Optimizing Landslide Mitigation: A

Comprehensive Evaluation of Tire Rubber

Weaving Styles for Enhanced Gabion
Environmental Resilience
Athasia Kaye D. Dorado
Civil Engineering Program
College of Engineering
Education
Davao City, Philippines
a.dorado.517052@umindanao.ed
u.ph
Keishun Andoy
Civil Engineering Program
College of Engineering
Education
Davao City, Philippines
k.andoy.517308@umindanao.ed
u.ph
June Humprey Lobo
Civil Engineering Program
College of Engineering
Education
Davao City, Philippines
j.lobo.517450@umindanao.edu.p
h

I. INTRODUCTION
Landslides are natural geo-hazard events that
have far reaching implication for both the
environment and human. In the Philippines,
landslides frequently occur and pose a threat, where
climate dangers, earthquake, and related landslides
result in hundreds of deaths and millions of pesos in
loss each year [1]. Furthermore, human activities
increase the likelihood of landslides. The
destruction of forests, fast urbanization, and
accelerated development are among the reason
which complicates the issue. Yet, the cost of
building common mitigation strategies including
gabion barriers, sandbags, and retaining walls are
expensive for local and remote areas. Therefore,
using inexpensive elements for landslide prevention
measures can help lessen the effects of landslides on
humans.
Earthquakes as well as rainfall are one of the
many factors that can induce landslides. Rain
entering the soil through infiltration weakens the
soil's capacity for shear and makes it heavier,
decreasing the overall strength of the soil. In fact,
erosion is a major cause of landslides in the
Philippines, particularly along riverbanks [2]. As a
remedy, gabion walls are employed to stop
landslides that are brought on by degradation. Due
to its ease of building, rapidity, and adaptability,
gabion walls are extremely popular nowadays.
Riverbank stabilization, gabion-stepped weirs,
landfill embankments, and earth retaining structures
are just a few of the many uses for gabion walls [3].
However, the wire mesh being used to wrap all the
rocks together has its limitation. Corrosion is one of
the biggest problems when it comes to the use of
gabion [4] [5]. While there are available remedies
such as corrosion proof coating its cost for
application would still be considered. In this study
the researcher proposes to use tire rubber waster as
an alternative to wire mesh in gabion.
Cars are becoming increasingly crucial. On a
global scale, approximately 4.0 billion tires find
their way into solid waste streams, posing a
potential environmental threat [6]. The International
Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers
(OICA) estimates that 60 million cars are already
produced globally just this year (2023), and that
number will continue to rise [7]. With the increasing
vehicle, estimated tire manufacturing goes up as
well. The worldwide environmental issue of waste
tires and their build-up is a cause for alarm. They do
not break down naturally, and approximately 1.5
billion of them are produced globally each year.
Waste tires in landfills and piles are notorious for
releasing harmful chemicals into the nearby
surroundings, serving as breeding sites for
mosquitoes, and contributing to uncontrollable fire
[8]. In 2019 it was recorded that there are 19.25
million tons of tire manufactured, and by the end of
2024, it is anticipated to increase by 22.75 million
tons [9]. Tires are continuously replaced, which
results in a significant global tire waste problem. On
the bright side, there is growing interest in utilizing
used tires as structural components in civil
engineering in the present. In gabion wall it was
proved by Abdullah et. al. [10]. that it is possible to
replace some of the gabion gravel with rubber tire.
In addition, gabion walls are also preferred for the
efficiency of the drainage instead of gravity walls
[11]. Yet, rubber could experience fatigue
occurrences over the course of their operational
lifespan [12]. Furthermore, tire-derived geo material
(TDGM), whether in the form of pieces, chips, or
scraps, is regularly utilized as a filler substance for
embankments because of its superior structural and
mechanical properties [13]. Rubberized tires are
also used as cement-based concrete, collision
hurdles, ultralight additives, automobile bumpers,
and artificial reefs are a few further uses for old tires
[14].

