Abstract Particle–particle compound consists of various sized particles with non-uniform properties, whose properties vary in large range depending upon applications, methods of manufacturing and ratio of its compositions. The different types of engineering agglomerates and building materials, like concrete, are some of the examples of particle compounds. Recycling of value material from building waste such as aggregates from concrete ball provides impetus to investigate particle–particle compounds. The liberation of aggregates is carried out by impact crushing in a large scale pneumatic cannon. Both experiments and Finite and Discrete Element simulations are adopted to study the cracking phenomena of aggregates. Also, the different aspects of crushing of particle–particle compounds at different velocities are discussed.