Systems and Methods for Using Discarded Asphalt Shingles (DAS) for Fill Replacement and for Structural Members in Building and Surface Constructions

A method for stabilizing in-situ soils around and beneath a rigid structure constructed on and/or within the in-situ soils, the method comprising the steps of:

• excavating and shaping a quantity of in-situ soil to establish a surface and/or below grade space for layered construction;
• constructing the rigid structure on and/or within the surface and/or below grade space;
• recovering a quantity of discarded and/or degraded asphalt shingles of the type typically removed as old roofing material;
• layering the quantity of discarded and/or degraded asphalt shingles on top of the surface and/or within the below grade space excavated and shaped in the in-situ soils;
• forming and arranging the asphalt shingles in stacked parallel layers above the surface and/or within the below grade excavated space;
• and
• positioning a quantity of finishing material over the stacked parallel layers of asphalt shingles;
• wherein the rigid structure and the finishing material are vertically and horizontally supported by the asphalt shingles and therefore are not in direct contact with the in-situ soils that might swell or shift when infiltrated with moisture.