The 2” weave allows for plenty of plant growth which also helps in stabilization.
The rubber-imbedded, high-quality steel hoops which secure tires to wheel rims can be banded together to produce large-diameter culvert pieces which will last for many decades when set in place and covered
Two weaves of drive mats were developed – 2″ strips and whole treads. Two-inch-strip allow for much biological assistance in stabilization of the area.
Whole tread mats offer full coverage where appropriate.
Used racing tires provide a useful covering for radial-tread-filled curb stops.
Used-tire curb stops work very well in both rural driveways…
and commercial situations.
Sidewalls provide the primary resource for fabrication of door, walk-way, and anti-fatigue mats. They can be useful directly on the ground…
on ramps…
on steps, and many other places.
Sidewall mats can be custom made for many situations.
I grew up with this front door mat and it was fully 50 years old before beginning to deteriorate.
Whole rubber tires can provide the main material for an excellent and exciting swing
The original tire project on the site. A moated earth turtle with stone appendages and filled tires for support of the mound
The original tire project on the site. Different View: A moated earth turtle with stone appendages and filled tires for support of the mound
As the primary construction material for landscaping forms, used-tire resources offer many possibilities. Raised beds are easily constructed from used-tire treads. They are laid out either flat or folded and screwed together.
With a bottom screen to keep out moles, and when covered with chicken wire and mortar, these beds offer great ease of use plus avoidance of the periodic reconstruction required with wood.
When filled with nearly 2’ of compost and topsoil, they become worm volcanoes and can hugely production for squar
Used tire treads permit simple pond construction on uneven ground.
This octagonal pond and spillway were simply cut, laid out and screwed together.
Used carpet was used to protect the bottom of the pond liner which was laid in and folded under the top layer of tires.
The entire outside and spillway has been covered with chicken wire and mortared (not shown) and has provided a
Close up of spillway has been covered with chicken wire and mortared (not shown) and has provided a fine fish
The prototype machine was designed to cut radial tire treads into useful construction materials. Non-belted tires are no problem.
Cutting whole tire treads into 2″ strips.
The machine’s designer utilizes the cross-cut option.
A prototype sidewall cutter was developed but never perfected.
The results of a few weeks’ free tire collection at the Calhoun Co. WV, DOT site. These tires were handled at least two more times, quartered/shredded, and placed in a monofill. The 2000 tires shown nearly equals those used in the pictured projects.
Over 500 radial-tire treads – nested and delivered to the construction site. Sidewalls already removed for doormat construction.
The total remaining materials after beneficial use of nearly 2000 radial tire treads.
Beginning drive mat construction near the top of the access road.
Facing downhill from the top of the mat – movable weaving stand in place and about 1/4 complete.
Facing uphill from the bottom of the access road – nearly 1/2 complete. Note the use of filled whole tires for ditch stabilization.
The 2” weave allows for plenty of plant growth which also helps in stabilization.
Facing uphill from the bottom of the access road – nearly 1/2 complete. Note the use of filled whole tires for ditch stabilization.
Weaving the mat on the stand – about 3/4 complete
Completion of the access road mat and integration with the original driveway.
Integration of the road mat with whole, filled tires used to stabilize soil around a tree threatened by road construction.
The road mat – in place and in use
The mat’s first fall – uphill and down – with experimental erosion mat in place. Loose-weave mats offer increased inertia helpful in gaining biological assistance for soil stabilization on disturbed areas.
Another view of the road
While the mat offers adequate traction when only wet or dry, just a little snow turns the mat into an excellent sled run
A prototype drive mat – a 15′ by 35′, “Y” shaped-mat constructed off-site and pulled up to a hillside intersection.
Animals seem to like the mats. They warm quickly in the sun and can be traversed in bare feet.
