Global Application of Waste Tires as Ecological Slope Reinforcement for Preventing Landslides

Abstract

This study explores the global application of waste tires as an innovative and ecological material for slope reinforcement to prevent landslides. By examining a case study along the Jingxin Expressway in Shanxi Province, China, where waste tires are integrated into slope protection systems, the study demonstrates the practical benefits of using waste tires in landslide prevention. The tires are strategically anchored to slopes using a herringbone skeleton structure and short anchor bolts, absorbing soil pressure and hydraulic stress, while also promoting vegetation growth for further slope stability. This approach not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, but also provides an environmentally sustainable solution by repurposing large quantities of waste tires. The study highlights the global potential of this technology, with examples from Brazil, Malaysia, Iran, and other countries that have adapted this solution to their unique climatic and geotechnical conditions. However, the research also identifies environmental concerns regarding the toxicity of synthetic rubbers in tires and the potential heavy metal leaching, which requires further investigation. The study concludes that while the ecological benefits of tire-based slope reinforcement are promising, ongoing research and technological advancements are needed to fully address these risks and enhance the sustainability of the solution.