Specific Gravity of Soil Calculator by Tons of Concrete

Specific Gravity of Soil Calculator

Specific Gravity Formula:

\[ G_s = \frac{\gamma_s}{\gamma_{water}} \]

Specific Gravity of Soil:

1. What is Specific Gravity of Soil?

Definition: Specific Gravity of Soil (Gₛ) is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water.

Purpose: It's an important property in geotechnical engineering used for soil classification and in various calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ G_s = \frac{\gamma_s}{\gamma_{water}} \]

Where:

\( G_s \) — Specific Gravity of Soil (dimensionless)
\( \gamma_s \) — Unit Weight of Solids (kN/m³)
\( \gamma_{water} \) — Unit Weight of Water (9.81 kN/m³)

Explanation: The ratio compares the density of soil solids to the density of water.

3. Importance of Specific Gravity

Details: Specific gravity is used in soil phase relationships, void ratio calculations, and determining other important soil properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the unit weight of solids in kN/m³, unit weight of water (default 9.81 kN/m³), and tolerance percentage (default 5%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical range for specific gravity of soils?
A: Most common soils have specific gravity between 2.60 and 2.80.

Q2: Why is the unit weight of water 9.81 kN/m³?
A: This is the standard value for the unit weight of water at 4°C.

Q3: What does the tolerance percentage represent?
A: It shows the acceptable variation range (±5% by default) for the calculated specific gravity.

Q4: How do I determine the unit weight of solids?
A: It can be measured in a laboratory using specific gravity bottle/pycnometer tests.

Q5: Can specific gravity be less than 1?
A: For most soils, no. Organic soils might approach 1, but values <1 are extremely rare.