Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system
Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system
(OP)
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
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





RE: Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system
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
RE: Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system
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:
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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.
RE: Ecoflex (waste tire gravity wall) retaining wall system
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.