Modular Wall Elements, Systems, and Methods

Abstract

Elements, methods, and systems are presented for facilitating construction of a tiered wall of elements most or all of which are oriented along the wall. Such elements may each have a “front,” for example, that extends between opposite sides of the wall. Such walls may include localized widening or graduated element weights, for example, engineered to allow advantageous pressure distributions over those of conventional retaining walls. Alternatively or additionally such elements may include frontal projections that stabilize a curvilinear wall by allowing an element to penetrate an adjacent element of the same tier in one or two dimensions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wall system comprising wall elements arranged in multiple tiers according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates another wall system comprising wall elements arranged in multiple tiers according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a wall-related system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a regular wall element similar to those of FIGS. 8-12 at least visually, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a regular wall element similar to those of FIGS. 15-20, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a spacer element configured to pivotably engage a regular wall element like that of FIG. 5, and a less massive example of the wall element of FIG. 5, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a trench being dug in preparation for a retaining wall system to be used there, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first tier of wall elements of the retaining wall system being installed in the trench of FIG. 7, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second tier of wall elements of the retaining wall system being installed in the trench of FIG. 7, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates the second tier of wall elements of the retaining wall system of FIG. 9 in which a foundation is assembled but not yet cured, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates the second tier of the wall system of FIGS. 9-10 in which the trench of FIG. 7 is filled in over part of the foundation, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates the retaining wall system of FIGS. 9-11, this version comprising a third tier of wall elements, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hillside of an installation site for a wall system further described with reference to FIGS. 14-20.

FIG. 14 illustrates the hillside of FIG. 13 in which a trench is being dug along an S-shaped path intended for the wall system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first tier of wall elements being installed in the trench of FIG. 14, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a second tier of wall elements of the wall system being installed in the trench of FIG. 14, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a third tier of wall elements of the wall system of FIG. 13, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fifth tier of wall elements of the wall system of FIGS. 13-17 in which one or more lower tiers comprise a foundation, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 13-18, further comprising spikes to maintain alignment between a sixth tier of wall elements and the foundation, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 13-19, further comprising finish elements suitable for a final grade thereof, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a wall system comprising wall elements assembled along a curvilinear path, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a wall element of the wall system of FIG. 22, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates the wall system of FIG. 22, further comprising localized widenings on opposite sides thereof, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom-protruding regular element as shown in FIGS. 22-24, shown smaller to facilitate comparison.

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom-protruding spacer element, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates a top-protruding spacer element, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates a top-protruding regular element, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates a bottom-protruding bracing element, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a finish element, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates a several top-protruding regular elements in a partly-assembled tier, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates the tier of FIG. 31, further comprising different species of regular elements and a bottom-protruding bracing element like that of FIG. 29, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 33 illustrates a wall system comprising the tier of FIGS. 31-32 and a second tier being added, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 34 illustrates the wall system of FIG. 33 in which the second tier is complete, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 35 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-34, further comprising finishing elements on one side, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 36 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-35, further comprising a tapering third tier in progress, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 37 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-36, wherein the tapering third tier is complete and further comprising a fourth tier, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 38 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-37, further comprising a tapering fifth tier, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 39 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-38, further comprising a tapering sixth tier and labeling mass differentiation among wall elements and spacer elements, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 40 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-39, wherein the tapering sixth tier is complete and further comprising plant pots, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 41 illustrates the structure of the wall system of FIGS. 33-40 from a top view, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 42 illustrates the wall system of FIGS. 33-41, further comprising finishing elements, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 43 illustrates an embodiment of a wall system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 44 illustrates a wall system comprising two tiers of wall elements coming together to form a T according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 45 illustrates the wall system of FIG. 44, further comprising additional tiers of wall elements, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 46 illustrates the wall system of Figs. further comprising additional tiers of wall elements, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 47 illustrates a front view of a wall system comprising multiple tiers of wall elements according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 48 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 49 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 50 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 51 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 52 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to wall system assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

“Absent,” “across,” “additional,” “adjacent,” “adjusted,” “advancing,” “aligned,” “along,” “alternatively,” “anterior,” “arranged,” “attached,” “away from,” “back,” “before,” “bilaterally,” “both,” “bracing,” “caused,” “central,” “closed,” “compatible,” “comprising,” “concave,” “configured,” “contained,” “contiguous,” “covered,” “curable,” “directed,” “end,” “engaging,” “enormous,” “enough,” “exceeding,” “extending,” “factory-sealed,” “flexible,” “from,” “greater,” “gripped,” “hanging,” “herein,” “hinged,” “identical,” “inelastic,” “installation,” “into,” “inward,” “irregular,” “large,” “less,” “limited,” “localized,” “mobile,” “molded,” “more,” “moved,” “narrow,” “next,” “nominal,” “numerous,” “oblong,” “of,” “only,” “onsite,” “open,” “opposite,” “oriented,” “orthogonal,” “other,” “outward,” “overlapping,” “partly,” “portable,” “positioned,” “possible,” “posterior,” “pourable,” “prefabricated,” “prevented,” “primary,” “problematic,” “projecting,” “protective,” “protruding,” “proximate,” “receiving,” “regular,” “remaining,” “remote,” “retaining,” “retracted,” “revealed,” “risked,” “robust,” “similar,” “single,” “somewhat,” “spanning,” “specialized,” “stabilized,” “static,” “substantially,” “successive,” “suddenly,” “sufficient,” “supported,” “symmetric,” “thereof,” “therethrough,” “through,” “top,” “transitional,” “under,” “unsuitable,” “various,” “vertical,” “visible,” “wherein,” “while,” “widened,” “without,” or other such descriptors herein are used in their normal yes-or-no sense, not merely as terms of degree, unless context dictates otherwise. In light of the present disclosure those skilled in the art will understand from context what is meant by “configured” or “enough” and by other such relational descriptors used herein.

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In alternate embodiments, additional devices, or combinations of illustrated devices, may be added to, or combined, without limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein a “wall” is a complete and contiguous structure, one in which all of the components directly or otherwise engage all of the other components thereof. As used herein the term “wall system” may refer to a wall, for example, or to predefined sets of components (e.g. crated kits) configured to form one or more walls at a single facility. In some contexts the term “facility” may refer to retail point of sale, a distribution center, or a wall installation site. As used herein a “path” is a linear or curvilinear that may track or intersect with other paths but does not branch. As used herein a “primary path” of a tier of a wall is one that resembles the path of the wall. As used herein a “proximity” is a zone having a radius of about 500 meters, unless context dictates otherwise. A wall “element” is a unitary module, often comprising a granular material (e.g. primarily comprising sand or gravel) in a binding material (e.g. primarily comprising a polymer or other suitable mortar) such as cement.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a wall system 100 including numerous wall elements 71-74 arranged in multiple substantially horizontal tiers 175A-D such that a topmost tier 175A and other odd tiers 175C are oriented in a first direction (right-wardly as shown). Even-numbered tiers 175B, 175D are oriented in an opposite direction (left-wardly as shown). Each of the wall elements 71-74 as shown has a posterior portion 105B with a receiving end 176 in which a recess 186 has a horizontal/lateral depth 196. Each of the wall elements 71-74 as shown also has an anterior portion 105A with a protruding end 177 in which a forward or other lateral/horizontal protrusion 187 is configured to penetrate a recess 186 of an adjacent element of the same tier 175. Unlike conventional modular walls, this creates a wall in which a left or right side of most wall elements is more visible than a front thereof.

Regular elements 71-74 are all oriented “along” the wall. In other words a “front” of each regular element 71-74 (i.e. anterior portion 105A) extends as shown from a “front” side 162 of wall system 100 to the “back” side 161 thereof, but not beyond on either side. Other such (identical or similar) elements 31-38 of wall system 100 include one or more elements 31A, 31B, 32 directed away from the wall (e.g. perpendicular to or otherwise not along a path 166A of the tier 175E in which they are positioned). Each thus forms a bulge or similar localized widening 167 of the wall that is significant (e.g. more than 20% of a median width of the wall). In the example shown, the underground tier 175E implements this feature with standard wall elements 31-37 all being of the same type (e.g. mass produced in the same general shape) so as to function as a foundation 150 (e.g. in effectuating a pressure reduction) but without requiring a work crew to wait while the foundation “sets.” In some variants, long-term alignment is nonetheless maintained (e.g. between such “bulge” elements 31-32 and wall elements 33-37 they support on other tiers 175F-G) with one or more alignment features 140 such as multimodal channels 106, projections 108, posts 142, or a combination of these. Alternatively or additionally a stabilizing feature 140 may be provided (e.g. mortar or other adhesives 141) to maintain a desired alignment.

In some variants such standard elements are “oblong,” which as used herein signifies that they each have a body length that exceeds their body width by more than 25%. For example elements 33-35 are all oblong, (nominally) identical, and generally aligned along the path 166B of tier 175F. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants a cumulative intra-wall pressure may be reduced further by incorporating substantially lighter elements 71-74 (i.e. more than 2% lighter) on upper tiers 175A-D.

All of these elements 31-38, 71-74 as shown are each (nominally) bilaterally symmetric across a roughly vertical sagittal plane (not shown) that separates a contained side 161 of the wall element in contact with a material 163 to be contained (earth, e.g.) from an exposed opposite side 162 of the wall element. Top tier 175A as shown, for example, includes several wall elements 71A, 72A in which a left side 161 thereof is in contact with material 163 and in which a mirror-image right side 162 is not in contact with the material 163.

As shown the curvilinear paths 166 of the (completed) wall have a similar shape along each tier, although not all tiers are the same length. Along most tiers the path 166 includes a center of mass of most or all regular elements, although in some cases an element 31-32 may be oriented across the path or be off-center (e.g. for a foundation or tie-back element).

As used herein, a plain reference numeral (like 71 or 175, e.g.) may refer generally to a member of a class of items (like elements or tiers, e.g.) exemplified with a hybrid numeral (like 71A or 175A, e.g.) and it will be understood that every item identified with a hybrid numeral is also an exemplar of the class.

As used herein a “wall” is a (nominally) contiguous structure. As used herein a “wall system” is used to describe a wall that is partially or completely assembled, whether or not the wall system is contiguous during assembly. The term “wall system” is also used herein to describe a prepackaged “kit” or other unassembled collection of elements intended for use in constructing a wall. As used herein a widening of a wall is “localized” if it extends to only 1-2 tiers 175 or otherwise extends to less than half of an area of the wall.

As used herein “anterior” and “posterior” are used to describe respectively opposite portions of a wall element 31-37, 71-74, but “lateral” is used instead in relation to a manner of engagement between wall elements of a given tier 175. “Lateral” may thus refer to an anterior or posterior axial direction or to any (nominally) horizontal direction therebetween depending upon the element structure and angular offset (i.e. to implement a wall bend) between two successive elements of a given tier 175. As used herein planet-oriented directional terms like “upward” or “horizontal” includes directions within 20 degrees of being perfect (e.g. perfectly “upward” or “horizontal”) unless context dictates otherwise. More generally, descriptors herein are not perfect by default, but rather nominal by default, unless context or a broader term (e.g. “roughly” or substantially) dictates otherwise.

In a context in which tier 175C is being assembled, a length 197 greater than 1 millimeter of wall element 73B (in tier 175D) protrudes into a posterior recess 186 of element 74B up to a maximum lateral depth 196 that is also greater than 1 millimeter. The protrusion 187 of wall element 73B is curved to accommodate adjustment of wall curvature. Interlocking between element 72B and tier 175D is accomplished by one or more downward projections 108A-B into one or more alignment cavities 109A-B of tier 175D or (in some variants) one or more down-facing alignment cavities 109A-B receiving one or more corresponding upward projections 108A-B of tier 175D (or both). Alternatively or additionally each element 72B may include one or more vertical channels 106A-B each having a cross-sectional area 107A-B larger than 1 square centimeter so that a spine 120 therethrough may be formed to provide the requisite interlocking. For example a vertical channel may pass through an anterior portion 105A of elements 73A-B and element 72B, so that even after all of tiers 175B-D are complete a spine 120 may be formed in situ by pouring one or more of cement 121, resin 122, or other such solidifying media 124 int the channel. Alternatively or additionally if such channels 106A are well aligned a rod (e.g. of metal 123 or fiberglass) may be inserted to enhance such interlocking. As shown a topmost tier 175A may differ from basic elements of tiers 175B-D below by virtue of having been built without such channels 106A-B or otherwise providing suitable finish elements 71A, 72A.

