TRIAXIAL DETERMINATION OF SHEAR-STRENGTH OF TIRE CHIPS

Triaxial compression tests following stress paths of constant sigma(1) were conducted to determine the shear strength of five processed scra p tire products having different gradations and particle shapes. The i nterparticle frictional component was separated from the total shear s trength according to the energy correction concept proposed by researc hers. The experimental results show that all five tire chip products h ave ultimate internal friction angles of 45 degrees to over 60 degrees . The interparticle frictional component of the strength was fully mob ilized and nearly reached a constant value after approximately 5% axia l strain. The experimental results confirmed that the strength paramet er obtained with constant sigma(1) was more reasonable. This finding i s supported by field observation in which the tire chips have an angle of repose ranging from 37 degrees to 43 degrees (loosely stock piled) and up to 85 degrees (compacted). The engineering applications of the experimental results are discussed.