A sound amplification structure includes a sound path that is formed by an underfloor foundation of a building and a concrete peripheral wall formed by standing up approximately vertically from the underfloor foundation. One end of the sound path (a speaker unit communication section) is able to communicate with a floor speaker unit placed in a room of the building. A width of the sound path widens from the one end toward other end of the sound path. The other end of the sound path (an output unit) is able to output sounds that are emitted from the floor speaker unit and amplified through the sound path. A length of the sound path is 4 m or longer. Preferably, the sound path is U-shaped, Z-shaped, or a zig-zag shaped. The concrete peripheral wall preferably doubles as a building foundation structure.

A sound amplification structure includes a sound path that is formed by an underfloor foundation of a building and a concrete peripheral wall formed by standing up approximately vertically from the underfloor foundation. One end of the sound path (a speaker unit communication section) is able to communicate with a floor speaker unit placed in a room of the building. A width of the sound path widens from the one end toward other end of the sound path. The other end of the sound path (an output unit) is able to output sounds that are emitted from the floor speaker unit and amplified through the sound path. A length of the sound path is 4 m or longer. Preferably, the sound path is U-shaped, Z-shaped, or a zig-zag shaped. The concrete peripheral wall preferably doubles as a building foundation structure.

Systems and methods for constructing concrete foundations are provided which allow for rapid and high-precision placement and alignment of anchor bolts across large distances. A frame system is constructed outside of an excavation and then suspended, using supports, over an excavation. The frame system can include a frame having one or more templates for anchor bolts, a form suspended from the frame, and a mat and cage assembly tied to the frame. The frame system can be aligned in proper position and the anchor bolts placed in the frame system before the concrete is placed. In this way, the anchor bolts can be cast in place as the footing is placed.

Systems and methods for constructing concrete foundations are provided which allow for rapid and high-precision placement and alignment of anchor bolts across large distances. A frame system is constructed outside of an excavation and then suspended, using supports, over an excavation. The frame system can include a frame having one or more templates for anchor bolts, a form suspended from the frame, and a mat and cage assembly tied to the frame. The frame system can be aligned in proper position and the anchor bolts placed in the frame system before the concrete is placed. In this way, the anchor bolts can be cast in place as the footing is placed.

Systems and methods are provided for re-purposing discarded asphalt shingles as soil stabilizers in building and land surface constructions. Discarded (and typically “degraded”) Asphalt Shingles (DAS) are placed beneath building foundation slabs and parking lots in overlapping patterns to replace a measured amount of removed expansive soil to serve as a moisture barrier. DAS can be utilized beneath parking lots in areas of expansive soils by layering the shingles in overlapping patterns to create a moisture barrier from water intrusion from above or below. Building block system (BBS) units may be produced to facilitate handling and transport of the DAS materials to the construction site.

Systems and methods are provided for re-purposing discarded asphalt shingles as soil stabilizers in building and land surface constructions. Discarded (and typically “degraded”) Asphalt Shingles (DAS) are placed beneath building foundation slabs and parking lots in overlapping patterns to replace a measured amount of removed expansive soil to serve as a moisture barrier. DAS can be utilized beneath parking lots in areas of expansive soils by layering the shingles in overlapping patterns to create a moisture barrier from water intrusion from above or below. Building block system (BBS) units may be produced to facilitate handling and transport of the DAS materials to the construction site.

A concrete slab underlayment product is used at an excavation area at which a concrete foundation slab is to be poured. The underlayment combines a vapour barrier layer with a set of foam insulation bodies. The vapour barrier layer spans fully over the entire set of foam insulation bodies, which are spaced apart from one another at least at lower ends thereof opposite the vapour barrier layer. This leaves drainage/air spaces open between the foam insulation bodies when laid in an installed position atop the floor of an excavated area. In use under a concrete slab, the vapour barrier layer forms a gas and moisture barrier, and the foam insulation bodies and the drainage/air spaces therebetween form a combination of void spaces, drainage channels and insulation blocks between the concrete slab and the floor of the excavation area.

A concrete slab underlayment product is used at an excavation area at which a concrete foundation slab is to be poured. The underlayment combines a vapour barrier layer with a set of foam insulation bodies. The vapour barrier layer spans fully over the entire set of foam insulation bodies, which are spaced apart from one another at least at lower ends thereof opposite the vapour barrier layer. This leaves drainage/air spaces open between the foam insulation bodies when laid in an installed position atop the floor of an excavated area. In use under a concrete slab, the vapour barrier layer forms a gas and moisture barrier, and the foam insulation bodies and the drainage/air spaces therebetween form a combination of void spaces, drainage channels and insulation blocks between the concrete slab and the floor of the excavation area.

Anchor pads are a portable foundation to support the weight of a portable structure. Anchor pads also anchor to the ground to withstand wind loads or other vertical loads on the portable structure. Anchor pads can be stacked to form larger portable foundations to support more weight or larger structures.

Anchor pads are a portable foundation to support the weight of a portable structure. Anchor pads also anchor to the ground to withstand wind loads or other vertical loads on the portable structure. Anchor pads can be stacked to form larger portable foundations to support more weight or larger structures.