ASTM D4832-02 - 10.7.2002
 
Significance and Use

This test method is used to prepare and test cylindrical specimens of CLSM to determine the compressive strength of the hardened material.

CLSM is typically used as a backfill material around structures, particularly in confined or limited spaces. Compressive strength testing is performed to assist in the design of the mix and to serve as a control technique during construction. Mix design is typically based on 28-day strengths and construction control tests performed 7 days after placement. The compressive strength(s) and other test age(s) will vary according to the requirements for the end product. Additional information on the use and history of CLSM is contained in Appendix X1.

This test is one of a series of quality control tests that can be performed on CLSM during construction to monitor compliance with specification requirements. The other tests that can be used during constructioncontrol of CLSM are Test Methods D 5971, D 6023, D 6024, and D 6103.

There are many other combinations of soil, cement, flyash (cementitious or not), admixtures or other materials that could be tested using this method. The mixtures would vary depending on the intended use, availability of materials, and placement requirements.

Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers procedures for the preparation, curing, transporting and testing of cylindrical test specimens of controlled low strength material (CLSM) for the determination of compressive strength.

1.2 This test method also may be used to prepare and test specimens of other mixtures of soil and cementitious materials, such as self-cementing fly ashes.

1.3 CLSM is also known as flowable fill, controlled density fill, soil-cement slurry, soil-cement grout, unshrinkable fill, K-Krete, and other similar names.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents are shown for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 7.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C1231/C1231M-23

Standard Practice for Use of Unbonded Caps in Determination of Compressive Strength of Hardened Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

C39/C39M-26

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

C125-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

C617-10

Standard Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D5971-07

Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled Low-Strength Material

D6023-16

Standard Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, Cement Content, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) (Withdrawn 2025)

D6024-07

Standard Test Method for Ball Drop on Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) to Determine Suitability for Load Application

D6026-21

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

D6103-04

Standard Test Method for Flow Consistency of Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) (Withdrawn 2013)

C192/C192M-26a

Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory (Includes all amendments and changes 8/13/2026).

C31/C31M-26b

Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field (Includes all amendments and changes 8/27/2026).

C470/C470M-23

Standard Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically