PROJECT. COLLABORATION. INNOVATION.
SEED FUND 2024
Assessment of recycled tyres as underlay floor treatment (ART-FLOOR)
This project will evaluate the feasibility and performance of using recycled tyres as an underlay floor treatment, emphasizing theirenvironmental, acoustic, and economic benefits. Utilizing recycled tyres addresses the significant issue of tyre waste by repurposingthem into valuable building materials, thereby reducing landfill impact and conserving natural resources.
The study examines the acoustic properties of recycled tyre underlays, particularly their effectiveness in sound absorption and noise insulation, which could make them suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Of particular interest is their use inenvironments where impact noise is a factor, such as gyms, hospitals (e.g., rolling of medicine carts), and upstairs/downstairs transmission in apartments. It is hypothesized that rubber underlays may reduce noise generation at the source, especially when thenoise is due to the interaction between the floor and an impacting object.
The assessment will also evaluate the durability and shock-absorbing capabilities of these materials, making them ideal for high-trafficareas and environments requiring impact resistance. The project includes an economic analysis comparing the initial and long-termcosts of recycled tyre underlays with traditional materials, demonstrating their potential cost-effectiveness over time.
Applicant’s name and RPO member:
Dr.Eoin A.King & Dr. Kevin Moerman – University of Galway
Collaborators
Principal Investigator
Dr.Eoin A.King
Programme Director, Mechanical Engineering (BE & ME), University of Galway
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