Evaluation of the Impact of Sustainable Infrastructure on the Perception of the Community Through the Use of Geocells Made of Recycled Tires in an Educational Environment

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of the educational community regarding the use of recycled materials in sustainable road infrastructure. To this end, an 11-question survey was administered to students, teachers, and administrators at the La Sagrada Familia Technical Educational Institution in Ibagué, Colombia. The survey assessed their attitudes, awareness, and acceptance of sustainable materials in dimensions such as knowledge of sustainability, perception of recycled materials, and willingness to recommend sustainable practices. As part of the study, a 17 m-long vehicle platform was constructed using geocells made from recycled tires. This practical implementation served both as a demonstration of the potential of recycled materials in road infrastructure and as an educational tool to engage the community in sustainable practices. The construction process included awareness campaigns to educate participants on the environmental and functional benefits of using recycled materials. Preliminary results indicate a significant shift in perception after participants were educated on the benefits of recycled materials. Teachers and administrators showed high levels of acceptance, with 96.6% of teachers reporting improved perceptions. Students, while enthusiastic, showed more varied levels of satisfaction, reflecting their varied exposure to sustainability concepts. This study underscores the critical role of educational projects in fostering awareness and acceptance of sustainable solutions. It highlights the potential of initiatives such as geocells made of recycled tires to integrate practical applications with educational efforts, thereby advancing the adoption of circular economy principles and promoting long-term social benefits in infrastructure development.