Abstract: An improved panel section for use in a sound barrier is disclosed and is of the type: having a cementitious body; for use with at least two vertically-extending, ground-mounted I-beam columns, each having two parallel flanges and a transverse web extending therebetween and being positioned with its web substantially parallel to the web of adjacent columns and substantially normal to a line defined by said columns; and disposed, in use, in respective vertically-stacked groupings to form one or more wall panels interleaved between adjacent pairs of columns, each panel having a pair of end edges disposed, one each, in mechanically-engaged relation, between the flanges of a respective pair of adjacent columns. The improvement comprises: the body having defined therethrough an opening; and a glazing element secured to said body to occlude said opening and impede sound passage therethrough. A sound barrier constructed from the improved panel section is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining wall system (20) comprises at least one wall panel (24) and two vertical frame members (40), each frame member (40) having a web (56), two flanges (54) and an end secured within the ground. Each wall panel (24) has a face (28) with a plurality of mounting brackets (38) protruding therefrom, and is supported in mechanically retained vertical orientation between the flanges (54) of adjacent frame members (40). A plurality of connectors (46), each having a proximal end (48) secured to a respective one of said mounting brackets (38) and extending horizontally therefrom to a distal end (50) secured to a respective one of a plurality of anchors (52) is also disclosed. Optionally, a plurality of Jersey barrier panels (106) or acoustic panels are similarly mechanically retained to form a Jersey barrier or acoustic barrier, respectively. Further is disclosed a method for erecting a retaining wall according to the invention.