ABSTRACT
The use of alternative materials that avoid the extraction of natural resources is currently a key topic in the design and construction of more sustainable structures and infrastructures. Non-conventional materials, such as recycled construction and demolition waste (CDW), have been studied and used in various civil engineering works often in contact with different geosynthetics. While the durability of geosynthetics is a critical aspect when using conventional materials, it becomes even more relevant when alternative materials are used. This work compares the effects on the tensile behaviour of three geosynthetics (two geogrids and a high strength geotextile) after being exposed for 12 months to a fine-grained CDW and a residual sandy-clay soil. The effects induced by damage during installation laboratory tests using the recycled CDW as fill material were also evaluated. The results revealed that the exposure to CDW or to the soil has similar effects on the geosynthetics tensile behaviour.
