Method and device for supporting lightly loaded structures and pavements on highly expansive soils

摘要

A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.