Properties of a Rapid-Setting Controlled Low-Strength Marine Clay

Abstract

Controlled low-strength material(CLSM) which is easily excavated and also known as flowable material, is commonly used as a backfill in utility trenches and other applications. In this study, a rapid-setting flowable material a kind of CLSM made with marine clay were evaluated by an experimental study. The properties ordinarily desired from the mix are: (a) flow under gravity; (b) hardening for early workability(after 4 hours)and cover; and (c) ultimate strength low enough to allow ready excavation. Fluidity of fresh material is evaluated using a simple spread test. Hardening is measured by a mortar penetrometer, and these values are correlated with unconfined compressive strength. It is desirable to keep the ultimate strength to less than 5.6kg/cm2; somewhat less target strength is selected for the 28-day value. Copyright © 2006 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers.