Abstract: A brace apparatus having a core member adapted to absorb energy by undergoing plastic deformation and a buckling restraining assembly that maintains the structural integrity of the brace apparatus once the core member has undergone plastic deformation. A core member having a variable width middle portion is provided to control deformation of the core member such that the middle portion center undergoes plastic deformation before the middle portion first and second ends. A core member is provided which includes a core stiffener permitting the brace apparatus to have a longer longer length relative to the core member cross-sectional area while providing both a desired yield point and the stiffness needed rigidity required for structural support. One or more projections are provided having a stress reduction voids which reduce the cross sectional area of the core member to eliminate stress risers that would otherwise be present at the portion of the core member corresponding with the projections.

Abstract: A perimeter clip attached to a wall molding that supports a beam in a suspended ceiling intended to survive seismic disturbances. The clip is capable, during an earthquake, of permitting an end of a beam at one end of a connected line of beams, in a grid, to slide while being supported in the clip, or, in the alternative, to secure an end of a beam to the wall molding.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus using a water tank, which is installed at the uppermost floor of a tall building, the water tank being formed at the inner wall surface thereof with horizontal protrusions. In order to improve a vibration attenuation rate in a horizontal direction within the water tank, the water tank is installed with vertical wire meshes therein, and the horizontal protrusions serve to improve a vibration attenuation rate in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An access floor assembly includes a base floor, a substructure mounted to the base floor, a bearing plate, formed with a first cavity, mounted to the substructure and disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor, an isolator plate, formed with a second cavity, overlying the bearing plate, a ball disposed between the bearing plate and the isolator plate contacting the first and second cavities, and a floor plate coupled to the isolator plate and together forming an access floor disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prop-type damping device which effectively consumes energy of up-and-down vibration on a main girder of a bridge caused by earthquakes, winds, passing vehicles or the like to prolong a life of the bridge and improve comfort for bridge users with a simple constitution. The prop-type damping device comprises: an inclined prop member having a higher end thereof connected to a lower part of a main girder of a bridge to be horizontally movable relative to the same, and a lower end thereof connected to a position below a main girder supporting point of a pier or abutment for supporting the main girder to permit up-and-down movement of the higher end; and a damper connected to the higher end of the prop member and the main girder lower part to brake relative horizontal movements therebetween.

Abstract: A rocking hinge bearing system is provided. The rocking hinge bearing system comprises a first base plate, a second base plate, and a compressible member. A pintle mechanism is required to align the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member and to prevent relative horizontal movement between the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member. A tensioning mechanism inhibits axial separation of the first base plate relative to the second base plate and helps to return the first base plate into its original position relative to the second base plate after rocking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for protecting buildings from damage due to seismic waves. The system comprises a bed of sand contained between two layers of polymer membrane, upon this sand bed a rests a first concrete slab, this first concrete slab supports, through a plurality of coil springs and shock absorbers, a second concrete slab. The structure to be protected is attached to the upward facing surface of the second concrete slab. In the event of an earthquake, the sand bed acts to slow the propagation of seismic waves, while the plurality of springs and shock absorbers isolates the structure from ground movements caused by the waves.

Abstract: An area earthquake defense system is disclosed which uses military planning principles; automated command and control systems; the technology of wave manipulation demonstrated in optical engineering, sonar, and anti-tank weapons and their countermeasures; and proven electromagnetic technology. Deeply buried, specially configured, passive devices attenuate, temporally segment, and redirect earthquake shock waves. Such a system, fully integrated into the local geological structure, can reduce the shock reaching the protected area, and, within that area, channel it away from those structures most difficult to protect with single point measures. This is especially true when the plurality of passive devices is complemented by an automated decision and command loop and dynamically reconfigurable active devices embedded at a variety of depths.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus mounted inside buildings where people currently live and spend their activities and in regions with high seismic potential includes a rescue cabin with a reinforcing frame, covered on an exterior side with corrugated iron and on an interior side with plastic fire-resistant and with low grade of softness material. The cabin has compartments, in which there is a chair with head support, a backrest, a safety harness, and a crash helmet. For damping vertical shocks, under each chair is a damper spring. Access into the cabin is accomplished by two doors with contradiction opening and vertical rotation axles solidly with the two central doors of the furniture part by a lever device and open together therewith. Each door has a locking mechanism driven from inside or outside the cabin. An upper part of the cabin has windows for ventilation, each equipped with a screen filter for dust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure. The buckling restrained brace of the present invention is accomplished by a buckling restrained brace 1 wherein a steel-made center axial member 3 is passed through a buckling-constraining concrete member 2 reinforced with a steel member 6, and an adhesion-preventive film 4 is provided to the interface between the steel-made center axial member and buckling-constraining concrete 5, the adhesion-preventive film showing a secant modulus in the thickness direction of at least 0.

