1. What is Volume of Voids Porosity of Soil Sample?

Definition: This calculator determines the volume of voids in a soil sample based on its porosity percentage and total volume.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists understand the void space in soil samples, which is crucial for analyzing permeability, compaction, and water retention.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{void} \) — Volume of voids (cubic meters)
• \( η_v \) — Porosity volume percent (%)
• \( V_t \) — Total volume of soil sample (cubic meters)

Explanation: The porosity percentage is multiplied by the total volume and divided by 100 to get the void volume.

3. Importance of Void Volume Calculation

Details: Knowing the void volume helps in determining soil characteristics like permeability, water holding capacity, and compaction potential.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the porosity as a percentage (e.g., 25 for 25%) and the total soil sample volume in cubic meters. The calculation includes a standard ±5% tolerance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is porosity in soil mechanics?
A: Porosity is the ratio of void volume to total volume, expressed as a percentage, indicating how much of the soil volume is empty space.

Q2: Why is there a ±5% tolerance?
A: The tolerance accounts for natural variations in soil composition and measurement inaccuracies.

Q3: What's a typical porosity range for soils?
A: Porosity varies widely: 30-60% for clay, 25-50% for silt, 30-50% for sand, and 20-35% for gravel.

Q4: How do I measure soil sample volume?
A: For regular shapes, use geometric formulas. For irregular samples, use water displacement methods.

Q5: Does this include air and water in voids?
A: Yes, the calculation includes all void space regardless of whether it's filled with air, water, or both.

Volume of Voids Porosity of Soil Sample Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025