Rationale

1. Addressing a Terminology Gap ASTM D6270-20 defines various forms of scrap tires but fails to provide a specific term for tires with removed sidewalls, resulting in unnecessary ambiguity. The term “tire-derived cylinder” (TDC) must be established to clarify its application in civil engineering. Moreover, despite its frequent use alongside geosynthetics, no committee outside of ASTM D35 has defined this term. 2. Recognition by State Agencies The Ohio EPA has taken a significant step by pre-approving TDCs for infrastructure projects, demonstrating their practical and effective use in real-world applications. However, ASTM and other standards do not formally recognize the term, making its inclusion imperative. 3. Consistency with Research Research studies utilize similar terminologies, including those conducted by Vijay Engineering and Purdue University. However, the lack of consistent nomenclature has hindered standardization. Formalizing “TDC” is crucial for ensuring regulatory clarity and industry acceptance. 4. Standardization Benefits Defining “TDC” will plainly: • Establish a clear and recognized industry term. • Enhance communication among stakeholders. • Foster regulatory alignment and streamline pre-approval processes for infrastructure projects. • Acknowledge the widespread use of TDC in conjunction with geosynthetics for engineering applications. 5. ASTM’s and D35 Role Recognizing “TDC” aligns with ASTM’s mission to promote sustainable infrastructure and regulatory clarity. While TDC can be classified as a geosynthetic, it does not conform to the traditional definition of planar materials outlined in D35 terminology, underscoring the urgent need for a distinct classification. Conclusion “Tire Derived Cylinder” effectively addresses a critical terminology gap, aligns with established research, and reinforces regulatory consistency. Its formal adoption by ASTM is beneficial and essential for enhancing clarity across the industry and facilitating broader use in civil engineering applications.