Update: I have posted this on a USA Permaculture forum & recieved a positive reply (see details below)
https://permies.com/t/256042/Left-sidewalls-repurposed-tires#3107634
Could the sidewalls be woven with the rectangular tyre (tire) treads to be used as upstream permeable anti flood barriers like leaky dams bolted together with stainless steel bolts.
We have been researching designs for stronger window and door shutters in warzones like Ukraine.
Perhaps the tyre walls could be woven with the rectangular tyre treads sandwiched between plywood sheets to strengthen storm shutters in hurricane zones or protect agains blast force or shrapnel for windows and doors in a war zone like Ukraine.
I had some similar thoughts & pics with reused tyres and storm shutters 8 years ago : .. see Idea for Reinforcing Window Storm Plywood Shutters on a Budget with Cut Up Used Tyres
https://cabinznet.blogspot.com/2017/09/idea-for-reinforcing-window-storm.html
Edit: now posted on a USA Permaculture Forum on similar subject
https://permies.com/forums/posts/quote/0/2383147
[quote=Rob Schwartz]I am in the planning stage of building a permanent
road on my homestead. Because of the slope of the land, washout is an
issue and geo grid seemed like the solution, unfortunately the price of
the grid made that untenable. I recently stumbled upon someone using
old tires with the sidewalls cut off as the grid base for a road. This
seems like a perfect solution for my situation but it will leave me with
hundreds of rubber circles to deal with.
Does anyone have any
ideas for reusing the sidewall pieces for anything useful? I would
prefer not to just throw them back in the garbage to end up in a
landfill.[/quote]
[quote=Rob Schwartz]I am in the planning stage of building a permanent road on my homestead. Because of the slope of the land, washout is an issue and geo grid seemed like the solution, unfortunately the price of the grid made that untenable. I recently stumbled upon someone using old tires with the sidewalls cut off as the grid base for a road. This seems like a perfect solution for my situation but it will leave me with hundreds of rubber circles to deal with.
Does anyone have any ideas for reusing the sidewall pieces for anything useful? I would prefer not to just throw them back in the garbage to end up in a landfill.[/quote]
Edit: what Google Gemini Ai says in describing process..
Q. Me: - I have cut the 2 tyre walls off a single tyre and cut the tread across once to form a flat rectangle shape. I intend to make it into a shutter by overlapping the 2 tyre circluar tyre walls and threading through them the tread rectangle vertically with the rubber tyre sandwiched between 2 wood or metal rectangular frames.
The intention is to make a strong storm resistant window shutter . show diagrams of the possible variations in weaving the tyre parts and introduce 2 or 3 horizontal tread rectangles as an extra option
A.
While I can describe and explain the concepts for your storm-resistant window shutter, I am unable to generate diagrams. However, I can provide detailed textual descriptions that you can use as a basis for your own drawings.
This is an ambitious and creative project! Using tire components for a storm shutter could indeed offer significant impact resistance. The key will be the strength of the frame and the securement of the tire material within it.
Here's a breakdown of the variations for weaving the tyre parts, along with the option for horizontal tread rectangles:
Core Concept: Vertical Tread Threaded Through Overlapping Tyre Walls
Components:
Tyre Walls (2): These are the circular sidewalls of the tyre, with the bead removed.
Vertical Tread Rectangle (1 or more): The main rectangular piece cut from the tyre's tread, running vertically.
Horizontal Tread Rectangles (Optional, 2-3): Shorter rectangular pieces of tread, running horizontally, to add extra reinforcement and design variations.
Frame (2 identical pieces): Rectangular frames made of wood or metal, designed to sandwich the tyre components. These will have parallel slots or channels routed into them to accommodate the tyre walls and tread.
General Assembly Principle:
The two circular tyre walls will be overlapped and held in place by the frames. The rectangular tread piece(s) will be threaded vertically through the overlapping tyre walls, and the entire assembly will be sandwiched and secured between the two frames. The frames will likely be bolted or screwed together through the tire material.
Weaving Variations (Descriptive)
Assumption for all variations: The frames will have parallel grooves or channels. The tyre walls will be inserted into these grooves, and the tread rectangles will pass through openings within the tyre walls.
Variation 1: Simple Vertical Weave
Description: This is the most straightforward approach.
Imagine the two circular tyre walls placed one behind the other, slightly offset so their central openings overlap.
The single vertical tread rectangle is then woven through these overlapping tyre walls.
How it works: The vertical tread would pass "over" one tyre wall, then "under" the overlapping section of the second tyre wall, and then "over" the remaining section of the first tyre wall, creating a continuous weave. Think of it like threading a ribbon through two spaced-out rings.
Frame Interaction: The edges of the circular tyre walls would sit within grooves in the top and bottom (or side) members of your rectangular frames. The vertical tread would be held taut and flat between the two frame halves when they are bolted together.
