ASTM D5971/D5971M-16 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5971/D5971M-16 — Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled Low‑Strength Material (CLSM). This practice defines procedures for obtaining representative samples of freshly mixed CLSM delivered to a project site, including sampling from revolving‑drum truck mixers and agitating transport equipment; it is based on Practice C172 for concrete and is intended to support quality‑control testing of freshly mixed CLSM prior to placement.

Abstract

This short practice describes how to collect representative grab and composite samples of freshly mixed controlled low‑strength material (CLSM) for subsequent laboratory or field tests used to determine compliance with project specifications. It emphasizes random sampling where appropriate, composite sampling unless excepted, and precautions to ensure sampled material reflects the delivered condition.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn/superseded (the D5971/D5971M‑16 edition is no longer the most recent edition; a newer D5971/D5971M edition was published in 2025).
• Publication date: January 12, 2016 (designation year shown as “‑16”).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: ICS 19.020 (Test conditions and procedures in general / construction materials testing).
• Edition / version: D5971/D5971M‑16 (metric and inch‑pound units are provided separately).
• Number of pages: 3 (short practice).

Scope

This practice explains procedures for obtaining representative samples of freshly mixed CLSM as delivered to the project site for subsequent testing to determine compliance with quality requirements. It includes sampling from revolving‑drum mixers and from agitating/transport equipment used for central‑mixed CLSM. Values are given in both SI and inch‑pound units (to be used independently). Composite samples are required by the practice unless specifically excepted for particular tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedures for collecting representative grab and composite samples of freshly mixed CLSM.
• Sampling from revolving‑drum truck mixers and agitating transport equipment.
• Use of random sampling for selection of test batches to determine specification compliance.
• Requirement that SI and inch‑pound values be treated separately (do not combine units).
• Safety note regarding handling of fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures (caustic potential) and user responsibility for safe practices.

Typical use and users

Used by construction materials engineers, quality/control technicians, testing laboratories, contractors, and project inspectors involved with CLSM (flowable fill) production and placement. Typical applications include sampling for tests of flow/consistency, unit weight/density, air content, and other properties used in contract compliance and quality assurance of CLSM deliveries.

Related standards

References and relationships commonly cited in the practice include ASTM Practice C172 (sampling concrete) and Practice D3740 (criteria for testing agencies). The practice is intended to be used alongside the specific test methods that will be performed on the collected samples (for example, methods for flow, unit weight, and air content).

Keywords

controlled low‑strength material; CLSM; sampling; composite sample; grab sample; flow consistency; unit weight; density; air content; quality control; truck mixer sampling; revolving‑drum; agitating equipment.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5971/D5971M‑16 is a short ASTM practice that specifies how to obtain representative samples of freshly mixed controlled low‑strength material (CLSM) delivered to a site for quality‑control testing.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling procedures (grab and composite sampling) including sampling from revolving‑drum truck mixers and agitating equipment used to transport central‑mixed CLSM, guidance on random sampling of batches, and unit conventions (SI vs inch‑pound). Composite samples are required unless an exception for a specific test is stated.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Construction materials laboratories, field QC/QA personnel, contractors placing CLSM (flowable fill), project inspectors, and engineers who need to collect representative samples for subsequent testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5971/D5971M‑16 edition was published January 12, 2016. That edition has been superseded by a more recent edition (D5971/D5971M‑25 published in 2025); users should consult the newest edition (or the ASTM catalog) for current text and status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand‑alone ASTM practice for sampling CLSM but is related to other ASTM practices and test methods used in concrete and cementitious materials testing (for example, Practice C172 for concrete sampling and Practice D3740 for laboratory competence).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Controlled low‑strength material (CLSM), sampling, composite sample, grab sample, flow consistency, unit weight, density, air content, truck mixer sampling.