Patent ID: 7914235

Claim:
A foundation apparatus for constructing a foundation on soil, comprising: a plurality of vertical supports installed to resist fluctuation in elevation of the soil; a first and second horizontal support, each comprising: an upper and lower flange; and an open web disposed between the upper and lower flange, wherein: the first horizontal support is configured to be coupled between a first and second vertical support selected from the plurality of vertical supports; the second horizontal support is configured to be coupled between a third and fourth vertical support selected from the plurality of vertical supports substantially parallel to the first horizontal support, wherein the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support define a gap therebetween; a plurality of composite blocks disposed between the first and second horizontal supports and engaging the lower flange of the first and second horizontal supports, wherein each of the plurality of composite blocks: has a density less than about 0.10 lb/in 3 and a maximum compressive strength less than about 2900 psi; and has a fibrous material coupled to an exterior surface of the composite block; and a filler material disposed over and around the plurality of composite blocks and the open web of the first and second horizontal supports, wherein the filler material is configured to: couple the plurality of composite blocks together; and couple the plurality of composite blocks to the first and second horizontal supports.