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 Flowable Fill 
Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) - also known as “flowable fill” - is an engineered, controlled, fill material which is self placing, self leveling, self compacting and non-settling. It is easily proportioned to fit almost any application while using conventional methods found in almost every concrete production facility. Flowable Fill is primarily used as a backfill material in lieu of compacted granular fill.
The first reason to use CLSM was likely the need to do a difficult job well. Since that time, the list of reasons for its use has grown greatly - and continues to grow.
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- CLSM encapsulates whatever has been installed in the trench and protects against damage.
- No mechanical force is needed to place or compact CLSM so there is no damage to installed utilities.
- CLSM does not settle after consolidation so it provides complete, long-term protection for encapsulated utilities.
- Using CLSM eliminates costly repairs due to settlement.
- CLSM consolidates rapidly to allow placement of a permanent pavement patch.
- CLSM placement is easy - reducing personnel and expensive equipment costs.
- Future access to the fill is guaranteed by designing in the excavatability of the CLSM.
- CLSM protects utilities in fill against loss of support during adjacent excavation operations.
- Non-settling CLSM reduces or eliminates traffic accidents.
- CLSM use improves worker safety - no one need enter the excavation site during placement or consolidation.
- CLSM can be depended on to perform - eliminating field inspections.
- Reduce excavation costs by using CLSM. Excavations can be made narrower - reducing the volume of spoils and fills needed.
- CLSM can be placed in any weather at any time. It will even displace standing water, which reduces dewatering costs.
- Using CLSM speeds up construction time!
- CLSM requires no storage or dumping area as it is delivered fresh from the ready-mix concrete truck directly into the void.
- CLSM is the perfect fill material for remote locations where access is difficult. Simply pump it in!
- CLSM is versatile! It can be easily adjusted to meet requirements for greater flowability, lower unit weight and higher strength.
 
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For additional information, visit the National Ready Mixed Concrete’s website on flowable fill at http://www.flowablefill.org
 Flowable Fill: The faster, safer, more economical choice
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