In some variants a width-transitional prefabricated wall element 38 is placed or otherwise configured in proximity to one or more narrower-type prefabricated wall elements 73-74 and to one or more wider-type prefabricated wall elements 36-37 and so as to interface between the narrower-type elements 73-74 and the wider-type wall elements 36-37 as further described below. This can occur, for example, in a context in which all elements 71-74 of all tiers 175A-D above that of element 38 are narrow relative to all elements 31-37 of all tiers 175E-G below that of element 38. As used herein a wall element is “configured to interface between” two or more objects if its unusual shape makes it suitable to be in contact with all of them simultaneously in an interlocking assembly. See FIG. 50.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a system 200 including a first element 271, a second element 272, and a third element 273 that are all (nominally) identical. A system 200 like this may be constructed, for example, by positioning the first element 271 between the second element 272 and an adapter 209 so that (a lateral recess of) the receiving end 176 of a posterior portion 205B of the second element 272 has a lateral depth large enough to receive more than 0.2 millimeters of (a length of) a curved protrusion 187 of an anterior portion 205A of the first element 271. A receiving end 176 of a posterior portion 205B of the first element 271 likewise has a lateral depth large enough to receive more than 0.2 millimeters of a curved protrusion 187 of an anterior portion 205A of the adapter 209. As shown adapter 209 is (nominally) rotationally symmetric about axis 201B. In some arrangements a single adapter 209 can thus allow one or more other female ends to be aligned with and directed away from an axis 201B each along (a ray of) a respective orthogonally intersecting axis 202B thereof. This allows for a change in a direction along a tier 175 of a wall or for branching into other structures such as a tie-back or wall segment intersection.

Next in the assembly of system 200 a third element 273 and bracing element 238 are positioned so that an anterior portion 205A of the third element 273 extends over the anterior portion 205A of the second element 72B. (The anterior portions 205A and bracing element 238 as shown might be described as “bottom-heavy” in this example, as further described below with reference to FIGS. 30-34.) As shown a tubular channel 206A of each of the second and third elements 272-273 is centered along axis 201A and an axis 202B runs along a top side 212 of the first element 271 such that axes 201A-B and axis 202 all lie in a substantially vertical plane (not shown) that bisects element 271 and adapter 209 and across which they are both (nominally) bilaterally symmetric. A substantially horizontal axis 202A along a top side 212A of element 272 and a bottom side of element 273 also intersects axis 201A so that both are contained in a plane (not shown) that likewise bisects elements 272, 273; cap 208; and a second adapter 209 that supports cap 208. Upward-extending alignment projections 208A-B are also shown to facilitate interlocking engagement with elements on tiers 175 above that of element 273. See FIG. 3. This can occur, for example, in a context in which freely pivoting horizontally adjacent wall elements (e.g. allowing walls to conform to desired curve) would otherwise preclude an adequate degree of inter-tier engagement. Alternatively or additionally, vertically-extending channels 206A-B may facilitate a later insertion or construction of respective spines 120 in wall system 200 (or both). This can occur, for example, in a context in which one or more channels 206A-B of the first and third elements 271, 273 are thereby sufficiently aligned (e.g. overlapping by more than a cross-sectional area 107A of 2 square centimeters of channel 206A) to allow cement 121 or other pourable media 124 to flow through both of these elements 271, 273 in a single pour and in which freely pivoting horizontally adjacent wall elements (e.g. allowing a wall system 200 to conform to a desired curve with a readily configured series of wall bend angles at respective axes 201-B) would otherwise preclude an adequate degree of inter-tier engagement.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a system 300 including one or more wall elements 374 suitable for use in the wall system 200 of FIG. 2 or for making a mold (not shown) by which other wall elements 271-273 can be created. Wall element 374 may have a length 346 between 20 and 100 centimeters, for example about 50 cm, and other features of elements 271-273 as shown in FIG. 2. A majority of the surface area of adapter 209 is nominally identical to that of an anterior portion 205A of element 374. Both have a minimum radius 311A about axis 201B more than 1% smaller than a maximum radius 311B about axis 201B. This allows an exposed side 162 of system 200 to display a visually appealing periodic wall face undulation (e.g. manifesting as horizontal recesses) without creating any problematic lateral gaps between successive wall elements 271-272.

Like adapter 209, element 374 includes a (round or other) tubular channel 206A (centered on axis 201B, e.g.). As shown the tubular channel 206A of element 374 is also adjacent an annular cavity 309A. Wall element 374 may be inserted atop adapter 209 and adjacent element 273 with sides 212A-B in contact. Cavity 309A is configured to provide proper alignment in that assembly by receiving one or more projections 208A so as to facilitate an interlocking engagement between elements of successive tiers 175 immediately upon placement even with a nonzero wall bend angle 203 (e.g. greater than 1 degree) as shown. Alternatively or additionally, an oblong alignment cavity 309B formed in side 212B may be configured to receive an alignment projection 208B of side 212A as shown. Likewise in some variants element 374 may allow for a contiguous oblong channel 206B to pass through both element 271 and element 274 so that a wide spine 120 can be formed therethrough. See FIG. 47.

Wall element 374 is configured with a first side 212B that includes an annular alignment groove (as cavity 309A) and with a second side 212A opposite the first side. The annular alignment groove is positioned around a channel 206 that spans the opposite sides 212A-B and is configured to receive one or more alignment protrusions (e.g. a projection 208A or similar structures) of another wall element (e.g. of adapter 209 or any of wall elements 271-273) so as to allow rotation therebetween (e.g. by moving either) while maintaining contact therebetween. Side 212B also includes an annular alignment groove (as cavity 309B) positioned around a channel 206C and configured to receive an alignment protrusion (e.g. a projection 208B or similar elongate structures) of another wall element (e.g. of any of wall elements 271-273) so as to prevent rotation therebetween.

Wall element 374 has another channel 206C spanning the opposite sides 212A-B and includes cavity 309B as a supplemental alignment features around channel 206C. Such supplemental alignment features of wall element 374 are configured to (receive or otherwise) engage one or more (alignment projections 208B or other) counterpart features of a compatible wall element, wherein the one or more supplemental or compatible alignment features are configured to prevent rotation (when engaged) between their respective wall elements.

As used herein a wall element is “configured to allow” rotation between itself and another object only (1) if one or more structures are configured to establish an alignment therebetween and (2) if the wall element has a geometry that allows the wall element or the other object to pivot or otherwise rotate relative to the other while such alignment is maintained. A wall element may be configured to allow rotation, for example, by prefabricating the wall element to include a lateral or curved alignment feature by which it can later align with and engage the other object. As used herein an alignment feature can only be “engaged with” another alignment feature when they are aligned. As used herein a wall element may be “configured to engage” another object in a factory process or otherwise long before actual engagement.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown another kind of regular wall element 432 further described below, particularly with reference to FIGS. 8-12.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown another kind of regular wall element 532 further described below, such as with reference to FIGS. 17-20 or in the Clauses Section. This type of element may be called “inter-axial” insofar that it spans two parallel axes 501A-B of (nominally) pivotable engagement as shown, in an isometric view (i.e. so that such parallel axes may each be depicted accurately as a point). Depending on scale, structure, and material it may be convenient to implement element 532 to have a mass between 5 and 50 kilograms (and typically between 15 and 25 kg). In some variants element 532 as shown may be heavier than an externally indistinguishable variant shown in FIG. 6 by virtue of comprising a higher concentration of rebar (e.g. within a cement body) or otherwise a denser composition of material 592A as compared with a counterpart like that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively or additionally, the regular element of FIG. 5 may have more mass than that of FIG. 6 by virtue of having more material 591.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown another kind of regular wall element 533, one that is (nominally) identical to element 532 but is not structurally similar to any element of FIGS. 1-4 or to any spacer element shown herein. Alternatively or additionally, element 533 may likewise be lighter by virtue of having more or larger cavities 109 or recesses 186 of other shapes than those shown herein. It is visually apparent that element 533 is lighter than element 532 (in that the central holes are larger) in some drawings herein but not others (in which the holes are then covered). FIG. 6 also includes a spacer element 1839 into which a length of regular element 533 extends. Spacer element 1839 is an irregular element further depicted below, particularly with reference to FIG. 18.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a hillside 889A to be protected from erosion. Isometric lines 887 depict respective elevations. The elevations increase up the hillside 889A and decrease into a trench 888A being dug to accommodate a curvilinear retaining wall to be installed (e.g. along curvilinear path 166C). As used herein an occurrence (e.g. an element forming or cutting operation) is “local” if it occurs less than 10 kilometers from an installation site 700 to which the occurrence pertains.

Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown that the trench 888A has been lengthened along the hillside and that some prefabricated regular oblong elements 431, 432 of the retaining wall have been positioned on a (lowest) first tier 175H. The depicted portion of the curvilinear retaining wall is being built in the form of an S so that part is concave around the hillside 889A (on the left in FIG. 8) and part is convex away from the hillside (on the right in FIG. 8). In lieu of a time-consuming conventional foundation, one or more of the regular oblong elements 432 are directed across (i.e. away from) the wall rather than along it. Even so, the overall curved appearance has started to resemble the base of the wall system 100 of FIG. 1.

Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown that the lowest tier 175H appears to be complete and that a second tier 175I of wall elements 433-434 supported primarily by the first is in progress. Such regular elements 433-434 of the second tier 17551 are oblong and aligned directly along the wall. For this reason the nominal (median) width 947 of the wall is equal to the width 947 of the second tier 175I as shown.

Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown the wall system 900 of FIGS. 9-10 in a more advanced state of completion. Several wall elements 431-435 of the first and second tiers 175H are at least partly filled with an adhesive 141 (e.g. mortar) or other appropriate stabilizing material 1041. Then without waiting long enough for that stabilizing material 1041 to settle or cure completely (e.g. within 2-3 hours), surrounding earth is dragged in to fill the trench 888A enough to obscure some or all elements 431-432 of the first tier 175H (as shown in FIG. 11), and construction proceeds to tier 175J as shown in FIG. 12. Element 436 is positioned to span elements 434-435 and element 437 is positioned to span elements 433-434 as shown. Additional tiers 175 of the same type of wall elements are thereafter added until a desired height is reached, then gravel and soil are added to fill in the uphill side 161 of the wall system 900. For a tall retaining wall (i.e. exceeding 2 meters) additional tiebacks, leaning, weight-tapering, sharp curves, interlocking channels 106 and projections 108, spines 120, or other stabilizing features 140 may be useful to employ as well, in light of teachings herein.

Turning now to FIG. 13, there is shown another hillside 889B to be protected from erosion. Isometric lines depict respective elevations. The elevations increase up the hillside 889.

Turning now to FIG. 14, there is shown that an installer 1495 is digging a trench 888B to accommodate a curvilinear retaining wall to be installed.

Turning now to FIG. 15, there is shown that the trench 888B has been lengthened up and along the hillside. Also a tier 175K of regular elements has been started. This wall will resemble the wall system 900 of FIGS. 9-12, but will run up the hillside and (optionally) feature sloping tiers.

Turning now to FIG. 16, there is shown that wall system 1600 now includes (at least) two tiers 175K-L of regular elements 532-533. For convenient identification the elements of a single given tier will be unshaded (i.e. white) in each successive figure. Three elements of tier 175L are artificially depicted in white for ease of identification in FIG. 16.

Turning now to FIG. 17, there is shown a version of wall system 1600 in a more advanced state of assembly. A new tier 175M has been added, including three elements 531-532 shown in white. It will be understood that such an assembly will include some re-grading in and around the trench 888B, not specifically shown with refinement of the isometric lines 887.

Turning now to FIG. 18, there is shown a version of wall system 1600 in a further advanced state of assembly. As shown one or more of the regular oblong elements 532-533 respectively in different tiers 175M-N are directed across (i.e. away from) the wall rather than along it, forming an ad hoc foundation 1850. This distributes wall weight across a broader area and thereby alleviates later-destabilizing pressure like a conventional foundation would but without any necessity of a work crew (conventionally) waiting for a cement foundation to set. Also in many instances it eliminates an inconvenient need for skilled onsite work early in wall assembly. For these reasons upon a proper placement of an underlying element 532, an installation of one or more other elements 534-535 and 1839A aligned along the wall system 1600 may occur quickly thereafter as a result.

Turning now to FIG. 19, there is shown a version of wall system 1600 in a still further advanced state of assembly. Additional tiers 1750 have been added, optionally including one or more heavier regular oblong elements or one or more lighter-weight regular oblong elements 536-537 (or both). As shown tier 1700 also includes at least one spacer element 1839B that is between and adjacent regular oblong elements 536-537 of the same tier. Alternatively or additionally, as shown the (now more advanced) ad hoc foundation 1850 may include one or more spikes 1942 or other posts 142 as alignment features 140 thereof.

