Experimental Investigation and First Application of Lightweight Abutment Backfill Made of Used Tyre Bales

This article describes the tests of pressure distribution on a bridge abutment, generated by the backfill made of recycled car tyres compressed in the form of bales with interfaces of medium sands and a buffer layer with tyre shreds or gravel. The backfill pressure distribution was measured continuously over a period of three months using pressure sensors. Static and dynamic load tests of abutment were conducted. The results of pressure field measurements were compared with the analytical calculations from medium sand backfilling according to the EC7. Based on the field measurements, the reduction of pressure on the bridge abutment was found if the tyre bales had been used, in comparison with the conventional backfilling of sand or gravel. The article also describes the first Polish application of abutment backfill from the tyre bales in a road bridge.