Method and device for supporting lightly loaded structures and pavements on highly expansive soils
OwnerLiiban Affiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.
Claims19
A device for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils, comprising a plurality of domes positioned between said lightly loaded structure and said soil, wherein each of said plurality of domes comprises:
- A. a convex side
- B. a concave side, wherein said convex side is positioned upward against said lightly loaded structure and said concave side is positioned downward against said soil, and wherein said concave side provides a void area for expansion of said soil, and
- C. two soil contact ends, wherein said soil contact ends provide a small contact area with said soil to increase the pressure exerted by said lightly loaded structure at said soil contact area.
A method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils, comprising the steps of:
- A. excavating an area,
- B. placing a plurality of domes into said excavated area on top of said soil, each of said plurality of domes comprising:
- 1. a convex side
- 2. a concave side, wherein said convex side is positioned upward against said lightly loaded structure and said concave side is positioned downward against said soil, and wherein said concave side provides a void area for expansion of said soil, and
- 3. two soil contact ends, wherein said soil contact ends provide a small contact area with said soil to increase the pressure exerted by said lightly loaded structure at said soil contact area,
- C. Placing said lightly loaded structure over said convex side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.