches. The depth D of the wall panel  2  includes a base  18  extending away from the vertical member  16 . The base  18  and the substantially vertical member  16  combine to provide an overall depth of between approximately 3 feet and 10 feet, and preferably of approximately 6 feet. The base  18  comprises a lower portion  20  that extends substantially perpendicularly away from the vertical member  16 . The base  18  further comprises an upstanding member  22  to at least partially define a channel  24 . The channel  24  comprises a generally C-shaped open channel that is adapted to receive a fill material  25 . The channel  24  in the embodiment of  FIG. 2  is provided with a fill material to provide weight, ballast and stability to the wall panel  2 . Such fill material  25  may include, for example, gravel, concrete, soil, and other known ballast material. 
         [0042]    An interior portion of the channel  24  comprises a depth that is between approximately 3 feet and 6 feet and preferably approximately 4.5 feet. Although the channel  24  comprises an open channel, a height of the channel  24  is between approximately 1 and 3 feet, and more preferably of about 1 foot, 9 inches. It will be recognized that fill material may extend above the height of the channel  24 . However, assuming fill material is provided up to and not exceeding the height H, the channel  24  comprises a substantially rectangular cube having a volume of between approximately 50 and approximately 150 cubic feet and preferably of about 95 cubic feet. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of wall panels  2  provided in an assembled state. As shown, a wall member  30  is provided and formed by selective placement of a plurality of wall panels  2  in series.  FIG. 3  provides a plurality of wall panels  2  provided in contact with one another. It will be recognized, however, that this is merely one example of a wall member  30  that may be formed with features and devices of the present disclosure. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of first  2   a  and second  2   b  wall panels. The wall panels  2   a,    2   b  of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  are operable to be connected, erected or installed in a particular arrangement with respect to one another. Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the wall panels  2   a,    2   b  are adapted to provide an internal angle of approximately 90°. Each wall panel  2   a,    2   b  comprises at least one male extension  40  extending along a first peripheral edge and at least one female receiving member  42  extending along a second peripheral edge the panel. At least one male extension member  40   b  of a second wall panel  2   b  is adapted to communicate with or be inserted into a female receiving member  42   a  of a first wall panel. In  FIG. 4 , the first wall panel  2   a  and the second wall panel  2   b  comprise an interior portion adapted to be connected at an angle, and the interior connection members comprise a male extension member  40   b  and a female receiving member  42   a  that are provided at an angle corresponding to a connection and relative positioning of the first and second wall panels  2   a,    2   b  at the respective angle. Additionally, the first and second wall panels  2   a,    2   b  comprise additional connection members  40   a,    42   b.  The additional connection members  40   a,    42   b  of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  are provided and adapted to connect additional wall panels (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) in a manner that creates a flush wall surface with at least one of the first  2   a  and second  2   b  wall panels. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the wall panels  2   a,    2   b  each comprise an angled mating surface  25  extending away from a front face  4  of the wall panel  2 . In the embodiment provided in  FIG. 4 , the angled mating surfaces  27  extend at approximately a 45 degree angle with respect to the front face(s)  4 . Accordingly, when the angled mating surfaces  27  are brought into contact, the front faces  4  of the wall panels  2   a,    2   b  are provided in a substantially perpendicular arrangement as shown to form a corner. The wall panels  2   a,    2   b  also comprise an upstanding member  22  to at least partially define a channel  24 , the channel adapted to receive a fill material. 
         [0046]    In various embodiments, securing features including bracket and fasteners (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) are provided in combination with the wall panels  2   a,    2   b.  In certain embodiments, known brackets are used to provide additional securing features between adjacent wall panels that are provided in contact with one other. 
