Flowable Fill

INTRODUCTION

Flowable fill refers to a cementitious slurry consisting of a mixture of fine aggregate or filler, water, and cementitious material(s), which is used primarily as a backfill in lieu of compacted earth. This mixture is capable of filling all voids in irregular excavations and hard to reach places (such as under and around pipes), is self-leveling, and hardens in a matter of a few hours without the need for compaction in layers. Flowable fill is sometimes referred to as controlled density fill (CDF), controlled low strength material (CLSM), lean concrete slurry, and unshrinkable fill.

Flowable fill is defined by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) as a self-compacting cementitious material that is in a flowable state at placement and has a compressive strength of 8.3 MPa (1,200 lb/in2) or less at 28 days. Most current applications for flowable fill involve unconfined compressive strengths of 2.1 MPa (300 lb/in3) or less.

Flowable fill materials are primarily used in below grade applications such as utility trenches, where low strength and ease of placement are required. Flowable fill is typically placed using conventional ready-mix concrete trucks. In many cases, these materials are designed so that they are comparable in strength to the surrounding soil after hardening, making excavation at a later time possible.

MATERIALS

Fine aggregates or fillers (usually sand) are often used in flowable fill mixtures that are produced at ready-mix plants, especially higher strength CLSM mixtures. Portland cement and/or supplementary cementitious materials and water are essential ingredients in all flowable fill mixtures, since it is the hydration of these cementitious materials that enables the flowable fill mixture to harden and develop strength.

Fine Aggregate or Filler

Fine aggregate or filler material provides the solids to develop compressive strength, as well as load-carrying capability. For purposes of this discussion, fine aggregates are materials with particles in a size range of 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) to 0.075 mm (No. 200 sieve), and filler refers to those materials with a size range of less than 0.075 mm (No. 200 sieve). The properties of fine aggregate or filler material that are most relevant to its use in flowable fill are its gradation and unit weight. The composite material must be sufficiently finely graded to enhance the flowability of the mix, but may also be granular enough to be able to drain some of the excess water from the mix prior to initial hardening.

Sand is the most commonly used flowable fill material, although other materials (such as coal bottom ash, fly ash, spent foundry sand, quarry fines, and baghouse dust) have also been used. Depending on the unit weight of the flowable fill material, a cubic yard of flowable fill may contain between 680 and 1400 kg (1500 and 3000 pounds) of fine aggregate or filler material.

Cementitious Materials

It is possible to use a variety of cementitious materials to produce a suitable cementitious slurry with desirable compressive strength and flow properties. These materials can be divided into three general categories. They include Portland cement, pozzolanic materials, and self-cementing materials

Portland cements are hydraulic cements that set and harden by reacting with water, through hydration, to form a solidified mass. The amount of Portland cement in a flowable fill mix, together with the water and the quantity of Portland cement added, determines the ultimate strength of the mixture. At lower cement contents (in the 3 to 5 percent by weight range), the 28-day unconfined compressive strength of a flowable fill mixture is typically in the 0.5 to 1.0 MPa (75 to 150 lb/in2) range.

Pozzolanic materials are materials composed of amorphous siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material in a finely divided (powdery) form (similar in size to Portland cement particles) that will, in the presence of water, react with an activator (typically calcium hydroxide and alkalis) to form compounds possessing cementitious properties. Descriptions of various kinds of pozzolans and their specifications are provided in ASTM C618. Self-cementing materials are materials that react with water to form hydration products without any activator.

Coal fly ash is frequently used in flowable fill mixtures as a cementitious material and because its fine, spherical shaped particles greatly improve the fluidity or flowability of the mix. Fly ash generated during the combustion of bituminous coals exhibits pozzolanic properties and reacts with calcium oxide to form a cement paste. Fly ash generated during subbituminous coal combustion exhibits self-cementing properties and is sometimes used instead of Portland cement in areas where it is readily available.

Water

The amount of water in a flowable fill mix has a direct effect on the flowability and strength development of the mixture. Sufficient water must be added to lubricate the solids in the mixture in order to achieve the desired degree of flowability, which is frequently related to the slump of the mix. At a given cement content, an increase in the water content usually results in a slight decrease in the compressive strength development of the mix over time. Water requirements for mixture fluidity depend on the surface properties of the solids in the mixture. A range of 250 to 400 liters per cubic meter (50 to 80 gallons per cubic yard) will satisfy most material combinations.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND TESTING METHODS

Fine Aggregate or Filler

Proper size and grading are needed for a fine aggregate or filler material to effectively contribute to the flowability of a flowable fill mixture. The most commonly used filled materials are sand and coal fly ash (pozzolanic), with the choice of material usually decided by availability and comparative cost. The unit weight or specific gravity of the fine aggregate or filler material determines to a great extent the unit weight or specific gravity of the resultant flowable fill. The following is a listing and brief comments on some of the more important properties of fine aggregate or filler material used in flowable fill mixtures.

