A comprehensive review on mechanical properties of green controlled low strength materials

•The types and chemical composition of available solid wastes for CLSM are compared.•The effects of different factors on the mechanical properties of CLSM are evaluated.•The strength formation mechanism of CLSM is revealed.•The development of green CLSM promotes the utilization of solid waste materials. Controlled low strength materials (CLSM) is a new type of flowing filler with the characteristics of self-leveling, self-compaction, and adjustable strength. Given that CLSM does not make strict restrictions on raw materials, the research for resourceful and high-value utilization of solid waste materials in CLSM has made significant progress. Various solid waste has been successfully applied to prepare CLSM. To further promote the application of solid waste in CLSM, this review compared the differences in technical requirements and performance test methods in CLSM-related specifications and summarized the types of solid waste and characteristics of their chemical composition in CLSM in various countries. The effects of the binding materials content, water-binder ratio, and aggregates on the mechanical properties and durability of CLSM prepared with solid waste were clarified. The correlation of different mechanical properties of CLSM was determined, and the formation mechanism of mechanical strength for CLSM prepared with solid waste materials was revealed. The summary and suggestions provided in this review can offer scientific references to the broad application of solid waste in CLSM and provide reliable support for the sustainable development of green CLSM.