This booklet explores several potential uses of end-of-life tires (ELTs) that do not require mechanical or thermal processing.
ELTs can be used in the infrastructure industry as a whole item without processing. Typically, this occurs in the construction of retaining walls, drainage culverts and as fill (when whole ELTs are baled).
ELT use in civil engineering often involves replacing conventional construction materials (e.g. road fill, gravel, sand, or dirt) with whole tires. Prior to using ELTs in any infrastructure or engineering project as a substitute for virgin construction materials, it is recommended that a design engineer is engaged to determine the appropriate use of whole ELTs in a particular application, to ensure the tires do not pose a health or environmental risk. Other options of ELTs usage are as:
- Roadside crash barriers with estimated lifespan of more than 100 years where tires are protected from weathering and combustion.
- Barriers for vessels against dock and marina structures with estimated lifespan with direct sun exposure is 10-20 years.
- Playground equipment with estimated lifespan 5-10 years.
- Whole tires are baled using a tire baling machine using approx. 100 tires per ~1 tonne bale.
For more information, contact [email protected].