  • Gradation – the fine aggregate or filler particles must be finely graded to prevent a harsh mix (a stiff, low flow mix usually resulting from a preponderance of granular material) and have a sufficient range of finer size particles to provide flowability, stability, and minimal void spaces in the flowable fill mix.
  • Unit Weight – the fine aggregate or filler materials should be within a relatively low to moderate range of unit weight in order to encourage flowability and discourage segregation of particles in the resultant flowable fill mix.

Table 14 lists standard test methods used to evaluate fine aggregate or filler materials for use in flowable fill.

Table 14. Fine aggregate or filler material test procedures.

Property Test Method Reference
Gradation Particle Size Analysis of Soils ASTM D422
Unit Weight Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate ASTM D29
Specific Gravity of Soils ASTM D854

 

Cementitious Materials

The type of cementitious materials used in the flowable fill mix design will play a major role in determining the final compressive strength and flowability of the mix. Some of the more important properties of cementitious materials used in a flowable fill mix include:

  • Fineness – the fineness of the cement or supplementary cementitious materials affects heat release and rate of hydration. Finer materials react faster, with a corresponding ncrease in early strength development. Fineness also influences workability, since the finer the material, the greater the surface area and frictional resistance of the plastic concrete.
  • Setting Time – the setting time for the cement paste is an indication of the rate at which hydration reactions are occurring and strength is developing.
  • Compressive Strength – compressive strength is influenced by cement composition and fineness. Compressive strengths for different cements or cement blends are established by compressive strength testing of mortar cubes.
  • Specific Gravity – specific gravity is not an indication of the quality of the cement, but is required for concrete mix design calculations. The specific gravity of Portland cement is approximately 3.15.

Table 15 provides a list of standard laboratory tests that are presently used to evaluate the mix design or expected performance of cementitious materials for use in flowable fill mixtures.

Table 15. Cementitious materials test procedures.

Property Test Method Reference
General Specifications Portland Cement ASTM C150
Blended Hydraulic Cement ASTM C595
Expansive Hydraulic Cement ASTM C845
Pozzolan Use as a Mineral Admixture ASTM C618
Fineness Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 150 mm (No. 100) and 75 mm (No. 200) Sieves ASTM C184/
AASHTO T128
Fineness of Hydraulic Cement and Raw Materials by the 300 mm (No. 50), 150 mm (No. 100) and 75 mm (No. 200) Sieves by Wet Methods ASTM C786
Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45 mm (No. 325) Sieve ASTM C430/
AASHTO T192
Fineness of Portland Cement by Air Permeability Apparatus ASTM C204/
AASHTO T153
Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter ASTM C115/
AASHTO T98
Setting Time Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle ASTM C191/
AASHTO T131
Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Gillmore Needles ASTM C266/
AASHTO T154
Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement Mortar by Modified Vicat Needle ASTM C807
Compressive Strength Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or 50 mm Cube Specimens) ASTM C109/
AASHTO T106
Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure) ASTM C349
Specific Gravity Density of Hydraulic Cement ASTM C188/
AASHTO T133

As noted previously, coal fly ash can be used in several ways in flowable fill, depending on the type of fly ash and the amount that is used. Pozzolanic fly ash, when used in relatively small quantities (15 percent or less by weight of total mix) can enhance strength development and improve the flowability of the mix. When used in large quantities (up to 94 percent by weight of total mix), pozzolanic fly ash also acts as the filler in the mix. Self-cementing fly ash can be used in relatively small quantities (15 percent or less by weight of total mix) to increase strength development or reduce hardening time in combination with Portland cement, or to simply function as a substitute or complete replacement for Portland cement. In either case, the most important properties of fly ash (or other pozzolans) used in flowable fill mixes include:

  • Fineness – the fly ash particles must be fine enough to provide sufficient surface area and for reaction with Portland cement or other activators (such as lime, lime kiln dust, or cement kiln dust) and to enhance the flowability of the flowable fill mix.
  • Pozzolanic Activity – pozzolanic fly ash must be composed of a sufficient amount of silica and alumina to react chemically with available calcium to form cementitious compounds, while self-cementing fly ash must contain sufficient calcium and magnesium silicate and aluminates to develop strength in the presence of water.

Table 16 lists standard test methods used to evaluate pozzolans, including coal fly ash, for its suitability in flowable fill applications.

Table 16. Pozzolan test procedures. 

Property Test Method Reference
Fineness Sampling and Testing Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland Cement Concrete ASTM C311
Pozzolanic Activity Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland Cement Concrete ASTM C618

FLOWABLE FILL MIXTURE

Flowable fill mixtures possess the characteristics of a high-quality compacted earth backfill after hardening, while resembling a very workable, lean concrete mix when produced, transported, and placed. The most important physical characteristics of flowable fill mixtures are its strength development, flowability, hardening time, bleeding and shrinkage, unit weight, bearing capacity, shear strength, and corrosion resistance.

