Improved geotechnical behavior of an expansive soil amended with tire-derived aggregates having different gradations

Abstract

This experimental laboratory study examines the potential use of tire-derived aggregate (TDA) products as an additive to alleviate the inferior geotechnical properties of a subgrade deposit of clay soil with high expansivity. A total of ten mix designs—the unamended soil and nine soil–TDA blends prepared at 5%, 10% and 20% TDA contents (by dry mass) using three different TDA gradations/sizes—were examined. The experiments included standard Proctor compaction, oedometer swell and unconfined compression tests. The TDA materials’ lower specific gravity, hydrophobic character and higher energy absorption capacity compared with the soil solids led to notable reductions in the soil compaction char..