title: Construction of a test embankment using a sand-tire shred mixture as fill material.
abstract: Use of tire shreds in construction projects, such as highway embankments, is becoming an accepted way of beneficially recycling scrap tires. However, in the last decade there was a decline in the use of pure tire shreds as fill materials in embankment construction, as they are susceptible to fire hazards due to the development of exothermic reactions. Tire shred-sand mixtures, on the other hand, were found to be effective in inhibiting exothermic reactions. When compared with pure tire shreds, tire shred-sand mixtures are less compressible and have higher shear strength. However, the literature contains limited information on the use of tire shred-soil mixtures as a fill material. The objectives of this paper are to discuss and evaluate the feasibility of using tire shred-sand mixtures as a fill material in embankment construction. A test embankment constructed using a 50/50 mixture, by volume, of tire shreds and sand was instrumented and monitored to: (a) determine total and differential settlements; (b) evaluate the environmental impact of the embankment construction on the groundwater quality due to leaching of fill material; and (c) study the temperature variation inside the embankment. The findings in this research indicate that mixtures of tire shreds and sand are viable materials for embankment construction.
authors.affiliation: School of Civil Engineering, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1284, USA.
authors.forename: Sungmin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prezzi
authors.forename: Nayyar Zia
authors.initials: NZ
authors.lastname: Siddiki
authors.forename: Bumjoo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D019245:Compressive Strength; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003252:Construction Materials; D010539:Permeability; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012408:Rubber; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D012408:Rubber