Total Volume Of Soil Given Water Content Given Total Volume Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ V = \frac{W_t}{\gamma_d \times (1 + w_s)} \]

Total Weight of Soil (Wt):

Dry Unit Weight of Soil (γd):

kN/m³

Water Content of Soil from Pycnometer (ws):

(ratio)

Total Volume of Soil (V):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Total Volume of Soil?

Total Volume of Soil is the entire space occupied by soil, including both solid particles and pore spaces within a given area or sample. It is a fundamental parameter in geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V = \frac{W_t}{\gamma_d \times (1 + w_s)} \]

Where:

\( V \) — Total Volume of Soil (m³)
\( W_t \) — Total Weight of Soil (kg)
\( \gamma_d \) — Dry Unit Weight of Soil (kN/m³)
\( w_s \) — Water Content of Soil from Pycnometer (ratio)

Explanation: This formula calculates the total volume by dividing the total weight of soil by the product of dry unit weight and (1 plus water content).

3. Importance of Total Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of total soil volume is essential for earthwork calculations, foundation design, slope stability analysis, and various geotechnical engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total weight of soil in kg, dry unit weight in kN/m³, and water content as a ratio (e.g., 0.15 for 15%). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between total volume and solid volume?
A: Total volume includes both solid particles and pore spaces, while solid volume only includes the actual soil particles excluding voids.

Q2: How does water content affect total volume?
A: Higher water content typically increases the total volume as water occupies pore spaces between soil particles.

Q3: What are typical dry unit weight values for different soil types?
A: Dry unit weight varies by soil type: sand (14-18 kN/m³), clay (13-17 kN/m³), gravel (16-20 kN/m³), depending on compaction and composition.

Q4: When should this calculation be used?
A: This calculation is particularly useful in construction projects, landfill design, agricultural planning, and any application requiring precise soil volume measurements.

Q5: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes homogeneous soil properties and may need adjustment for highly organic soils, soils with large voids, or unusual soil compositions.