Diagram Idea:
Draw two large circles (tyre walls) slightly offset.
Draw a long rectangle (vertical tread) passing through the overlapping section of the circles. Show dashed lines where the tread is "underneath" a tyre wall.
Indicate the outer rectangular frame that would encapsulate this assembly.
Variation 2: Double Vertical Weave (Using Two Vertical Tread Rectangles)
Description: Similar to Variation 1, but using two vertical tread rectangles for increased density and strength.
The two circular tyre walls are overlapped as before.
Two vertical tread rectangles are woven through the tyre walls, parallel to each other.
How it works: Each vertical tread piece follows the weaving pattern of Variation 1. You could have them weave in the same direction, or alternate (one "over-under-over" and the other "under-over-under") for a tighter interlock.
Diagram Idea:
Same as Variation 1, but with two parallel long rectangles weaving through the circles.
Variation 3: Interlocking Vertical Weave
Description: This variation aims for a more secure interlock between the tyre walls and the vertical tread.
Instead of just "over" and "under," you could consider making small, precise cuts or slits in the overlapping sections of the tyre walls.
The vertical tread would then be slotted through these cuts, creating a more positive engagement than just surface weaving. This would require careful measurement and cutting.
How it works: The vertical tread would pass through a slit in the first tyre wall, then through a corresponding slit in the second tyre wall. This creates a stronger connection but might be more challenging to execute and could potentially weaken the tyre walls if cuts are too large or numerous.
Diagram Idea:
Draw the two overlapping circles.
Show small rectangular slits in the overlapping regions of both circles.
Draw the vertical tread rectangle passing directly through these slits.
Introducing Horizontal Tread Rectangles (Extra Option)
This option adds further rigidity and a different aesthetic to your shutter. You'd typically use these in conjunction with one of the vertical weaving methods.
Placement: These horizontal rectangles would be placed between the two rectangular frames, on top of (or below) the primary vertical tyre components. They would run horizontally across the width of your shutter.
Option A: Horizontal Reinforcement Strips
Description: Two or three horizontal tread rectangles are laid flat across the entire width of the shutter, positioned over or under the woven vertical tyre components.
How it works: These strips are primarily for reinforcement and to prevent the vertical components from bulging or deforming under impact. They would be sandwiched directly by the frames and potentially secured to the vertical components (e.g., with strong adhesive, rivets, or even bolts if practical).
Diagram Idea:
Draw the chosen vertical weave (e.g., Simple Vertical Weave).
Draw 2-3 shorter, wider rectangles laid horizontally across the top of the vertical weave. Show them extending to the outer edges of where the frame would be.
Option B: Horizontal Weave (More Complex)
Description: This is a more complex weave where the horizontal tread rectangles also interlock with the vertical tread and/or the tyre walls. This would create a truly interwoven grid.
How it works: This would involve making additional cuts or creating a specific weave pattern where horizontal strips pass through or around the vertical tread and potentially the tyre walls. This could involve, for example, cutting slits in the vertical tread to allow horizontal pieces to pass through, or weaving the horizontal pieces alternately over and under the vertical treads. This would be significantly more labor-intensive and require precise planning.
Diagram Idea:
Draw the chosen vertical weave.
Draw 2-3 shorter, wider rectangles. Instead of just laying them flat, show them interlacing with the vertical tread. For example, one horizontal strip might go over the first vertical tread, under the second, over the third, etc. This creates a basket-weave effect.
Key Considerations for All Variations:
Frame Design:
Channels/Grooves: The frames (wood or metal) will need accurately routed channels or grooves to seat the edges of the circular tyre walls and to hold the rectangular treads flat.
Bolting/Fastening: The two frame halves will need numerous strong bolts or screws to compress and secure the rubber components firmly. The more fastening points, the stronger the overall assembly.
Material: For storm resistance, a robust material like steel, aluminum, or very dense hardwood would be ideal for the frames.
Tyre Preparation:
Cleanliness: Ensure all tyre parts are thoroughly cleaned and degreased.
Accuracy of Cuts: Precise, straight cuts for the tread rectangles are crucial for a good fit and appearance.
Bead Removal: Confirm the metal bead has been completely removed from the tyre walls, as this will make them much more flexible and workable.
Adhesion/Reinforcement (Optional but Recommended):
Consider using a strong, flexible adhesive (like construction adhesive or specialized rubber adhesive) between overlapping tyre components or where they meet the frame, for extra bonding and to prevent slippage.
Rivets or small bolts could also be used to mechanically fasten overlapping sections of the rubber for added security.
Weatherproofing:
The entire shutter, once assembled, will need to be properly sealed and weatherproofed, especially where it meets the window opening. Rubber is naturally water-resistant, but the frame and any exposed edges will need protection.
Weight: Tyre rubber is heavy. Factor in the total weight of the shutter when designing the mounting hardware for your window.