         [0047]    The panels  2   a,    2   b  of  FIG. 4  each comprise at least two mating surfaces  27 ,  29 . An angled mating surface  27  is provided on each of the two panels  2   a,    2   b,  and the angled mating surfaces  27  are adapted to contact each other and position the two panels  2   a,    2   b  in a relative angular position with respect to one another. The outer mating surfaces  29  of the wall panels  2   a,    2   b  are provided at a different angle than the interior mating surfaces  27 , at least relative to the front face  4  of the respective wall panels  2 . The outer mating surfaces  29  as shown in  FIG. 4  are adapted to receive additional wall panels  2  including, but not limited to additional wall panels  2  having front faces  4  that extend substantially parallel to a front face  4  of the wall panel  2  with which they are in direct contact. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of wall panels  2   a,    2   b,    2   c  are provided and comprise a wall assembly  30  when interconnected. The wall panels of  FIG. 5  comprise a similar construction as shown and described in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . However, the wall panels  2   a,    2   b,    2   c  of  FIG. 5  comprise approximately 45 degree angles provided between adjacent front faces  4  of the wall panels  2 , and wherein a more gradual turn or interior corner may be provided. In  FIG. 5 , three separate wall panels are shown which collectively form a 90 degree turn. It will be recognized, however, that any number of wall panels may be provided and the embodiment of  FIG. 5  is not limited to an assembly forming a 90 degree turn (i.e. wherein the first panel  2   a  has a front face  4  that is substantially perpendicular to the third panel  2   c ). The wall panels comprise male extending members  40   a,    40   b  and female receiving members, wherein a male extending member is adapted to communicate with a female receiving member of an adjacent wall panel. Interior mating surfaces  25  of the wall panels extend away from the front faces  4  of the panels, and are provided at an angle to achieve a desired relative arrangement when a wall panel assembly is constructed. In the embodiment provided in  FIG. 5 , the interior mating surfaces  25  are provided at an angle of approximately 67.5 degrees with respect to a planar surface of the front face  4  of the wall panel, such that an approximately 45 degree internal corner angle is provided when the wall panels  2  are provided in an assembled state. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , first  2   a,  second  2   b  and third  2   c  panels are provided. The second panel  2   b  comprises a panel with first and second angled mating surfaces  27 . The first and third  2   a,    2   c  wall panels comprise an interior mating surface  27  and an exterior mating surface  29  that extends at a different angle, wherein the angle of the exterior mating surface  29  of the first and third  2   a,    2   c  wall panels is substantially perpendicular to the front face  4  of the wall panel  2 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a plurality of wall panels  2 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a plurality of wall panels  2   a,    2   b,    2   c,    2   d  are provided. Specifically four wall panels are provided in series to form a gradual interior corner or turn and wherein a first wall panel  2   a  comprises a front face  4  that is substantially perpendicular to a front face  4  of a fourth wall panel  2   d.  The embodiment of  FIG. 6  comprises a first wall panel  2   a,  wherein the first wall panel  2   a  comprises a first lateral or side surface  27  that is substantially perpendicular to the front face  4  of the wall panel  2   a.  Various angled wall panel members are shown and described herein for illustrative purposes. It will be expressly recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to one or more panels of a particular angular or adapted to provide a wall assembly comprising an internal angle. It will further be recognized that the present disclosure contemplates wall panel assemblies comprising various wall panels of different angles and adapted to provide a final assembly of various different geometries. The figures and assembly provided herewith are for illustrative purposes, and no limitation with respect thereto is intended. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7 a    is a top plan view of two wall panels  2   a,    2   b  provided adjacent to one another. As shown, the wall panels each comprise a male connection member  40   a,    40   b  and a female connection member  42   a,    42   b.  Adjacent wall panels  2   a,    2   b  are provided with a connection  50 . The connection is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7 b   , wherein a generally trapezoidal male connection member  40   a  is shown and is adapted for insertion or connection with substantially inversely shaped female connection member  42   b.  The male connection member  40   a  is adapted to be received in or nest within the female connection member  42   b  such that the interior surfaces  29  of the wall panels  2   a,    2   b  are operable to be provided in a substantially flush arrangement. Any number of wall panels may be provided by such features. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of a plurality of wall panels  2   a,    2   b,    2   c,    2   d,    2   e  provided in series and in a vertically-staggered arrangement. As shown, each successive wall panel is provided at a different elevation at least with respect to an adjacent wall panel. The discrete nature of the wall panels  2  of the present disclosure and predetermined width of the same provides the ability to provide a wall assembly suitable for various uneven or undulating terrains. An upper  24   a  and lower limit  24   b  of the channel  24  are shown in phantom for illustrative purposes. 
         [0053]    It is also contemplated that the wall panels  2  may be offset or staggered in a horizontal direction. For example, the front faces  4  of the wall panel  2  are generally shown as being coplanar and/or sharing at least one peripheral edge that is adjacent or coplanar to a peripheral edge of a sequential wall panel  2 . It is also contemplated, however that the wall panels  2  may be staggered such that front faces  4  of adjacent wall panels  2  are offset or non-coplanar with one another. 
