Saturated Unit Weight given Submerged Unit Weight Calculator

Formula:

\[ \gamma_{saturated} = \gamma_{submerged} + \gamma_{water} \]

Saturated Unit Weight (kN/m³):

1. What is Saturated Unit Weight given Submerged Unit Weight?

Definition: This calculator computes the saturated unit weight of soil based on the submerged unit weight and the unit weight of water.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists determine the weight per unit volume of soil when it's fully saturated with water.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \gamma_{saturated} = \gamma_{submerged} + \gamma_{water} \]

Where:

\( \gamma_{saturated} \) — Saturated unit weight of soil (kN/m³)
\( \gamma_{submerged} \) — Submerged unit weight of soil (kN/m³)
\( \gamma_{water} \) — Unit weight of water (typically 9.81 kN/m³)

Explanation: The submerged unit weight is the effective weight of soil under water, and adding the unit weight of water gives the saturated unit weight.

3. Importance of Saturated Unit Weight Calculation

Details: Knowing the saturated unit weight is crucial for slope stability analysis, foundation design, and earth pressure calculations in geotechnical engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the submerged unit weight in kN/m³ and unit weight of water (default 9.81 kN/m³). All values must be > 0. Results include ±5% tolerance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between submerged and saturated unit weight?
A: Submerged unit weight is the effective weight under water, while saturated unit weight includes the water in the voids.

Q2: Why is the unit weight of water typically 9.81 kN/m³?
A: This is the standard value based on water density and gravitational acceleration (1 g/cm³ × 9.81 m/s²).

Q3: When would the unit weight of water change?
A: It might vary slightly with temperature or dissolved minerals, but 9.81 kN/m³ is standard for most engineering calculations.

Q4: What does the ±5% tolerance mean?
A: It accounts for natural variability in soil properties and measurement uncertainties.

Q5: How do I measure submerged unit weight?
A: It's typically determined through laboratory tests on soil samples or estimated from soil classification.