Purpose of this Design Note

This note is intended to serve as a guide for specification of controlled low

strength materials (CLSM) proposed to be used for backfill underneath the
foundation or any other location requiring general construction backfill and
filling in voids.

The following details shall be covered under this note.

a) Materials to be used in CLSM

b) Suggested Mix Design
c) Strength Criteria
d) Quality Control
e) Construction Requirement

Objective
The principle application of CLSM for Hyderabad Metro Rail Project (but not
limited to) is for;

 Structural Backfill underneath the foundation

 General construction backfill and void filling

Ingredients for CLSM

The CLSM mix in general consists of

- Cement conforming to IS 12269

- Fly-ash conforming to IS 3812 (If reqd. to avoid segregation and improve
workability)
 - Fine Aggregate/Crusher Sand conforming to IS 383
- Coarse Aggregate conforming to IS 383 for a maximum size of 12.5 mm
(If reqd.)
- Water conforming to IRS – Concrete Bridge Code
- Admixture conforming to IS 9103 (If reqd.)

In the present case, considering use of CLSM as structural backfill underneath

the foundation, it is proposed to have a mix containing cement, aggregate, fly-
ash & water with a dose of admixture.

Suggested Mix Design

The controlled low strength material shall attain minimum strength of 5 MPa
at 28 days when the cube of size 100mmx100mmx100mm is tested as given in
IS-516.

The suggested mix design is as given below; which can be altered at site based
on the trials conducted.

Sl. Description of Material Quantity per Range

No. cum of mix
1 Cementitious Material (Cement 180 kg 180 ~ 220 kg
with/without fly-ash)

2 Aggregate 1700 kg 1650 ~ 1800 kg

3 Water 340 kg 250 ~ 350 kg
4 Admixture 1.00 kg 0.8 ~ 1.3 kg
5 Density* 1990 kg/cum 1900 ~ 2200 kg/cum

*The density of fresh CLSM shall be arrived from the trial mixes done at site.
Intermediate Strength Criteria
The CLSM mix shall have strength of at least 5 MPa at 28 days. However in
order to take up foundation activity immediately the mix shall attain minimum
of 0.1 MPa after 24 hours.

Quality Control Procedure

Sampling: The sampling shall be done in accordance with IS 1199.

Slump: The slump shall be tested as per IS 1199. The initial slump shall be in
the range of 200 mm. It is suggested to have a slump between 150 to 200mm
at the time of pouring.

Compressive Cube Strength: It shall be carried out in accordance with IS 516.

Routine Check for gradation of fine aggregate: It shall be done as per IS 2386 at
frequency of one test per day.

Setting Time of Cement, Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar Cubes shall

be carried out as per IS 4031. Initial setting time of CLSM is approximately 11
hours.

Fly ash shall be tested as per IS 3182 for the fineness.

Curing: Water Curing (Sprinkling of water) of CLSM shall be done.

Construction Requirement
Placement: The controlled low strength material shall be placed into the area
underneath the foundation from the mixer truck by chute, pumping or any
other reasonable means. It shall be placed in layers not greater than 500 mm.
The filling shall be such that no cold joints are formed.
Temperature Limitation: The temperature of the CLSM mix shall not be more
than 30 degree centigrade at the time of placing.

Backfill or any other activity: Reinforcement tying, formwork fixing for open
foundation activities shall start immediately after CLSM attains minimum
strength of 0.1 Mpa.

For backfilling and compaction can start immediately after CLSM attains
strength equal to minimum design bearing strength of soil at a given particular
location (0.5/ 0.75 / 1 Mpa.)

Maximum Depth of CLSM: Maximum depth of CLSM fill for the present case
shall not be more than 2000 mm. In case extra excavation is done around the
size of the proposed fill of CLSM, same shall also be filled with CLSM.

Use of CLSM as and when a different scenario occurs shall be appropriately

addressed with relevant method statement / work procedures and drawings.

Protection: The in-place controlled low strength material shall be cordoned off
for safety reason while in flow-able condition, after it is placed as per the
design requirement.

Recommendation:
A footing load test on the CLSM is recommended.
Reference Codes and Literature
IS 383 : Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete.

IS 456 : Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice

IS 516 : Methods of Test for Strength of Concrete

IS 1199 : Methods of Sampling and Analysis of Concrete

IS 2386 : Methods of Test for Aggregate for Concrete

IS 3812 : Pulverized Fuel Ash – Specification

IS 4031 : Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement

IS 9103 : Concrete Admixtures - Specification

IS 12269 : Specification for 53 grade Ordinary Portland Cement

IRS – CBC : Indian Railway Standard – Code of Practice for Plain, Reinforced and
Pre-stressed Concrete for General Bridge Construction (Concrete Bridge Code)

ACI 229R-99 : Controlled Low-Strength Materials (Reported by ACI Committee

229)