Turning now to FIG. 20, there is shown a version of wall system 1600 in a still further advanced state of assembly. One or more additional tiers have now been added including a topmost tier 175P of finish elements 3057 (see also FIGS. 1, 22, 24, 35, and 41). Also the areas above and below have been regraded to reduce steepness and erosion, realizing significant benefits from the now-completed wall system 1600.

As used herein a retaining wall is “regular” if most or all of a visible primary side 162 of the wall appears to comprise (structurally) identical regular elements. Elements of a wall are “regular” if they all appear to have the same thickness and similar lengths 346 (i.e. within 10%), irrespective of ornamental or visually subtle differences therebetween. Visibly smaller elements (e.g. caps 208, adapters 209, thin finish elements 3057, or spacer elements 1839) are not “regular” as used herein, even if they are numerous.

Turning now to FIG. 21, there is shown an operational flow 2100 by which several wall systems described herein can be constructed. Operation 2115 describes obtaining many oblong regular wall elements including elements E1-E7 (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 obtaining some or all of the prefabricated oblong regular wall elements 31-37, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-437, 531-537 described above at an installation site 700, 1400). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600 features two opposite sides 161-162 and may interact with a material 163 to be retained by the resulting wall.

Operation 2125 describes positioning the first element E1 in a first tier and directed either along or away from a path of the first tier (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning the first element 31, 71, 271, 431, 531 in a first tier 175E, 175H, 175K and along a path 166 thereof). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the first element 71, 271, 531 is directed along the (nominal) path 166 of the tier 175 or in which the first element 31, 431 is directed across the path 166 as shown.

Operation 2140 describes positioning the second element E2 in the first tier and directed away from the path of the first tier so as to form a localized widening of the wall that is greater than a width of the wall by more than 30% (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning the second element 32, 432, 532 in the first tier 175E, 175H, 175K and away from a path 166 thereof so as to form a localized widening 167 of the wall system 100, 900, 1600 that is greater than a width 947 thereof by more than 30%). This allow the one or more installers 1495 to stabilize the wall system, for example, in a context in which the localized widening 167 will eventually help to distribute the weight of tiers above it or to tie it back into the retained material 163 (or both).

Operation 2155 describes positioning the third element E3 in the second tier and directed along a path of a second tier, wherein at least one bracing element is adjacent both elements E2 and E3 (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning the third element 33, 433, 533 in the second tier and directed along a path 166B of a second tier, wherein at least one bracing element is adjacent both elements E2 and E3). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the bracing element comprises a piece of fill material 1041 solidified in situ (e.g. a poured spine 120) or a post 142 (e.g. a spike 1942) that buttresses both the second and third elements.

Operation 2160 describes positioning the fourth and fifth elements in the second tier also, wherein the fourth element is between the third and fifth elements and at least partly supported by the first element (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning a fourth element 34, 434, 534 and a fifth element 435, 535 in the second tier, wherein the fourth element 34, 434, 534 is between the third element 33, 433, 533 and the fifth element 435, 535). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the fourth element 34, 434, 534 is supported (at least partly) by the first element 31, 431, 531 and in which a stable initial wall foundation 150 is thereby created without any need for larger-than-regular elements. Alternatively or additionally, other measures may be implemented to stabilize the first and second tiers 175, as further described below.

Operation 2170 describes configuring one or more additional tiers to include sixth and seventh elements without waiting for a pourable material to stabilize the first and second tiers (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 configuring one or more higher tiers 175 without waiting for a pourable material to stabilize the first and second tiers, wherein all the higher tiers are stacked directly above the second tier). This can occur, for example, in a context in which most or all of the wall elements 271-273 that make up the tiers 175 extend between respective parallel axes 201, 501 of the wall and in which the paths 166 of the tiers include line segments that pass through the parallel axes 201, 501 and through centers of mass of most or all elements on most or all tiers of the wall system 200 without diverging through any significant detours (e.g. localized widenings 167 or single-tier shape aberrations). Alternatively or additionally, in some variants most or all of the regular wall elements 531-537 that make up the tiers 175 of the wall system 1600 may extend between respective (nominally) parallel axes 501A-B of the wall system 1600 each of which is shared by multiple wall elements (e.g. along a respective spike 1942) on most or all tiers 175 of the wall system 1600.

Operation 2180 describes finalizing a wall from the wall system without any regular or other block-like elements thereof having been formed or cut locally (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 completing a particular wall system 1600 with one or more finish elements all without any of the elements of in the wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600 having been formed or cut locally).

This can occur, for example, in a context in which the one or more finish elements are affixed with mortar or other adhesive 141 to a tier 175 below them, in which the entire wall system 1600 arrives to the installation site 1400 as a kit (e.g. in one or more factory-sealed crates) from a factory more than 10 kilometers away, and in which the (contiguous) wall can thereafter be completed without any onsite involvement of any specialized labor or equipment associated with element-forming or element-cutting.

Turning now to FIG. 22, there is shown a breakaway view of a wall system 2200 including a first element 2271, a second element 2272, a third element 2273, and a fourth element 2274, and a bracing element 2275 that are all identical or substantially similar. A system 2200 like this may be constructed, for example, by positioning several elements 2271, 2272, 2275 on a first tier 175Q as shown. System 2200 is configured so that the second element 2272 is placed between the first element 2271 and the bracing element 2275 so that (a lateral recess of) a receiving end 176 of a posterior portion 105B of the second element 2272 has a lateral depth large enough to receive more than 0.2 millimeters of (a length of) a curved protrusion 187 of an anterior portion of the first element 2271. A receiving end 176 of a posterior portion 2305B of bracing element 2275 likewise has a lateral depth large enough to receive more than 0.2 millimeters of a curved protrusion 187 of an anterior portion of the second element 2272. As shown one or more rods 2279 (e.g. rebar or other structures primarily comprising a suitable metal 123) extend across a channel 106A, 206A. If a higher tier 175R is to be the topmost tier of wall system 2200, that tier may (optionally) comprise finishing elements 2273A, 2274A that do not contain a channel therethrough. Otherwise if the next tier 175R is to be an intermediate tier of wall system 2200, that tier may comprise standard elements 2273B, 2274B.

Turning now to FIG. 23, there is shown a more basic instance of system 2200 that includes further detail about the “second” wall element 2272 thereof. Wall element 2272 may have a length between 20 and 100 centimeters, for example about 40 cm, and other features of elements 2271-2275 as shown in FIG. 22. Wall element 2272 may also have a width 2347 between 10 and 60 centimeters, for example about 25 cm, and other features of elements 2271-2275 as shown in FIG. 22. Although a width of recess 2386 as shown varies somewhat (i.e. less than a factor of two) in variants like that shown, a nominal (median) value of width 2397 is 2-20 centimeters. The (overall) width 2347 of some oblong wall elements 2347 herein may vary greatly along their lengths 346 and slightly through their thickness as shown, neither of which undermines the appropriateness of a nominal (median) width 2347 of a wall or element thereof, as shown. As used herein a wall element may have a width 2347 that is related to the width of a wall of which it is a part. A “thickness” of a wall element (e.g. along axis 2301) may be the to affect the height of a wall but has no bearing on its width. See FIG. 30.

In assembling system 2200, element 2272 may (optionally) be configured so that an anterior portion 2305A thereof includes a curved protrusion 2387. Even though most or all anterior cross-sections 2340 thereof may include a readily pivotable (semi-circular or other arcuate) edge 2342, a lateral length 197 thereof (e.g. more than 0.2 millimeters) may extend into a recess 2386 of (a posterior portion 2305B of) an identical or similar element 2275 provided a width 2397 thereof is great enough (e.g. exceeding 3 centimeters) to allow a lateral depth 2396 greater than or equal to the protrusion length 197. If the arc of the edge is large enough (e.g. exceeding 200 degrees about axis 2301) relative to width 2347, moreover, it is feasible to achieve a wall bend angle 203 (e.g. between a single pair of adjacent elements 2271, 2272) of 90 degrees or more.

Turning now to FIG. 24, there is shown a more elaborate instance of system 2200 that includes not only the above-described elements 2271-2275 but also a finish element 3057B, an adapter 2409, and an inwardly-extending subassembly 2419 that illustrates how system 2200 may be extended with one or more additional or longer tiers 175R, 175S to provide aligned engagement wall systems 2200 having one or more aligned engagement localized multi-tier wall widenings 2467 without a commensurate increase in wall element diversity or other complexity. As used herein an increase in pressure upon a tier is “commensurate” if it corresponds to the pressure that would exist if each regular element in higher tiers had the same mass as each regular element in the tier (i.e. without any transitioning to lighter wall elements).

Turning now to FIG. 25, there is shown a bottom-protruding regular element 2272 as shown in FIGS. 22-24 to facilitate comparison with other types of elements described herein. Element 2272 might also be described as “squat” by virtue of being (still oblong but) less oblong than most other regular elements described herein. How element 2272 is “bottom-protruding” is best seen in comparison to FIG. 27. It may seem that “bottom-protruding” is a misnomer as applied to element 2272 because in fact the bottom protrudes more in the posterior portion of element 2272, but the reader may nonetheless find that the term helps in understanding.

Turning now to FIG. 26, there is shown a bottom-protruding spacer element 2639. It has side surfaces that do not conform closely with those of regular element 2272.

Turning now to FIG. 27, there is shown a top-protruding spacer element 2739 for contrast with spacer element 2639 of FIG. 26. It has four female lateral surfaces that can conform closely with the anterior portion 105 of bottom-protruding regular element 2272. Moreover bottom-protruding regular element 2272 has a top-protruding posterior portion 106 that closely resembles top-protruding spacer element 2739. This is why multiple instances of bottom-protruding regular element 2272 can be placed adjacent one another nose-to-tail with close surface conformity between each adjacent pair thereof. The same may be the for multiple instances of regular elements 271-273, which conform closely nose-to-tail because their bottom-protruding frontsides conform well to their top-protruding backsides.

Turning now to FIG. 28, there is shown a bottom-protruding regular element 3139 to compare with an otherwise-similar top-protruding regular element 2272 of FIG. 25. A sensitivity to this distinction may be helpful in understanding FIGS. 31-32 presented below, where element 3139 is presented in context.

Turning now to FIG. 29, there is shown a bottom-protruding bracing element 3239 resembling the anterior portion 105 of bottom-protruding regular element 2272, but in rotationally-symmetric configuration.

Turning now to FIG. 30, there is shown finish element 3057 useful for closing off a hollow column like that in which a spine 120 can be formed, especially along the top of a wall. Element 3057 has a thickness 3058A less than that of other elements depicted in FIGS. 25-29. All of the elements of FIGS. 25-30 are “non-transitional” in that they are suited to working together in homogeneous groupings, such as for walls in which each tier has a “squat” median width 2347 as shown in FIG. 23. Transitions to progressively narrower tiers are presented below in relation to FIGS. 31-42.

Turning now to FIG. 31, there is shown some top-protruding regular elements 3132, 3139 all in the same tier 175T.

Turning now to FIG. 32, there is shown a completed state of tier 175T in which several bottom-protruding elements 3131, 3138, 3239 have been positioned so that the top-protruding regular elements 3132, 3139 are interleaved therebetween.

Turning now to FIG. 33, there is shown a wall system 3300 featuring a second tier 175U that includes three (nominally) identical bottom-protruding elements 3133, 3134, 3135 each buttressed by a respective top-protruding element.

Turning now to FIG. 34, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of another bottom-protruding bracing element being placed atop 3239 and adjacent 3133. As shown elements 3131-3135 are all nominally identical in weight (i.e. within 1% in weight and mass).

Turning now to FIG. 35, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of several (nominally identical) instances of finishing elements 167A-C, completing three respective localized widenings 167A-C. Each of these stabilize wall system 3300 and provide a finished surface (e.g. suitable for placing a sculpture) without requiring diverse wall elements.

Turning now to FIG. 36, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of several (nominally identical) tapering elements 3136-3138 atop tier 175U. These tapering elements 3136-3137 are regular and each is more than 2% lighter than each of the non-tapering regular elements 3131-3135 of the lower tiers at least by virtue of having less width near the top of tier 175V.

Turning now to FIG. 37, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of a tier 175W thereon in which the regular elements 3731-3732 being narrower (i.e. relative to width 2347) than the tiers 175T-V therebelow. Accordingly each of these medium-weight regular elements 3731-3732 is more than 2% lighter than each of the regular elements 3136, 3137 they rest upon and also more than 4% lighter than each of the regular elements 3131-3135 below the transitional tier 175V as shown. As shown these medium-weight regular non-transitional elements 3731-3732 are also more than 2% more oblong (i.e. measured as a ratio of nominal element length 346 to nominal element width 2347) than the regular “squat” elements 3131-3135 below the transitional tier 175V.

