1. What is Volume of Solids?

Volume of Solids is the total volume of sediment or particulate matter present in a body of water, such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. It represents the actual solid material excluding the void spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Volume of Solids formula:

Where:

• \( V_s \) — Volume of Solids (m³)
• \( V_t \) — Total Volume of Soil or Rock Sample (m³)
• \( \eta \) — Porosity of Soil (unitless)

Explanation: The formula calculates the actual solid volume by subtracting the void volume (represented by porosity) from the total volume.

3. Importance of Volume of Solids Calculation

Details: Calculating volume of solids is crucial in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, and hydrology for determining soil density, compaction characteristics, and sediment transport calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total volume in cubic meters and porosity as a decimal value between 0 and 1. All values must be valid (total volume > 0, porosity between 0-1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is porosity in soil mechanics?
A: Porosity is the ratio of the volume of voids to the total volume of the soil, expressed as a decimal or percentage.

Q2: How does porosity affect volume of solids?
A: Higher porosity means more void space, resulting in lower volume of solids for the same total volume.

Q3: What are typical porosity values for different soil types?
A: Clay: 0.45-0.55, Sand: 0.30-0.40, Gravel: 0.25-0.35, Well-graded soil: 0.20-0.30.

Q4: How is this calculation used in practical applications?
A: Used in foundation design, slope stability analysis, groundwater flow studies, and sediment transport calculations.

Q5: What's the relationship between porosity and void ratio?
A: Porosity (η) and void ratio (e) are related by the formula: η = e / (1 + e), where e is the ratio of void volume to solid volume.