Day 2 - Tire Foundations

On day two we installed the tire foundations for the structure to sit on. As an alternative to concrete, this low tech solution which is composed only of scrap tyres filled with compressed gravel using easily accessible materials almost everywhere in the world. The spacings between each tire centre was approximately 1.4 - 1.5m as agreed with a structural engineer.

We first removed the concrete paver’s and stored them to be used elsewhere. This meant the tires didn’t project out of the ground too much and also allowed us tolerance to ensure the structure would be level. Once the brick paver’s were removed and tires placed we inserted threaded metal rods with large washers and bolts on the end. Gravel was then added and compressed with the help of a hammer and crowbar to bend out the tires. I have drawn up the tire setting out and typical detail on the next page, please also see Critical Concrete's website for more information on tire foundations: criticalconcrete.com/tyre-foundations/

Zak & Tamara

Tire Foundations

Tire Foundation Detail