Numerical modelling on geotechnical features of soil mixture using recycled tire crumb to strengthen the seismic isolation in building

Abstract

In this research, the performance pertaining to tire crumb obtained from scrap tire processing plants is discussed. These tire crumbs are blended with soil at a 30% ratio. When subjected to seismic load, the performance of the 30% tire crumb combination is superior to the 0% tire crumb combination. The investigation is classified into two phases. Phase 1 of the study involves conducting an experimental investigation by applying cyclic loads to a model footing that was resting on the soil with and without tire crumbs. This study reveals that a 30% tire crumb combination achieves optimum energy absorption and minimal footing stiffness, which is a crucial component needed for base isolation. Additionally, using the PLAXIS 2D software package, finite element analysis was carried out during the second phase of the study. For this study, a three-story residential building close to the border between India and Nepal is used. Three different disastrous seismic excitations are applied to the building. From this analytical analysis, it is reported that a 60–70% reduction in acceleration is attained for 30% tire crumb combination with soil. Therefore, from the two phases, it is evaluated that the inclusion of tire crumbs with soil is an excellent seismic base isolation material.