Abstract: A damping brace having an axial force member for providing bearing forces against tensile or compressive forces, a constraining member for constraining the axial force member, and a stiffening part for supplementing the stiffness of the axial force member. An adhesion preventive coating is provided for preventing adhesion between the constraining member and the stiffening part. A length of the stiffening part extending along the axial direction and the gap between the stiffening part and the constraining member are defined in such a way as to prevent an end of the axial force member from rotating in the axial direction beyond a specific angle when the compressive force is applied to the force member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural braces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brace apparatus that has an effective length capable of undergoing plastic deformation that is greater than the length of the brace apparatus. The brace apparatus has a first core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length and a second core member having a deformable region of an effective deformable length. The total effective deformable length of the brace apparatus is the sum of the effective deformable length of the first core member and the second core member. This allows the brace apparatus to have a greater deformable length relative to the length and size of the brace. Additionally, the greater deformable length reduces the strain on the core members enabling the brace apparatus to undergo a greater amount of deformation for a larger number of total cycles without buckling the brace.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block of pyramidal shape with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps.

Abstract: A structural brace apparatus and method provides support between a primary building component and a secondary building component, the primary building component having X and Y axis deflections relative to the secondary building component. The brace includes a first support arm having a longitudinal axis, the first arm extending from and adapted to be secured to the primary building component, the first arm longitudinal axis being positioned at an intermediate angle between the primary building component X and Y axis deflections. The brace also includes a second support arm extending from and adapted to be secured to the secondary building component, the second arm has a slidable engagement with the first arm for reciprocative movement substantially parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis, wherein the brace is operative to reduce transmission of the X and Y axis deflections from the primary building component to the secondary building component.

Abstract: Braces for bracing objects in structures against forces due to earthquakes are tested by subjecting components of the braces for attaching the braces to the object or structure to cyclic loading of approximately 15 cycles. The cyclic forces are applied to different samples of the components at differing angles, and a load rating is determined for each angle. Prior to cyclic testing, forces are applied monotonically to the components in both tension and compression, the flexible loading direction of the component is determined from the monotonic testing, and the deformation that the component can resist when a load is applied in cycles is estimated from the monotonic testing.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilizing device for inclusion in a stack of containers in which hazardous waste is held, wherein the stabilizing device comprises a table for supporting a container in the stack, and a base, the table being movable relative to the base so as to aid stability of the stack when the stack is subjected to external forces.

Abstract: A vibration-inhibiting flooring structure for use in a facility housing vibration sensitive equipment includes a perforated bearing floor which includes a number of openings configured to inhibit the propagation of vibrations across the floor. Such a flooring structure may be used, for example, in connection with advanced clean-room facilities, where a facilities room and one or more plenums are provided in conjunction with the vibration-inhibiting floor.

Abstract: A damping intermediate pillar, which can exhibit a sufficient resistance against the horizontal force of a strong earthquake by reinforcing the joins between the damping intermediate pillar and the upper and lower beams, is disclosed. A damping intermediate pillar 14, used for a building or a structure configured of pillars 1 and beams 3, is divided into upper and lower damping intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b of H shape steel, and includes a plurality of inner steel plates 7b fixed on the damping intermediate pillar portion 14b and a plurality of outer steel plates 7a fixed on the other damping intermediate pillar portion 14a. The inner and outer steel plates are arranged alternately in a single or a plurality of layers, between which a viscoelastic member 15 is held to make up a viscoelastic damper 17. The coupling end surfaces of the intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b directed vertically are fixed on the upper and lower floor beams 3a, 3b.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that secures frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting to prevent movement during seismic activity between a building structure or the like and a rod and channel support or the like connected to said building which may include anti-torque means between the anchor and the channel for preventing rotation of the anchor about the rod. The fitting is directed to a specific slot design to permit ease in access around a rod of a rod and channel support or the like.

Abstract: A tall building (100) includes a plurality of ray structures (104, 106) extending outward from a central, generally conical hollow reinforced-concrete core (102). In three of the rays (104), a frame (118) extends diagonally downward and outward from the core. If a building floor located above the barrier falls onto the floors extending outward from the barrier, the latter floors will fail in such a manner as to cover the barrier frame and shed all floors that fall onto the resultant barrier from above it. A chain-reaction failure caused by failed floors falling on successively lower floors is thereby interrupted, and floors below the barrier are protected from damage by floors that have fallen from above the barrier.

Abstract: A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.