1

Despite the existence of numerous studies on tire
rubber waste applications in the construction
industry, a critical gap remains in the exploration of
different tire rubber weaving techniques and their
practical field applications. The study's findings will
provide insights into the comprehensive evaluation
of using tire rubber waste in construction, offering
valuable recommendations for future research and
practical applications within the construction
industry while focusing on sustainability and safety.
The general objective of this research study is to
conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the various
tire rubber waste weavings intended for gabion
retaining walls. For the specific objectives, (1) the
study aims to perform a preliminary testing of the
materials used to ensure the robustness and validity
of results. Subsequently, (2) the research intends to
perform a Field test utilizing the different weaving
styles to replicate real-world field experiments.
Finally, (3) an in-depth cost analysis will be done to
determine the potential cost savings achievable in
the utilization of tire rubber waste in gabion cages.
This comprehensive evaluation aims to provide a
thorough assessment of the performance, durability,
and cost-effectiveness of rubber-based gabion
structure.
Meanwhile, this study contributes to the
conservation of natural resources by offering a
sustainable alternative to traditional wire mesh -
thus enhancing gabion resilience to environmental
impact. Through the preservation of valuable
resources such as iron and a reduction in carbon
emissions, reduced dependence on steel wire mesh
in gabion construction has the potential to mitigate
the adverse environmental impacts of mining and
steel production. If recycled tire rubber proves to be
a viable alternative, it could lead to a more
accessible gabion construction, helping remote areas
to build their own landslide mitigation gabion walls.
The study's conclusions could change how building
gabion is done by providing an environmental
friendly option without sacrificing structural
integrity.
The scope of this research study encompasses in
the comprehensive assessment of various tire rubber
waste materials for use in gabion retaining walls. It
involves evaluating the mechanical properties and
strength of the materials, testing different weaving
styles, conducting field model study to assess
horizontal displacement, and performing a cost
analysis to determine potential cost savings.
However, there are limitations to consider,
including potential
variations in waste tire rubber strips' performance
due to different manufacturing sources and
qualities. In addition, specific weaving styles
2
employed by the researchers are only limited into
three, thus excluding other valuable weaving
techniques. The long-term durability of waste tire
rubber strips requires further investigation beyond
the study's timeframe. Although field model study
aims to replicate real-world conditions, there may
still be limitations in fully replicating all aspects of
field conditions. The findings should be interpreted
with consideration for potential differences between
field study and real-world performance. Different
context like the geographical settings and market
dynamics can also impact the cost-effectiveness of
the materials used.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Conceptual Framework
Figure 1 shows the systematic steps applied in
achieving the objectives of the study. In the study, a
sequence of tests will be conducted, including
preliminary tensile testing of the tire rubber, load-
bearing capacity testing to evaluate resilience under
various loads, field model study to see the
performance of using tire rubber as alternative to
wire mesh. Additionally, a cost analysis is carried
out to assess economic implications. The collected
data from these phases is integrated to draw
informed conclusions to the performance of the
different weaving styles used.
Input: Process: Output:
Tire Rubber Tensile Comprehensive
Strip Strength Evaluation of
Gabion Load Bearing Tire Rubber
Rubber Basket Capacity Weaving Styles
Scaled Down Field Model
Model Study
Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Evaluation Process
B. Materials and Resources
For the materials, this study will utilize the main
components of gabion, which are waste tire rubber
as an alternative to wire mesh, rocks as gabion
fillers, and sand soil as backfill for scale-down
model testing. Brick bays are used in the field
model study as an additional component, as well as
the 5 cm thick layer of sea sand. Concrete slabs and
sandbags are also utilized for the loading setup. The
waste tire rubber will be obtained in junk shops
located within Davao City. Rocks and sand soil will
also be purchased in shops within Davao City.
C. Methods and Procedure
Preparation of Material
 Preliminary Testing
(Tensile Strength Test)

Plain Weaving 8H Satin Weaving Warp Rib

Pattern Pattern Weaving Pattern

Field Model Compressive

Testing Testing

Figure 4. 8hSatin Weave

Cost Analysis

Results

Figure 2. Steps to Evaluate Weaving Pattern of Tire

Rubber Waste

In the evaluation of different tire rubber waste

weaving style as seen in Figure 2, a preliminary
testing will initially be conducted to the tire rubber
waste. The tensile strength of the tire rubber will be
tested where 6 sample will be utilized. Then,
different weaving styles will be created as basket for
gabion. Three weaving pattern will be put into test
using load bearing capacity. Furthermore, in
weaving, all patterns will have a tire rubber strip
width of 1.5cm with rubber clear distance of 1.5cm.
Weaving patterns will be plain weave as shown in
Figure 3, 8hSatin weave as shown in Figure 4, and
warp rib weave as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5. Warp Rib Weave

