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What does specific gravity of soil tell you?

What does specific gravity of soil tell you?

The specific gravity (GS) of a soil refers to the ratio of the solid particles’ unit weight to the unit weight of water. GS should not be confused with the soil density since it is a dimensionless unit and expresses the ratio of two particular densities.

What is it important to determine the specific gravity of soil solids in the study of soil mechanics?

Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass of soil solids to the mass of an equal volume of water. It gives an idea about suitability of the soil as a construction material; higher value of specific gravity gives more strength for roads and foundations.

What is the value of specific gravity of soil?

7.3. Typically, the specific gravity of soils is in the range 2.60 to about 2.80. The specific gravity of GC samples used in geotechnical studies has been found to range from 1.96 to 2.54, with most values between 2.48 and 2.50 (Figure 7.5).

How do you measure specific gravity?

The health care provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color the dipstick changes to will tell the provider the specific gravity of your urine. The dipstick test gives only a rough result. For a more accurate result, your provider may send your urine sample to a lab.

How do you classify soil?

According to the USCS classification, soil is divided into: coarse grained soil, fine-grained soil, and highly organic soil. The particle size distribution of soil and consistency limits are used in classification of soils.

Why is soil classification needed?

The purpose of a soil classification system is to group together soils with similar properties or attributes. From the engineering standpoint, it is the geotechnical properties such as permeability, shear strength and compress- ibility that are important.

How to calculate the specific gravity of soil?

In order to calculate the specific gravity of a soil the following relations should be known: Gs = unit weight or density of soil solid / unit weight or density of water Gs = Ws / (Vs * ρ)

How does the range of specific gravity help engineers?

Moreover, as stated downwards in the theory part, the range of specific gravity also helps engineers to determine the type of soil to be used in their engineering purposes. Theory: The specific gravity of solid soil is often needed for various calculations.

How do you find the density of soil?

To find it, divide the density of soil solids by the density of water (Pw), which is 1,000 kg/m3. The calculation should then be: From specific gravity of soil solids to field density testing, Certified Material Testing Products has all the soil testing equipment you need for quick, accurate measurements on- and off-site.

How is the specific gravity of water determined?

The container of known volume as the volumetric flask or Pycnometer, which holds a standard volume of distilled water at 20ºC. At temperature more than 20ºC, the volume will be slightly more, below 20ºC, the volume will be slightly less. In routine work, generally, tap water is used instead of distilled water. Specific Gravity of Soil Definition.