Footing for sound-barrier walls

Abstract

A footing for use to support stanchions of sound-barrier walls is a one-piece monolithic element that includes a base having a plurality of prestressing cables therein. A stanchion is accommodated in a bore defined in either a sleeve included with the base or directly in the base. If a sleeve is included, the sleeve includes a plurality of prestressing strands or rebars. One form of sound-barrier wall includes adjacent panels on opposite sides of a stanchion whereby a panel must be lifted in order to tip the stanchion over so wind forces are safely accommodated. Another form of the footing includes projections that extend into the bore. Various forms of sound-barrier wall configurations can be accommodated by the footing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general art of static structures, and to the particular field of static structures with an exposed configuration and having an acoustical function and support elements therefor.

[0002] As discussed in the inventor's prior patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,241 and 5,678,363, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, noise associated with roadways is a serious concern. Accordingly, the art includes examples of many sound-barrier walls which are designed to maintain noise levels adjacent to roadways at acceptable levels. The referenced patents represent the inventor's design, and those skilled in the art will know of others.

[0003] As is well known, sound-barrier walls can be very expensive, especially if a wall is very long. Accordingly, cost is a major concern to both manufacturers and purchasers of such walls. Due to the size of most projects, anything that can be done to reduce costs can have great benefits. However, cost r...

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