Compaction Characteristics and Mechanical Response of Gravel–Glass–Rubber Mixtures †

Abstract

From a geotechnical engineering viewpoint, recycling and reuse of crushed glass and tire rubber can significantly help reduce the demand for natural resources (i.e., sand and gravel aggregates). Following an earlier study by the authors aimed at characterizing gravel–rubber mixtures (GRM), this paper focuses on the geotechnical assessment of gravel–glass–rubber mixtures (GGRM) made of recycled crushed green glass bottles and recycled granulated tire rubber. Specifically, the compaction, one-dimensional compressibility, and shear strength characteristics of GGRM prepared at 40% and 55% rubber content by volume (RB) with varying glass content by volume (GL) are investigated. It is found that compacted GGRM possesses high strength (i.e., friction angle ≥ 30°) and adequate compressibility, making it a suitable general and structural fill material for use in eco-friendly geotechnical applications.