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 method for the reduction of liquefaction potential within soil of a stratum located a distance deep below a foundation of a structure through the injection of a two-part polyurethane liquid forming a polymer foam.

A method for the reduction of liquefaction potential within soil of a stratum located a distance deep below a foundation of a structure through the injection of a two-part polyurethane liquid forming a polymer foam.

A seismic wave shield for protecting an area from seismic vibrations and a method of shielding an area from seismic waves by installing a seismic wave shield. The seismic wave shield comprises a set of columns embedded in regolith and in contact with bedrock. There is a material contrast between a material forming the columns and the regolith.

Disclosed is an intelligent anti-seismic device for a shallow foundation ancient building, which may include a land, a foundation base and an ancient building body, foundation pit is excavated on a surface of the land, a plurality of piles are arranged on an inner wall of the foundation pit, a foundation side beam is integrally formed by pouring on tops of the plurality of piles, a first earthquake proof mechanism capable of being lifted and lowered is fixed on a top of the foundation side beam, a well-shaped base is integrally formed on the inner wall of the foundation pit, a second earthquake proof mechanism is fixed on a surface of the well-shaped base, a frame is fixed on both tops of the first earthquake proof mechanism and the second earthquake proof mechanism, a grillage beam is integrally formed on an inner wall of the frame.

The foundation system includes a below ground rigid raft foundation to bear a load for an above ground structure, and granular cushions and piles formed below the raft foundation. The granular cushions are configured for uniform load distribution of the raft foundation and the piles are configured to bear a load of the above ground structure and the raft foundation. The foundation system further includes stone columns encapsulated with a non-woven geofabric and configured to stabilize the raft foundation. The raft foundation is disposed adjacent and above the stone columns, the granular cushions are present between neighboring stone columns, and the granular cushions are present between the stone columns and the piles. The stone columns have a cementing agent for stabilization.

The foundation system includes a below ground rigid raft foundation to bear a load for an above ground structure, and granular cushions and piles formed below the raft foundation. The granular cushions are configured for uniform load distribution of the raft foundation and the piles are configured to bear a load of the above ground structure and the raft foundation. The foundation system further includes stone columns encapsulated with a non-woven geofabric and configured to stabilize the raft foundation. The raft foundation is disposed adjacent and above the stone columns, the granular cushions are present between neighboring stone columns, and the granular cushions are present between the stone columns and the piles. The stone columns have a cementing agent for stabilization.

Axial buckling restrained braces are provided. In various embodiments, a device comprises a plurality of cylindrical sleeves arranged parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of sleeves has an interior surface defining an interior region. A plastically deformable rod is arranged within the interior region of each of the plurality of sleeves. The plastically deformable rod is adapted to assume a helical shape upon compression.

Axial buckling restrained braces are provided. In various embodiments, a device comprises a plurality of cylindrical sleeves arranged parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of sleeves has an interior surface defining an interior region. A plastically deformable rod is arranged within the interior region of each of the plurality of sleeves. The plastically deformable rod is adapted to assume a helical shape upon compression.

A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.