Abstract: A fitting to prevent movement during seismic activity between a building structure or the like and a rod and channel support or the like connected to said building which may include anti-torque means between the anchor and the channel for preventing rotation of the anchor about the rod. The fitting is directed to a specific slot design to permit ease in access around a rod of a rod and channel support or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earthquake protection system that is entirely immune to seismic activity. According to the inventive method buildings and other objects are supported by Virtual Pendulums (Pv) designed as QuakeProtect Modules (56). Although requiring only little height for installation, these earthquake protection modules allow a freedom of movement for the load bearing support points of the supported structure as if they were the oscillating ends of long pendulums with long cycles of their own. As the result of which the supported object is efficiently isolated from the considerably higher frequent earthquake ground oscillations. The functional behavior of the system is not affected by the extent of the base acceleration or the frequency of the ground oscillation. Even in an earthquake of greatest magnitude the supported object will remain still. The system can be configured for any load and any conceivable ground oscillation amplitudes.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant equipment rack that includes multiple methods for reinforcing the equipment rack to resist seismic forces. The side rails can include two inwardly projecting V portions extending the length of the rails to diffuse seismic forces by deflecting seismic forces vertically. The base and top are preferably formed from multiple components formed from sheet metal and having both over-lapping multiple thickness of sheet metal and multiple box structures. A cover is non-removably attached to the base. In one embodiment, the cover has a dog house shape with inclined roof like surfaces.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements, each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction, an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction, and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.

Abstract: An all-directional damping and earthquake-resisting unit is fixed to a lower part of an object, such as a column of a building, and a foundation for the object, so that functionally different members of the unit normally bear the weight of the object. When there is an earthquake, round balls included in the unit automatically roll and rotate on ball restoring means provided on two ball carriers while a piston assembly automatically moves in a buffer space, so that an instantaneous impact by the earthquake energy and any earthquake-induced displacement are absorbed by the unit. The balls and the piston assembly finally automatically return to their original positions in the unit, enabling the object and the foundation thereof to always locate at the same place without the risk of deviating from their centers.

Abstract: Described herein is a curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.

Abstract: The devices are classified as a passive Supplemental Damping Devices, and as the name indicates they are used to supplement and increase the damping in structures. Increasing the damping is a desirable property, because it improves and enhances the performance of the structures. The devices are intended to be non-gravity loads carrying devices and are made of High damping Rubber that is bonded to Steel, however, some of them are capable of carrying substantial amount of gravity loads, if needed, and can be designed even to carry more. They are placed within the Structure's frame to dissipate energy produced by Earthquakes, Wind, or any other similar hazard. Examples of the placement are on the top of Bracing members or Shear Walls, in the Bracing members themselves, at the intersection of Bracing members, or at the Joints of Beam to Column connections.

Abstract: An anchoring profile (1) for securing a pane (9) mounted in a frame (8) and protected against impact by window film (11). For ease of installation and to reduce costs, the profile (1) comprises two outer strips of substantially rigid plastics material (2,3) for attachment by adhesive (6) to the window film (11) and he frame (8), respectively, and a flexible interconnecting strip (4) between the outer strips (2,3) having sufficient resilience to absorb, in use, impact load in the pane (9).

Abstract: A reinforcing holder against vibrations for mounting on orthogonally joined architectural structural members for a wooden building so it can withstand vibrations from an earthquake. The reinforcing holder comprises a first reinforcing base member 1 which is formed on a steel plate bent by 90° and secured to a first architectural structural member and a second reinforcing member 2 formed of a steel plate bent by 90° which is arranged symmetrically with the first reinforcing base member 1 through a hinge 4 and secured to a second architectural structural member. The second reinforcing base member has absorbing members 3, each having rubber elasticity and being mounted at plurality of locations thereof, for securing to the second architectural structural member with the absorbing members 3 interposed.

Abstract: An opening in a building wall is closed by a building closure such as a window or door. A mounting part of the closure arrangement is received in a space between two countersupport surfaces formed by a U-channel or opposite L-members that protrude perpendicularly from the sill or jamb surface of the wall bounding the opening. Mounting brackets secure the U-channel or L-members to the wall. On one or both sides, a respective damping element is interposed between the mounting part and the respective adjacent countersupport surface. The damping element may be a plastically deformable metal strip. When an explosion force acts on the closure arrangement, the damping element is first plastically deformed to absorb energy, before the remaining force is transmitted into the building wall. The two damping elements on opposite sides damp forces from the positive and negative pressure waves of the explosion.

Abstract: A flexible blast curtain will reduce casualties and property damage in the event of a terrorist bombing by intercepting flying debris and dissipating over pressure through deflection of the curtain. The blast curtain may be attached directly to buildings or mounted on frames anchored in close proximity to buildings. The curtain provides complete visibility and easy pedestrian ingress and egress for the buildings.

