1. What is Specific Gravity of Soil?

Specific Gravity of Soil is an important property of soil being related to density. It represents the ratio of the density of soil solids to the density of water.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( G_s \) — Specific Gravity of Soil (dimensionless)
• \( \gamma_{dry} \) — Dry Unit Weight of soil (N/m³)
• \( \eta \) — Porosity of Soil (dimensionless)
• \( \gamma_{water} \) — Unit Weight of Water (N/m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates specific gravity by relating dry unit weight to the unit weight of water, adjusted for the porosity of the soil.

3. Importance of Specific Gravity Calculation

Details: Specific gravity is crucial for determining soil density, classification, and for various geotechnical engineering calculations including compaction characteristics and soil mechanics analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter dry unit weight in N/m³, porosity as a decimal between 0 and 1, and unit weight of water in N/m³. All values must be positive, with porosity less than 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for soil specific gravity?
A: Most soil minerals have specific gravity values between 2.60 and 2.80. Organic soils may have lower values.

Q2: Why is porosity important in this calculation?
A: Porosity accounts for the void spaces in soil, which affect the relationship between dry unit weight and the actual solid material density.

Q3: What is the standard unit weight of water?
A: The unit weight of water is typically 9810 N/m³ or 9.81 kN/m³ at 4°C.

Q4: How does specific gravity affect soil behavior?
A: Higher specific gravity generally indicates denser mineral composition, which can affect strength, permeability, and compaction characteristics.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all soil types?
A: This formula is generally applicable for most mineral soils, but may need adjustment for organic soils or soils with unusual mineral compositions.