Mechanical behavior of construction and demolition waste as pavement materials: Influence of mix composition and compaction conditions

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is heterogeneous and construction aspects affect their performance. Aiming at better understanding CDW and providing data for rational pavement design, this study examines factors influencing CDW mechanical behavior for base and sub-base layers. CDW materials from three sources were evaluated using shear strength and resilient modulus tests. Results indicate that CDW composition affects the mechanical behavior, especially ceramic particles, which easily break and increases deformability. Proper construction (wetting process, compaction method, relative compaction), and composition selection (chemical stabilization and increased concrete particles content) enhance CDW performance. These factors collectively affect CDW behavior and must be considered in pavement design.