Evaluation of Culvert Pipe Made from Waste Truck Tires

Abstract

Waste truck tires pose special disposal problems. As an alternative to disposal, a private tire recycling company developed a pipe from the tire bead and sidewall. This tire pipe has seen limited use as a roadway drainage culvert. To encourage wider use of this product, an evaluation of its performance was performed. The evaluation consisted of (a) inspections of existing installations, (b) receiving comments from installers and owners, and (c) leakage tests. The field investigations revealed that most tire pipe installations were performing well. An individual tire pipe section was found to be watertight. However, when tested in the open air (not in the ground), the tire pipe joint was found to leak. Development of an improved end connection may improve the utility of the tire pipe.