Partial Replacement of Sand by Tyre Chips as Alternative Backfill Material

Disposal of industrial waste is a major problem facing by the present world. The efficient means of their disposal would be the reuse of these waste in construction industry. Sand tyre chip (STC) mixtures can be used in many geotechnical applications. The reuse of scrap tyres in STC mixture can effectively address the growing environmental concerns and at the same time provide solutions to geotechnical problems associated with low shear strength. This study investigates the suitability of mixtures of sand and tyre chips to be used as alternative backfill material in retaining wall applications. Backfill mix is prepared by adding various percentages of shredded tyre to sand and different laboratory tests are to be conducted to determine the initial properties. The low unit weight of tyre imparts the advantage to be used as the light weight fill. A model load test was conducted to study the settlement and facing displacement under vertical load.