Shear Strength of Granulated Rubber and Loess Mixtures as Lightweight Geomaterials

Shear strength of granulated rubber and loess mixtures were investigated through direct shear test to evaluate the possibilities of the used tire as a lightweight fill material in geotechnical engineering. Test results indicated that the shear strength increased dramatically, at the content range of approximately 30%, higher than either pure granulated rubber aggregates or pure compacted loess. The rubber content limits governing the shear behavior of the mixtures were estimated and discussed. It was considered that granulated rubber can improve the geotechnical properties of traditional soil and create lightweight material. The use of scrap tires in civil engineering provides not only a new disposal option for used tires but also a useful geomaterial.