Numerical simulation of bitumen emulsion-stabilised base course mixtures with C&D waste aggregates considering nonlinear elastic behaviour

•Numerical simulations of bitumen emulsion base courses (BSM) were conducted.•The nonlinear elastic behaviour of BSM with CDA and NA was analysed.•Critical parameters of pavement sections with BSM were obtained.•BSM base courses with CDAs exhibit good rutting resistance.•BSM base courses with CDAs are suitable for use on low-volume roads. This study presents the numerical modelling of a load-volume road pavement section with bitumen emulsion-stabilised base courses. The base courses used natural and construction and demolition aggregates. A 3D finite difference model was used to determine the peak responses of the pavement sections when subjected to loads. Three nonlinear models were adopted in the two base courses. The response predictions of the three models were similar. Both the resilient and permanent behaviours of these materials were modelled. An analysis was conducted on the rutting resistance of the base course materials. Both base courses were suitable for use in low-volume roads. The base course made with construction and demolition aggregates was more resistant to rutting.