Old tyres used to create high-tech paving that can water trees

The University of Melbourne and Tasmanian company Merlin Site Services are researching the use of recycled tyre-derived products in the creation of urban paving that can, amongst other benefits, provide water to nearby trees.

Use of permeable pavement in urban storm-water management systems can help to increase groundwater recharge, reduce surface runoff, decrease the risk of flash flooding, help with treatment of storm-water, and prevent runoff pollution to connected water bodies.

A TSA funded research project is investigating the suitability of using up to 60% waste tyre products, such as crumb rubber, rubber granules and shredded tyre products, in permeable pavement applications as part of more comprehensive irrigation and storm-water management solutions for urban areas.

The research program involves both laboratory testing and field studies together with environmental impact and life cycle assessments.

The project is taking research findings into the field, through a pilot installation program, with the objective of providing the construction/civil works industry and local governments with the confidence to further increase the use of TDP as part of storm-water management in urban areas.

Tyre-derived products (TDP) can help to deliver enhanced pavement characteristics that are a very valuable ingredient in meeting a complex engineering challenge. According to TSA Market Development Manager, Liam O’Keefe, “the aim of TSA investment in this research is to support the use of a very high percentage of TDP (up to 60%) in permeable pavement products, providing another opportunity for sustainable management of end-of-life tyres to deliver new products and new jobs.”