Structural analysis of a 3D dry-stack tyre wall by finite-discrete element method

Abstract

This paper adopted a combined finite and discrete element method to investigate the structural performance of tyre walls built with tyre-encased-soil elements (TESEs). A full-scale three-dimensional tyre wall was simulated using Abaqus/Explicit, and the detailed procedures were discussed. The numerical model was verified against the experimental results, and the wall’s quasi-static structural responses under monotonic and cyclic loading were examined. Numerical modelling provided a deeper understanding of the tyre wall behaviour that was not captured experimentally due to time and equipment-related constraints, i.e., forces at the boundaries, wall permanent deformation profile, change in size of the gap openings during loading and unloading, as well as the stress distributions during different stage of loadings. From laboratory experimental observation, the tyre wall had a rotational gap opening mostly located at the mid-height portions due to the lateral loading, and this mechanism has been well replicated by the numerical modelling. The tyre wall was found similar to masonry walls regarding the force–displacement mechanism, however, tyre walls were distinct from masonry walls as the compressive crushing of a wall unit is an unlikely failure mechanism. The numerical modelling also showed that the forces at the boundaries enhanced the lateral load resistance of the wall. The results will encourage built environment professionals to adopt tyre walls in low-rise building constructions, which can assist in solving tyre recycling/storage problems and promote a more sustainable construction practice.