Structure and compressive behavior of Lightweight Clay Aggregate particle: experiments and numerical simulations

Abstract

Lightweight Clay Aggregate (LWCA) is a kind of highly porous granular particle which is often used as lightweight backfilling geomaterials. However, the easy breakage of LWCA particle plays a negative role in its geotechnical application. This study focuses on the internal structure and compressive behavior of single LWCA particle using experiments and numerical simulations. The uniaxial compressive strength and loading stiffness of the LWCA particle is attributed to its special porous internal structure. The results could enrich our understanding in particle crushing.