Cyclic Simple Shear Response of Sand–Rubber Tire Chip Mixtures

Abstract

The dynamic properties of mixtures of poorly graded sand and the fine rubber tire chips are assessed under undrained, strain-controlled cyclic simple shear (CSS) conditions. In this study, CSS equipment with a confining pressure system is used. The CSS tests are performed on the mixtures with rubber content of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 100% by weight prepared at relative densities in the range of 65%–80%. Tests are carried out at high shear strain amplitudes in the range of 0.15%–3% at various total vertical stress levels (50–200 kPa). The material and loading parameters such as rubber content, shear strain, frequency, total vertical stress, influencing the dynamic properties and the pore pressure responses of the mixtures are investigated. It was found that the mixture with 10% rubber content has better dynamic properties than other mixtures. In addition, the pore pressure development can be retarded by the use of the sand–rubber tire chip mixtures.