Engineering Resilient Drainage Structures with Recycled Tyres and Ash-based Concrete

Kacper Tomaszewski

Introduction

The rapid expansion of urban and agricultural infrastructure has heightened the demand for durable and environmentally sustainable drainage systems. Traditional drainage structures, typically constructed using conventional concrete and virgin aggregates, often fall short in addressing the dual challenge of environmental degradation and infrastructure resilience. As climate variability and storm intensities increase, so does the need for drainage systems that can withstand frequent hydraulic loading, corrosion and physical degradation. In response to these challenges, the engineering field is increasingly turning to sustainable construction practices. One such promising approach is the integration of waste materials particularly recycled tyres and ash-based materials such as fly ash and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) into concrete formulations used in drainage structures. These materials not only offer solutions to waste management issues but also improve specific mechanical and chemical properties of concrete, contributing to its long-term durability and resilience. The use of recycled tyres and ash-based concrete in drainage systems represents a progressive step toward sustainable civil engineering, aligning with global objectives of reducing construction-related carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact [1].

Description

The engineering of resilient drainage structures using recycled tyres and ash-based concrete involves a multidisciplinary blend of materials science, structural engineering and environmental sustainability. Recycled tyres, which are typically processed into crumb rubber or shredded aggregate, are widely recognized for their elasticity, flexibility and energy absorption properties. When incorporated into concrete, these characteristics enhance impact resistance, reduce crack propagation and improve the deformation behavior of the mix under stress. Such properties are highly beneficial for drainage systems exposed to traffic loads, ground movement, or hydrodynamic forces. Simultaneously, ash-based materials, particularly fly ash (a by-product of coal combustion) and POFA (a residue from palm oil production), serve as pozzolanic or cementitious replacements for a portion of Portland cement in concrete. These materials contribute to lower hydration heat, refined pore structure and increased sulfate resistance, all of which are crucial for drainage structures exposed to fluctuating moisture and chemical attack [2]. Ash-based concrete demonstrates superior long-term strength gain, reduced permeability and improved durability making it especially suitable for culverts, channels and stormwater pipes prone to aggressive environmental conditions. When these two materials are used in combination, they form a composite concrete mix that leverages the benefits of both waste tyre elasticity and ash-derived chemical resistance. This synergy results in drainage structures that are not only more environmentally sustainable but also physically resilient to wear, erosion and corrosion. Studies have shown that concrete containing a balanced ratio of crumb rubber and fly ash can maintain sufficient compressive strength while enhancing flexibility, thermal stability and shock absorption. These properties can be particularly useful in the construction of modular precast drainage units, channel linings, permeable pavements and bioretention system supports [3]. Additionally, using waste tyres and ash-based materials in concrete supports circular economy goals by diverting non-biodegradable materials from landfills, reducing the demand for virgin aggregate and cement and lowering the carbon footprint of construction. From a cost perspective, the use of locally sourced recycled materials can reduce transportation and procurement costs, especially in regions where conventional construction materials are scarce or expensive. Furthermore, their use can contribute to achieving LEED certification or meeting green building standards, making such projects attractive for government and institutional funding [4]. However, certain challenges must be addressed to optimize the performance of these sustainable concrete mixes. For example, crumb rubber can reduce compressive strength if not properly proportioned and ash materials can vary in quality depending on their source. Therefore, rigorous testing and standardization are necessary to ensure consistent performance. Pre-treatment techniques, admixtures and hybrid material approaches are often employed to mitigate these drawbacks. Despite these challenges, the field is rapidly advancing. Researchers and engineers are developing enhanced mix designs and novel applications for these materials in complex drainage scenarios. For example, two-stage ditches lined with rubber-ash concrete are being explored to handle high flow velocities and sedimentation more effectively. Similarly, bioretention basins with rubberized concrete infiltration zones are showing promise in urban stormwater management [5].

Conclusion

The integration of recycled tyres and ash-based concrete in the design and construction of drainage structures presents a compelling opportunity to align infrastructure development with sustainability goals. These materials, once considered waste, now offer valuable performance characteristics that enhance the durability, flexibility and environmental compatibility of concrete used in drainage systems. Their combined use addresses critical issues such as material longevity, resistance to environmental stressors and the global push to reduce construction-related carbon emissions. By converting tyre waste into crumb rubber and utilizing industrial by-products like fly ash and POFA, engineers can reduce reliance on traditional cement and aggregates while simultaneously improving the mechanical and chemical properties of drainage concrete.

The result is a new generation of drainage infrastructure that is not only structurally robust and long-lasting but also environmentally responsible. The potential applications range from rural agricultural drains to complex urban stormwater networks, making this approach scalable and adaptable across different contexts and regions. As the world moves toward smarter, greener infrastructure, the use of recycled tyres and ash-based concrete in drainage engineering stands as a testament to the power of innovation in solving environmental and engineering challenges simultaneously. Ongoing research, combined with supportive policy frameworks and industry engagement, will be essential in scaling up this technology. With proper implementation, this strategy has the capacity to redefine drainage engineering practices, making them more resilient, sustainable and future-ready.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Zerin, N. H., M. G. Rasul, M. I. Jahirul and A. S. M. Sayem. "End-of-life tyre conversion to energy: A review on pyrolysis and activated carbon production processes and their challenges." Sci Total Environ (2023): 166981.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at

2. Mhaya, Akram M., S. Baharom, Mohammad Hajmohammadian Baghban and Moncef L. Nehdi, et al. "Systematic experimental assessment of POFA concrete incorporating waste tire rubber aggregate." Polymers 14 (2022): 2294.

 Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at

3. Lakhiar, Muhammad Tahir, Sih Ying Kong, Yu Bai and Susilawati Susilawati, et al. "Thermal and mechanical properties of concrete incorporating silica fume and waste rubber powder." Polymers 14 (2022): 4858.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at

4. Romanelli, Asunción, David X. Soto, Ioannis Matiatos and Daniel E. Martínez, et al. "A biological and nitrate isotopic assessment framework to understand eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems." Sci Total Env 715 (2020): 136909.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at

5. Yan, Tao, Shui-Long Shen and Annan Zhou. "Indices and models of surface water quality assessment: Review and perspectives." Environ Pollut 308 (2022): 119611.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at