Turning now to FIG. 38, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of a transitional tier 175X comprising several (nominally) identical transitional elements 3733-3735 that are each directly supported by a non-transitional tier 175W. Each regular element 3731-3732 of the lower tier 175W is more than 2% heavier than each regular element 3733-3735 of the upper tier 175X.

Turning now to FIG. 39, there is shown a wall system 3300 in a more advanced state by virtue of another non-transitional tier 175Y comprising several (nominally) identical non-transitional elements 3736-3737 that are each directly supported by a transitional tier 175X. Each regular element 3733-3735 of the lower tier 175X is more than 2% heavier than each regular element 3736-3737 of the upper tier 175Y.

A favorable cumulative effect occurs in a wall system in which several regular elements 3733-3736 each have a mass 3945B-C that is at least 2% smaller than the mass 3945A of standard-mass regular elements 3731-3732 a tier that supports them. In the illustrated design, for example, the overall weight felt by tier 175V is thereby less than 95% of the weight that would otherwise be felt by tier 175V (e.g. if elements having a standard mass 3945A or larger were used throughout). Even that 5% reduction may be sufficient, in many cases, to prevent an element 3131-3137 on a lower tier from rupturing.

Turning now to FIG. 40, there is shown a wall system 3300 in an almost complete state by virtue of built-in plant pots 4031A-B having been placed atop tier 175Y.

Turning now to FIG. 41, there is shown a top-perspective view of the almost-complete wall system 3300 of FIG. 40. Looking down through a corner element 3736, it can be seen that regular elements 3131-3135 of the bottom tiers 175T-U each have rods 2279 spanning the round channels 206 thereof but that none of the upper or intermediate tiers 175V-Y feature such rods 2279. Also it can be seen that posterior alignment features (e.g. projection 208) of the topmost tiers 175X-Y are oblong, unlike the square-like alignment feature shown in FIG. 23. The square-like posterior alignment features of squat elements allows a bimodal engagement that permits a localized multi-tier widening (visible in FIG. 35) somewhat unlike those available in transitional or other smaller tiers 175V-Y of wall system 3300.

Turning now to FIG. 42, there is shown a completed wall system 3300 suitable for use as an easy-to-build decoration or, mutatis mutandis, as a very tall and strong containment wall like that of FIG. 43. Also shown is the smaller thickness 3058A of finish elements being relatively less than the (nominally uniform) thickness 3058B of all of the standard elements 3131-3139, 3731-3739 of the wall system 3300 as shown.

As used herein “narrow” (or “narrower-type”) and “wide” (or “wider-type”) wall elements refer to bodies or other physical attributes in relation to each other or to those of other corresponding wall elements. A “wide” wall element is one having an alignment feature width or body width (e.g. width 947, 2347) that is more than 1% larger than that of a corresponding “standard-width” or “narrow” wall element. Two regular wall elements are “corresponding” if they have a similar length (i.e. within 20%) and if they are both configured to engage (respective alignment features of) a third regular wall element. Referring now to the example of FIG. 42, there are shown several regular elements 3133, 3137, 3732, 3734, 3737 that all correspond to one another, being compatible for engagement in a multiply-engaged structure made possible by several “transitional” (or “transitional-type”) wall elements 3136, 3137, 3733-3735 on specific tiers 175V, 175X as shown. Element 3732 is “intermediate” (or “intermediate width”) insofar that it has a (nominal) width 947, 2347 that is more than 1% smaller than that of “wide” elements 3133-3135 or more than 1% larger than that of “narrow” elements 3736-3737. But standard-width element 3732 is unsuitable for direct engagement with these “wide” elements 3133-3135 (e.g. by virtue of grooves or other respective compatibility—

features 140 thereof) and also with these “narrow” elements 3736-3737. And “narrow” elements 3736-3737 are likewise each unsuitable for direct engagement with (respective alignment features of) each corresponding “wide” element 3133-3135. See FIG. 50.

Turning now to FIG. 43, there is shown a (completed) wall 4300 that is of a type one or more of the above-described wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300 may become according to one or more embodiments. Wall 4300 as shown includes many (nominally) identical wall elements 4331-4338 assembled at an installation site 700, 1400. All of these are also “regular” insofar that they are visually indistinguishable once the wall 4300 is complete. At least one first element 4331A-B is adjacent second element 4332, both positioned in the same tier 175. A fourth element 4334 is positioned on a second tier between third and fifth elements 4333, 4335. Wall 4300 is vertical and (the weight of) more than 90% of the second tier is (in contact with and supported by and thus) borne directly by the first tier. Regular elements 4331B and 4332 are directed away from the path 166 of wall 4300 and into a hillside 889 as portions of a tieback structure that provides a cantilevered localized widening 167. As shown the fourth element 4334 is supported only by elements 4331A and 4332. In some contexts one or more posts 142A of a deck, fence, or other structure 4343 supported by the wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300 pass down into an upper element 4338 of the one or more of the many regular wall elements (e.g. an element of one of the tiers directly or otherwise supported by the bottom-most tier(s) of the wall 4300).

Turning now to FIG. 44, there is shown wall system 4400 comprising two walls that intersect to form a T according to one or more embodiments. As shown an installer 1495 is placing several regular wall elements 4431, 4432 all onto a single tier 175 of wall system 4400. A first one of these elements 4431 is positioned along a first path 166 that is roughly linear along the ground for a span of more than 5 elements. A second one of these elements 4432 engages the first so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical axis 501C with sliding engagement between these elements 4431, 4432. As shown element 4432 is aligned along a second path nominally perpendicular to the first, suitable for constructing a multi-tier tieback or room-dividing structure. An irregular prefabricated spacer element 4439A maintains a nominally gap-free engagement along the elements of first path by providing recesses 2386 at opposite ends thereof configured (with a depth 2396 sufficient) to receive respective protrusions of other elements on the same tier. Alternatively or additionally, the prefabricated spacer element 4439A may comprise inter-tier alignment features (e.g. one or more projections 108 or cavities 109 on a top or bottom side thereof) configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features on one or more adjacent tiers 175 when suitable alignment therebetween exists.

Turning now to FIG. 45, there is shown the wall system 4400 of FIG. 44 in a more advanced state of assembly. A third element 4433 is positioned on a higher tier 175 than that of FIG. 44, directly engaging and supported by both the irregular prefabricated spacer element 4439A and another regular element of the first tier. As shown a (cavity 109 or other) alignment feature on a top side of irregular prefabricated spacer element 4439A is configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of the third element 4433 (selectively) when suitable alignment therebetween exists. As shown the fourth element 4434 is positioned between the third and fifth elements 4433, 4435 in the second tier. Also on the second tier, an east-facing regular element 4438 that engages an alignment feature of the second element 4432 is on its way to becoming (with the second element 4432) part of an easterly-directed wall of the wall system 4400. One or more alignment features of east-facing regular element 4438 are configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of the second element 4432 (when suitable alignment therebetween exists, as shown) that are entirely outside (the width 947, 3947) of the first wall-in-progress.

Turning now to FIG. 46, there is shown the wall system 4400 of FIGS. 44-45 in a still more advanced state of assembly. A sixth element 4436 is positioned on a (higher) third tier 175 than that of FIGS. 44-45, directly engaging and supported by both the fourth and fifth regular elements 4434, 4435 of the second tier. A seventh element 4437 is also positioned on the third tier 175 and adjacent the sixth regular element 4436. The above-mentioned substantially vertical axis 501C passes through the second, fourth, and seventh regular elements 4432, 4434, 4437 but not through the first, third, fifth, or sixth regular elements 4431, 4433, 4435, 4436. An irregular prefabricated spacer element 4439B maintains a (nominally) gap-free engagement along the elements of the (eastward) second path by providing one or more inter-tier alignment features on top or bottom surfaces thereof (or both). Alternatively or additionally irregular prefabricated spacer element 4439B may include recesses 2386 at opposite ends thereof configured (each with a depth 2396 sufficient) to receive respective (a respective suitable length 197 of) protrusions 187 of other elements 4437, 4637 on the same tier 175 so as to ensure stable wall system engagement even if a foundation 150 below shifts.

Turning now to FIG. 47, there is shown an improved wall system 4700 assembled initially by situating a width-transitional (instance of a) first wall element 4731 configured to interface between a narrower-type second wall element 4732 and a wider-type third wall element 4733 at a common facility with, in a common structure with, or otherwise in proximity to the second and third wall elements 4732, 4733. This can occur, for example, in a context in which the width-transitional first wall elements 4731-4733 all have alignment features 140 on inter-tier boundaries 4793 thereof (e.g. adjacent. tier 175Z as shown); in which an upper alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element 4731 is configured to allow the narrower-type second wall element 4732 to engage the width-transitional first wall element adjacent the first alignment feature 140; and in which (at least) a lower alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element 4731 is configured to allow the wider-type third wall element 4733 to engage the width-transitional first wall element 4731 adjacent the second alignment feature 140.

Alternatively or additionally, wall system 4700 may be assembled initially by situating the (same or another) first wall element 4731 in proximity to a set of second, third, fourth, and fifth wall elements 4732-4735 so that the first wall element 4731 can be sandwiched between and in alignment with the second and third wall elements 4732-4733 while also being sandwiched between and in alignment with the fourth and fifth wall elements 4734-4735 in a curved or straight portion of a wall-in-progress. This can occur, for example, in a context in which the first wall element 4731 is configured (e.g. by virtue of having one or more protrusions sufficiently long and appropriately convex) to allow a protruding end 177 thereof to align with and extend into a receiving end 176 of the fourth element 4734 and also configured (e.g. by virtue of having a depth 196 that is sufficient) to allow a receiving end 176 thereof to receive a protruding end 177 of the fifth wall element 4735 as shown.

Alternatively or additionally, wall system 4700 may be configured by selecting or otherwise situation a first wall element 4731 having (one or more instances of) a laterally grooved wall element end recess 2386 thereof configured to facilitate (nominally) nose-to-tail (nominally) straight or bent engagement of laterally-rotatable alignment features between two successive wall elements 4731, 4734 within a single (nominally) curvilinear wall tier 175Z, wherein the first wall element is configured to receive a (nominally) male end 177 having one or more laterally grooved protrusions configured to facilitate a nose-to-tail engagement of alignment features between the two successive wall elements within a single (nominally) curvilinear wall tier 175Z (e.g. manifesting a bend angle 203 therebetween larger than 1 degree).

Also in FIG. 47 it can be seen that some tiers (e.g. those in which elements 4734-4736 are placed) comprise elements that “face” to the right as shown, such that a front-most contour 4794A of element 4736 is shown protruding further than a (solid-line) boundary between adjacent elements. Likewise in a magnified cross-sectional mid-line view of a receiving end 176 of element 4736 as shown, it is shown that lengthwise (undulation or other) grooves and ridges may have a feature length 96 as shown (e.g. as another instance of a protrusion length 197 or recess depth 196 in a direction of engagement therebetween). This can occur, for example, in a context in which such a feature length 96 is on the order of 0.5% of a body length 346 of one or both wall elements thereof (i.e. within a factor of ten), in which bidirectional intra-tier undulation facilitates appropriate alignment and stable end-to-end engagement, and in which a curving wall would otherwise be unable to remain assembled through significantly uneven ground movement (e.g. in freezing wet conditions, root growth, or an earthquake).

Turning now to FIG. 48, there is shown an operational flow 4800 by which one or more of the above-described wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400, 4700 may be constructed according to one or more embodiments. Operation 4810 describes situating a first wall element of a particular configuration in proximity to several other elements. In particular it describes situating a first wall element configured to interface between a second wall element and a third wall element and also between a fourth wall element and a fifth wall element in proximity to the second, third, fourth, and fifth elements; wherein the first wall element has first and second alignment features respectively configured to engage the second and third wall elements, a receiving end configured to engage the fourth or fifth wall elements, and a protruding end configured to engage the fifth or fourth wall elements (e.g. one or more cargo carriers, retailers, or installers 1495 positioning an instance of a wall element 3731, 4731 in proximity to the second, third, fourth, and fifth elements 4732-4735 on a vessel, installation site, facility, or otherwise in proximity to one another). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the vessel is a pallet or train; in which the “second” wall element is element 3734 or element 4732, in which the “third” wall element is element 3137 or element 4733; in which the first wall element has first and second alignment features 140 respectively configured to engage the second and third wall elements 4732-4733 and receiving and protruding ends 176-177 configured to engage the fourth or fifth wall elements 4734-4735; and in which the first wall element 3731, 4731 is configured to interface between the second and third wall elements (e.g. on the same tier 175) and also between the fourth and fifth wall elements as shown in FIG. 42 or 47. Many additional examples of such a “first” wall element are presented herein.

