Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system

[wancho]

Hi All,
I have been researching retaining wall systems for a wall to be built on my property. Due to the size, approximately 100' long and 12' tall, limited funds, and site access restrictions, I have come across a system that an Australian company has been utilizing and has a patent on. Here’s a link to their site:

http://www.ecoflex.com.au/

There are several reasons why this system appeals to me, but I wondered what other professional thoughts, comments, and opinions on this system are before I start the process of hiring a geotech, an engineer, and apply for permits.
I look forward to reading everyone’s posts on this subject.
Regards,
Wancho

 

[concretemasonry]

Just because there is a patent does not mean it is viable or acceptable application for your situation.

Since you have a 12' wall, you obviously need an engineered design.

Contact a Civil Engineer for an evaluation. Mention your interest in the Australian system as a possibility. He will evaluate the site, drainage soils and create a design.

Do not be disappointed if he does not feel the system is not best suited for your situation. There are currently at least 5 American concrete segmental retaining wall systems currently available from many different suppliers (Boral, etc.) in Australia. A rigid reinforced concrete might also be proposed if you have the money and access.

Dick

 

[MSEMan]

Here's what I think.

Tire (or tyre depending on where you're from) walls have been used experimentally for at least 20 years now. They work like a large geocells - so from a theory point of view there's nothing new - they are simply another form of coherent gravity structures. Try this link:

http://www.ces.clemson.edu/arts/RetainingWallrev1.pdf

Find a geotech that is comfortable doing this and you should get a workable structure. No idea what could acatually be patented probably a specific "system and method for" type of thing.

Good luck.

 

[bmike]

For a poor man's geocell have a look at

Tire-reinforced earthfill. Part 1: Construction of a test fill, performance, and retaining wall design

Vinod K. Garga and Vince O'Shaughnessy
Can. Geotech. J./Rev. can. geotech. 37(1): 75-96 (2000)

You should be able to download a copy at

http://pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/rp/rp2_jour_e

Other papers in the same issue, by the same authors, address the internal mechanics and environmental considerations.

PS: A coworker lives in a semi-underground house, the back wall of which is constructed of scarp tires.