This study presents the behavior of soils reinforced with ground rubber from waste tires through experimental study. Tow type of soils were used: a coluvionar and lateritic soil and a fine, clean and barely graduated sand. Physical characterization, Standard Proctor and consolidated drained triaxial tests were performed to establish patterns of behavior that may explain the influence of the addition of tire ground rubber, linking it with shear strength parameters. The CD triaxial was performed on samples of clayey soil compacted within the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content with ground rubber ratios of 0 per cent, 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 20 per cent, 30 per cent and 40 per cent by dry weight of soil. CD triaxial tests on sand samples were made to a relative density of 50 per cent and 10 per cent of moisture content, with ground rubber ratios of 0 per cent, 5 per cent and 10 per cent by dry weight of soil. The results showed the rubber content and level of confining pressure influence on the final mechanical behavior of the composite. There is not a define behavior when the composites are analyzed individually. Thus, for the clay composites the ground rubber is more effective for confinement stresses up to 200 kPa, for higher confinement stresses the presence of rubber is detrimental. The optimum rubber content is between 10 per cent and 20 per cent. For sand composites rubber inclusions are more effective confinement stresses between 100 and 200 kPa and the optimum rubber content is between 0 per cent and 5 per cent. All composites have strength characteristics that could accomplish the requirements of certain geotechnical projects like landfills, slopes and embankments on soft soil. Therefore, the use of ground rubber, in these works, contributes with the reduction of consumption of natural resources and consequently reduce the costs of transportation and earthmoving.