Saturated Unit Weight given Weighted Friction Angle Calculator

Saturated Unit Weight Formula:

\[ γ_{sat} = \frac{γ' \times φ_{iw}}{φ_w} \]

Submerged Unit Weight (γ'):

N/m³

Internal Friction Angle (φ_iw):

rad

Weighted Friction Angle (φ_w):

rad

Saturated Unit Weight (γ_sat):

1. What is Saturated Unit Weight given Weighted Friction Angle?

Definition: This calculator determines the saturated unit weight of soil based on the submerged unit weight, internal friction angle, and weighted friction angle.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists analyze soil stability and bearing capacity under saturated conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ γ_{sat} = \frac{γ' \times φ_{iw}}{φ_w} \]

Where:

\( γ_{sat} \) — Saturated unit weight (N/m³)
\( γ' \) — Submerged unit weight (N/m³)
\( φ_{iw} \) — Internal friction angle (radians)
\( φ_w \) — Weighted friction angle (radians)

Explanation: The formula relates the saturated unit weight to the submerged unit weight through the ratio of friction angles.

3. Importance of Saturated Unit Weight Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of saturated unit weight is crucial for foundation design, slope stability analysis, and earth pressure calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the submerged unit weight in N/m³, internal friction angle in radians, and weighted friction angle in radians. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between submerged and saturated unit weight?
A: Submerged unit weight considers buoyant forces when soil is underwater, while saturated unit weight includes water in all voids.

Q2: How do I convert degrees to radians for the friction angles?
A: Multiply degrees by π/180 (approximately 0.0174533) to convert to radians.

Q3: What is a typical range for weighted friction angle?
A: Typically between 0.5 to 2.5 radians (≈30° to 150°), depending on soil type and conditions.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for all soil types?
A: It works best for granular soils where friction angles are well-defined. For cohesive soils, additional parameters may be needed.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Results are theoretical and should be verified with laboratory tests. Accuracy depends on input parameter precision (±5%).