Micro-crumbled Rubber Powder as an Additive to Improve Geotechnical Properties and Slope Stability

Disposal of waste tires is an environmental burden, difficult as it is manufactured from synthetic rubber which is hard to get decomposed and may cause an environmental burden, especially in a developing country like India. So, suitability of this waste tire in powder as an additive to improve geotechnical properties was investigated. Rubber powder of size less than 425 micron is added in varying proportions, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18%. Optimum content of rubber giving maximum shear values and density was found to be at 12%. The application of this mix in slope stability improvement was evaluated using GeoStudio SLOPE/W software by constructing an embankment for different slope angles 27°, 30°, 33° and slope heights 6, 8, and 10 m. Factor of safety was found to be increased which proved the applicability of rubber powder.