Evaluation the performance of controlled low strength material made of excess excavated soil

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of partially replacing the sand with excess excavated soil from construction sites in Shanghai to make controlled low-strength material (CLSM). A total of nine mixtures were prepared and tested for its fresh and hardened properties. The experimental results revealed that increasing the soil content can reduce the strength, lower flowability and increase setting time. When sand in the sample was fully replaced by soil, the strength of controlled low-strength material cannot reach 0.35 MPa unless water/cement ratio was lower than 8.5. In addition, the consistence, water stability, and frost resistance of controlled low-strength material decrease as soil content increases. Although too much soil will cause performance degradation, excess excavated soil could be effectively used in controlled low-strength material with proper mix design.