Operation 4830 describes installing the third wall element (e.g. installing element 3137 or element 4733 into a wall-in-progress or as a part of a foundation 150, 1850).

Operation 4860 describes supporting a tier with the third wall element (e.g. installing a tier 175W, 175Z that includes the first, fourth, and fifth elements). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the third wall element supports one or more elements of the tier. See FIG. 42 or 47.

Operation 4890 describes supporting the second wall element with the tier (e.g. installing element 3734-3735 or element 4732). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the first and fourth wall elements are in the tier 175 and in which the “second” wall element is supported by the first and fourth elements.

Turning now to FIG. 49, there is shown an operational flow 4900 by which one or more of the above-described wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400, 4700 may be constructed according to one or more embodiments. Operation 4910 describes situating a “transitional” first wall element in proximity to a “narrow” second wall element and to a “wide” third wall element and configured to interface between the narrow second wall element and the wide third wall element, wherein the transitional first wall element has first and second alignment features, wherein the first alignment feature of the transitional first wall element is “configured to allow” the narrow second wall element to engage the first alignment feature of the transitional first wall element, and wherein the second alignment feature of the transitional first wall element is configured to allow the wide third wall element to engage the transitional first wall element adjacent the second alignment feature (e.g. one or more cargo carriers, retailers, or installers 1495 positioning an instance of a width-transitional (instance of a) first wall element in proximity to a relatively narrow second wall element 4732 and to a relatively wide third wall element 4733, wherein the wider element 4733 is wider than the narrow element 4732). This can occur, for example, in a context in which an instance of wall element 4731 is the width-transitional first wall element; wherein the width-transitional first wall element has first and second alignment features 140 on opposite sides thereof; wherein the first alignment feature 140 of the transitional first wall element is “configured to allow” the narrow second wall element to engage the first alignment feature 140 of the transitional first wall element, and wherein the second alignment feature 140 of the transitional first wall element is configured to allow the wide third wall element to engage the transitional first wall element adjacent the second alignment feature 140.

Operation 4930 describes installing the wide third wall element (e.g. wider element 4733). Operation 4940 describes installing the transitional first wall element (e.g. as an instance of element 4731) supported directly by the wide third wall element. Operation 4950 describes installing a transitional fourth wall element (e.g. as an instance of element 4734) also supported by the wide third wall element. Operation 4990 describes installing the narrow second wall element (e.g. as an instances of element 4732) supported directly by both the transitional first and fourth wall elements and also indirectly by the wide third wall element. This can occur, for example in a context in which the narrow second wall element is unsuitable for direct engagement with the wide third wall element.

Turning now to FIG. 50, there is shown an operational flow 5000 by which one or more of the above-described wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 may be constructed according to one or more embodiments. Operation 5010 describes obtaining many wall elements including first, second, third, and fourth elements each having an anterior portion that includes a protruding end with a curved protrusion and a posterior portion that includes a receiving end with a lateral recess (e.g. one or more people assembling into a substantially vertical retaining wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 many wall elements including first, second, third, and fourth elements (e.g. elements 71-74 or elements 2271-2274) each having an anterior portion 105A, 205A, 2305A that includes a protruding end 177 with a curved protrusion 187, 2387 and a posterior portion 105B, 205B, 2305B that includes a receiving end 176 with a longitudinal or other lateral recess 186). As used herein, a “substantially” vertical element is one that leans (not at all or otherwise) by less than 30 degrees.

Operation 5020 describes positioning the first and second elements so that the lateral recess of the receiving end of the posterior portion of the second element has a lateral depth large enough to receive part of the curved protrusion of the anterior portion of the first element (e.g. the one or more people positioning the first and second elements so that the lateral recess 186, 2386 of the receiving end 176 of the posterior portion 105B, 205B, 2305B of the second element 72, 272, 2272 has a lateral depth 196, 2396 large enough to receive part of the curved protrusion 187 of the anterior portion 105A of the first element 71, 271, 2271),). This can occur, for example, in a context in which one or more other lateral recesses (like those shown in FIG. 23) are also present and in which the lateral recess is longitudinally or otherwise laterally deep enough to receive some of protrusion 2387 of the first element 71, 271, 2271 so as to provide a measure of longitudinal interlocking (i.e. within a given tier 175).

Operation 5035 describes positioning the third element so that the an anterior portion of the third element extends over the anterior portion of the second element and so that more than half of an area of a channel extending through the anterior portion of the second element horizontally overlaps an area of a channel extending through the anterior portion of the third element (e.g. the one or more people positioning the third element 73, 273, 2273 so that an anterior portion 105A of the third element 73A extends over the anterior portion 105A of the second element 72B). This can occur, for example, in a context in which more than half of an area 107A of a channel 106A extending through the anterior portion 105A of the second element 72B horizontally overlaps an area 107A of a channel 106A extending through the anterior portion 105A of the third element 73B.

Operation 5050 describes assembling the many wall elements into a substantially vertical retaining wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 by positioning the fourth element so that the lateral recess of the receiving end of the posterior portion of the fourth element receives a length of the curved protrusion of the protruding end of the anterior portion of the third element, wherein an anterior portion of the fourth element extends over an anterior portion of the first element, so that more than half of an area of a channel extending through the anterior portion of the fourth element horizontally overlaps an area of a channel extending through the anterior portion of the first element, wherein the channel of the second and third elements are thereby at least somewhat vertically aligned, and wherein the channel of the first and fourth elements are thereby at least somewhat vertically aligned (e.g. the one or more people positioning the fourth element 74A, 274, 2274 so that the lateral recess 186 of the receiving end 176 of the posterior portion 105B of the fourth element 74A, 274, 2274 receives a length 197 of the curved protrusion 187 of the protruding end 177 of the anterior portion 105A of the third element 73B, 273, 2273),). This can occur, for example, in a context in which more than half of an area 107A of a channel 106A extending through the anterior portion 105A of the fourth element 74A horizontally overlaps an area 107A of a channel 106A extending through the anterior portion 105A of the first element 71B, 271, 2271, in which the channel 106, 206 of the second and third elements are thereby at least somewhat vertically aligned; in which the anterior portion 105A of the fourth element 74A, 274, 2274 extends over the anterior portion 105A of the first element 71B, 271, 2271; and in which the channel 106, 206 of the first and fourth elements are thereby at least somewhat vertically aligned (e.g. overlapping by more than one square centimeter).

Operation 5065 describes forming a first spine in the second and third elements by pouring one or more of a cement, a resin, a growth medium, or other solidifying media into channels of the second and third elements (e.g. the one or more people forming a first instance of a spine 120 through the second and third elements by pouring one or more of cement 121, resin 122, metal 123, a growth medium 124, or other solidifying media into a first at least partly aligned column of channels 106A of the second and third elements). This can occur, for example, in a context in which vertical projections 208 and alignment cavities 309 are shorter/shallower than 1 centimeter and/or few in number, insofar that the spine 120 provides a primary alignment.

Operation 5080 describes forming a second spine in the first and fourth elements by pouring one or more of a cement, a resin, a growth medium, or other solidifying media into channels of the first and fourth elements (e.g. the one or more people forming a second instance of a spine 120 through the first and fourth elements by pouring one or more of cement 121, resin 122, metal 123, a growth medium 124, or other solidifying media into (a first at least partly aligned set of) channels 106A of the first and fourth elements. This can occur, for example, in a context in which more than half of the regular elements of a contiguous wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 are assembled before (a last instance of) operations 5065, 5080 begin; in which a less-interlocking wall system would not be robust enough; and in which an entire poured wall system would require an unacceptable amount of additional time and equipment.

Above there are shown retaining wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400, 4700 that may comprise a first instance of an oblong (nominally) bilaterally symmetric element 374, 2272 having a length 346 greater than 20 centimeters and less than 80 cm, wherein the element has a nominal (maximum) width 382 greater than 5 cm and less than 40 cm, wherein the element has a curved protruding anterior portion 205A, 2305A in which a forward end 177 thereof has a (forward or other) lateral protrusion 187, 2387 configured so that a cross-section 2340 thereof has a frontmost edge 2342 that) includes an arc longer than 30 degrees so that a significant wall bend angle 203 (i.e. of more than ten degrees) will not prevent a desired inter-element engagement of alignment features. In some variants an anterior portion 2305A may be configured so that a cross-section 2340 thereof has a frontmost edge 2342 that (is semicircular or otherwise) includes an arc longer than 90 degrees so that a large wall bend angle 203 (i.e. of more than 45 degrees) will not prevent a desired inter-element engagement of alignment features. Moreover in some variants an anterior portion 2305A may be configured so that a cross-section 2340 thereof has a frontmost edge 2342 that includes an arcuate edge longer than 180 degrees so that an even larger wall bend angle 203 (i.e. greater than or equal to 90 degrees) will not prevent a desired inter-element engagement of partially interlocking features.

In some variants a (maximum) width 2347 of the element 374 is (nominally) equal to double a (nominal) maximum radius 311B of an edge 2342 of a semicircular cross section 2340. In some variants another cross-section 2340 of the lateral protrusion 187, 2387 has another semicircular or other arcuate edge 2342 with a minimum radius 311A more than 1% smaller than the maximum radius 311B so that an exposed side 162 thereof will display a visually appealing periodic wall face undulation without resulting in any problematic lateral gaps between successive wall elements 271-272 (e.g. larger than 1 centimeter).

In some variants the element 374 has one or more substantially vertical or other lateral alignment projections 208A-B extending from a first (nominally) planar interlayer side (e.g. a top or bottom side, e.g.) thereof. In some variants the element 374 has one or more (substantially vertical or other) lateral alignment cavities 309A-B extending into a second (nominally (planar)) interlayer side (e.g. a top or bottom side, e.g.) thereof.

In some variants the one or more lateral alignment cavities include a (round or other) pivoting cavity 309A configured to receive and engage a (round or other) pivoting projection 208A of an adjacent (and nominally identical instance of the) element 374 on an adjacent tier 175 (e.g. above a tier 175 to which the element 374 belongs).

Turning now to FIG. 51, there is shown an operational flow 5100 by which one or more of the above-described wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400, 4700 may be constructed according to one or more embodiments. Operation 5105 describes situating a first wall element to be substantially vertical or otherwise configuring a first wall element with a first side that includes one or more annular alignment grooves, wherein the first wall element has a second side opposite the first side and wherein the one or more annular alignment grooves of the first side are positioned around a first channel spanning the first and second sides, so as to allow relative rotation between the first wall element and a second wall element while maintaining contact between the second wall element and the first side of the first wall element without removing one or more alignment protrusions of the second wall element from the one or more annular alignment grooves (e.g. an installer 1495 situating or otherwise configuring a first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 with a first side 212 that includes one or more annular alignment grooves so that the first channel is substantially vertical).

Operation 5130 describes configuring the second wall element so as to allow more than 30 degrees of rotation between the first and second wall elements while maintaining contact between the second wall element and the first side of the first wall element without removing the one or more alignment protrusions of the second wall element from the one or more annular alignment grooves of the first side of the first wall element.

Operation 5145 describes bringing the first and second wall elements into contact so that the one or more alignment protrusions of the second wall element extend into the one or more annular alignment grooves of the first side of the first wall element and so that the first channel of the first wall element and a first channel of the second wall element form a contiguous channel

Turning now to FIG. 52, there is shown an operational flow 5200 by which several wall systems 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 described herein can be constructed. Operation 5215 describes obtaining many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements including elements E1-E7 (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 obtaining some or all of the regular wall elements 31-37, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-437, 531-537, 3131-3137, 3731-3737, 4331-4337 described above at an installation site 700, 1400). This can occur, for example, in a context in which a wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 features two opposite sides 161-162 and may interact with a material 163 to be retained by the wall.

Operation 5225 describes positioning the first and second elements E1, E2 in a first tier and directed either along or away from a path of the first tier (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning the first element 31, 71, 271, 431, 531, 3131, 3731 in a first tier 175E, 175H, 175K and along or across a path 166 thereof). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the second element 32, 72, 272, 432, 532, 3132, 3732 is also in the same tier as shown. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants one or both elements E1, E2 may be directed (sharply) across the path 166 so as to form a localized widening 167 (i.e. a bulge on one or both sides) as described above with reference to operation 2140.

