Strength Behaviour of Shredded Rubber Silty Sand Mixtures

The reuse of discarded tires can reduce the great environmental problem associated with their inadequate final disposal. One way, is its addition in compacted soils that can provide solutions to the mechanical-geotechnical problems related to low shear strength. This study presents the behavior of a silty sand reinforced with shredded rubber of discarded tires, through an experimental study. Physical characterization tests, Standard Proctor, direct shear test and consolidated undrained triaxial test (CU) were carried out in order to establish patterns of mechanical-geotechnical behavior that define the influence of the addition of rubber in this soil. The Direct shear and triaxial tests were performed on compacted soil samples at their maximum dry density and optimum moisture. The specimens tested were made with rubber contents of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, in relation to the dry weight of the soil. On the other hand, the triaxial test was carried out with specimens that content 0% and 5% shredded rubber. The results showed that the shear strength increased in samples with 5%, 10% and 15% of rubber with respect to soil. This addition of rubber is more effective for confinement tensions greater than 50 kPa and less than 300 kPa. It was concluded that the addition of 5% rubber is the one that provides higher shear strength.