Sustainable Precast-Concrete-Block Structural System

The structural system herein described is comprised of oversized reinforced precast concrete blocks. These blocks can be placed rapidly, speeding construction of revetments, retaining walls, blast barriers, sound attenuation walls, quays, breakwaters, seawalls, and shore protection structures. The blocks can be made with a hollow core or alternatively encapsulate vehicle-tire-bundles (sustainable option). The system allows for the placement of continuity reinforcing and piles can be incorporated to increase foundation performance. The use of the system is particularly advantageous in marine construction by allowing precast manufacturers to competitively supply projects locally and globally through direct delivery of the blocks — via barge or ship — from a marine-side precast plant to a marine-side construction site. Public agencies are increasingly concerned about their project's contribution to sustainability. The system's potential maximization of discarded tire usage becomes highly significant as a method to reduce the amount of waste tires ending up in landfills or being burned.