The Effects of Waste Tire Materials and Aerated Concrete Additives for Innovative Soil Stabilization

Soil stabilization is a key process in geotechnical engineering, particularly for expansive clay soils that exhibit low strength and high volume-change potential. This study examines the use of waste tire powder (WTP) and autoclaved aerated concrete powder (ACP) as sustainable soil additives to improve mechanical performance while promoting sustainable waste recycling. Clayey soils from the Çorlu/Tekirdağ region were blended with varying proportions of WTP and ACP, and their properties were evaluated through Standard Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests. The results showed that UCS increased from 3.7 MPa to 4.5 MPa with 5% ACP, while CBR values rose from 21.3% to 29.8% with 17% ACP addition. Incorporating 2% WTP enhanced elasticity and reduced brittleness, although higher WTP contents (4%) lowered cohesion and strength. The optimum formulation, 2% WTP + 5% ACP, produced balanced improvements in strength, stiffness, and deformation resistance. The novelty of this research lies in establishing a hybrid stabilization mechanism that combines the elastic contribution of WTP with the pozzolanic bonding of ACP. Beyond technical improvements, recycling these industrial by-products mitigates environmental pollution, reduces disposal costs, and provides economic benefits. Thus, this study advances both the scientific understanding and practical application of sustainable soil stabilization.