Mass of Water Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the mass of water in soil based on the water content percentage and the mass of soil solids.
Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists quantify the water component in soil samples.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The water content percentage is multiplied by the mass of solids and divided by 100 to get the actual mass of water.
Details: Accurate water mass determination is crucial for soil classification, compaction analysis, and foundation design.
Tips: Enter the water content as a percentage and the weight of solids in kilograms. Both values must be ≥ 0.
Q1: What is typical water content in soils?
A: Water content varies widely: 5-15% for sandy soils, 10-30% for clay soils, and up to 100% for organic soils.
Q2: How is water content measured?
A: Typically by drying a soil sample and comparing wet and dry weights (ASTM D2216 standard).
Q3: Why is water content expressed as percentage?
A: Percentage makes it easy to compare water content across different soil samples regardless of total mass.
Q4: What's the difference between water content and degree of saturation?
A: Water content is mass ratio, while degree of saturation is volume ratio of water to voids.
Q5: How does water content affect soil properties?
A: It influences strength, compressibility, permeability, and compaction characteristics.