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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The ratio of unit weight of soil solids to that of water is called
Water content
Specific gravity
Degree of saturation
Void ratio
Specific gravity
Specific gravity of soil solids (Gs) is defined as the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water at a standard temperature (usually 4°C). It is a dimensionless quantity that helps in identifying the mineral composition of the soil.
Specific gravity of soil solids (Gs) is defined as the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water at a standard temperature (usually 4°C). It is a dimensionless quantity that helps in identifying the mineral composition of the soil.
Gs=γwγs=ρwρs — Standard formula for specific gravity of soil solids.
The principle relies on the density comparison of soil particles against distilled water. Since soil solids are denser than water, Gs is typically greater than 1, ranging from 2.60 to 2.90 for most inorganic soils.
It is a temperature-dependent property; unit weight of water changes with temperature.
Most inorganic soils have Gs values between 2.65 and 2.70.
Organic soils have significantly lower Gs values (less than 2.0).
It is used to calculate other parameters like void ratio (e) and degree of saturation (Sr).
Used to determine the weight-volume relationship in soils.
Helps in verifying the mineralogical classification of soil.
Cannot determine the size or shape of particles.
Requires high precision and standardized laboratory conditions (Pycnometer method).
Calculation of void ratio in phase relationship studies.
Necessary for calculating the unit weight of saturated soil.
Used in hydrometer analysis for particle size distribution.
Water content (w) = Weight of water / Weight of solids.
Void ratio (e) = Volume of voids / Volume of solids.
Degree of saturation (Sr) = Volume of water / Volume of voids.
Specific gravity of soil solids is commonly determined in the lab using a density bottle or pycnometer.
B is correct — Specific gravity is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water.
Remember the fundamental relationship Se=wGs. This formula links all major index properties; if you know three, you can find the fourth.