ASTM D6023-16

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6023 − 15 D6023 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Density (Unit Weight), Yield, Cement Content, and Air
Content (Gravimetric) of Controlled Low-Strength Material
(CLSM)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6023; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method explains determination of the density (Note 1) of freshly mixed Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM)
and gives formulas for calculating the yield, cement content, and the air content of the CLSM. This test method is based on Test
Method C138/C138M for Concrete.
NOTE 1—Unit Weight was the previous terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit volume.
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.2.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions
to inch-pound units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units
other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
1.3.1 The converted inch-pound units use the gravitational system of units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of
force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The converted slug is not given, unless dynamic (F=ma) calculations are involved.
1.3.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of
mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate system of units; that is, the absolute system and the
gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for
mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not be regarded
as nonconformance with this standard.
1.4 CLSM is also known as flowable fill, controlled density fill, soil-cement slurry, soil-cement grout, unshrinkable fill,
“K-Krete,” and other similar names.
1.5 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. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and
tissue upon prolonged exposure. )
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on Stabilization With
Admixtures.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2015Dec. 1, 2016. Published December 2015December 2016. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20072015
as D6023 – 07.D6023 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D6023-15.10.1520/D6023-16.
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6023 − 16
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4832 Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) Test Cylinders
D5971/D5971M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled Low-Strength Material
D6024/D6024M Test Method for Ball Drop on Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) to Determine Suitability for Load
Application
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
D6103 Test Method for Flow Consistency of Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) (Withdrawn 2013)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology standards C125 and D653.
3.1.2 Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM), n—a mixture of soil, aggregates (sand, gravel, or both), cementitious
materials, potable water, and sometimes admixtures, that hardens into a material with a higher strength than the soil, but less than
8400 kPa (1200 psi).
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
Used as a replacement for compacted backfill, CLSM can be placed as a slurry, a mortar, or a compacted material and typically
has strengths of 350 to 700 kPa (50 to 100 psi) for most applications.
3.1.3 yield—the volume of CLSM produced from a mixture of known quantities of the component materials.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The density of the CLSM is determined by filling a measure with CLSM, determining the mass, and calculating the volume
of the measure. The density is then calculated by dividing the mass by the volume. The yield, cement content, and the air content
of the CLSM is calculated based on the masses and volumes of the batch components.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides the user with a procedure to calculate the density of freshly mixed CLSM for determination of
compliance with specifications, for determining mass/volume relationships or conversions such as those found in purchase
agreements, and also for quality control purposes.
5.2 This test method is intended to assist the user for quality control purposes and when specified to determine compliance for
air content, yield, and cement content of freshly mixed CLSM.
5.3 This test method is not meant to predict the air content of hardened CLSM, which may be either higher or lower than that
determined by this test method.
5.4 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 construction control are Test Methods D4832,
D6024/D6024M, and D6103.
NOTE 2—The quality of the results 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/ and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable
results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluation some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance—A balance or scale accurate to within 0.3 % of the test load at any point within the range of use. The range of use
shall be considered to extend from the mass of the measure empty to the mass of the measure plus the CLSM.
6.2 Filling Apparatus—Scoop, bucket or pail of sufficient capacity to facilitate filling the measure in a rapid, efficient manner.
D6023 − 16
6.3 Sampling and Mixing Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suitable container, wheelbarrow, and the like of sufficient
capacity to allow easy sampling and remixing of the CLSM.
6.4 Measure—A cylindrical container made of steel or other suitable metal (Note 3). It shall be watertight and sufficiently rigid
to retain its form and calibrated volume under rough usage. Measures that are machined to accurate dimensions on the inside and
provided with handles are preferred. All measures, except for measuring bowls of air meters shall conform to the requirements of
Test Method C29/C29M. The minimum capacity of the measure shall conform to the requirements of Table 1. When measuring
bowls of air meters are used, they shall conform to the requirements of Test Method C231/C231M. The top rim of the air meter
bowls shall be smooth and plane within 0.3 mm (0.01 in.) (Note 4).
NOTE 3—The metal should not be readily subject to attack by cement paste. However, reactive materials such as aluminum alloys may be used in
instances where, as a consequence of an initial reaction, a surface film is rapidly formed, which protects the metal against further corrosion.
NOTE 4—The top
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