Tyre chips as compressible inclusions in earth-retaining walls

Abstract

This paper investigates the performance of retaining wall models using recycled tyre chips as compressible inclusions under dynamic loading through shaking table tests. Scrap tyre derived tyre chips of 10 × 10 mm size and about 20 mm length have been used in this study. The 600 mm high model wall is constructed in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) container and instrumented with pressure sensors, displacement transducers and accelerometers at different locations. The dynamic responses of the retaining walls to the variations in the acceleration and frequency of base shaking are monitored and discussed. It is observed from these tests results that the horizontal displacement and incremental lateral earth pressure responses of the retaining wall models are significantly reduced by the inclusion of the tyre chips. Reduction of the lateral earth pressure and displacement makes possible lower design requirements that entail smaller dimensions of the retaining wall with reduced material cost.