The Constructor

Flowable Fill Concrete – Properties, Uses, Benefits

Gopal Mishra

Reading time: 1 minute

Flowable fill concrete is a self-compacting cementitious slurry consisting of a mixture of fine aggregate or filler, water, and cementitious material which is used as a fill or backfill in lieu of compacted-soil backfill. This mixture is capable of filling all voids in irregular excavations and hard to reach places (such as under undercuts of existing slabs), 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 materials will be used as only as a structural fill replacement on VA projects. Unless otherwise noted, flowable fill installed as a substitution for structural earth fill, shall not be designed to be removed by the use of hand tools. The materials and mix design for the flowable fill should be designed  to produce a comparable compressive strength to the surrounding soil after hardening, making excavation at a later time possible to produce the compressive strength indicated for the placed location, as determined by the Engineer. Main Ingredients of flowable fill concrete are cement, sand, water with fly ash GGBF slag, stable air generators.

Properties of Flowable Fill Concrete

It has high lump (nearly 9 inch) but the strength is low, commonly 100 PSI (0.7 Mpa) in 28 days. It has low cementitious mix, does not hydrate and it settles and dewaters. The less water does not equate to faster hardening and too little water will not allow proper settlement. So, the more the concrete is wetter, the more it is better. Therefore, specification offers flexibility of its mix design, minimum mix design testing and little or no field testing required.

Compacted-Soil Backfill Concerns

Lack of compaction causes most call-backs to repair settlement problems. Improper backfill is the number one complaint of public works directors. Study indicates that 65% of utility cut restorations were unsatisfactory. Other Concerns is compaction around pipes for support. Number of compaction lifts:

Benefits of Flowable Fill

Flowable Fill Applications

Flowable Fill as Backfill

It is used where speed of construction is advantageous and where better performance is required. Ideal for use in tight or restricted areas where placing soil fill is difficult.
  1. Trenches — utilities, primarily under roadways
  2. Bridge abutments
  3. Pipe bedding
  4. Building excavations
  5. Wet conditions
Flowable Fill as Structural Fill Other Uses for Flowable Fill Typical Areas Which are Difficult to Compact
Exit mobile version