Unit Weight of Soil Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the unit weight of soil based on mobilized cohesion, stability number, and depth at which cohesion is mobilized.
Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil mechanics professionals analyze slope stability and soil behavior.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The mobilized cohesion is divided by the product of stability number and depth to determine the unit weight of soil.
Details: Accurate unit weight determination is crucial for slope stability analysis, foundation design, and earth pressure calculations.
Tips: Enter mobilized cohesion in Pascals, stability number (with ±5% tolerance), and depth in meters. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is mobilized cohesion?
A: Mobilized cohesion is the portion of soil's cohesive strength that is actually resisting shear stresses at a given state of stress.
Q2: Why is stability number important?
A: The stability number relates soil strength parameters to slope geometry and is crucial for slope stability analysis (±5% variation is typical).
Q3: What's a typical range for unit weight of soil?
A: Most soils range from 16-22 kN/m³, with clays typically heavier than sands.
Q4: How does depth affect the calculation?
A: Deeper mobilization depths generally result in lower calculated unit weights for the same cohesion value.
Q5: When would I need this calculation?
A: This is particularly useful for slope stability analysis, retaining wall design, and other geotechnical applications involving cohesive soils.