Abstract: A retaining wall construction includes a first lower mechanically stabilized earthen bulk form with tensile members projecting from the front face of the first bulk form connected to precast wall panels that are spaced from the front face of the first bulk form. The space between the front face of the first bulk from and the panels is filled with concrete. Positioned on top of the concrete and the first bulk form, as well as along the sides thereof, are additional bulk forms which include tensile members connected to precast wall panels.

Abstract: A retaining wall construction includes a lower mechanically stabilized earth bulk form with tensile members projecting from the front face of the bulk forms and connected to precast wall panels that are spaced from the front face of the bulk form. The space between the front face of the bulk form and the panels is filled with concrete. Positioned on top of the reinforced concrete and the first bulk form, as well as along the sides thereof, are additional bulk forms which include tensile members connected directly to the front facing panels.

Abstract: Decreased weight, improved sound transmission loss, and maintained sound absorption and durability are all achieved by a highway barrier incorporating a new acoustic barrier panel. The panel remains of the type suitable for being forms, in combinations of multiple panels and multiple, earth-anchored or structure-mounted support posts, into sound barrier walls for use along highways, other rights of way, and the like. The invented acoustic barrier panel comprises a sandwich of slabs. The sandwich comprises a central slab, a first, outer slab sandwich alongside the central slab, and a second, outer slab sandwiched alongside the central slab, opposite the first outer slab. Uniquely, a first grout curtain is interposed between and joins the central slab and the first, outer slab, while a second grout curtain is interposed between and joins the central slab and the second, outer slab. As most preferred, all slabs constitute Durisol.TM. wood concrete.