Discarded Asphalt Shingles as Soil Stabilizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of asphalt shingles in landfills is problematic due to their long decomposition time and lack of utilization, while expansive clay soils in construction sites cause instability and damage to structures, necessitating costly chemical stabilizers or removal.
Innovation Solution
Discarded asphalt shingles are repurposed as soil stabilizers by layering them beneath building foundations and parking lots in overlapping patterns to create a moisture barrier, replacing expansive soils and serving as a stable sub-base material, with methods to form discrete blocks for handling and binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If discarded asphalt shingles are disposed of in landfills, then landfill capacity is utilized, but decomposition takes 300 years or more and valuable material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers discarded asphalt shingles from landfills and reuses them as a stabilizing material in construction applications. Instead of allowing shingles to decompose over 300 years in landfills, the invention collects and repurposes them as a functional material for stabilizing expansive soils and providing moisture barriers in construction projects, thereby recovering valuable material that would otherwise be wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful environmental impact of landfill disposal into a beneficial construction material. By taking discarded shingles that would occupy landfill space for centuries and transforming them into a useful stabilizing agent for soil and moisture barrier, the invention turns a waste problem into a construction solution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chemical stabilizers are used to treat expansive soils, then soil stability is improved, but construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses discarded asphalt shingles, which are essentially waste materials with minimal cost, as a replacement for expensive chemical stabilizers. The shingles provide a cost-effective solution for stabilizing expansive soils, offering a disposable-like material that can be readily applied and removed if necessary, without the high cost associated with chemical treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the soil system by introducing asphalt shingles as a physical barrier and stabilizing layer. Instead of using chemical agents to alter soil properties, the invention uses the physical presence of compacted shingles to reduce soil expansion and provide stability, thereby changing the approach from chemical to physical stabilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If select fill material is used to replace expansive soil, then structural stability is improved, but material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive select fill material with discarded asphalt shingles as a cost-effective alternative. The shingles serve as a functional substitute that provides similar stabilizing and moisture barrier properties without the high material cost associated with select fill, making structural stabilization more economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite construction system by layering discarded asphalt shingles with existing sub-surface soils and select fill material. This composite approach combines the moisture barrier and stabilizing properties of shingles with the engineering characteristics of select fill, achieving structural stability while reducing overall material costs through the use of recycled content.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If moisture barriers are installed to prevent water intrusion, then structural damage is prevented, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the discarded asphalt shingles perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as a moisture barrier to prevent water intrusion, a stabilizing material for expansive soils, and a cost-effective construction component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate moisture barrier installations, thereby simplifying construction rather than increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers discarded shingles and applies them as a moisture barrier layer in construction. By giving these waste materials a new life as functional moisture barriers, the invention provides a simple, effective solution that prevents water intrusion without requiring complex specialized barrier systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces landfill waste, stabilizes expansive soils, and provides a cost-effective moisture barrier, preventing water intrusion and structural damage, thus enhancing construction stability and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
Layers of compressed asphalt shingles create a moisture barrier that limits the amount of water that impacts surface structures
Implementation Method 2
The shingles are impervious to moisture and compact to form a stable sub-base material
Data Source
AI summary
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.