In this episode, I talk with John Sheerin, Director of End-of-Life Tire Programs at US Tire Manufacturers Association, about Tire Derived Aggregate Applications. He sheds light on how millions of scrap tires can become powerful engineering materials, solving critical infrastructure challenges. Discover how his expertise in civil and environmental engineering, coupled with insights from the USTMA's new State of Knowledge report, provides actionable ideas for integrating sustainable materials into your designs.

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask John Sheerin:



What does “end-of-life tires” mean, and what does the process involve?

How do early experiences as a professional environmental engineer and work in industry shape the approach to large-scale infrastructure and materials challenges today?

What major changes have occurred in end-of-life tire management, and which technical and regulatory factors have most strongly driven this progress?

Why is it important for civil engineers to understand scrap tire markets, and how do strong, stable markets support more sustainable design and construction?

What is tire-derived aggregate (TDA), how is it produced, and what makes it a valuable alternative to traditional lightweight fill materials?

How are environmental risks managed, and does this application help solve a problem rather than create one?

What best practices have emerged from successful projects using TDA, and where does it perform best in civil engineering applications such as drainage?

What key technical insights from USTMA’s recent state of knowledge report on TDA should practicing civil engineers know?

What technical or regulatory challenges still remain for integrating TDA more broadly into civil engineering projects?

Looking ahead, what innovations or emerging practices will most influence how civil engineers use recycled materials like TDA in future infrastructure work?

When it comes to innovation, what are some ways civil engineers can be encouraged to think more creatively and embrace new materials or methods in their projects?

What final piece of advice would you share with civil engineers who want to incorporate sustainable, recycled materials into their designs?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Exploring Innovative Tire Derived Aggregate Applications:





Understanding end-of-life tires reveals a massive resource stream often overlooked in infrastructure planning. This knowledge empowers engineers to transform a waste problem into a valuable, sustainable material for various construction applications.

His early experiences underscore the importance of deliberate, thorough problem-solving and rigorous front-end analysis in large-scale projects. This approach ensures that engineers are tackling the right issues with the most effective and sustainable solutions.

The shift from massive one-off tire cleanup projects to continuous, smaller-scale applications signifies a maturing market for recycled materials. Engineers should recognize this evolving landscape to identify consistent opportunities for integrating sustainable practices.

Regulatory initiatives aimed at cleaning up tire stockpiles and managing ongoing waste generation have successfully driven market development for recycled tires. Professionals can leverage these established frameworks to confidently implement environmentally sound engineering solutions.

A deep understanding of scrap tire markets provides civil engineers with an expanded toolkit, enabling them to select optimal materials for diverse applications. This insight supports cost-effective, sustainable design by ensuring a reliable supply of innovative resources.

Tire-derived aggregate offers a compelling alternative to traditional fills due to its lightweight nature,