Engineering Properties and Applications of Tire-derived Aggregates: A Review

Tire-derived aggregate (TDA) offers a viable engineering solution through the beneficial reuse of waste tires in civil infrastructure. This review comprehensively evaluates the engineering properties of TDA, including gradation, density, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity, and shear strength. It demonstrates its effectiveness in pavement, retaining walls, bridge abutment backfills, embankments, drainage layers, and barriers. Field case histories consistently demonstrate that TDA can substantially reduce settlement, lateral earth pressures, and frost penetration while maintaining high permeability, thereby enhancing structural performance and service life. Environmental assessments indicate that leachate from TDA generally poses low risk to groundwater. However, caution is advised in sensitive environments due to elevated zinc and iron levels observed in both short- and long-term studies that underscore the importance of responsible TDA use. These engineering and environmental benefits make TDA a cost-effective, innovative alternative for civil engineering applications.