Stronger Walls.
Smarter Engineering.
PROTO-II™ Wall Systems can be tailored to your site’s needs—whether you’re building a master-planned community, a hillside home, or retaining solution.
Custom-Engineered Wall Solutions.
One System, Infinite Possibilities.
The PROTO-II™ Wall System is a trademarked, post-tensioned masonry solution engineered to outperform conventional masonry construction. By replacing rebar and grout with a proprietary high-tension steel system inside standard CMU block, PROTO-II™ delivers unmatched strength, installation speed, and long-term savings—without sacrificing the look of traditional masonry.
Engineered
Strength
Unlike traditional masonry walls that rely on reinforced concrete in isolated areas, the PROTO-II™ system distributes compressive force uniformly throughout the structure. The result? A wall that greatly minimizes cracking, shifting, cracking, and shifting in adverse conditions.
Resilient in Extreme Conditions
PROTO-II™ walls are engineered for resilience and have proven their strength under harsh conditions. Designed for high-risk zones and demanding climates, they withstand complete footing erosion, resist powerful windstorms and soil displacement, and maintain structural integrity even while bearing weight in unstable environments.
Long-Term
Reliability
PROTO-II™ is built for long-term reliability, eliminating the common issues found in wood, vinyl, and conventional masonry. It resists warping, rotting, and degradation, and requires significantly less maintenance over its lifespan. Engineered to solve the durability challenges of traditional wall systems, PROTO-II™ offers lasting performance and peace of mind.
Flexible Design
Options
PROTO-II™ is as versatile as it is strong. From retaining walls to decorative fence applications, it adapts to a wide range of uses, aesthetics, and site challenges—without sacrificing structural integrity.
Versatility in
Application
PROTO-II™ delivers proven performance across a wide range of residential and commercial projects. Whether used for fence walls or retaining walls, it adapts easily to diverse site conditions and design goals—while maintaining the strength to outperform even heavily reinforced conventional systems.
System Overview
With over 30 years of field performance, the PROTO-II™ Fence Wall System delivers unmatched structural integrity, cost advantages,
efficient installation, and low maintenance—all while preserving the visual appeal of traditional CMU.
Built to Endure. Engineered to Impress.
The PROTO-II™ Fence Wall System combines advanced post-tensioning with clean aesthetics and long-term durability—far outperforming other types of fencing such as wood, vinyl, metal, pre-cast and conventional masonry walls.
Benefits
- Same appearance as traditional CMU walls but with cost savings.
- Trademarked post-tensioning system inside the block cells.
- Simplicity of structural components including steel tension rod, tension plate and Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) which ensures even, measurable compression.
- Fire-resistant, non-toxic, sustainable materials.
- Widths Available:
- Fence Walls: 4″, 6″, 8″
- Retaining Walls: 6″ to 8″ and 12″
Designed to Perform. Built to Last.
From residential fencing to heavy-duty retaining walls, PROTO-II™ adapts to a wide range of project needs while maintaining a clean, masonry aesthetic.
Feature
PROTO-II™
Non-Combustible
Retains up to 8” of soil
No Grout (Up to 6’8″)
Fast Construction
Earthquake Resistance
Traditional CMU Wall Asthetics
Competitive Cost Advantage
Technical Capabilities and Specs
Whether you’re replacing aging wood/vinyl or upgrading from traditional CMU, the PROTO-II™ Fence Wall delivers strength, style, and performance that lasts.
Material & Construction
- Uses ASTM C90-compliant CMU blocks
- Finishes: Stucco, Precision, split-face, and Slumpstone™
- No grout or rebar needed for walls up to 6’-8”
- Post-tensioned compression increases strength and load distribution
Footing Design
- Dip footing options reduce soil displacement by up to 45%
- Our system allows installation of top of footing at grade thus eliminating the need to bury the first course.
Soil Retention
- our basic free-standing fences can retain up to 8″ of soil without the need of special reinforcement.
Approvals & Code Compliance
- Pre-approved in many jurisdictions
- City of Los Angeles Standard Plan #520 compliant since 1994
- Meets California wind and seismic code requirements
Environmental & Lifecycle Benefits
- Non-combustible—will not burn under extreme heat
- No off-gassing or volatile emissions
- Resistant to warping, degradation, and corrosion
- Low embodied energy and cradle-to-grave sustainability
- Outlasts metal and pre-cast, wood, vinyl, and standard masonry in lifespan and performance
DIP Footing
PROTO-II and the 2022 California Building Code (CBC)
Under the 2022 CBC, seismic loads now typically govern the design of fence walls over wind loads. The PROTO-II™ Wall System offers a significant advantage in these conditions due to its lighter, more efficient structural design, outperforming heavier conventional masonry systems in seismic performance and cost-effectiveness.
How It Works
The core of every PROTO-II™ Wall is a steel rod system that anchors into the footing. As tension is applied, compression is distributed across the wall, making it resistant to failure even in extreme conditions.
- Installation Process:
1. CMU blocks are stacked on concrete footings
2. Steel rods connect to rebar embedded in the footing
3. A bearing plate, nut, and Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) are installed at the top
4. DTI is torqued to spec, verifying tension with visible tab collapse
5. Compression is applied evenly through the wall—delivering superior strength and structural stability
The result: a wall that resists cracking, shrinkage and shifting even under seismic stress, wind loads, or extreme soil conditions.
Real-World Durability
PROTO-II™ Walls have repeatedly proven their strength in real-world scenarios:
- Suspended in air for a full week due to soil collapse—no cracking, no damage.
- Withstood erosion during a severe windstorm while supporting the weight of a person on top.
These are not just walls—they’re engineered solutions for unpredictable environments.