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a wall section  102  for use in building or forming a wall or barrier is provided. As shown, the wall section  102  comprises a panel  104  having a first  106  and second face  108 . A base member  110  is provided in the form of a wall panel retaining foundation footing. The base member  110  comprises a laterally extending slotted channel  112  or void for receiving and retaining at least one wall panel  104  in a fixed, secure and erect position. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the slotted channel  112  is provided in a raised portion  114 , the raised portion  114  extending laterally along the base member  110  and upwardly from the base member. In the depicted embodiment, a bottom of the slotted channel  112  is provided at substantially the same height or elevation as an upper planar surface  116  of the base member  110 . In alternative embodiments, the bottom of the slotted channel  112  may be provided in various different locations, including lower than the planar surface  116  of the base member  110 , particularly where taller panels  104  are provided and a greater buried depth is required. The embodiment of  FIG. 9  provides a raised portion  114  that tapers upwardly from the base member  110  on both sides. In such embodiments, the tapered raised portion  114  provides adequate support for a panel  104  received therein, while reducing the overall mass of the section  102 . Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the raised portion  114  comprises various shapes and/or angles including, but not limited to, rounded, convex, concave, and rectangular members, for example. The panel  104  shown in  FIG. 9  comprises a planar panel member with first  106  and second  108  sides. The embodiment of  FIG. 9  provides a precast concrete panel member  102  suitable for forming a wall or barrier. It will be recognized, however, that panels  102  of the present invention may be provided in various different materials, sizes, proportions, etc. 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a wall section  102  is provided comprising a panel  104  with a first  106  and second  108  face. First and second support footings  118 ,  120  are provided to support the panel  104  in an erect or assembled position. The first and second support footings  118 ,  120  comprise upstanding members  124 ,  122 , respectively. The upstanding members  122 ,  124  extend upwardly from a base or slab member to support a panel  104 . In certain embodiments, each support footing  118 ,  120  and its respective upstanding member  124 ,  122  are formed of a single precast element. In such embodiments, a panel  104 , first support footing  120  with an upstanding member  122 , and a second support footing  126  with an upstanding member  124 , are provided as modular elements that may be assembled on-site to erect a wall panel. A plurality of wall sections  102  as shown and described herein may be assembled in a preferred orientation to provide a barrier or wall structure of desired shape, length, layout, etc. In alternative embodiments, the support footings  118 ,  120  of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  may be provided as a single precast element adapted to receive a panel  104  in a slot member  126  provided between the support footings  118 ,  120 . 
         [0056]    In certain embodiments, first and second wall panel support footings  118 ,  120  are adjustable in distance from each other and thus capable of receiving and supporting wall panels  104  of various thicknesses. In such embodiments, first and second support footings  118 ,  120  selectively fasten to each other thereby securing the wall panel in a fixed and secure position. Support footings  118 ,  120  may be secured to one another by various devices and means as will be recognized by those of skill in the art. 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention comprising a wall section  102  with a panel  104  and an upstanding support member  130 . As shown, the panel  104  comprises a planar element suitable for forming a wall or barrier. The panel  104  is supported in an upstanding supporting member  130  comprising slabs  132 ,  134 , a tapered section  133 , and a vertically extending elongate portion  138 . An elongate and vertically extending channel  140  is provided on at least one side of the support member  130 . Preferably, and as shown in  FIG. 11 , a first and second side of the support member  130  comprises a channel  140  such that the support member  130  is adapted to receive and support a first panel  104  and a second panel (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). The slotted channel  140  may comprise an open or partially open channel member with a rectangular shape, or may comprise other channel shapes. In certain embodiments, the channel  140  comprises a slotted groove member adapted to receive a corresponding tongue member provided on a lateral edge of a panel  104  to be provided in the channel  140 . In such embodiments, panels  104  are provided in communication or connection with the support member  130  by sliding the panel  104  into the channel  140 , either from above or below the slot. Improved pull out resistance is thus provided. 
         [0058]    The embodiment of  FIG. 11  provides a generally inverted “Y” shape. In certain embodiments, the slabs  132 ,  134  comprise cast in foundation support footings with slotted vertical voids disposed to the outside face of each slab wherein the wall panel is inserted and thereby retained in a secure and fixed position. Optional fasteners may be utilized to secure the wall panel to the end caps from the side. 
         [0059]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein a wall section  102  is provided comprising a panel  104  and a support base  140 . The support base  140  of  FIG. 12  comprises a first base support  142  and a second base support  144  wherein the second base support  144  comprises a laterally extending groove or channel  146 . The channel  146  of  FIG. 12  comprises a void channel that is recessed in the bottom surface of the second base support  140  and runs the length of the support  140 . The first base support  142  comprises a downwardly oriented groove or channel  148  adapted to receive and be provided in force-transmitting communication with an upstanding lip member  150  of the second base support  144 . The panel  104  may be secured by providing the panel(s) within the channel  146  and securing the panel  104  by inserting the first base support  142  into the channel  146  such that the lip member  150  is provided in the channel  148  of the first base support  142 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of a wall panel member  2  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The wall panel member  2  of  FIG. 13  comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures  200  extending through the base  18 . The apertures  200  may serve various purposes. For example, the apertures  200  may be provided without additional features and serve as weep or drainage holes. Alternatively, the apertures  200  may be provided to receive a grout or similar fill or securing member. In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the apertures are provided with first and second soil nails  202  extending therethrough and extending into a ground or soil surface below the wall panel member  2 . The wall panel member(s)  2  are thus secured in place at least in part due to the provision of the soil nails  202  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In alternative embodiments, at least one soil nail  202  may extend at an angle, either with respect to the base  18  of the wall panel or with respect to the ground surface. 
         [0061]    Although various embodiments comprising various features are shown and described herein, it should be understood that the various features of the present disclosure are not exclusive or specific to the embodiment or embodiments they are shown and described in connection with. For example, the illustration and description of one or more features with respect to a specific embodiment should not be interpreted as rendering such a feature or features specific to that embodiment. Features and inventive concepts shown in a given Figure may be combined with or provided with the embodiments of other features, whether or not such combinations are specifically illustrated herein.