  • Strength Development – the most important property of flowable fill is its strength, measured as unconfined compressive strength. Strength development in flowable fill mixtures is directly related to the components of the mix.
  • Flowability – flowability in the placement of flowable fill mixtures is primarily a function of the water content, although fly ash improves the flowability in the same way that fly ash makes concrete more pumpable. The higher the water content, the more flowable the mix. Flowability can be measured by one of several different methods, including slump and flow cone tests. The normal slump range for flowable fill mixtures is 150 to 250 mm (6 to 10 in). This range of slump corresponds to a flow time of 30 to 60 seconds through a standard flow cone.
  • Hardening Time – the hardening time of flowable fill mixtures is directly related to the cement type, its content, the filler content (including fly ash), as well as the water content and weather conditions. Hardening of flowable fill mixes containing 5 percent cement (that is sufficient to support the weight of an average person) can usually be expected in about 1 to 4 hours. Within 24 hours, construction equipment is usually able to move across the surface of the flowable fill without any apparent damage.
  • Bleeding and Shrinkage – some bleeding and shrinkage is possible in flowable fill mixes with relatively high water contents. Evaporation of bleed water from such mixes often results in a shrinkage of the flowable fill. The shrinkage may occur laterally as well as vertically, and may manifest itself as shrinkage cracks in the top surface of the material. No shrinkage or settlement is expected in flowable fill mixes once initial hardening has occurred. The main concern with shrinkage cracking is most likely to be the potential for water infiltration, freezing, and subsequent frost damage.
  • Unit Weight – the density or unit weight of flowable fill mixtures is dependent primarily on the unit weight of the filler or aggregate material. The unit weight of mixtures with high sand filler content is normally in the range of 1900 to 2350 kg/m3 (115 to 145 lb/ft3). The unit weight of flowable fill mixtures in which fly ash is used as the filler material is normally in the range of 1500 to 1900 kg/m3 (90 to 115 lb/ft3). Where poor soil bearing conditions require the use of a lightweight fill material, low-density CLSM mixtures can be produced by the introduction of a preformed foaming agent, with higher dosages resulting in a greater reduction in mix density. The unit weight of low density CLSM mixtures can range from 320 to 1300 kg/m3 (20 to 80 lb/ft3), depending on the amount of preformed foam that is injected into the mixture during batching.
  • Bearing Strength – the bearing strength of flowable fill mixtures is directly related to their unconfined compressive strength. A flowable fill mixture with a 28-day unconfined compressive strength of 1.0 MPa (150 lb/in2) has a bearing strength of approximately 9000 kg/m2 (10 tons/ft2). This is roughly three times greater than the bearing strength of a high quality, well-compacted granular borrow soil As the unconfined compressive strength of the mixture increases over time, so does the bearing strength.
  • Shear Strength – triaxial shear strength testing of flowable fill mixes has shown internal friction angles ranging from 20 degrees for mixes using fine sand to 30 degrees for mixes using concrete sand. The cohesion of hardened flowable fill mixes has been found to be approximately 30 percent of the unconfined compressive strength.
  • Corrosion Resistance – contact between flowable fill and metal pipes or concrete should be avoided so as not to promote corrosion of these materials. Corrosion is usually associated with acidity (low pH) and low electrical resistivity, although the solubility of constituents such as sulfates also affects corrosion. Flowable fill is ordinarily slightly alkaline and its resistivity increases as the material hardens and the cement continues to hydrate, so that within a few days, flowable fill usually has an electrical resistivity that is sufficient to alleviate most corrosivity concerns.

A list of the standard test methods usually used to evaluate flowable fill materials is given in Table 17.

Table 17. Flowable fill test procedures. 

Property Test Method References
Strength Development Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil ASTM D2166
Unconfined Compressive Strength Index of Chemical-Grouted Soils ASTM D4219
Flowability Slump of Portland Cement Concrete ASTM C143
Flow of Grout for Preplaced-Aggregate (Flow Cone Method) ASTM C939
Hardening Time Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance ASTM C403
Bleeding and Shrinkage Change in Height at Early Ages of Cylindrical Specimens from Cementitious Mixtures ASTM C827
Unit Weight Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content of Concrete ASTM C138
Bearing Strength California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Laboratory-Compactive Soils ASTM D1883
Shear Strength Unconsolidated Undrained Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial Compression ASTM D2850
Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated Drained Conditions ASTM D3080
Corrosion Resistance pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Testing ASTM G51
Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method ASTM G57
Optimum SO3 in Portland Cement ASTM C563

REFERENCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Concrete Institute. Controlled Low Strength Materials (CLSM). Report No. 229R-94, ACI Committee 229, Detroit, Michigan, July, 1994.

Portland Cement Association. Cementitious Grouts and Grouting. Skokie, Illinois, 1990.