Precast concrete wall member and method of erecting the same

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A precast wall panel system, the system 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; 
 a base member extending from the second face for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position; 
 wherein 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 comprising an open channel; 
 a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge provided on lateral sides of the wall panel members and separated by said width, wherein the first peripheral edge comprises a male connection member and the second peripheral edges comprises a female connection member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , wherein the wall panel members comprise precast concrete wall panels. 
     
     
         3 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , wherein the male connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel members. 
     
     
         4 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , wherein the female connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel members. 
     
     
         5 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , wherein a male connection member of a first wall panel member is inserted into a female connection member of a second wall panel member. 
     
     
         6 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , further comprising a bedding member and wherein at least one wall panel member is provided at least partially on the bedding member. 
     
     
         7 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 1 , wherein the height is between approximately six feet and approximately twenty four feet. 
     
     
         8 . A precast wall panel member 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;   a base member extending from the second face for supporting the panel member in a substantially vertical position;   wherein 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 comprising an open channel extending along an entirety of the width of the panel;   a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge, wherein the first peripheral edge comprises a male connection member and the second peripheral edge comprises a female connection member.   
     
     
         9 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein the wall panel member comprises a precast concrete wall panel. 
     
     
         10 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein the male connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel member. 
     
     
         11 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein the female connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel member. 
     
     
         12 . The precast wall panel system of  claim 8 , further comprising a bedding member and wherein at least a portion of the wall panel member is positioned on the bedding member. 
     
     
         13 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein the height is between approximately six feet and approximately twenty four feet. 
     
     
         14 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein a ratio of the height of the wall panel member to a height of the base member comprises a ratio of at least approximately 6:1. 
     
     
         15 . The precast wall panel of  claim 8 , wherein an internal volume of the base member is between approximately 50 and approximately 150 cubic feet. 
     
     
         16 . A method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system, 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.   
     
     
         17 . The method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system of  claim 16 , further comprising a step of providing a porous plastic bedding member on the prepared ground surface. 
     
     
         18 . The method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system of  claim 16 , wherein the male connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel members. 
     
     
         19 . The method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system of  claim 16 , wherein the female connection member extends along a substantial entirety of the height of the wall panel members. 
     
     
         20 . The method of installing a precast concrete wall panel system of  claim 16 , further comprising inserting at least one soil nail through said wall panel and into the ground surface.