The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has released a comprehensive Statement of Work on Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA), outlining the performance, applications, and environmental benefits of using TDA in modern infrastructure. The document highlights how TDA—a lightweight, free-draining material produced from recycled tires—can enhance the performance and sustainability of civil engineering projects in three key areas: roads, retaining structures, and stormwater management.

TIA’s initiative seeks to advance the use of TDA by engineers, public agencies, and private-sector stakeholders as a proven solution for geotechnical challenges. This provides beneficial use for end-of-life tires.

“All TDA applications identified in the Statement of Work meet ASTM D6270-B standards,” said Dick Gust, CEO of TIA. “This document serves as both a technical resource and a call to action for wider adoption of TDA in infrastructure projects across the country.”

Key Focus Areas:

1. Roads – Subgrade Stabilization and Frost Prevention: TDA offers a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional aggregates, mitigating issues such as frost heave in colder climates and pavement buckling in warmer regions. Its hydrophobic properties and lightweight nature improve subgrade drainage, extend pavement life, and reduce maintenance costs.

2. Retaining Walls and Bridge Abutments – Lightweight Backfill: When used as backfill, TDA reduces lateral earth pressure by more than 50% compared to conventional soil. Its drainage capabilities and thermal insulation properties make it ideal for prolonging the life and performance of retaining structures in both residential and large-scale transportation applications.

3. Stormwater Management – Detention and Contaminant Removal: TDA supports green infrastructure efforts by serving as a cost-effective material for stormwater detention and infiltration systems. With high water storage capacity and contaminant filtration properties, TDA plays a vital role in reducing urban runoff, flood risk, and water pollution.

TDA not only solves real-world engineering problems, but it also supports TIA’s ongoing efforts to promote environmentally responsible tire recycling. By creating markets for end-of-life tires in construction and infrastructure, TDA helps divert millions of tires from landfills each year.

TIA will continue working closely with engineers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to support the adoption of TDA through education and ongoing performance documentation.

To access the full TDA Statement of Work, visit https://www.tireindustry.org/about/advisory-councils/.

About the Tire Industry Association

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), with a 104-year history representing all segments of the national and international tire industry, is the recognized authority for tire service technician training and certification with more than 220,000 industry professionals trained since 1997. For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.

TIA Mission Statement

The mission of TIA is to promote tire safety through training and education, to act as the principal advocate in government affairs and to enhance the image and professionalism of the industry so that our member businesses may be more successful.

Tagged: TDA

Tire Industry Association Releases Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) Statement of Work for Infrastructure Innovation