Shear Strength Behaviour of Gravel–Tire Chips Mixture

In this study, a series of experimental programs were conducted to examine physical properties and mechanical behaviour of Gravel–Tire Chips Mixture (GTCM). The effect of gravel fraction in the mixture, confining pressure and relative density on drained shear strength and dilatancy behaviour of GTCM have also been investigated. In addition, a series of vibratory tests have been performed on GTCM with different gravel fractions according to JGS-0162. An empirical correlation has been proposed to estimate the maximum and minimum void ratio of gravel–tire chips mixture. Outcomes revealed that gravel fraction in GTCM along with confining pressure are the main parameters controlling skeleton as well as compaction behaviour of GTCM. For GTCM specimens with GF < 55%, the tangent modulus is minimally affected by the level of axial strain and gravel fraction in mixture. Furthermore, the effect of relative density on dilatancy behaviour and enhancing the shear strength of GTCM reduces with decreasing gravel fraction in mixture.