1. What is Unit Weight of Solids?

Unit Weight of Solids is the ratio of the weight of soil solids to the volume of solids. It represents the density of the solid particles in soil, excluding any voids or water content.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \gamma_{solids} \) — Unit Weight of Solids (kN/m³)
• \( G_s \) — Specific Gravity of Soil (dimensionless)
• 9.81 — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the unit weight of solids by multiplying the specific gravity of soil by the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).

3. Importance of Unit Weight of Solids

Details: Unit weight of solids is a fundamental property in geotechnical engineering used to determine soil density, calculate stresses in soil masses, and analyze soil behavior under various loading conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the specific gravity of soil (a dimensionless value typically ranging from 2.6 to 2.8 for most soils). The value must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range of specific gravity for soils?
A: For most common soils, specific gravity ranges from 2.6 to 2.8. Quartz sands typically have a specific gravity of about 2.65.

Q2: How does unit weight of solids differ from bulk unit weight?
A: Unit weight of solids considers only the solid particles, while bulk unit weight includes both solids and voids (water and air) in the total volume.

Q3: Why is 9.81 used in the formula?
A: 9.81 m/s² is the standard acceleration due to gravity, which converts the specific gravity (a ratio) to unit weight (force per unit volume).

Q4: Can this calculator be used for all soil types?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all soil types as long as the specific gravity value is known and accurate.

Q5: What are the units of the result?
A: The result is in kN/m³ (kilonewton per cubic meter), which is the standard unit for unit weight in geotechnical engineering.