Abstract: Clay polymer nanocomposites may be mixed with an aggregate material and heat treated to make a structural stabilizer. In an embodiment, the composition is a structural stabilizer resulting from thermal casting and heat treatment. The structural stabilizer does not include cement or water. The heat treatment may be any suitable heat application, including microwave heating, convection oven heating or heating in thermal mixers. The structural stabilizer can be rapidly synthesized to provide high compressive strength and high homogeneity, and to be substantially free of fractures and cracks. Methods of repairing cracks in concrete and stabilizing soil, rock and sand dune formations using the structural stabilizer include thermal casting. Thermal casting ductile concrete molds can include a coating of aluminum foil. The concrete is self-compact, ecofriendly, lightweight, self-repairing and self pre-stressing with homogeneity and low density.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing or retarding fire can include disposing nano-clay onto the fire to retard or extinguish the fire. The nano-clay can be in the form of a powder. The powder can include nanoparticles having a particle size of about 1 nm to about 50 nm. The nano-clay can be used alone or mixed with water.

Abstract: The expansive soil resistant foundation system includes a foundation frame having footings forming a grid pattern. The grid pattern contains a plurality of spaces within the pattern. Each space defines a main swell duct. Each main swell duct may be provided with one or more sub-swell ducts. The swell ducts permit free expansion and contraction of the expansive soil. A vent extends from each swell duct to expel trapped air. A drainage system is distributed throughout the foundation frame to eliminate accumulation of underground water. The swell ducts, vents, and the drainage system alleviate potential pressures that can be exerted on the foundation from the expansion and contraction of the expansive soil, which can lead to cracks and structural failure.

Abstract: The device for measuring expansive soil shrinkage includes a plurality of molds, a plate positioned beneath each mold, and a scale. The scale includes a primary plate having a center portion including an aperture and a secondary plate. The primary plate is positioned on top of the secondary plate. The scale also includes a plurality of primary supports, each primary support being positioned between the primary plate and the secondary plate, as well as a first arm movably positioned on the primary plate and a second arm movably positioned on the primary plate, the first arm and the second arm being connected to one another by a plurality of test wires. Further, the scale includes a plurality of cantilever arms movably positioned on the primary plate. The cantilever arms are configured for supporting one of the molds on the test wires.