Seismic Response of Gravity-Cantilever Retaining Wall Backfilled with Shredded Tire

Abstract

Using shredded tires as an alternative backfill material for retaining walls is an effective method for recycling a common and abundant waste material. In this paper, the engineering properties of the shredded tire from various sources were compiled; retaining walls were designed for static and seismic conditions using the mean properties following LRFD method and compared with that of conventional granular material. The performance of retaining wall backfilled with shredded tires was then investigated by applying design earthquake acceleration-time histories using advanced finite element software and compared with that of sand backfill. In addition, a detailed parametric study was conducted to quantify the effect of variations in shredded tire properties and earthquake loadings. Results show that the shredded tire backfill significantly reduces the wall tip deflection and maximum shear force and bending moment along the wall. Parametric studies on the shredded tire properties determined that cohesion has the greatest effect on the shear force and wall tip deflection. The friction angle showed the most influence on the bending moment in the wall. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of wall response with variations in shredded tire properties provide guidelines for the design of walls to be backfilled with shredded tires and for the selection of backfill materials.