The reason for choosing plain weave is because

of its easy to do pattern, while both 8hSatin and
warp rib weave has high tearing strength [15]. To
test the deflection of the gabion, a field model study
will be tested to all patterns. sand soil will be used
as a backfill and incremental load will be applied.
Finally, a cost analysis will be implemented to see
the cost effectiveness of each weaving pattern.

Tensile Test

In the creation of Gabion using tire rubber waste

it is necessary to test the rubber tensile property to
Figure 3. Plain Weave ensure the robustness and validity, thereby
increasing the likelihood of obtaining valid
outcomes. For the tire rubber waste tensile strength,
the procedure is in accordance to ISO 37:2017.

In a tensile testing procedure, standard test

specimens in the form of dumbbells as shown in
Figure 6 will be utilized. The dumb-bell rubber
specimens are to be set up in a laboratory using
available equipment such as the Universal Testing
Machine (UTM) or an extensometer. The test will

3
include 6 trials to make sure that the data gathered is
sufficient and reliable.

Figure _. Die C
Figure 6. The dumb-bell specimen

The length of the specimen has a 25 ± 0.5 mm of

measurement with the length in the narrow section
to be 33 ± 0.2 mm. Test lengths are to be followed
in Table 1 of the ISO 37:2017 standards.

Type of test piece Type 1 Type 1A Type 2 Type 3

Test length (mm) 25 ± 0.5 20± 0.5a 20 ± 0.5 10 ± 0.5 Table 2. Die C dimension
Table 1. Test length of dumb-bells
The tear strength Ts is given, in kilonewtons per
In the tensile strength test, three primary meter of thickness, by the formula:
parameters are typically evaluated: tensile strength, F
elongation at the point of fracture, and the modulus Ts= (_)
d
of elasticity of the specimen.

The tensile strength (σ) will be attained using the Field Model Study
equation:
Experimental Setup:
F
𝜎= (1)
A0 The gabion wall model, constructed over a
2m length with a fixed height of 1m, was positioned
Percent elongation at break will be determined 2.5m away from the natural slope. sand was used to
using the equation: fill the space, serving as backfill for the wall, and
brick bays on both sides were built to restrict the

( LB−Lo
Lo )
wall's length. Sixteen gabion boxes, each sized 0.5m
Percent elongation = ∗100 x 0.25m x 0.25m, were employed to retain the
backfill. For reinforcement, an extension is added to
(2) the base of the gabion boxes. Typically, the
reinforcement extension, inclusive of the base, is set
The modulus of elasticity of the specimen can be at 0.6 to 0.8 times the wall's height. The extension
determined using the equation: and boxes function as a monolithic structure.
Woven waste tire strips, spaced center to center at
σ 0.015m with a width of 0.015m, were applied. The
E= (3)
ε boxes feature a top cover and internal partitions
(diaphragms) to prevent bulging. The model gabion
Tear Strength Test box used in this study is depicted in Fig. 7. Each
The tear strength test ensures that the rubber tire box was equipped with a 0.6m extension at the base,
material can withstand the stresses and forces. The and a top cover was also provided. The cross-
tear strength assessment becomes particularly section of the wall is illustrated in Fig. 8.
significant as it determines the material's ability to
resist tearing or rupturing. To do this test the
standard method of ASTM D624 will be followed.
The test will be done using Universal Testing
Machine with a specimen geometry of die C as seen
in figure _ and dimension will be according to table
2.

