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1 of 7 5/25/2018 10:41 AM
Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
From , S = 100%
2 of 7 5/25/2018 10:41 AM
Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
Gravel 20 - 22 15 - 17
Sand 18 - 20 13 - 16
Silt 18 - 20 14 - 18
Clay 16 - 22 14 - 21
Densities of Soil
The terms density and unit weight are used interchangeably in soil mechanics. Though not critical, it is important that we
know it. To find the formula for density, divide the formula of unit weight by gravitational constant g (acceleration due to
gravity). But instead of having g in the formula, use the density of water replacing the unit weight of water.
3 of 7 5/25/2018 10:41 AM
Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
Where
m = mass of soil
V = volume of soil
W = weight of soil
ρ = density of soil
ρd = dry density of soil
ρsat = saturated density of soil
ρ' = buoyant density of soil
ρw = density of water
G = specific gravity of soil solids
S = degree of saturation of the soil
e = void ratio
w = water content or moisture content
Relative Density
Relative density is an index that quantifies the state of compactness between the loosest and densest possible state of coarse-
grained soils.
4 of 7 5/25/2018 10:41 AM
Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
where:
Dr = relative density
e = current void ratio of the soil in-situ
emax = void ratio of the soil at its loosest condition
emin = void ratio of the soil at its densest condition
γd = current dry unit weight of soil in-situ
(γd)min = dry unit weight of the soil at its loosest condition
(γd)max = dry unit weight of the soil at its densest condition
Dr (%) Description
0 - 20 Very loose
20 - 40 Loose
40 - 70 Medium dense
70 - 85 Dense
Tags:
Unit Weight derivation of formula bulk unit weight Buoyant Unit Weight of Soil dry unit weight moist unit
weight saturated unit weight Buoyant Density of Soil density dry density moist density relative density saturated
density
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Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
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Unit Weights and Densities of Soil | Geotechnical Engineering Review https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weig...
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