Multi-scale investigation of the performance of demolition wastes using numerical analysis and experimental methods

This study investigated the macro and micro-mechanical behaviour of bound and unbound construction and demolition (C&D) materials using experimental testing and numerical analysis. A novel artificial neural network (ANN) model was proposed for predicting the resilient modulus of bound and unbound C&D materials. Discrete element modelling (DEM) was used to simulate realistic particle shapes, evaluate the evolution of cracks through particles and measure the breakage energy during single crushing and 1D compression tests. In addition, a DEM model was developed to simulate the behvaiour of lightly cement stabilized C&D materials under unconfined compression and k0 loading-unloading condition.