A bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module on a ground surface can include a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot can be planar and disposed transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The vertically oriented structural member that can be received and retained in the first slot by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

A bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module on a ground surface can include a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot can be planar and disposed transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The vertically oriented structural member that can be received and retained in the first slot by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

A bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module on a ground surface can include a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot can be planar and disposed transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The vertically oriented structural member that can be received and retained in the first slot by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

A modular slab, slab system, piles and methods of use thereof are described along with specific applications and methods of manufacture. The slab or slab system may be pre-insulated and pre-finished before being assembled on site. The slab system may be advantageous to use as a replacement for traditional in-situ poured building foundations. The slab system may also have uses in other fields such as for floors, roads, bridges, pavements/side walks and other civil and structural applications.