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.

One example embodiment includes a steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation includes a main body, where the main body is formed of EPS foam and a sloped exterior. The sloped exterior is formed of EPS foam on an exterior surface of the main body and ensures that the bottom of the steel and foam foundation is wider than the top of the steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation also includes a first I-beam and a second I-beam. The first and second I-beams are placed on opposite edges of the main body. The steel and foam foundation further includes a first piece of L-metal, a second piece of L-metal, a third piece of L-metal, and a fourth piece of L-metal. Each piece of L-metal includes a first flange and a second flange and is placed around the remaining edges of the main body.

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.

One example embodiment includes a steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation includes a main body, where the main body is formed of EPS foam and a sloped exterior. The sloped exterior is formed of EPS foam on an exterior surface of the main body and ensures that the bottom of the steel and foam foundation is wider than the top of the steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation also includes a first I-beam and a second I-beam. The first and second I-beams are placed on opposite edges of the main body. The steel and foam foundation further includes a first piece of L-metal, a second piece of L-metal, a third piece of L-metal, and a fourth piece of L-metal. Each piece of L-metal includes a first flange and a second flange and is placed around the remaining edges of the main body.