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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Dry Unit Weight formula:

Where:

• \( \gamma_{dry} \) — Dry Unit Weight (N/m³)
• \( G_s \) — Specific Gravity of Soil
• \( \gamma_{water} \) — Unit Weight of Water (N/m³)
• \( w_s \) — Water Content of Soil

Explanation: This formula calculates the dry density of soil by accounting for the specific gravity of soil solids and the water content in the soil mass.

3. Importance of Dry Unit Weight Calculation

Details: Dry unit weight is a fundamental parameter in geotechnical engineering used for compaction control, settlement analysis, and foundation design. It helps determine 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), and water content of soil. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for specific gravity of soil?
A: Most common soil minerals have specific gravity values between 2.6 and 2.8.

Q2: Why is unit weight of water typically 9810 N/m³?
A: This value represents the unit weight of water at standard conditions (4°C temperature and standard atmospheric pressure).

Q3: How does water content affect dry unit weight?
A: Higher water content generally leads to lower dry unit weight, as water occupies space but contributes less to the solid mass.

Q4: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for saturated soils or when calculating the maximum dry density during compaction tests.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The formula assumes homogeneous soil composition and may not account for soil structure, organic content, or other complex soil characteristics.