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Embankment Compression given Henry's Constant of Solubility Calculator

Embankment Compression Formula:

\[ \Delta = \frac{u \times (V_a + (0.02 \times V_w))}{u + p_{air}} \]

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1. What is Embankment Compression?

Definition: Embankment Compression (Δ) is the soil settlement due to applied load on filled ground, causing volume reduction and potential structural issues.

Purpose: This calculator helps geotechnical engineers estimate compression in embankments considering pore pressure and air voids.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \Delta = \frac{u \times (V_a + (0.02 \times V_w))}{u + p_{air}} \]

Where:

  • \( \Delta \) — Embankment Compression (m³)
  • \( u \) — Induced Pore Pressure (Pa)
  • \( V_a \) — Volume of Free Air Voids (m³)
  • \( V_w \) — Volume of Pore Water (m³)
  • \( p_{air} \) — Air Pressure (Pa)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the interaction between pore pressure, air voids, and water content in the soil.

3. Importance of Embankment Compression Calculation

Details: Accurate estimation helps prevent structural failures, ensures proper settlement predictions, and aids in construction planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required values in appropriate units. The tolerance field (default ±5%) allows you to specify an acceptable range for the calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Henry's Constant of Solubility in this context?
A: It relates to how air dissolves in pore water under pressure, affecting the compression calculation.

Q2: Why is there a 0.02 factor for pore water volume?
A: This accounts for the solubility of air in water under pressure (Henry's Law constant approximation).

Q3: When would I adjust the tolerance value?
A: Increase tolerance for preliminary estimates or when input data has uncertainty; decrease for precise engineering calculations.

Q4: How do I measure free air void volume?
A: Typically determined through laboratory tests on soil samples or estimated from porosity measurements.

Q5: What's a typical range for embankment compression?
A: Varies widely based on soil type and loading, but often 1-5% of embankment height for well-compacted fills.

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