Europe – The steel, rubber and textile fibres from tyres can be used in concrete to make buildings ‘earthquake-proof’, a new EU-funded project has revealed.
Recycled rubber from tyres can help buildings and other structures flex up to 10% along their length, according to experts at the University of Sheffield and Imperial College London, both in the UK. ‘That is 50 times more than structures made from conventional concrete,’ the researchers note.
It would also be possible to blend tyre wire – known to be ‘exceptionally strong’- with other steel to increase the flexural strength of concrete, thereby reducing energy input requirements by 97% and minimising cracks at the micro level.
The project was conducted in association with the European Tyre Recycling Association. It points out that over 3 million tonnes of tyres reach their end-of-life stage in the EU every year and yet a significant proportion of post-consumer tyres are incinerated.
Don't hesitate to contact us to share your input and ideas. Subscribe to the magazine or (free) newsletter.
Loading ...