Abstract: An active vibration control system for controlling excessive or unwanted vibrations in floors or other structures. The system has three main components: (1) velocity sensor w/signal conditioner; (2) feedback controller; and (3) proof-mass actuator. This system works by creating a feedback loop that generates a control force proportional to the velocity, thus adding damping to the controlled modes of floor vibration. In other words, the feedback loop makes the moving mass of the actuator move to counteract the motion of the floor. The system is optimized such that the motor can be driven with a sinusoidal force where the peak force is at or near the full motor capacity at any frequency without exceeding the stroke while maintaining a simple and cost effective feedback controller. Additionally, a relationship between the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system and actuator is established to provide efficient and stable control.

Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements, each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction, an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction, and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive and plausible means of earthquake protection for personal residences in developing nations and economically distressed areas within the United States through the use of recycled tires containing a particular rock aggregate.

Abstract: A propeller controlled active tuned-liquid-column damper (TLCD), which can control and suppress the vibration thereof, such as building, tower, bridge, vehicle, ship, offshore platform, facilities, and instrument, etc. This invention is composed of a passive TLCD, one or more propellers, a gear-shaft unit, a servo-motor, and a computer-control system. One or more propellers are installed in a line along the gear-shaft unit inside the horizontal section of the U-shape vessel, the propellers are driven by a servo-motor controlled by the computer-control system which start the servo-motor to drive the propellers immediately. Both fluid (or water) acceleration and the propellers' thrust can yield the resistance force to increase the vibration-control ability significantly. The natural period of an open TLCD can be adjusted by only changing the wetted length, whereas a closed TLCD can be adjusted by changing the wetted length, air pressure and air volume in the air chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a spent nuclear fuel containment cask so as to prevent tipping under design basis earthquake conditions. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a lamina and a slid plate in surface contact with the lamina, forming a slidable interface; wherein the slidable interface has a coefficient of friction within a range resulting in an acceptable level of net horizontal displacement of a cask resting on the apparatus under design basis earthquake conditions.

Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of structural systems such as apartment houses against dynamic loading caused by earthquakes, wind, traffic etc. When a frame structure is excited by a horizontal external force, the girders starts to displace horizontally. If such displacements are large or if they occur periodically they may have serious impact on the conditions of the structure and may cause severe damages or even result in a collapse. The present invention relates to a very simply designed and easily produced damper with two members being interconnected in a rotational joint. By means of the arrangement of the damper in the structural system, displacement occurring in the system is transferred to the members being forced to rotate in relation to each other. Frictional resistance between the two members is dampening the rotational movement and thus the displacement in the system.

Abstract: A building (1) includes square columns (2) disposed in such a manner as to extend in a vertical direction so as to support the vertical load of the building (1); girders (3) disposed in such a manner as to bridge the square columns (2) and extend in the horizontal direction between the square columns (2); variation damping means (6) juxtaposed to opposing side surfaces (4) and (5) of each square column (2) on each floor of the building (1); and upper and lower connecting means (7) and (8) for connecting the vibration damping means (6) to a ceiling girder (3) side and a floor girder (3) side, respectively.

Abstract: A nonrigid connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that nonrigidly secures the frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the nonrigid connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the nonrigid connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The nonrigid connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the nonrigid connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A brace for retaining a rod at a fixed location relative to building structure. The brace includes two brace members in face-to-face engagement to define a rod receiving opening with slots formed in the brace members. The brace members are connected together by an integral rigid attachment element at a location spaced from the rod receiving opening and resisting relative movement between the brace members.

Abstract: A seismic restraint apparatus for limiting the movement of a machine foundation with respect to a substructure in response to a seismic event. The apparatus of the present invention provides an anchor plate connected to the substructure. At least one restraint is connected to the anchor plate and is engageable with the machine foundation for limiting the movement of the machine foundation and distributing a corresponding load from the movement of the machine foundation to the substructure. The at least one restraint may include at least one horizontal restraint connected to the anchor plate and engageable with the machine foundation for limiting the horizontal movement of the machine foundation and distributing a horizontal load from the machine foundation to the substructure.

Abstract: A blast protective barrier system, termed a blast wall, is definable in terms of an x, y, z coordinate system. The system includes several substantially ground level (xy plane) pile caps, each itself having an x-axis elongate length, a y-axis width, and a z-axis depth, the x-axis length substantially defining the width of the barrier system. Each pile cap also includes an upper and lower xy plane surface, each of the upper surfaces including y-axis channels and each of the lower surfaces including several recesses. The system also includes a plurality of yz plane, y-axis elongate vertical concrete panels having an x-axis width, each panel pair having a lower y-axis edge proportioned for press-fittable securement within the y-axis channels of the upper xy surfaces of the pile caps.