Internally, stabilized earth retaining systems with discarded tyres

Abstract

Internally stabilized earth retaining systems became popular and came into extensive usage over the last two decades due to the many advantages inherited in them. Different forms of internally stabilized earth retaining systems had been developed in various parts of the world. For developing countries further advantages could be gained by incorporating locally available inexpensive materials. In the Sri Lankan road network, earth retaining structures made of discarded motor vehicle tyres were used at number of locations to rehabilitate slope failures and for widening of roads. This paper presents the results of the model studies done on them. Different modes of loads were applied and the resulting deformations were measured. Model tests on the said structures revealed that they are capable of withstanding very high vertical loading intensities with limited deformations while possessing very high safety margins against ultimate failure.