Operation 5255 describes positioning the third element E3 in a second tier and directed along a path of the second tier (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning the third element 33, 73, 273, 433, 533, 3133, 3733 in the second tier 175 and directed (generally) along a path 166 thereof, wherein at least one bracing element is adjacent both the second and third elements E2 and E3). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the bracing element comprises a piece of solidified fill material 1041 (e.g. a spine 120) or a post 142 (e.g. a spike 1942) that buttresses both the second and third elements E2 and E3. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants a prefabricated spacer element 1839, 2639, 2739 may be inserted between a successive pair of regular elements (e.g. elements 531-532 or elements 534-535) on a given tier or as the bracing element (or both).

Operation 5260 describes positioning the fourth and fifth elements E4 and E5 in the second tier also, wherein the fourth element E4 is between the third and fifth elements E3 and E5 (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 positioning fourth and fifth elements in the second tier 175F, 175J, 175N, 175U, 175X so that the fourth element 34, 434, 534, 3134, 3734 is between the third element 33, 433, 533, 3133, 3733 and the fifth element 435, 535, 3135, 3735). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the fourth element 34, 434, 534, 3134, 3734 spans the first and second elements E1 and E2 or is otherwise (at least partly) supported by the first element E1.

Operation 5270 describes configuring one or more additional tiers to include sixth and seventh elements E6 and E7 (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 configuring one or more higher tiers 175 directly contacting or otherwise supported by the second tier 175F, 175J, 175N, 175U, 175X). This can occur, for example, in a context in which most or all of the wall elements that make up a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements extend between respective parallel axes 201, 501 thereof and in which the paths 166 of the tiers follow line segments that pass through the parallel axes 201 and through the centers of mass of most or all regular elements of the wall system. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants most or all of the regular wall elements that make up the tiers 175 thereof may extend between respective parallel axes 201A-B, 501A-C pass through multiple wall elements (e.g. each along a respective spike 1942 thereof) on some or all tiers 175 of the resulting wall such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements E6 on the third tier 175 is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements E3-E5 on the second tier 175.

In some variants such a mass difference results partly from of a lighter standard element 533, 3736 being made of a less dense material 492B or partly from the lighter standard element 3736 having a smaller external width 3947C relative to one or more other regular elements 533, 3133-3137 of the second tier 175F, 175J, 175N, 175U-175X (or both). Alternatively or additionally, the mass difference may be caused by the heavier regular elements 532 having fewer or smaller cavities 109 or recesses 186 (e.g. resulting in more internal material 491) relative to one or more regular elements 533, 3133-3137 of the second tier 175F, 175J, 175N, 175U-175X. Moreover in some variants the mass difference may result (at least partly) from the heavier regular elements 2274, 3134 having one or more strengthening structures (e.g. rods 2279) that are not present in a lighter standard element 3736 of the same wall system (see FIG. 41). This can occur, for example, in a context in which a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is so tall that (1) using the heaviest regular elements 3131-3132 throughout would risk breakage by causing the wall to be too heavy and that (2) using the lightest regular elements 3736-3737 throughout would risk breakage by causing the resulting wall to be too weak.

Operation 5280 describes finalizing a wall without any regular or other block-like elements thereof having been formed or cut locally (e.g. by one or more installers 1495 completing a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements with one or more finish elements 71A, 3057 all without any of the elements in a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements having been formed or cut locally). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the one or more finish elements 3057 are affixed with mortar or other adhesive to a tier 175 below them, in which the entire wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 arrives to the installation site as a kit (e.g. in one or more factory-sealed crates) from a factory more than 10 kilometers away, and in which one or more (contiguous) walls 4300 thereof can be fully installed without any onsite involvement of any specialized labor or equipment associated with element-forming or element-cutting.

In light of teachings herein, numerous existing techniques may be applied for configuring wall elements, anchors, molds, pourable solidifying materials, rods, posts, and related structures effective for facilitating wall construction as described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/316,485 (“Retaining wall block”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/287,741 (“Earth retaining system such as a sheet pile wall with integral soil anchors”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/273,648 (“Building elements for making retaining walls, and systems and methods of using same”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/267,011 (“Pre-cast decorative retaining wall system”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/221,536 (“System, devices, and/or methods for stabilizing earth”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/156,076 (“Post support, retaining wall and method”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/100,485 (“Retaining wall counterfort and retaining wall system”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/087,598 (“Counterfort retaining wall”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/053,833 (“Pre-cast decorative retaining wall system”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/024,017 (“Cellular sheet pile retaining systems with unconnected tail walls, and associated methods of use”); U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/000,903 (“Casing assembly for forming CIP retaining wall and method for forming CIP retaining walls using the casing assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 9,975,272 (“Stone wall construction method”); U.S. Pat. No. 9,945,118 (“Method and mold for manufacturing an interlocking concrete retaining wall block”); U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,622 (“Retaining wall system, method of supporting same, and kit for use in constructing same”); U.S. Pat. No. 9,574,313 (“Tsunami breakwater wall of retaining wall structure supported by steel pipe piles and its construction method”); U.S. Pat. No. 9,363,948 (“Landscape border framing unit and method”); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,328,474 (“Soil anchor footing”).

With respect to methods described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in various sequences. Also, although various operational flows are presented sequentially, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

CLAUSES

1. (Independent) An improved wall-related method as exemplified and described herein (e.g. in relation to FIG. 49), comprising:

situating or otherwise configuring a width-transitional (instance of a) first wall element 38, 3136, 3137, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 configured to interface between a narrower-type second wall element and a wider-type third wall element 3131-3135, 3731-3732, 4431-4438 (at a common facility with, in a common structure with, or otherwise) in proximity to the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732, 3736-3737, 4732 and in proximity to the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; wherein the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 has first and second alignment features 140; wherein the first alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element is configured to allow the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 to engage the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 adjacent the first alignment feature 140; and wherein the second alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element is configured to allow the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733 to engage the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 adjacent the second alignment feature 140.

2. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733, performed so that the width-transitional fourth wall element is a regular element thereby installed adjacent to the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735.

3. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733, performed so that the width-transitional fourth wall element is an irregular element thereby installed adjacent to the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735.

4. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733, performed so that the width-transitional fourth wall element is a spacer element thereby installed adjacent to the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735.

5. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; and

installing a deck, fence, or other structure 4343 (having a weight that is at least partly) supported by the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 so that at least one post 142A thereof passes down into a narrower-type fifth wall element 4338 having a width 947, 2347 that is (nominally) less than 99% of a width 947, 2347 of the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737.

6. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; and

installing a deck, fence, or other occupant space bounding structure 4343 (having a weight that is at least partly) supported by the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 so that at least one post 142A thereof passes down into a narrower-type fifth wall element 4338 having a width 947, 2347 that is (nominally) equal to a width 947, 2347 of the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737.

7. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; and

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733.

8. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; and

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733.

9. The wall-related method of CLAUSE 1, comprising:

installing the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 (at least partly) supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733;

installing a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 also supported directly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733; and

installing the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 supported directly by both the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements 38, 3733-3735, 4337 and also indirectly by the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733.

10. (Independent) An improved wall-related method as exemplified and described herein (e.g. in relation to FIG. 48), comprising:

situating or otherwise configuring a first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 configured to interface between a second wall element and a third wall element and also between a fourth wall element and a fifth wall element (so that the first wall element is thereafter) in proximity to the second, third, fourth, and fifth wall elements;

wherein the first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 has (at least) first and second alignment features 140, a receiving end 176, and a protruding end 177;

wherein the first alignment feature 140 of the first wall element is configured to allow the second wall element to engage the first wall element adjacent the first alignment feature 140;

wherein the second alignment feature 140 of the first wall element is configured to allow the third wall element to engage the first wall element adjacent the second alignment feature 140 so that the first wall element interfaces between the second wall element and the third wall element; and

wherein the first wall element is configured (e.g. by virtue of having a depth 196 that is sufficient) to allow the receiving end 176 of the first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 either to receive a protruding end 177 of the fourth wall element or to receive a protruding end 177 of the fifth wall element and to allow the protruding end 177 of the first wall element to extend either into a receiving end 176 of the fourth wall element or into a receiving end 176 of the fifth wall element so that the first wall element is held (in alignment) between the fourth and fifth wall elements (e.g. by virtue of having a protrusion length 197 that is sufficient along a tier 175 between the second and third wall elements) and also held (in alignment) between the second and third wall elements.

11. (Independent) An improved wall-related method as exemplified and described herein (e.g. in relation to FIG. 47), comprising:

situating or otherwise configuring a first wall element 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 having (one or more instances of) a laterally grooved wall element end recess 2386 configured to facilitate (nominally) nose-to-tail (nominally) non-coaxial engagement of laterally-rotatable alignment features between two successive wall elements within a single (nominally) curvilinear wall tier 175, wherein the first wall element is configured to receive a (nominally) male end 177 having one or more laterally grooved protrusions configured to facilitate a nose-to-tail engagement of alignment features between the two successive wall elements (e.g. the first wall element with a second or third wall element at an installation site or other vicinity) within a single (nominally) curvilinear wall tier 175 (e.g. manifesting a bend angle 203 larger than 1 degree).

12. (Independent) An improved wall-related method as exemplified and described herein (e.g. in relation to FIG. 51), comprising:

situating or otherwise configuring a first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 with a first side 212 that includes one or more annular alignment grooves, wherein the first wall element has a second side 212 opposite the first side, wherein the first wall element has a first channel spanning the first and second sides, wherein the one or more annular alignment grooves of the first side are positioned around the first channel spanning the first and second sides and are configured to receive one or more alignment protrusions of a second wall element so that the first channel is substantially vertical and so as to allow rotation between the first and second wall elements while maintaining contact between the second wall element and the first side of the first wall element without removing the one or more alignment protrusions of the second wall.

13. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that (the first, second, and third wall elements are all sufficiently vertically aligned so that) a substantially vertical axis 201, 501 thereafter passes through the first, second, and third wall elements 4731-4733.

14. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the second and third wall elements are regular.

15. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the second and third wall elements are regular and so that the first wall element (e.g. adapter 2409) is irregular.

16. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 thereof thereafter belongs to a narrower-type tier 175 and so that an entirety of the narrower-type tier 175 comprises narrower-type wall elements that are (nominally) identical to the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737.

17. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 thereof has an arcuate recess 2386 configured to receive a protrusion 187 of a width-transitional fourth wall element.

18. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 has an arcuate recess 2386 configured to receive a protrusion 187 of a width-transitional fourth wall element so as to provide a pivotable engagement therebetween and so that some or all of the protrusion 187 is curved.

19. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 has an arcuate recess 2386 configured to receive a protrusion 187 of a width-transitional fourth wall element so as to provide a pivotable engagement therebetween and so that the protrusion 187 has a cross-section 2340 thereof such that a frontmost edge 2342 thereof is centered on an axis 2301 of pivotable engagement (e.g. between the width-transitional first and fourth wall elements).

20. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 has an arcuate recess 2386 configured to receive a protrusion 187 of a width-transitional fourth wall element so as to provide a pivotable engagement therebetween and so that the protrusion 187 has a cross-section 2340 thereof such that a frontmost edge 2342 thereof is (nominally) an arc of a circle exceeding half a circle (e.g. being nominally orthogonal to and centered on an axis 2301 of pivotable engagement).

21. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the first wall element 4434 is configured to include a protruding end 177 having one or more laterally grooved protrusions configured to facilitate a nose-to-tails engagement of alignment features between the first wall element 4434 and two or more other wall elements 4433, 4438 on a same tier with the first wall element 4434 (see FIG. 45).

22. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that all of the wall elements are assembled into a (completed) wall without any larger-than-regular elements.

23. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that all of the wall elements are assembled into a (completed) wall without any poured foundation.

24. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that another wall element assembled with the first, second, and third wall elements is directed substantially across a path 166 (i.e. “away from” the path) so as to form a localized widening 167 of a wall system thereby assembled.

25. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that another wall element assembled with the first, second, and third wall elements is directed substantially across a path 166 (i.e. “away from” the path) so as to form a localized widening 167 of a wall system thereby assembled, so that the wall system includes many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements, and so that more than half of the regular wall elements are aligned along (a primary path 166 of) the wall system.

26. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that all of the first, second, and third wall elements are bilaterally symmetric.

27. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a resulting wall system includes many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements

28. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that (at least) the second and third wall elements are molded spanning elements.

29. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the second and third wall elements are (identical or otherwise) visually similar to the first wall element after assembly is complete.

30. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that more than 90% of (the weight of) a narrower-type tier 175 that includes the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3736-3737, 4732 is borne by an intermediate tier 175 that includes the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 and so that an average-weight regular element of the narrower-type tier 175 is at least 1% lighter than an average-weight regular element of the intermediate tier 175.

31. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that more than 90% of (the weight of) an intermediate tier 175 that includes the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3733-3735, 4337, 4731 is borne by a wider-type tier 175 that includes the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3731-3732, 4733 and so that an average-weight regular element of the wider-type tier 175 is at least 1% heavier than an average-weight regular element of the intermediate tier 175.

32. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is aligned along a path 166 at least part of which is (nominally) concave toward (i.e. around) a hillside 889 (e.g. performed so that the path 166 includes a cumulative or other wall bend angle 203 toward the hillside 889 that exceeds 5 degrees as exemplified in a left/middle portion of FIGS. 1, 12, and 20 so that the resulting wall at least partly surrounds hillside 889).

33. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is aligned along a path 166 at least part of which is (nominally) concave away from a hillside 889 (e.g. performed so that the path 166 includes a cumulative or other wall bend angle 203 away from the hillside 889 that exceeds 5 degrees as exemplified in a rightmost visible portion of FIGS. 1, 12, and 20 so that the hillside 889 at least partly surrounds part of a resulting wall).

34. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is so tall that (1) using wider, heavier regular elements 3131-3132 throughout would risk breakage by causing the wall to be too heavy and that (2) using narrower, lighter regular elements 3736-3737 throughout would risk breakage by causing the resulting wall to be too weak.

35. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the third wall element is a heavier standard element 532, 3734, 4334, 4434 and includes a strengthening element (e.g. a rod) that is absent from one or more corresponding and visually similar lighter standard elements 533, 3737, 4337, 4437.

36. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, comprising:

completing a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements as a wall without any onsite or other local element-cutting having been performed upon the wall system.

37. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, comprising:

completing a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements as a wall without any onsite or other local element-forming having been performed upon the wall system

38. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that at least one bracing element 2275, 3239 is adjacent both the first and third wall elements.

39. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is completed (i.e. as a wall) without any onsite involvement of any specialized labor or equipment associated with element-forming or element-cutting having occurred.

40. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements are all oblong (i.e. having a body length that exceeds their body width by more than 25%).

41. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements are all oblong (i.e. having a body length that exceeds their body width by more than 25%) and so that one or more other elements (e.g. instances of caps 208, adapters 209, spacing elements, or bracing elements 3239) assembled into the wall system are not oblong.

42. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements were all assembled into a (complete) wall without having been cut.

43. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements were all assembled into a (complete) wall without having been cut locally (i.e. within 10 kilometers from an installation site where the wall is completed).

44. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that many regular wall elements including the second and third wall elements were all made at a factory.

45. The method of any of the above WALL-RELATED METHOD CLAUSES, performed so that the heaviest elements in the wall system are many regular elements (nominally) identical to the third wall element.

46. (Independent) An improved wall-related system as exemplified and described herein, comprising:

situating or otherwise configuring a first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 configured to interface between a second wall element and a third wall element and also between a fourth wall element and a fifth wall element (at a common facility with, in a common structure with, or otherwise) in proximity to the second, third, fourth, and fifth wall elements;

wherein the first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 has (at least) first and second alignment features 140, a receiving end 176, and a protruding end 177;

wherein the first alignment feature 140 of the first wall element is configured to allow the second wall element to engage the first wall element adjacent the first alignment feature 140;

wherein the second alignment feature 140 of the first wall element is configured to allow the third wall element to engage the first wall element adjacent the second alignment feature 140 so that the first wall element interfaces between the second wall element and the third wall element; and

wherein the first wall element is configured (e.g. by virtue of having a depth 196 that is sufficient) to allow the receiving end 176 of the first wall element 33-38, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4337, 4431-4439, 4731 either to receive a protruding end 177 of the fourth wall element or to receive a protruding end 177 of the fifth wall element and to allow the protruding end 177 of the first wall element to extend either into a receiving end 176 of the fourth wall element or into a receiving end 176 of the fifth wall element so that the first wall element is held (in alignment) between the fourth and fifth wall elements (e.g. by virtue of having a protrusion length 197 that is sufficient along a tier 175 between the second and third wall elements) and also held (in alignment) between the second and third wall elements.

47. (Independent) An improved (wall assembly kit or other) wall-related system 100, 900, 2200, 3300, 4300, 4400 as exemplified and described herein, comprising:

a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 configured to interface between a narrower-type second wall element second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732 and a wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135 (situated in contact with or otherwise) in proximity to the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732 and in proximity to the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135; wherein the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 has first and second alignment features 140; wherein (at least) the first alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 (e.g. a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209) is configured to allow the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732 to engage the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 adjacent the first alignment feature 140; and wherein the second alignment feature 140 of the width-transitional first wall element is configured to allow the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135 to engage the width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 adjacent the second alignment feature 140.

48. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein first, second, and third wall elements “thereof” (i.e. in a variant in which they are included) are prefabricated.

49. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732 thereof is unsuitable for direct engagement with a wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135.

50. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, including a width-transitional wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731.

51. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a width-transitional wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 thereof tapers from a smaller width 947, 2347 to a larger width 947, 2347 that is larger by more than 10%.

52. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 tapers from a largest width 947, 2347 approximately equal (i.e. differing by less than 5%) to that of a wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135 to a smaller width 947, 2347 approximately equal to that of a narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732.

53. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, assembled as shown in FIG. 50.

54. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

the narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732 in contact with a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337.

55. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732

56. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 thereof is a regular element.

57. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

the wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135 in contact with a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337.

58. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135

59. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a width-transitional first wall element 38, 3136-3137, 4337, 4731 thereof is a regular element.

60. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

at least two instances of a narrower-type wall element 71-74, 3731-3732.

61. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a (bottom side or other generally) lower side 212 of a width-transitional first wall element is configured to be supported (at least partly) by a wider-type third wall element 36-37, 3133-3135.

62. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein an upper side 212 of a width-transitional first wall element is configured to support a narrower-type second wall element 71-74, 3731-3732.

63. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 on a first side 212 thereof as a first alignment feature.

64. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 on a first side 212 thereof as a first alignment feature and wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprises cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof as a second alignment feature.

65. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof and wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof as a second alignment feature 140.

66. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof; wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof; and wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on the first side 212 thereof comprises a first alignment feature 140.

67. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof; wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof; wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof comprises a first alignment feature 140 thereof; and wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof comprises a second alignment feature 140 thereof.

68. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof; wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof; wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on the first side 212 thereof comprises a first alignment feature 140; wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof comprises a second alignment feature 140; and wherein the first and second sides 212 are opposite sides of a width-transitional first wall element (instance) thereof.

69. The system of any of the above WALL-RELATED SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof; wherein one or more alignment features 140 of a width-transitional first wall element comprise a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof; wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a first side 212 thereof comprises a first alignment feature 140; wherein a projection 108, 208 or cavity 109, 209 on a second side 212 thereof comprises a second alignment feature 140; wherein the first and second sides 212 are opposite sides of a width-transitional first wall element; and wherein the first side of the width-transitional first wall element is an upper side (i.e. at a greater average elevation than that of the second side) of the width-transitional first wall element.

70. (Independent) An improved wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 as exemplified and described herein (e.g. in relation to FIG. 52), comprising:

many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, and fifth wall elements 31-35, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 531-535, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4335, 4431-4435 in a proximity (e.g. assembled at an installation site 700, 1400 or other single facility) to one another; wherein the first and second elements are both positioned in a first tier 175E, 175H, 175M, 175T-W and each directed either along or away from a path 166 thereof; wherein the fourth element 34, 434, 534, 3134, 3734, 4334, 4434 is positioned between the third and fifth elements in a second tier; and wherein the fourth element 34, 434, 534, 3134, 3734, 4334, 4434 is (at least partly) supported by the first element 31, 71, 271, 431, 531, 3131, 3731, 4331, 4431.

71. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

a deck, fence, or other structure 4343 (having a weight that is) supported by at least some regular wall elements thereof, wherein at least one post 142A thereof passes down into and through an upper wall element of one or more of the regular wall elements thereof.

72. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein (sufficient and selective vertical alignment exists so that) a substantially vertical axis 201, 501 passes through second and fourth elements thereof but not through first, third, or fifth elements thereof.

73. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein (all of) first, second, third, fourth, and fifth wall elements 31-35, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 531-535, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4335 thereof are (nominally) identical.

74. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein an entirety of a second tier 175 thereof includes fewer than 3 irregular elements.

75. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

a prefabricated spacer element 3138 on a first tier 175 adjacent a second element 4432 thereof and supporting a third element 4433.

76. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

an irregular prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739, 4439A-B on a first tier 175 adjacent a second element 4432 and supporting a third element 4433.

77. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

a prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739, 3138, 4439A-B on a first tier 175 adjacent a second element 4432, supporting a third element 4433, and having (at least) a first (cavity 109 or other) recess on a top side thereof configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of a third element 4433 when suitable alignment therebetween exists.

78. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

a prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739, 3138, 4439A-B on a first tier 175 adjacent a second element 4432, supporting a third element 4433, and having (at least) a first projection 108 on a top side thereof configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of the third element 4433 when suitable alignment therebetween exists.

79. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

a prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739, 3139, 4439A-B on a first tier 175 adjacent a second element 4432, supporting a third element 4433, and having (at least) a first inter-tier alignment feature (e.g. one or more projections 108 or cavities 109) on a top side thereof configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of the third element 4433 when suitable alignment therebetween exists.

80. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

an other tier 175 below the first tier; and

a prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739, 3139, 4439A-B on the first tier 175 adjacent the second element 4432 and having (at least) a first inter-tier alignment feature (e.g. one or more projections 108 or cavities 109) on a bottom side thereof configured to align with and thereby be engaged with one or more counterpart alignment features of the other tier 175 when suitable alignment therebetween exists.

81. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein some prefabricated elements of a wall thereof (i.e. when complete) each have an arcuate recess 2386 configured to receive a protrusion 187 of one of the regular wall elements so as to provide a pivotable engagement therebetween.

82. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein each of the regular wall elements has a curved protrusion 187 with a cross-section 2340 thereof such that a frontmost edge 2342 thereof is (nominally) an arc of a circle (e.g. arcuate and nominally orthogonal to and centered on an axis 2301 of pivotable engagement, optionally exceeding half a circle).

83. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the wall system is assembled into a (completed) wall without any larger-than-regular prefabricated elements (e.g. such that regular wall elements thereof are initially interchangeable with the regular wall elements 31-35, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-435, 531-535, 3131-3135, 3731-3735, 4331-4335, 4431-4435 as shown herein).

84. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the wall system is assembled into a (completed) wall without any poured foundation thereof.

85. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein one or more posts 142A of a structure 4343 supported by a wall system that includes first, second, and third elements pass down into (at least) an upper one of one or more of the wall elements thereof (e.g. an element 4338 on one of the tiers thereof directly or otherwise supported by the first tier).

86. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a second element thereof is directed substantially across a path 166 (i.e. more “away from” the path than along the path) so as to form a cantilevered localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements.

87. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein (at least) two of the wall elements are directed across a path 166 thereof so as to form a localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes first, second, and third elements that also includes one or more other elements of the wall system (e.g. on tier 175U) spanning between two of the wall elements (see FIGS. 32-35 and 43) thereof so as to provide stability enhanced by triangulation.

88. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein all of the wall elements in a first (wall system or other) assembly thereof are bilaterally symmetric.

89. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein at least some of the wall elements thereof are regular and wherein more than half of the regular wall elements are aligned along (a primary path 166 of) a wall-in-progress.

90. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein at least two of the regular wall elements thereof (where applicable) are directed across a path 166 so as to form a cantilevered localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements that also includes one or more spanning elements of the wall system that each span at least two regular wall elements (see FIGS. 32-35 and 43), wherein the one or more spanning elements are molded.

91. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein two of the wall elements (i.e. in a variant that includes same) are directed across a primary path 166 thereof so as to form a cantilevered localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements that also includes one or more spanning elements of the wall system that each span at least two regular wall elements (see FIGS. 32-35 and 43) thereof, wherein the one or more spanning elements are (identical or otherwise) visually similar to a second element thereof.

92. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein more than 90% of (a weight of) a second tier thereof is borne by a first tier of a wall system that includes at least the first wall element.

93. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes first, second, and third elements is aligned along a path 166 at least part of which is (nominally) concave toward (i.e. around) a hillside 889 (e.g. wherein the path 166 includes a cumulative or other wall bend angle 203 toward a hillside 889 that exceeds 5 degrees as exemplified in a left/middle portion of FIGS. 1, 12, and 20 so that the resulting wall at least partly surrounds the hillside 889).

94. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes first, second, and third elements is aligned along a primary path 166 thereof at least part of which is (nominally) concave away from a hillside 889 (e.g. wherein the path 166 includes a cumulative or other wall bend angle 203 away from a hillside 889 that exceeds 5 degrees as exemplified in a rightmost visible portion of FIGS. 1, 12, and 20 so that the hillside 889 at least partly surrounds part of a resulting wall).

95. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is so tall that (1) using such heavier regular elements 3131-3132 throughout would risk breakage (i.e. so that such breakage is likely or actually occurs within ten years of installation) by causing a resulting wall to be too heavy and that (2) using the lightest regular elements 3736-3737 throughout would risk breakage by causing the resulting wall to be too weak.

96. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes (such) first, second, and third elements is taller than 2 meters so that (1) using such heavier regular elements 3131-3132 thereof throughout would risk breakage by causing a resulting wall to be too heavy and that (2) using the lightest regular elements 3736-3737 thereof throughout would risk breakage by causing the resulting wall to be too weak.

97. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a subset of prefabricated oblong regular wall elements thereof (where applicable) support one or more upper tiers 175 of the wall system and wherein all of the heaviest prefabricated oblong wall elements in the wall system are in a subset of the prefabricated oblong regular wall elements that support the one or more upper tiers 175.

98. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a fourth element thereof is a heavier standard element 532, 3734, 4334, 4434 and includes a strengthening element (e.g. a rod) that is absent from one or more corresponding and visually similar lighter standard elements 533, 3737, 4337, 4437 on one or more tiers supported by a second tier 175 thereof (wherein “lighter” and “heavier” signal a relative mass difference larger than 2% between these elements at a terrestrial installation site 700, 1400).

99. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a fourth element 34, 434, 534, 3134, 3734 thereof spans the first and a second elements.

100. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 of the wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 is configured to include several regular wall elements, wherein the several include a regular sixth element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336 of the regular elements supported by a second tier, wherein a fourth tier 175 of the wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4400 is supported by the second and third tiers 175, and wherein the wall system is configured to implement one or more mass differences such that an average mass 3945 of (all of) the regular elements 71-74, 3737, 4336 on the third tier is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175 and such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the fourth tier is less than 95% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175.

101. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the wall system is configured to implement one or more mass differences such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements 71-74, 3737, 4336 on a third tier is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175 at least partly because of a lighter standard element 533, 3736 on the third tier 175 tapering to have an upper width 947, 2347 that is (nominally) less than a width 947, 2347 of one or more corresponding and visually similar heavier standard elements on the second tier 175.

102. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the wall system is configured to implement one or more mass differences such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements 71-74, 3737, 4336 on a third tier is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on a second tier 175 at least partly because of a lighter standard element 533, 3736, 4336-4337 on either the third tier 175 or a fourth tier 175 having a smaller external width 3947C relative to that of one or more corresponding and visually similar heavier standard elements on the second tier 175.

103. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

completing the wall system as a wall without any onsite or other local element-cutting having been performed upon the wall system.

104. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

completing the wall system as a wall without any onsite or other local element-forming having been performed upon the wall system

105. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein at least one bracing element 2275, 3239 is adjacent both the second and third elements.

106. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is completed (i.e. as a wall) so as to include a prefabricated spacer element 1839, 2639, 2739 positioned between the fourth and fifth elements on the second tier.

107. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many regular wall elements include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336 and in which a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is configured to include a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, 4736 on another tier 175 thereof.

108. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 of the wall system is configured to include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, wherein one or more regular elements of the third tier are directly or otherwise supported by the second tier.

109. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 is configured to include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, wherein one or more regular elements of the third tier are directly or otherwise supported by the second tier, wherein at least one of the regular elements 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3731-3735 on the third tier 175 is directly or otherwise supported by (a regular or other element of) the second tier 175.

110. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 is configured to include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, wherein one or more regular elements of the third tier are directly or otherwise supported by the second tier, wherein at least one of the regular elements on the third tier 175 is directly or otherwise supported by the second tier 175, and wherein the wall system is configured to implement a mass difference such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements 71-74, 3737 on a fourth tier 175 is less than 95% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175.

111. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 is configured to include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, wherein one or more regular elements of the third tier are directly or otherwise supported by the second tier, wherein at least one of the regular elements 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3731-3735 on the third tier 175 is directly or otherwise supported by (a regular or other element of) the second tier 175, and wherein the wall system is configured to implement a mass difference such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements 71-74, 3737 on a fourth tier 175 is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175.

112. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a third tier 175 is configured to include at least a sixth regular element 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3736, 4336, 4736 wherein one or more regular elements of each of the third tier and a fourth tier are directly or otherwise supported by the second tier, wherein at least one of the regular elements 36, 436, 536, 3136, 3731-3735 in each of the third and fourth tiers 175 is supported by the second tier 175, and wherein the wall system is configured to implement a mass difference such that an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements 71-74, 3737, 4337, 4731 on the third and fourth tiers 175 is less than 98% of an average mass 3945 of all of the regular elements on the second tier 175.

113. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements is completed (i.e. as a wall) without any onsite involvement of any specialized labor or equipment associated with element-forming or element-cutting having occurred.

114. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the second element is directed across a path 166 (i.e. nominally “away from” the path) so as to form a localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements that is greater than 20% of a median width of the wall system.

115. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the second element is directed across a path 166 so as to form a localized widening 167 of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements that is greater than 30% of a median width of the wall system.

116. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many regular wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements 31-36, 71-74, 271-273, 374, 431-436, 531-536, 3131-3136, 3731-3736, 4331-4336, 4736 are all oblong (i.e. having a body length that exceeds their body width by more than 25%).

117. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many regular wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements are all oblong and in which one or more other elements (e.g. instances of caps 208, adapters 209, spacing elements, or bracing elements 3239) assembled in the wall system are not oblong.

118. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements are all oblong and in which a prefabricated spacer element 2639, 2739 that is not oblong is positioned between the first and second elements on the first tier.

119. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements were all assembled into a (complete) wall without having been cut.

120. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements were all assembled into a (complete) wall without having been cut locally (i.e. within 10 kilometers from an installation site where the wall is completed).

121. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements were all prefabricated at a factory.

122. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements were each formed in one or more (nominally) identical molds before being included in a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements.

123. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the heaviest prefabricated elements in the wall system are the many regular elements.

124. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein the many wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wall elements were all machined.

125. The system of any of the above WALL SYSTEM CLAUSES, wherein two or more nominally parallel and substantially vertical axes 201A-B, 501A-C each pass through more than ten regular elements of the regular wall elements of a wall system that includes the first, second, and third elements.

126. A method of configuring any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES, comprising:

completing a wall from the wall system without delaying any aspect of an assembly thereof by more than 1 hour during which a poured foundation solidifies.

127. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising:

configuring a wall system 100, 200, 900, 1600, 2200, 3300, 4300, 4400, 4700 thereof to be taller than 2 meters; and

completing the wall system as a wall by including one or more finish elements into the wall system all without any of the elements in the wall system having been formed locally or cut locally.

While various system, method, article of manufacture, or other embodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, also, other combinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments and aspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the final claim set that follows.

Claims

1. A modular wall system having an irregular mass distribution, comprising: many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth prefabricated oblong regular wall elements assembled in a proximity of an installation site, wherein said first and second prefabricated oblong regular wall elements are both positioned in a first tier and each directed either along or away from a path thereof, wherein said fourth prefabricated oblong regular wall element is positioned between said third and fifth prefabricated oblong regular wall elements in a second tier, wherein said fourth prefabricated oblong regular wall element is supported by said first prefabricated oblong regular wall element, wherein a third tier of said wall system is configured to include several of said many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements, wherein said several include a sixth prefabricated oblong regular wall element supported by said second tier and of said many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements, wherein a fourth tier of said wall system is supported by said second and third tiers, wherein said wall system features one or more mass differences such that an average mass of all of said prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said third tier is less than 98% of an average mass of all of said prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said second tier and such that an average mass of all of said prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said fourth tier is less than 95% of an average mass of all of said prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said second tier, and wherein said wall system is taller than 2 meters and configured so that said irregular mass distribution alleviates a risk of breakage.

2. The wall system of claim 1, comprising: a structure supported by said many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements, wherein at least one post of said structure passes down into an upper one of said one or more of said many prefabricated oblong regular wall elements.

3. The wall system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said prefabricated oblong regular wall elements each have an arcuate recess configured to receive a protrusion of said fourth prefabricated oblong regular wall element so as to provide a pivotable engagement therebetween.

4. The wall system of claim 1, comprising at least one prefabricated irregular bracing element positioned adjacent both said second and third prefabricated oblong regular wall elements.

5. The wall system of claim 1, wherein a prefabricated oblong regular or other prefabricated oblong regular wall element is positioned between said fourth and fifth prefabricated oblong regular wall elements in said second tier.

6. The wall system of claim 1, wherein said wall system is configured to implement said one or more mass differences at least partly because of a lighter prefabricated oblong regular wall element of said third tier tapering to have an upper width that is at least 4% less than a width of one or more visually similar heavier prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said second tier, wherein said one or more visually similar heavier prefabricated oblong regular wall elements of said second tier includes said fourth prefabricated oblong regular wall elements.

7. A wall system comprising: many regular wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regular wall elements in a proximity, wherein said first and second regular wall elements are both positioned in a first tier and each directed either along or away from a path thereof, wherein said fourth regular wall element is positioned between said third and fifth regular wall elements in a second tier, wherein said fourth regular wall element is supported by said first regular wall element, and wherein said wall system features one or more mass differences such that an average mass of all of said regular wall elements of a third tier is less than 98% of an average mass of all of said regular wall elements of said second tier.

8. The wall system of claim 7, wherein said proximity is an installation site and wherein said wall system is configured to implement said one or more mass differences at least partly because of a lighter regular wall element of said third tier having a smaller external width relative to that of one or more visually similar heavier regular wall elements of said second tier, wherein said lighter regular wall element is lighter than an average one of said first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regular wall elements.

9. The wall system of claim 7, comprising: a structure supported by said many regular wall elements, wherein at least one post of said structure passes down into an upper one of said many regular wall elements.

10. The wall system of claim 7, wherein at least one irregular prefabricated bracing element is positioned adjacent both said second and third regular wall elements.

11. The wall system of claim 7, wherein a regular or other prefabricated regular wall element is positioned between said fourth and fifth regular wall elements in said second tier.

12. The wall system of claim 7, wherein all of said many regular wall elements are bilaterally symmetric and wherein more than half of said many regular wall elements are aligned along said wall system.

13. The wall system of claim 7, wherein said wall system is configured to implement said one or more mass differences at least partly because of a lighter regular wall element of a third tier tapering to have an upper width that is less than a width of one or more visually similar heavier regular wall elements of said second tier and wherein said one or more visually similar heavier regular wall elements of said second tier includes said third and fourth regular wall elements.

14. The wall system of claim 7, wherein said wall system is aligned along a path at least a first part of which is curved toward a hillside and at least a second part of which is curved away from said hillside.

15. The wall system of claim 7, constructed and arranged so that a substantially vertical axis passes through said second and fourth regular elements but not through said first, third, or fifth regular elements and wherein all of said first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regular wall elements are identical.

16. The wall system of claim 7, wherein said third tier of said wall system is configured to include several regular wall elements of said many regular wall elements, wherein said several regular wall elements include a sixth regular wall element supported by said second tier, wherein a fourth tier of said wall system is supported by said second and third tiers, and wherein said wall system features an irregular mass distribution having one or more mass differences such that an average mass of all regular wall elements of said third tier is less than 98% of an average mass of all regular wall elements of said second tier.

17. A method of using a wall system, said method comprising: assembling many regular wall elements including first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regular wall elements in a proximity, wherein said first and second regular wall elements are both positioned in a first tier and each directed either along or away from a path thereof, wherein said fourth regular wall element is positioned between said third and fifth regular wall elements in a second tier, wherein said fourth regular wall element is supported by said first regular wall element, and wherein said wall system features one or more mass differences such that an average mass of all of said regular wall elements of a third tier is less than 98% of an average mass of all of said regular wall elements of said second tier

18. The method of claim 17, comprising: completing said wall system as a wall without any onsite or other local element-cutting having been performed upon any wall element of said wall system and without any onsite or other local element-forming having been performed upon any wall element of said wall system.