Saturated Density of Soil Calculator

Saturated Density Formula:

\[ \rho_{sat} = \frac{M_{sat}}{V} \]

Saturated Density (kg/m³):

1. What is Saturated Density of Soil?

Definition: Saturated density is the ratio of the mass of saturated soil sample to its total volume.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists understand soil behavior when completely saturated with water.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \rho_{sat} = \frac{M_{sat}}{V} \]

Where:

\( \rho_{sat} \) — Saturated density (kg/m³)
\( M_{sat} \) — Mass of saturated soil (kg)
\( V \) — Total volume of soil sample (m³)

Explanation: The mass of the saturated soil is divided by its total volume to determine its density when fully saturated.

3. Importance of Saturated Density

Details: Knowing the saturated density helps in determining bearing capacity, settlement characteristics, and stability of soil under saturated conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass of saturated soil in kg, total volume in m³, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical saturated density range for soils?
A: Common values range from 1.8 to 2.3 g/cm³ (1800-2300 kg/m³) depending on soil type.

Q2: How is saturated soil different from wet soil?
A: Saturated soil has all voids filled with water, while wet soil may still contain air pockets.

Q3: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: The tolerance accounts for measurement errors and natural variability in soil samples.

Q4: How do I prepare a saturated soil sample?
A: Soak the soil in water until no more air bubbles emerge, indicating full saturation.

Q5: What affects saturated density measurements?
A: Soil composition, particle size distribution, and organic content all influence results.