Saturated Unit Weight Given Porosity Calculator

Saturated Unit Weight Formula:

\[ γ_{sat} = (G \cdot γ_w \cdot (1 - η)) + (γ_w \cdot η) \]

Saturated Unit Weight (γ_sat):

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1. What is Saturated Unit Weight?

Saturated Unit Weight is the value of the unit weight of the soil when the soil is completely saturated with water, meaning all the soil pores are completely filled with water. It represents the total weight per unit volume of saturated soil.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Saturated Unit Weight formula:

\[ γ_{sat} = (G \cdot γ_w \cdot (1 - η)) + (γ_w \cdot η) \]

Where:

\( γ_{sat} \) — Saturated Unit Weight (N/m³)
\( G \) — Specific Gravity of Soil Solids
\( γ_w \) — Unit Weight of Water (N/m³)
\( η \) — Porosity (ratio of volume of voids to volume of soil)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total unit weight of soil when all voids are filled with water, accounting for both solid particles and water content.

3. Importance of Saturated Unit Weight Calculation

Details: Saturated unit weight is crucial in geotechnical engineering for stability analysis of slopes, bearing capacity calculations, and settlement analysis of foundations in saturated soil conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter specific gravity of soil solids (typically 2.6-2.8), unit weight of water (9810 N/m³), and porosity (0-1 range). All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for saturated unit weight?
A: Saturated unit weight typically ranges from 18-22 kN/m³ for most soils, depending on soil type and porosity.

Q2: How does porosity affect saturated unit weight?
A: Higher porosity generally results in lower saturated unit weight as there's more water (lighter) and less solid material (heavier) per unit volume.

Q3: What's the difference between saturated and submerged unit weight?
A: Submerged unit weight is the saturated unit weight minus the unit weight of water, representing the effective weight of soil under water.

Q4: When is saturated unit weight used in engineering calculations?
A: It's used in slope stability analysis, bearing capacity calculations, and settlement analysis for soils below water table.

Q5: How does specific gravity affect saturated unit weight?
A: Higher specific gravity of soil solids increases the saturated unit weight as the solid particles are denser.