Tyre Structures

With 100,000 tonnes of scrap tyres available each year in Britain alone, of which some 8 million tyres went for landfill disposal, there is a lot of scope for people to try to find an alternative use for the 8 million tyres which cannot be retreaded. The tyre industry, which currently recovers some 75% of this 100,000 tonnes deserves a lot credit for its recycling and recovery programme. Which other industry achieves this level of recycling? I expect some one will tell me, but for the moment I am impressed.

The use of scrap tyres, in the design of Norfolk Reef, came about quite naturally. The flexibility they offered seemed tailor made in the reef's construction and environment. The fact that they are in abundance and practically free, becomes a big plus for future sea and coastal defence work.

Additionally, scrap tyre constructions, placed on the sea bed, become the hottest spot for miles around, offering a habitat to sea creatures from molluscs to fish. Perhaps, for once, we may be able to put something worthwhile back into the sea, which actually helps marine life to thrive and prosper. Scrap tyres might not have immediately sprung to mind, when seeking to invest in our ocean`s future, but I encourage you to think on and start designing structures.

Updated: Thursday, September 8, 2005 10:02