Developing controlled low-strength materials to meet industry and construction needs

A ready mix supplier in the Seattle marketplace took the initiative to develop and market controlled low strength material (CLSM). Seven CLSM projects over the past eight years are reviewed showing several examples of howthe owner and contractor saved money by reducing both time and risk to employees. Aggregate options other than those used in conventional fill or concrete production were used. Quality control of CLSM began with the ready-mix supplier providing all of the testing, and using the information internally. Testing laboratories are now testing CLSM and evaluating it as if it were concrete, this has driven the need for new ASTM standards specifically for CLSM.