Flowable Fill
Low-Density Controlled Low-Strength Material (LD-CLSM)
For projects that require a fast, safe, and reliable backfill material, traditional compacted soil can present significant challenges. Traditional flowable fill, or controlled low-strength material (CLSM), is a great backfill solution that eliminates the need for mechanical compaction in trenches, behind walls, and in confined spaces. Flowable fill relies on small ready-mix truck deliveries, heavy aggregates, and is around the density of traditional soil.
CJGeo manufactures and installs Low-Density Controlled Low-Strength Material (LD-CLSM), a highly fluid, self-leveling flowable fill batched continuously on-site directly from bulk cement that weighs anywhere from 25-90 lb/cf.
LD-CLSM/Flowable Fill Applications
Pipe & Tunnel Abandonment
The use of self-leveling, low-density materials ensures minimal pumping points and a complete fill. CJGeo's low-density flowable fill can easily be pumped at a hundred cubic yards per hour up to a mile at a time. Learn More>
Annular Space Grouting
LD-CLSM flowable fill flows like water, allowing material to encase carrier pipes completely without inducing buoyancy flotation or pipe deformation. Learn More>
Underground Structure Fills
CJGeo’s rapid and continuous fills are perfect for large utility trenches, basement vaults, and abandoned underground tanks and structures.
Load-Reducing Fills
Replaces heavy soil backfill behind retaining walls or over weak and compressible soils to prevent post-construction settlement and structural deflection or failure.
Been There. Grouted That.®
Power Plant Pipe Abandonment
During a Georgia power plant decommissioning, crews abandoned 6,500 feet of large cooling pipes. CJGeo generated 19,000 cubic yards of CJFill-Ultra Lightweight cellular grout onsite. Using dual plants, crews placed over 1,500 cubic yards daily, efficiently overcoming site constraints. Read More >
Virginia Load Reducing Fill
For the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel expansion, a new facility couldn't increase loads on underlying structures. CJGeo replaced a 70lb design with 30lb/cuft CJFill-UL cellular concrete, efficiently placing 700 cubic yards daily to reduce logistics risks and meet stringent load restrictions. Read More >
250000 Gallon Oil Tank Abandonment
For a New York dam upgrade, CJGeo abandoned three 300-foot outfall pipes and a box culvert. With only downstream access, crews designed a custom venting system. CJGeo easily filled the structures with 30lb CJFill-Ultra Lightweight cellular concrete in just two days. Read More >
Advantages of Low-Density Flowable Fill
| Property | CLSM | LD-CLSM | LD-CLSM Advantage |
| Mix Design | Portland cement, water, and fine aggregates | Portland cement and water, .45–.75 ratio, and preformed foam | Uniformly distributed air bubbles encased in neat cement paste eliminate material segregation |
| Wet Cast Density | 90–140 lb/cuft, similar to the density of soil | 25–90 lb/cuft, lighter than soil | Cuts dead loads up to 80% |
| Compressive Strength (28-Day) | 50–1200+ psi, excavatable and non-excavatable | 30–1,500+ psi, excavatable and non-excavatable | High strength and bearing capacities without the weight penalty |
| Pumping Distance | 200’–400’ | Up to 1 mile, less than 20psi backpressure | Pumps 10x farther than CLSM and eliminates intermediate excavations |
| Production Rate | Delivered in small 10 CY ready-mix loads | Up to 200 + CY/hour continuously batched on-site | Continuous on-site batching reduces logistics bottlenecks and accelerates construction. |
| Flowability and Placement | 8"–10" slump; adding water risks aggregate segregation | Self-consolidating, 11+ slump, no compaction needed | Effortlessly fills tight annuluses and complex voids |
| Property | CLSM | LD-CLSM | The LD-CLSM Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Portland cement, water, and fine aggregates | Portland cement and water, .45–.75 ratio, and preformed foam | Uniformly distributed air bubbles encased in neat cement paste eliminate material segregation |
| Wet Cast Density | 90–140 lb/cuft, similar to the density of soil | 25–90 lb/cuft, lighter than soil | Cuts dead loads up to 80% |
| Compressive Strength (28-day) | 50–1200+ psi, excavatable and non-excavatable | 30–1,500+ psi, excavatable and non-excavatable | High strength and bearing capacities without the weight penalty |
| Pumping Distance | 200’–400’ | Up to 1 mile, less than 20psi backpressure | Pumps 10x further than CLSM and eliminates intermediate excavations |
| Production Rate | Delivered in small 10 CY ready-mix loads | Up to 200 + CY/hour continuously batched on-site | Continuous on-site batching reduces logistics bottlenecks and accelerates construction. |
| Flowability and Slump | 8"–10" slump; adding water risks aggregate segregation | Self-consolidating, 11+ slump, no compaction needed | Effortlessly fills tight annuli and complex voids |
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