1. What is Water Content?

Water Content is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of dry soil. It is a fundamental parameter in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering that indicates the amount of water present in soil.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula calculates the water content based on the specific gravity of soil, unit weight of water, and dry unit weight of the soil.

3. Importance of Water Content Calculation

Details: Water content is crucial for determining soil properties, compaction characteristics, shear strength, and settlement behavior. It's essential for foundation design, slope stability analysis, and construction quality control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter specific gravity of soil, unit weight of water (typically 9810 N/m³), and dry unit weight of soil. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range of water content in soils?
A: Water content can range from near 0% for dry soils to over 100% for highly organic soils and clays.

Q2: How does water content affect soil behavior?
A: Water content significantly influences soil strength, compressibility, permeability, and compaction characteristics.

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

Q4: How is specific gravity of soil determined?
A: Specific gravity is typically determined through laboratory tests using a pycnometer or density bottle method.

Q5: What is the difference between water content and degree of saturation?
A: Water content is the ratio of water weight to solids weight, while degree of saturation is the ratio of water volume to void volume.