Dry Unit Weight Given Water Content Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ \gamma_{dry} = \frac{G_s \times \gamma_{water}}{1 + \frac{w_s}{S}} \]

Specific Gravity of Soil (G_s):

Unit Weight of Water (γ_water):

N/m³

Water Content of Soil (w_s):

Degree of Saturation (S):

Dry Unit Weight (γ_dry):

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1. What is Dry Unit Weight?

Dry Unit Weight of soil is the weight of soil solids per unit of total volume of soil mass. It represents the density of the soil without considering the water content, providing a fundamental parameter in geotechnical engineering for soil characterization and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \gamma_{dry} = \frac{G_s \times \gamma_{water}}{1 + \frac{w_s}{S}} \]

Where:

\( G_s \) — Specific Gravity of Soil
\( \gamma_{water} \) — Unit Weight of Water (N/m³)
\( w_s \) — Water Content of Soil
\( S \) — Degree of Saturation

Explanation: This formula calculates the dry unit weight by considering the specific gravity of soil, unit weight of water, water content, and degree of saturation of the soil.

3. Importance of Dry Unit Weight Calculation

Details: Dry unit weight is crucial in geotechnical engineering for determining soil compaction, bearing capacity, settlement analysis, and designing foundations. It helps in assessing the soil's strength and stability characteristics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter specific gravity of soil, unit weight of water (typically 9810 N/m³), water content as a decimal value, and degree of saturation as a decimal value. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for specific gravity of soil?
A: Most soils have specific gravity values between 2.6 and 2.8, though organic soils may have lower values.

Q2: Why is unit weight of water typically 9810 N/m³?
A: This value represents the weight of water per cubic meter at standard conditions (density of 1000 kg/m³ × gravity acceleration 9.81 m/s²).

Q3: How is water content expressed in this formula?
A: Water content should be entered as a decimal value (e.g., 0.15 for 15% water content).

Q4: What does degree of saturation represent?
A: Degree of saturation (S) is the ratio of the volume of water to the volume of voids, expressed as a decimal between 0 (dry) and 1 (fully saturated).

Q5: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for partially saturated soils where both water content and degree of saturation need to be considered in dry unit weight calculations.