Canadian researchers studying use of tire-derived aggregate

Researchers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are trying to determine if recycled tires could be used to strengthen soil for use in construction, according to an article on the website www.metronews.ca.

According to the article, Hany El Nagga, professor at the department of civil and resource engineering at Dalhousie University, is leading a team of international students in assessing how tire-derived aggregate (TDA) made from recycled tires can enhance the strength of soil in engineering projects such as bridges, buildings and highways.

He notes in the article that the presence of soft soils in Nova Scotia make some areas too weak to support infrastructure. Mixing the TDA with soil reinforces the strength of the foundation soil, he says, making it fail-proof. The use of TDA has the potential to solve environmental and health related issues surrounding tire scrap, the article notes.