Unit Weight of Soil Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the unit weight of soil based on cohesion, stability number, and critical depth parameters for cohesive soils.
Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists analyze slope stability and soil behavior under different conditions.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The cohesion value is divided by the product of stability number and critical depth to determine the unit weight of the cohesive soil.
Details: Accurate unit weight determination is crucial for slope stability analysis, foundation design, and earthwork calculations.
Tips: Enter the cohesion in kPa, stability number (±5%), and critical depth in meters (±5%). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is the typical range for cohesion values?
A: Cohesion values typically range from 0 kPa (for loose sands) to over 100 kPa (for stiff clays).
Q2: How is the stability number determined?
A: Stability number is determined through slope stability analysis and can vary based on slope angle and soil properties (±5% typical variation).
Q3: What affects the critical depth value?
A: Critical depth depends on soil type, moisture content, and loading conditions (±5% measurement tolerance).
Q4: What units should I use for inputs?
A: Use kPa for cohesion, dimensionless for stability number, and meters for critical depth.
Q5: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are theoretical estimates; field verification is recommended as soil properties can vary significantly.