4
 Figure 7. Dimensions of Model (all dimension in
meters)
Figure 8. Cross section of the model (all dimension
in meters)
The ground was leveled, and a 5cm thick
layer of sea sand was evenly distributed. The initial
layer of four boxes was positioned on the leveled
ground surface at the designated wall construction
site. Tire rubber were utilized to interconnect the
boxes, ensuring they functioned as a unified
structure. The extensions of the boxes were spread
across the sand layer, and the boxes were
subsequently filled with stone boulder with
approximately 5cm in diameter.
Upon completing the box filling, the top
cover was sealed and firmly attached to the sides
using tire rubber waste. Subsequently, backfilling
with sand was carried out up to the height of the
boxes. Each fill layer was compacted to achieve
consistent density by regulating the soil weight and
layer thickness. After leveling the backfill, the
subsequent layer of gabion boxes was positioned
above the first layer, and the two layers were
securely fastened with tire rubber waste. This
process continued until the desired level was
reached. With the wall height fixed at 1m. Markings
were added to the front of each box in the facing
unit for measurement purposes during surcharge
loading.
Loading Setup:
Following the construction of the wall using
gabion boxes, sandbag loading was initiated. Before
placing the sandbags, a concrete slab of
2x2x0.043m was positioned atop the retaining wall
to ensure uniform pressure from surcharge loads
and serve as a loading platform. The sandbags were
systematically arranged in layers, as illustrated in
Fig. 9. Each layer comprised 25 bags filled with
sand, resulting in a surcharge pressure of 2 kPa per
layer. The combined load of the first sandbag layer
(2 kPa) and the concrete slab load (1 kPa) was
designated as the seating load, and initial
deformations were recorded. An aluminum rod was
positioned above the gabion wall, supported by the
5
brick walls of the bay, serving as a reference mark
for deformation measurements Fig. 10. To gauge
lateral deflection, the outer edge of the aluminum
rod was used as the datum point. A plumb bob was
hung vertically from the outer edge of the aluminum
bar. Using a meter scale, the initial position of the
wall and the altered position after loading were
measured. In placing each layer of sandbags, the
loading will be left undisturbed for 6 hours until
deformations stabilized. The discrepancy between
these values yielded the lateral deformation at each
point.
Figure 9. Schematic sketch of loading set up (all
dimension in meters)
Figure 10. Deformation measurements (all
dimension in meters)
Deformation will be expressed in terms of a
dimensionless quantity called the top sway factor,
denoted as δ1, defined as the ratio of U 1 (the top
lateral deformation of the wall at the midsection) to
H (the wall height). Load-Deformation
Characteristics will be obtained using the equation:
U1
δ 1= (6)
H
Although U1 is referred as top lateral
deformation, it is measured as the average lateral
deformation of the two middle boxes at the top of
the wall.
The variation of lateral deformation along the
height of the wall, referred to as the "bulging
pattern," also provides insights into the behaviour of
retaining walls. Lateral deformations (U2) in all four
layers at a specific load value will be measured in
the experiments to understand the behaviour of the
fill materials in the wall facings. Bulging patterns
will be plotted with the sway factor,

U2
δ 2=
H vessels-and-other-conveyances.
along the x-axis and the wall elevation along the y-
axis to visualize the wall's behaviour.
Cost Analysis
Cost for using rubber in gabion construction can
vary significantly depend on various factors,
including the no. of tire rubber used, wire
connector, filler, and rock involved in a single
weaving style for a gabion box. In the study a cost
analysis of the different weaving style will be done
to see the difference and benefit of each as well as
to see if tire rubber waster shows economic
reduction in cost compared to wire mesh in gabion.
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
ANOVA will be use as a statistical tool for
identifying significant differences among several
groups. It allows for the simultaneous comparison
of means across different weaving styles. By
separating the total differences into parts, ANOVA
helps differentiate differences between groups from
variations within each group. This process offers a
detailed understanding of the comparison of various
weaving styles.
[9] Bureau of Transportation Statistics, "Number of U.S.
Aircraft, Vehicles, Vessels, and Other Conveyances,"
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(7) https://www.bts.gov/content/number-us-aircraft-vehicles-
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Material in Gabion Type Retaining Wall," International
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2019.
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Their Use, 2016.
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Polacco, "Crack Growth Behavior of Styrene-But Adiene
Rubber,Nnatural Rubber, and Polybut Adiene Rubber
Compounds: Comparison of Pure-Shear Versus Strip
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