Micro-scale behaviour of recycled construction and demolition materials: discrete element method simulations and physical testing

Granular recycled Construction and Demolition materials used in pavements, roads, and embankments experience static and dynamic loading during their service life. As a result, particle breakage can cause serious issues such as settlement and reduction in hydraulic conductivity. A new insight into the importance and effect of particle shape on the degree of crushing is presented. The fracture characteristics were found to be highly dependent on the particle shape factor, and a modified particle tensile strength as a function of particle aspect ratio is introduced.