1. A method of making and using an expansion joint for installation into a structure, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing tires;

 

(b) grinding said tires to a collection of granulized particles including granulized rubber particles;

 

(c) separating granulized rubber particles from said collection of granulized particles;

 

(d) mixing said granulated rubber particles with a binder; and

 

(e) forming an expansion joint member from the mixture of said granulated rubber particles and said binder;

 

(f) providing a structure; and

 

(g) installing said formed expansion joint member into said structure to form an expansion joint between portions of said structure.

 

 

 

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said expansion joint member formed in step (e) is elongate and rectangular in shape. 

 

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said formed expansion joint member has a first surface and a second surface. 

 

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said structure provided in step (f) includes:

a plurality of foundation footers, said foundation footers being rested on a ground surface; and

 

a floor structure being rested on said foundation footers.

 

 

 

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said expansion joint member installed into the structure in step (g) is interposed between said floor structure and said foundation footers to 

 

provide an expansion joint between said floor structure and said foundation footers. 

 

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said floor structure has a pair of opposite side ends, each said opposite side end being adjacent a said foundation footer, and wherein a said 

 

expansion joint member is interposed between each said opposite side end and a said foundation footer.